Author: sheilapontis
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Human Skills: Love for a Healthier Society
Frequently underrated and ignored, Love is another important human skill. Yes. Love. This is a neglected topic in multiple areas, from academia and education to industry and policy, and even in everyday conversations. For instance, Do you know of any courses or workshops similar that teach “love”? Do you talk with your friends about how…
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Human Skills: Deep Listening for Authentic Conversations
When was the last time that you truly listened to another person?When was the last time that you felt truly heard by another person? Listening to another person is powerful, yet it is one of the hardest things to do and see others doing these days. We seem to have lost the ability to perform…
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What does it mean to be human?
As uncertainty and volatility increase in the world, we must embrace our humanity as a way to individually remain authentic to who we are and collectively support one another. Unfortunately, most efforts are focused on further developing artificial intelligence (AI) and more technology, which has significantly impacted multiple aspects of society, including who we are…
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Imagination Challenge: 365 Daily Practices to Reach Your Potential
Welcome to the A Year of Living with Your Imagination Challenge! Rooted in positive psychology interventions, imagination and creativity research, cognitive behavioral theory, and mindfulness-based practices, the goal is to help you achieve sustainable change through intentional and continuous practice. Starting on Monday March 2, 2026 (between 8am-10am EST), and for the next 365 days,…
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Imagination 8-Week Live Course
Starting in April, I will be teaching my signature course – Living with Imagination & Optimism – at the School of Radical Imagination. The school offers a new pedagogical model focused on live, cohort-based courses taught by scholars, artists, and practitioners to build systemic change. Courses are specifically designed for life-long learners who seek community…
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How to Imagine in Four Steps
Imagination is a common human ability. However, as we grow up, it doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Many people, who do value imagination, experience strong mental blocks with their minds going blank when they engage in imaginative activities. As a result, they think that they don’t have imagination. If you are one of them, this…
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Next Imagination & Well-Being Workshops!
Do you live in or near Boston? Are you curious about how to be more imaginative? Do you want to use your imagination in a deliberate way in your own life – and feel happier? If so, join me for the forthcoming hands-on workshops to experience the transformative benefits of imagination for your mind and…
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Pure Imagination! Workshop
What will I eat for dinner? What will the future be like? What would an alien civilization look like? How can I improve my life? Imagination is often associated with children, artists, and designers, and view as separated from everyday adult life. But, if you have ever pondered these questions – or similar ones, you…
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Narrow the Imagination Deficit
Despite AI and the rapid technology development, we still live in a human-powered world. However educational institutions, organizations, and governments do not embrace humanity’s superpowers, and have an imagination deficit. While I often stress the need for imagination – and other human skills – in higher education, the same need applies to any organization. Nurturing…
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Discover, Imagine, Create – An Integrated Approach
Imagination and emotional well-being are deeply intertwined – they share a symbiotic relationship: both constructs are critical for individuals and communities to make change in their lives and in society. Have you ever paid attention to how you feel when you are imagining and daydreaming? If so, you probably have noticed the strong positive impact…
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Signs of Unreadiness for Boosting Well-Being & Imagination
Lately, focusing on inner development and imagining a better life has become a trend. Articles, talks, and courses to help people be happier, dream, or find their path in the world pop up every week. Similarly, becoming a coach is a career path that has gained track in the last years. Is it that easy…
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Why Human Skills in an AI Society Matter
Uniquely human skills – like the ones below – are also called soft skills, durable skills, non-cognitive, or power skills. These skills are referred as “human” because, so far, they are unable to be replicated by any technology; yes, not even AI. These skills are our foundation as people through which we learn social-emotional competencies…
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