For the first time in planet history, I have created a nature-based process for determining your values. Sure, it’s less intellectually stimulating, but it has proven accurate—more accurate than most of the existing academic processes. And it’s really going to be very, very important in the quality of your work life over the next five years.
“Values are the fundamental beliefs that guide our actions and decisions. They are deeply ingrained principles that shape our behaviour and influence our sense of fulfilment. Understanding your values is crucial because they act as a compass, helping you navigate through life’s choices and challenges. When your actions align with your values, you experience a greater sense of purpose and satisfaction.”
“Values can be broadly categorised into two types: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic values are internal, personal principles that provide inner fulfilment, such as honesty, compassion, and growth. Extrinsic values are external rewards or recognition we seek from the world around us, such as wealth, status, and approval from others.
For example, valuing ‘honesty’ means you strive to be truthful in all your interactions, regardless of the external consequences. On the other hand, valuing ‘wealth’ might drive you to pursue financial success and material possessions. Both types of values are important, but understanding the balance between them is key to living a harmonious life.”
“Nature’s Universal Laws are timeless principles that govern the natural world and can provide profound insights into our lives. Let’s look at a few key laws and how they relate to our values:
- Law of Cause and Effect: Every action has a consequence. When we act according to our values, we create positive outcomes in our lives.
- Law of Growth: Just like a tree grows from a seed, our values need nurturing and development to flourish.
- Law of Balance: Nature seeks balance in all things. Similarly, we must balance our intrinsic and extrinsic values to achieve harmony and fulfilment.
By understanding and aligning with these universal laws, we can ensure that our values guide us towards a more fulfilling and balanced life.”
Example: “Consider the Law of Growth. A tree needs sunlight, water, and nutrients to grow. Similarly, our values need attention and care. If ‘growth’ is one of your intrinsic values, you might invest time in learning and personal development, just as you would water a plant to help it thrive.”
Here are 50 nature-based questions designed to help people observe nature and reflect on their intrinsic and extrinsic values. These questions can help you identify your top three values in each category.
Intrinsic Values Questions
- When you see a tree growing tall and strong, what personal qualities do you think helped it reach such heights?
- How do you feel when you observe a river flowing steadily? What does this say about your personal flow and consistency?
- What emotions arise when you watch a sunrise? How do these emotions connect to your inner values?
- Observing animals caring for their young, what intrinsic value do you see mirrored in this behaviour?
- What inner growth or transformation do you aspire to when you see flowers blooming?
- How do you interpret the patience of a spider weaving its web in your own life?
- When you watch a bird soaring freely, what value of freedom or independence resonates within you?
- Observing the resilience of a plant growing through concrete, what inner strength do you admire in yourself?
- What do you feel when you see the vastness of the ocean? How does this connect to your inner sense of purpose?
- When you witness a storm clearing the air, what personal value of cleansing or renewal comes to mind?
- How do you relate to the silence and stillness of a calm forest?
- When you see leaves changing colours in autumn, what value of change or adaptability resonates with you?
- How do you feel when you observe the cooperation within a bee colony? What does this say about your intrinsic values of community and teamwork?
- What do you learn from the persistence of a river carving its path through rock?
- When you witness the harmony in a balanced ecosystem, what inner harmony or balance do you seek in your life?
- Observing a snowflake’s intricate design, what does this say about your value for uniqueness or individuality?
- How does the beauty of a sunset reflect your inner values of appreciation or gratitude?
- When you see animals migrating, what does this say about your value for adventure or change?
- How do you interpret the interconnectedness of nature when you see a food chain in action?
- When you observe the cycle of life and death in nature, what does this teach you about acceptance or the value of life?
- How do you feel when you see the protective behaviour of a mother animal?
- When you witness nature’s renewal after a wildfire, what personal renewal or resilience do you admire in yourself?
- Observing the seasonal changes, how do you relate to the cycles and phases in your own life?
- How do you interpret the quiet persistence of a cactus surviving in the desert?
- When you see the diversity of life in a rainforest, what does this teach you about valuing diversity within yourself?
Extrinsic Values Questions
- When you see a bird building its nest, what external security or comfort do you value in your life?
- How do you feel when you witness the abundance of a harvest season? What does this say about your value for prosperity?
- Observing the majestic height of a mountain, what does this say about your aspirations or ambitions?
- When you see the social structure of a wolf pack, what does this teach you about leadership or hierarchy in your life?
- How do you feel when you witness the cooperative hunting of a pride of lions? What external teamwork or collaboration do you value?
- When you see the beauty of a well-maintained garden, what does this say about your value for aesthetics or order?
- Observing the speed of a cheetah, what external achievement or success do you admire?
- How do you feel when you see the vast expanse of a desert? What does this say about your value for exploration or adventure?
- When you witness the protection of territory by certain animals, what does this say about your value for personal boundaries or space?
- How do you interpret the communication methods of dolphins? What value do you place on effective communication in your life?
- Observing the resourcefulness of animals preparing for winter, what does this say about your value for planning and preparedness?
- When you see the community structure of ants, what does this say about your value for social structure and roles?
- How do you feel when you witness the beauty of a rainbow after a storm? What external hope or optimism do you value?
- When you see the majesty of an eagle in flight, what does this say about your value for freedom and vision?
- Observing the meticulous construction of a beaver dam, what does this teach you about your value for hard work and creation?
- How do you feel when you see the teamwork of geese flying in formation? What external support systems do you value?
- When you witness the playfulness of dolphins, what does this say about your value for joy and recreation?
- How do you interpret the balance of predator and prey in an ecosystem? What value do you place on balance and fairness?
- Observing the beauty of coral reefs, what does this say about your value for preservation and care for the environment?
- When you see the symbiotic relationships in nature, what does this teach you about mutual benefits and partnerships in your life?
- How do you feel when you see the reliability of the tides? What value do you place on consistency and reliability?
- When you witness the grandeur of a waterfall, what does this say about your value for power and influence?
- Observing the slow and steady growth of an oak tree, what does this teach you about patience and long-term goals?
- How do you feel when you see the nurturing of seedlings in a forest? What value do you place on nurturing and development?
- When you witness the protection of a herd against predators, what does this say about your value for safety and community?
A pattern will emerge.
Write the values that appear most, and then select the top three.
This nature-based way of observing your values is profoundly beautiful, heart-driven and accurate.
Please fee free to share it.
With Love and Wisdom
Chris