For use by any group of people who, for whatever reason consider themselves to be a "family".

Introduction

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 1994 as the International Year of the Family with the theme: "Family; resources and responsibilities in a changing world". As the most basic and most human unit of society worldwide, and the cradle of future generations, whatever happens within and to the family will have a significant impact on the life of society as a whole. Families together make a people and as the opening words of the UN Charter indicate, it is "We the Peoples" who can determine the course of world affairs and have a responsibility to use all resources at our disposal to bring about positive change in the world.

The family has a rich and deep tradition of forming the basis of all cultures. A family is the fundamental building block of society and the first way in which people come together. It is the heart of humanity, the source of our deepest feelings and the primary arena for the learning and enrichment of values. Indeed, the wealth of human traditions and heritage worldwide is largely a reflection of the diverse forms and functions families assume from one country to another and within society. But, notwithstanding such diversity, whatever form the family may take, respect for the family structure as a source of identity and a place of nourishment and learning is universal.

Unfortunately, whether in the east or west, north or south, family structures are threatened and often breaking down. Powerful social, political, economic and demographic forces are bringing about changes in the definition and function of family structures, sometimes resulting in the loss of hearth and home. Increasingly there are signs of a tragic erosion of the worth of the family and its crucial role as a cohesive, supportive and formative influence within society. Despite tremendous pressure and uncertainty in other corners the inherent integrity and the resilience of the human spirit proving themselves to be stronger than these forces, and there are many inspiring examples of individuals across the planet who are finding their way back from isolation, despair, hardship and loss to a reality of love, trust and dignity.

Many people, determined to keep their family together in happiness and health, are re-creating the life of traditional family structures, while others, who do not have the privilege of the support of their genetic family have collectively embraced the qualities and values which underlie the family ethic and have created their own family or community. They are developing new forms of family to face life’s daily challenges and to balance individual rights and social responsibilities. The indomitable and inherent goodness of the human spirit is the resource upon which we must draw. Our common humanity indicates that we are at heart one family, and it is now our responsibility to recognize this, invoke the help of God, our Father and Mother, and act upon it.

One of the main objectives of the International Year of the Family is to raise awareness and deepen understanding of the needs and aspirations of today’s richly diverse families, while also encouraging people to take steps to create a more supportive environment for and within families. This is clearly a task to which all can lend a hand and, for its part, the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University is therefore pleased to offer "A Family Pack" for use by any group of people who, for whatever reason, consider themselves to be a "family". The University aims to reaffirm faith in the worth and dignity of the individual, whatever his or her circumstances, and to help people re-develop or deepen the human, moral and spiritual values upon which the betterment of the human condition depends. As such it regularly participates in various activities of the United Nations, with which it has been formally affiliated since 1980, through its offices for the UN in New York, Geneva and Vienna and the worldwide family of its centers in over 60 countries.

"A Family Pack" provides guidelines, personal practical experiences and tools which aim to educate, train, motivate and support the family unit and its individual members, thereby investing in its future growth for the benefit of its members and as a vital resource for the development of society as a whole. Each of the four sections of the pack takes up a different area of family life:

Values

Understanding what is important to us, individually and as a family:

• Discovering what we care about most.
• Seeing how to value myself and others.
• Common values and shared meanings - a path to harmony.
• Learning to create our future.
• Understanding conflict.

Communication

Are we being as effective as possible in our communication?:

• Open, honest communication - what it is and how to achieve it.
• Becoming aware of the flow of messages within our own minds and how they can lead to success or failure.
• Recognizing conflict before it is out of control and learning to defuse it effectively.

Relationships

One of the most fundamental and natural qualities of a human being is relating:

• Rediscover this joy.
• Discover the relationship you have with yourself - is it good enough?
• Find out why relationships can be so difficult and learn to make them easier.
• Become free from the bondage of blame and expectations.

Environment

How our environment affects us and how our thoughts affect our family environment:

• What is the difference between the physical and the non-physical environments and are they related?
• How can I help myself and the rest of my family be at our best?
• How can we build a safe and learning environment?

Stories, Games and Reflections

Most of all, "A Family Pack" is an invitation to join in a celebration of human goodness. It highlights the potential of shared and common values. And while acknowledging the aspects in common, it applauds the differences.

Articles, stories, games and reflections serve as instruments for you to discover, appreciate and enhance the wonderful and different facets of your own personality and that of every family member. Preferably start at the beginning and gradually work though the Pack at your own pace. In future you might wish to return to something you particularly liked, or you could always just dip into it.

Stories

You are invited to enjoy family stories from around the world. They are stories from the heart - of how and where individuals find their sense of belonging. "A Family Pack" invites you to open both your heart and mind and experience the lives of others in this world family. It is the chance to share trials and triumphs in traditional families and it is the opportunity to see traditional values working in new contexts. At the end of each story, a single word underlines one of the main values involved.

Games

The Pack suggests a variety of games or activities, which can be enjoyed by the entire family unit, a few members, or by splitting into pairs. Be as inventive as you like. There is potential for any number of variations on the basic guidelines, and several suggestions are included in the pack.

Reflections

There are four guided reflections to help you reflect on and mull over some of the most important ideas. They should be read at a slow, even pace, so that people can reflect upon what is being said, and relate it to the stories they have heard, the games played and their own experiences.