Thriving in a “Survivor” World
Listening Guide
“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.”
--Annie Dillard
Introduction
 Data & Literature Review
Thriving vs. Surviving
 Just like plants, our lives are designed to be a process of _________________.
“When the deepest currents of our life no longer have any influence on the waves at the surface, then our vitality will eventually ebb, and we will end up listless and bored even when we are busy.”
--Henri J.M. Nouwen
 The Cycle of Survival
Where are you on the continuum of surviving vs. thriving?
Surviving……………………………………………………….Thriving
Thriving 101 – Overview
 Discovering your core
 Protecting your environment
 Cultivating strong roots
 Receiving nourishment
 Flourishing/giving life to the world
Debbie Smith, M.A. www.cwmedicine.org
/ 615-370-8684

What’s in your “core”?
 Desires & Dreams
-What is one thing you learned or were reminded of about your desires during the discussion time?
“The very least you can do in your life is figure out what you hope for. And the most you can do is live inside that hope. Not admire it from a distance but live right in it under its roof.” --Barbara Kingsolver
 Motivated Abilities
-When do you come alive, lose track of time, feel a strong sense of satisfaction?
-What injustices move you to tears?
“The Song needs my word. It is not the same song without it. And I am the only one who has ever heard it, the only one who can ever listen to its echo deep inside and know whether or not the life that I am living – what I am doing with my hours and days and work and other selves to love – rhymes with it, and sings it clearly at all.”
--Robert Benson (Between the Dreaming & the Coming True)
Conclusion
 What is one thing you learned or were reminded of today?
 What is one thing you plan to do in the coming month to cultivate and nourish your desires and motivated abilities?
Debbie Smith, M.A. www.cwmedicine.org
/ 615-370-8684