Forming a Mind Wellbeing Group
A Step by Step Guide
Mind Wellbeing is designed to lend itself to group study. Of course, you can simply grab a copy and enjoy reading it by yourself, but it’s even more enriching to study it in a group setting. Forming a book club or studying with a friend or two can be beneficial in the following ways:
You can support and motivate one another in the process of studying and practicing
You can learn from the experiences of others in the group
You can enjoy connecting with like-minded individuals
…and much more! Below is everything you need to know about forming a Mind Wellbeing Group!
Step 1
Dream and explore
Can you think of one or several people that you would like to study the book with? Other readers have studied the book with one or several of their friends, family members, university or work peers, or other community members. Many have found it particularly valuable to study Mind Wellbeing with their partner or spouse, finding this beneficial to their relationship and bond with one another. Consider if the individuals you have in mind would be likely to bond and connect into a cohesive group.You may even like to talk to your workplace about the possibility of forming a Mind Wellbeing study group.
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The first time you read the book can be with your group or book club. Or you could solo-study Mind Wellbeing first, and then form a study group with friends or family and re-read the book again with them! Experience shows that re-reading Mind Wellbeing can be helpful in getting the most out of it.
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Perhaps the easiest way to form a Mind Wellbeing study group is to ask if a good friend (or a few) or your partner are keen to study it with you!
Many couples have found studying Mind Wellbeing with their partner to be extremely beneficial to the health of their relationship. It can be particularly beneficial to study the two chapters on communication with your partner as a platform for improving your relationship, resolving conflict and becoming a stronger couple! -
You can study Mind Wellbeing with your family! We would like to make sure everyone has access to these important skills. So if finances are tight, you can purchase one copy for the whole family, then provide each family member with their own copy of the free exercise book, which you can download here.
Please note: Mind Wellbeing has been written to suite adults or older adolescents. However, we’ve noticed that even some of the younger age groups still enjoy and benefit from being involved in the studying of the book, as the language used is simple and engaging. So please use your discretion around the suitability of the book for your children. -
Mind Wellbeing is a comprehensive program that can improve staff, community member or student self care, mental wellness, communication, relationship dynamics and so much more.
Enhanced mental wellbeing for your staff, community members or students could mean reduced sick days, reduced burnout, improved concentration, improved relationships and team dynamics, improved coping with stress and so on.
Incorporate Mind Wellbeing into your workplace, community or school wellness programs for an economical, yet advanced, solution like no other!
Step 2
Get everyone on board
Now it’s time to talk to each of the members and make them excited about the idea! Below are some ideas to consider when talking to everyone about Mind Wellbeing.
This is also your chance to ask everyone about their preferences, such as where and when it suits them to meet. Remember, if meeting in person is not possible, meeting online is also a great option.
Consider other details like frequency and duration of each session. Or if they they would like to order their own paperback or ebook copies of the book, or will the group listen to the audiobook together?
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When discussing Mind Wellbeing with others, feel free to share with them any personal experiences you've had and any positive impact the book has had on you. Visit the following link for more information you can share with them to help them decide if they're interested in joining the book club or study group:
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Note: When inviting others to study the book, make sure they don’t feel pressured. They may not be interested in the book at this time or in studying it as part of a group. If so, honor their wishes and preferences. Provide them with all the information and then leave them to decide if and how they would like to study it.
Step 3
Plan your first session
Getting ready for your first Mind Wellbeing session is simple. You can let the book naturally guide your session as you read through it with your group.
If you prefer a bit more preparation, the 'How to Use This Book' section at the start offers helpful tips and guidance.
If you don’t have your book yet, or if you'd like to be even more prepared, you can also take our short facilitator training eCourse.
Below are some resources to help you prepare.
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Your group members may like to have their own copies when you first meet. Or you may plan for all of that after you've had your first session. Regardless, here's how you can get copies of the book for yourself or the other group members:
You can purchase Mind Wellbeing through various stores and outlets.
Purchase Through Fount Institute
(Australian customers may be eligible to take advantage of our group no-shipping-fee deal)
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We have made a free downloadable exercise book available, which you can print for each member who doesn’t own their own copy of Mind Wellbeing, or if you're using an audio or ebook. You can download this from the link below:
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If the group members don’t all know each other well, it would be good to start with some ice-breakers and get-to-know-each-other activities to help everyone feel relaxed and comfortable.
For example, each member could share a bit about themselves, like their interests or a fun fact. You could also play a small game or try other activities that encourage laughter and help break the ice.
A quick internet search can provide you with lots of exciting ideas for ice breakers and get to know you activities. If you try activities that work particularly well, we would love to hear about it! Let us know by emailing info@fount.com.au
Your First Session
Running a Mind Wellbeing group is easy. You just need to let the book guide the sessions! Simply get the group together and let the book do the rest.
In the first session, you may like to start with some icebreakers and 'get-to-know-you' activities, especially if the group members don't know each other well.
Then, begin by reading the 'Preface' (optional), 'How to Use This Book', and 'Introduction' sections. You can take turns reading from the book (or have a designated reader), or simply listen to the audio provided here!
Want to Feel Even More Prepared?
Complete our short facilitator course for free!
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You can complete the facilitator course online through our eCourse:
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Your nominated staff can download the PDF version to print and study.
This is a Book with a Different Kind of Vision…
Join the Mind Wellbeing Movement By Forming a Group!
By forming a Mind Wellbeing group, you're not just helping yourself, you're part of something bigger - a revolution in how we address the global mental health crisis!
