Minding our EPQ’s

BambooBeing
May 31
3 min read

What's the big idea?

EPQ’s - Essential Positive Qualities - are the highest human traits, behaviours, and values. For some, they represent facets of the divine within us and are the birthright of our essential nature.

Uncovering these qualities within supports individuals to be happier, healthier, and more fulfilled. It also helps us build stronger, more supportive relationships and inspires cooperation, innovation, and peace when we witness these qualities in others.

What’s a core distinction/tension here?

Whilst uncovering and expressing our EPQ’s may be exactly what we need when facing challenge, and what the world needs from us, it can be difficult to know these qualities as inherent to us because of how our minds work, combined with societal influences and personal experiences. For example:

Negativity Bias

Humans are wired to pay more attention to negative experiences and traits than positive ones. This evolutionary trait helped early humans survive by focusing on threats, but today it often makes us hyper-aware of our flaws while overlooking our strengths

Self-Criticism

We’re often our own harshest critics, setting unrealistically high standards for ourselves and focusing on shortcomings.

Comparison with Others

Social media, advertisements, and cultural norms often have us compare the ‘biggest’ version of others with the ‘smallest’ version of ourselves.

Cultural Conditioning

In many cultures, particularly in Asia, humility is emphasised to the point where overlooking our positive traits may be a habit.

Focus on Improvement

Conversely, continual ‘self-improvement’ or ‘hustle culture’ can overshadow the positive qualities we already bring to the table by virtue of our humanity

Lack of Reflection

We rarely take time to pause and reflect on our actions, values, and strengths.

Trauma or Negative Experiences**

Past experiences, such as criticism, failure, or trauma, can damage our self-esteem and make it harder to see ourselves in a positive light.

If integral developmental coaching is aimed at helping clients know themselves more deeply and live from that understanding, how might we help clients connect to their essential qualities?