NEWSLETTER
CENTER FOR WELL BEING AND POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
Have you ever experienced a moment of unbridled joy in your
life when time seemed to stand still; a time where you were so
immersed in the present that nothing else mattered except
living that particular moment. That dear readers, is the essence
of Flow.
As defined by psychologist, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, flow is a
state of heightened focus and deep immersion in an activity
where you lose track of time.
The beauty of low lies in its universality and it can be
experienced in numerous ways, whether through artistic
expression like music or painting, or even simple activities like a
leisurely walk in the park or cooking, the allure of flow remains
constant.
Work becomes play when you are in a state of flow. This state
of mind allows for greater resilience to distractions and stress,
making even the most daunting tasks more manageable.
So, dear readers, the next time you find yourself engrossed in
an activity, take a moment to appreciate the essence of flow, as
it is a state of mind that can bring joy and fulfillment to any
aspect of life.
This Award is for YOU!
Lecturer of the Month
Anum Azhar
Anum Azhar can be
described as one who is
objective, realistic,
disciplined, friendly,
accommodating and
focused. She is an
outstanding lecturer, who
has demonstrated
exceptional dedication and
commitment to her work. Her
work at IAC has been defined
by her profound connection
to her community, her
steadfast determination to obtaining great opportunities for her
students and the implementation of an all-encompassing
teaching program. Anum's expertise in her field of study is
unparalleled. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and
experience that enriches the learning experience of her
students in manifolds. Beyond her teaching, Anum Azhar is a
compassionate and approachable individual who genuinely
cares about the well-being of her students. She has fostered a
climate of trust and openness, which makes it easy for the
students to seek her guidance and assistance.
Moreover, Anum is entrusted with the administrative
responsibilities at the Well Being Center and Positive
Psychology and is, in short, the center's backbone. She has
always shown enthusiasm for her work since she believes that
anything worth doing is worth doing well.
Flow: Where the Magic
happens!
VOL-1 | ISSUE-3 | SEPTEMBER 2023
INSTITUTE FOR
ART & CULTURE
1
by Editor
Emotional intelligence is
the capacity to identify,
regulate, and express
emotions. As leaders,
emotional intelligence
enables us to effectively
and empathetically manage interpersonal relationships.
Effective leadership involves the ability to connect
emotionally with people and to lead with emotional
intelligence, because a leader's influence on employees'
engagement and productivity is contingent on his or her
emotional connection with them.
Every situation an employee encounters at work can be
influenced by emotions including uncertainty and change,
interaction with colleagues, relationships and conflicts,
effort and exhaustion, and success and failure.
Leaders establish the organizational culture.Lack of
emotional intelligence could have far-reaching
repercussions, such as decreased employee engagement
and an increased probability of employee turnover.
People may be technically proficient at their jobs,
Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
By Aqsa Shabbir
To be human is to live our highest potentials
"
"
Excellence in anything increases your potential in everything.
"
"
(Joe Rogan)
(anonymous)
Positive Potential to Positive Excellence
By: Mariam Khawar
but if they are unable to collaborate and communicate
effectively, their technical skills will be overlooked.
One can advance career and organization by mastering
emotional intelligence. In order to improve emotional
intelligence, it is necessary to comprehend and cultivate crucial
characteristics such as self-awareness, self-management, social
awareness, and relationship management.
To acquire leadership abilities, one does not need to be
emotionless and robotic; rather, he or she must concentrate on
interpersonal and intrapersonal capabilities. Being an effective
leader is about technical skills, strategic thinking, and knowledge
but being a great leader also requires emotional intelligence.
Self-potential is the creative process of making sense of our
experience, finding direction and purpose in life, setting goals,
and making plans based on life purpose. Self-potential is closely
related to the term self-development that we often use in
personality psychology. The term basically includes the concept
of self-improvement throughout life, living up to your best
potential, critically thinking, identifying your true self.
Every individual dream of success, purpose in life, and
self-growth, but we usually struggle to live up to our highest
potential as we fail to excel in our personal and professional
lives. To grow and achieve positive excellence in life, we human
beings need to make excellence our top priority and try to live
up to our best potential, which can be achieved by always
striving to do better. People who try to live up to their potential
and strive for excellence are usually seen to be happier and
more satisfied in their lives than others, as they set smaller goals
for themselves and achievement of those goals, leading to inner
satisfaction. In order to achieve excellence in all areas of life, the
first step is to strive for personal excellence.
Personal excellence is a journey one takes to develop as a
person. It is the positive development of mental and emotional
skills to improve as a person and focus on personal growth. This
process might seem difficult to achieve, but it requires patience
and would result in a happier, satisfactory and successful life.
Individuals who achieve personal excellence live a productive
life, have healthier relationships, and are successful in all areas of
life.
The key to achieving personal excellence is the desire to
succeed and the urge to reach one’s full potential. Important
actions one can take in this regard include having
self-confidence, setting reasonable but attainable objectives,
continuing to acquire and develop one's talents, challenging
oneself outside of their comfort zone, and surrounding
themselves with good people.
2
Important actions one can take in this regard include having self-confidence, setting reasonable but attainable objectives, continuing
to acquire and develop one's talents, challenging oneself outside of their comfort zone, and surrounding themselves with good
people.
In commemoration of International Women's Day, the Institute
for Art and Culture's Well-Being Center thoughtfully curated a
Wall of Tribute where students, guests, and participants were
encouraged to inscribe messages paying homage to the
women who have made a profound impact on their lives. It was
a beautiful opportunity to express gratitude and reverence for
these remarkable individuals.
Inscribed with heartfelt messages of gratitude, this wall served
as a beacon of hope and inspiration for women everywhere.
By creating a platform for people to honor the women who
have made a difference in their lives, the Well-Being Center has
shown their unwavering support for the advancement and
empowerment of women.
The Institute for Art and Culture recently hosted an orientation
ceremony to mark the commencement of its inaugural summer
camp. This event served as a valuable platform for all the
schools operating under the institute, along with the Center for
Well Being and Positive Psychology, to effectively demonstrate
their respective courses and disseminate vital information
regarding their objectives and intended outcomes.
To encourage interaction among the children, the Centre for
Well Being and Positive Psychology in charge of the leadership
training conducted an ice-breaker activity. The students were
directed to gather in a circular formation and produce a
rhythmic sound resembling the pitter-patter of raindrops by
tapping their fingers on their palms. Additionally, the kids were
encouraged to maintain eye contact with each other while
participating in this activity.
This icebreaker aimed to give students exposure to interacting
with different individuals within the summer camp community.
By engaging in the activity together, students had the chance
to meet and interact with their peers from various backgrounds
and age groups. The children were encouraged to connect
with one another and get over any initial shyness or hesitation
by making eye contact and participating in the rhythmic
activity. This exposure not only helped build connections and
friendships but also fostered a broader sense of inclusivity and
understanding.
Overall, this thoughtfully crafted icebreaker activity served as a
powerful tool for promoting interaction, inclusivity, and a
positive atmosphere among all the students participating in the
summer camp.
Unveiling the Journey:
Inaugural Orientation Ceremony
of the IAC Summer Camp
"
"
“A joyful life is an individual creation
that cannot be copied from a recipe”
(Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi)
Food for Thought
Wall of Tribute: Honoring Women
and Empowering Equality
Honoring Women’s Day: Center for Well Being and Positive Psychology
celebrating Women’s Day in collaboration with Punjab food authority
Summer Fun Begins: Students and Parents gather for the IAC’s Summer
Camp Inauguration Ceremony
Empowering Women: Guest Speaker inscribing an inspiring message
appreciating women on the Gratitude Wall for Women’s Day
3
During a recent progressive discussion
between Ms. Bakhtawar, Head of the
Center for Well Being and Positive
Psychology, and Mr. Talahi, representing
Coursera, a world-renowned online
learning platform, the focus of the
conversation centered on the curriculum
and the significance of practical soft skills
courses.
Ms. Bakhtawar underscored the
importance of hands-on, experiential
learning opportunities rather than
theoretical approaches. She opined that
personalized sessions were crucial in
helping students to comprehend and apply
the skills they acquired. She also stressed
that curricula should be designed and
modified based on the diverse needs of
people around the world. She affirmed that
unique solutions are imperative to address
varying requirements of individuals from
diverse backgrounds.
During the discussion, Ms. Bakhtawar
emphasized and highlighted a gap in the
online approach to teaching soft skills
courses. She noted that without close
interaction between the instructor and the
students, effective learning may be
hindered.
She highlighted the necessity of creating
opportunities for students to interact with
both the instructor and their peers for an
enriched learning experience.
Mr. Talahi expressed interest in Ms.
Bakhtawar's assistance in deeper
understanding of the soft skills topic and
expressed his interest in connecting his
subject expert with her for further
guidance. Ms. Bakhtawar extended an
invitation to Mr. Talahi to visit Pakistan to
explore potential collaboration
opportunities and to observe the
operations of the Soft Skills Lounge at
Institute for Art and Culture.
Ms. Bakhtawar suggested that Mr. Talahi
incorporate interactive elements, like
group discussions and individual
coaching, into his soft skills courses to
enhance their efficacy. She shared her
own experience of conducting
personalized sessions with students,
which helped them apply their newly
acquired skills in practical situations
Overall, the discussion was progressive as
both professionals shared their expertise
and opinions to arrive at a better
understanding of the topic.
The exchange of ideas and opinions
opened up possibilities for future
collaborations and partnerships.
Leap into the future of Academia: Ms. Bakhtawar and Mr. Talahi from Coursera at the LEAP Conference 2023
The Power of Practical Learning
4
A delegation comprising of Ms. Sarwat and Mr. Tabish from the Center for Positive
Development and Innovation (CPDI) recently engaged in a productive meeting with the
head, Ms. Bakhtawar, from the Center for Well-Being and Positive Psychology (CWPP) to
explore potential collaborations between the two organizations. The primary objective
of this meeting was to discuss the possibility of conducting joint youth development
sessions at the Institute for Art and Culture.
During the meeting, the CPDI delegation expressed their keen interest in partnering with
CWPP to design and deliver comprehensive sessions aimed at fostering positive growth
and development among young individuals. By leveraging the combined expertise of
both organizations, these sessions would provide significant perspectives, pragmatic
resources, and empirically-supported methodologies to empower young individuals in
diverse aspects of their daily lives.
This proposed collaboration seeks to establish a mutually beneficial partnership that not
only enriches the youth development initiatives of both organizations but also
contributes to the overall well-being and positive psychology landscape in the
community. By pooling resources, expertise, and networks, both the centers aim to make
a significant and lasting impact on the lives of young individuals through their
collaborative efforts.
This icebreaker aimed to give students exposure to interacting with different individuals
within the summer camp community. By engaging in the activity together, students had
the chance to meet and interact with their peers from various backgrounds and age
groups. The children were encouraged to connect with one another and get over any
initial shyness or hesitation by making eye contact and participating in the rhythmic
activity. This exposure not only helped build connections and friendships but also
fostered a broader sense of inclusivity and understanding.
Overall, this thoughtfully crafted icebreaker activity served as a powerful tool for
promoting interaction, inclusivity, and a positive atmosphere among all the students
participating in the summer camp.
A workshop was conducted by Mr.
Habibullah, a distinguished performance
coach from Khasma Digital. This engaging
and informative workshop was conducted
for the members of the Center for
Well-Being and Positive Psychology, with
the aim of aligning human talent with
performance, and optimizing
organizational outcomes.
The workshop was thoughtfully designed
to be discussion-based, with an
invigorating motivational activity in which
all participants were tasked with
reflecting upon and writing down their
personal goals and future plans. This
activity fostered a deeper sense of
self-awareness and instilled a heightened
level of confidence within the participants,
thereby empowering them to achieve
their goals with greater efficacy.
The workshop concluded on a high note,
with Ms. Bakhtawar graciously
expounding upon the workings of Soft
Skills Lounge, and the myriad ways in
which we can collaborate in future
endeavors
Ms. Sarwat and Ms. Bakhtawar discussing collaboration strategies for a brighter future for the youth.
Empowering Youth Through
Collaborations
Aligning Human
Talent with
Performance
Mr. Habibullah, coach from Khasma Digital
Unlocking Potential: Mr. Habibullah from Khamsa
Digitial conducting a workshop on Aligning Human
Talent with Performance for the faculty of the
Center for Well Being and Positive Psychology
5
The Faculty Development Training Program is a strategic
initiative by the Center for Well Being and Positive Psychology
poised to transform IAC's educational landscape. It is a
comprehensive program designed to enhance the skills,
knowledge, and effectiveness of our academic staff. The
program aims to empower faculty members with modern
teaching methodologies, advanced research techniques, and
professional growth opportunities. By fostering a culture of
continuous learning and improvement, the program seeks to
elevate the quality of education, research output, and overall
academic excellence within our institution.
Chapter 1 and 2 have of this training program have successfully
been completed, and we are now actively engaged in Chapter 3
of this training program. By equipping faculty members with
cutting-edge skills, fostering innovation, and promoting a culture
of excellence, this program will create a lasting positive impact
on both faculty professional growth and student success.
Chasing the Bliss
Fatima Khawar
Fashion Marketing and Merchandising
Pakistan Institute for Fashion and
Design (PIFD)
fatimakhawar182003@gmail.com
"
"
The pursuit of happiness is a lifelong
journey that requires conscious effort
(Anonymous)
Ms. Bakhtawar Mukhtar, Head of the Center for
Well-Being and Positive Psychology, conducted a
workshop focused on job stability and professional
development. During the session Ms. Bakhtawar
imparted the notion of grouping to the participants,
highlighting its significance in promoting teamwork
and facilitating group projects.
Participants were provided with a comprehensive
self-awareness form, designed to facilitate their
understanding of their own strengths and
weaknesses. Following this, they were divided into
three distinct groups, each tasked with the
challenging responsibility of selecting a team leader
amongst themselves and define their leadership
competencies. The session involved a discussion of
the participants' leadership skills and qualities, with
valuable feedback provided by all the participants.
Ms. Bakhtawar further expounded on how this
exercise can assist in the promotion of team-building,
and how it can facilitate a deeper understanding of
one's co-workers.
She highlighted the importance of leveraging one's
leadership abilities and how to become a leader
through performance, emphasizing the benefits of
continuous learning and innovation for development.
The session concluded with anonymous feedback
from participants on their understandings, learnings,
and outcomes.
Building Stronger Bonds: Faculty members engaged in team
building activities during Faculty Development Program
Transforming Education:
Pioneering Faculty Growth and
Student Success through
Chapter 3
Job Security VS Professional
Growth
The Pursuit of Happiness
6
The pursuit of happiness is a universal quest that we all strive for
in our own unique ways. Happiness is not just an emotion; it's a
fundamental aspect of our overall well-being. As a fashion
marketing student, I've learned that happiness is not just about
feeling good, but also about finding meaning and purpose in life.
One way to achieve happiness is to cultivate gratitude. By
focusing on the positive aspects of our lives and being thankful
for them, we can increase our sense of well-being and
happiness. As artists, we can express our gratitude through our
art by creating works that reflect the beauty and joy in the world
around us.
Nurturing positive relationships is another key strategy in our
pursuit of happiness. As social beings, we crave human
connection and interaction. Spending quality time with loved
ones, connecting with people who uplift us, and surrounding
ourselves with positivity can bring immense joy into our lives.
Pursuing our passions is also vital for happiness. As artists, we
have a unique advantage in this regard. We can engage in
activities that bring us joy and fulfillment, whether it's painting,
dancing, writing, or acting.
Through our art, we can find meaning and purpose in life.
Self-care is another crucial aspect of our pursuit of happiness.
As artists, we can easily get lost in our work and neglect our
physical and mental health. It's essential to prioritize activities
such as exercise, healthy eating, and relaxation techniques to
take care of our bodies and minds.
Lastly, living in the present moment is key to achieving
happiness. As artists, we often find ourselves lost in thoughts
about the past or future. By practicing mindfulness techniques
such as meditation or yoga, we can cultivate a sense of calm and
contentment in the present moment.
In conclusion, the pursuit of happiness is a lifelong journey that
requires conscious effort and commitment. As artists, we have a
unique advantage in our pursuit of happiness. By cultivating
gratitude, nurturing positive relationships, pursuing our
passions, practicing self-care, and living in the present moment,
we can achieve happiness and find meaning and purpose in our
art and our lives.
"
"
This course has instilled within
me a heightened sense of
empathy towards my own self
Fiza Ijaz
School of Art
Graphic Design
Initially, I was not really aware of what
would be the potential benefit of enrolling
in a soft skills course. However, it turned
out to be an immensely valuable
experience.
Not only did the course equip me with
fundamental etiquette for maintaining
connections with those around me, but it
also instilled within me a heightened
sense of empathy towards my own self.
within me a heightened sense of empathy
towards my own self.
Moreover, our course instructor used to
conduct individual sessions
for us every now and then. These
sessions proved to be immensely helpful
as they allowed me to unload my
emotional and mental burdens and also
assisting me on how to face the
challenges that came my way. I am
confident that the personal growth I have
achieved through this course will continue
to benefit me in the future.
Student Testimonial
Prevalence Percentile of Concerns in 15 Cases
Percentage %
Suicidal Ideations
0% 10% 20% 40%30% 50% 60%
Panic Attacks
Major Depression
Social Anxiety
Adjustment Issues
Academic Issues
ADHD
Issues
Financial Issues
Family Issues
Relationship Issues
Low Self-esteem
7
Dear reader,
As a counselor, I empathize with the challenges of overcoming the fear of public
speaking. It can be an intimidating obstacle to navigate, but rest assured that it is possible
to conquer this fear and become a confident speaker.
The first step is acknowledging and accepting the fear, understanding that it is a common
experience shared by many. Embrace the fact that with dedication and practice, you can
overcome this fear and grow as a communicator. Thorough preparation is key to
boosting your confidence. Invest time in researching your topic, organizing your
thoughts, and creating a well-structured presentation. The more prepared you are, the
more comfortable you will feel when speaking in front of others.
Start small by practicing your speaking skills in front of a supportive audience, such as
friends or family. Gradually work your way up to larger audiences or public speaking
engagements. Seek opportunities to speak in public whenever possible to gain
experience and desensitize yourself to the fear. Engaging in relaxation techniques, such
as deep breathing or positive self-talk, can help calm your nerves before and during a
speech. Remember, becoming a skilled public speaker is a journey that requires time,
effort, and persistence. Each speaking opportunity is a chance for growth and learning.
With practice and determination, you can overcome your fear of public speaking and
emerge as a confident and effective communicator.
Welcome to the "Dear Counselor" column in our newsletter, a space dedicated to
addressing the various challenges individuals face in their daily lives. In this column, we
aim to provide guidance, support, and advice on a wide range of issues while respecting
the anonymity and privacy of our readers.
Over the years, IAC's Center for
Well-Being and Positive Psychology
has played an essential part in
identifying and addressing a wide
range of mental health and well-being
challenges. The center has been
dedicated in supporting students with
these challenges. Over the years the
center has observed a higher
prevalence of certain challenges,
namely adjustment issues, family
issues, relationship issues, and
financial issues among their students.
Through proactive measures and
effective management, the center has
consistently demonstrated its
commitment to addressing and
resolving these cases on a monthly
basis.Kudos to the center for their
dedication to enhancing the lives of
their students.
Here for You: The Center
for Well-Being and
Positive Psychology
Dear Counselor:
How do I overcome my fear of public speaking? (anonymus)
Faculty Center for Well-Being and Positive Psychology
Gratitude by Mental Elimination
Time: 5-15 minutes
Goal:
To help people avoid taking things for granted and increase
gratitude.
To begin the Gratitude by Mental Elimination exercise, the reader should
think about something good in their life right now and then take a moment
to imagine what life would be like without that one good thing. Reader
should then write down the ways in which their life would be different
without this one good thing.
Think Out of the Box
9 Dots Puzzle
Connect up all of these dots with only four
straight lines without lifting up the pencil,
and without retracing over any of the lines.
Readers’ Activity:
(042) 32590040
| https://iac.edu.pk
7.5 Km from Thokar Niaz Baig, Main Raiwind
Road, Lahore.
Editor:
Yumna Qureshi
(Content Writer/Editor)
Designer:
Arslan Shabbir
(Graphic Designer)
EDITORIAL BOARD
CONTACT:
@iacofficials
8
