Over the past 12 weeks or so, I have been studying  ‘Unravelling Complexities’ online.
During the first few weeks, we learned about complex or ‘wicked’ systems and how they differ to ‘complicated’ problems (Yes, there is a difference and I didn’t realise until I began this class!) Each week we responded to the varied course readings through open discussions concerning complex issues - our interpretation of how different systems work and/or interact, and how we could use these thinking processes to look at complexities within a broader context.
As part of the course, I was allocated to a group project with 3 other students - The Mental Health in Ghana. At first, I was skeptical as to how much information might be attainable on the internet with regard to this subject. Many questions arose such as:
‘Why not another more established country?’
Would there be enough information to facilitate this project?’
‘What is the point of studying a country when no one even knows where it is?’
To be honest, I was ready to give up there and then! BUT… after considering that my particular subject for Masters is relevant to the subject of Mental Health, I decided to use this as a challenge to explore my own thoughts and reactions, and use this time for observation of the information that may become useful to my personal growth. Sometimes it can be just as much about the journey as the destination?
Over the twelve or so weeks I took many notes about the readings and information - Anything that resonated was written into my journal and then simplified and transferred into blog entries on Tumblr, researching many things such as the terminology, through thesaurus  and other information found on websites, in library books, videos, documentaries and via friends’ suggestions of links relating to content that I would not have usually thought to research. This helped to accelerate the  research process by going to trusted academic resources and prior knowledge rather than relying completely on my own means.
Being able to clarify content through group participation was a great way to remain focused. Weekly readings, followed by questions was a fantastic course structure - providing opportunity for discussion. Academic and non-academic articles, journals and videos non-related to the specific subject were varied, providing much-needed perspective from diverse backgrounds - learning to appreciate others perspectives and their disciplines, brainstorming ideas, looking at ideas that may be relevant to the problem, as well as researching systems to understand complexity, learning to appreciate others comments, views and their contributions.
Humour played an important part of the process, creating a flow of conversation through our posts and making it more manageable and less overwhelming - sharing thoughts openly - ‘thinking out loud’ - We became more of a working group - more ‘human’ even though we were doing an online class. Bonnie’s phone calls helped as I find personal interaction is important  - social contact or conversation may be a mindfulness thing? Some things get lost in translation with written words so actual speaking on a phone can help clear up misunderstandings. No judgement - learning to reduce thoughts of bias etc -
Acknowledging other areas than the original content were invaluable eg Maslow’s Heirarchy -  taking old information and blending  with new facts to create new directions in the creative thinking processes -  Critique and self-analysis through the weekly journaling helped with deep thinking, core ideas and evaluation. I learned how to do APA referencing  - and  by using dot points to create less confusion - simplifying ideas - and learning to see gaps between academic thought and being able to share that with less informed members of the general public.Â
Although I found it difficult to begin the weekly readings and answer questions at home on the computer, it became a positive challenge.  Once  I  started it became  ‘obsessive’ -  and learning  some of the terminology and how the systems work and can be intertwined - it created a broader range of possibilities re: information resources, stepping outside my comfort zone - exploring new thought  processes  and   exploring  different  areas   that  I wouldn’t   usually  think applicable,  eg  how one area can affect another -  looking  from different perspectives to use systems  ie  not  just  ‘complicated’  systems  but appreciation for  ‘complex’  and  wicked systems and how difficult this can be with  regard  to  finding solutions resolutions or positive outcomes.
I also realised how  stigma can  influence  perspectives  relating  to  mental health  and  that something that may seem   simple  to  repair can in  fact  be very cumbersome,  therefore creating  other  ongoing  issues.  Asking questions -  or  learning  to  ask  ‘better’  questions through   listening,   researching, understanding,   becoming  more  informed,   resilient and assertive - Having a sense of purpose -  Sharing what  we’ve  learnt  through  discussion with others.
Some of the things I learned during this course included: trying to be  less judgemental, critical  or negative, looking at triggers where I  see an issue,  not to  be so  hard on  myself as an individual,  listening and being respectful  of others perspectives,  understanding  their  ‘history’,  trusting my  decisions and to believe that my opinion matters.
My original assumptions and expectations have totally changed over this course, and I feel I have grown. There is just as much to be learned by studying areas/topics that seem insignificant, Â and although this course has brought up some personal negative thought toward my own perceptions surrounding mental health, Â I view this as part of an ongoing transformational process - I now realise some of my own thoughts have been influenced by others interpretations and beliefs.
Even though the terminology has been a little difficult at times, the use of metaphors, similes, visuals and diagrams explained much of the content in our posts - the sharing of videos and articles between group members - clarifying and re-evaluating provided changes in learned thought patterns. I was able to rethink some of the options we originally had - to improve or add to that as we progressed. I guess our group project became a ‘bonding’ between like-minded participants -  creating CONNECTIONS by learning to unravel the complexities!!!
Hopefully I can continue this creative thinking process in the future and when doing further research into my Masters project.
