Inner Compass in Tallinn: A Journey of Self, Connection, and Growth
From June 3–9, 2024, participants from different backgrounds gathered in the historic city of Tallinn, Estonia, to take part in the training “Inner Compass: Navigating Self, Relationships, and Goals.” Under the guidance of facilitator Evelyn Soidla the group embarked on an intensive program designed to explore the four dimensions of human experience: the self, our behaviors, our relationships, and the systems we live in. The week unfolded not only as a professional development opportunity, but also as a deeply personal journey.
Exploring the Inner Compass
The training began with a focus on the self. Participants were invited to reflect on their strengths, values, and long-held beliefs. Through mindfulness practices and structured activities such as “Values Clarification,” many gained a new clarity about their personal direction. As one participant shared, this first step created “a clearer understanding of my strengths, weaknesses, values, and passions.”
Building on this foundation, the group turned to behaviors and habits, examining how everyday actions support—or sometimes hinder—the pursuit of goals. Using practical tools such as SMART goals, participants learned to break down their ambitions into achievable steps. For some, this shift was transformative. As one participant noted, “It showed me how a small change in action can make a huge difference in self-perception.”
Relationships and Group Dynamics
In the next stage, the focus moved outward to relationships and group dynamics. Through empathy circles, role plays, and team activities, participants discovered new ways of listening and engaging with others. The experience of speaking and being heard in a non-judgmental setting was particularly powerful. “This exercise taught me the power of truly listening and understanding others’ perspectives,” reflected one participant, highlighting how these practices enriched both personal and professional connections.
The group also examined their roles within teams and communities. Some realized they often prioritized the needs of others over their own. One participant admitted, “I might be quite accommodating to other people and love to provide, while at the same time disregarding my own importance.” Such insights revealed not only personal patterns but also opportunities for growth in collaborative environments.
Seeing the Bigger Picture
The final phase of the training widened the perspective to the systems we inhabit—families, institutions, cultures, and societies. Participants reflected on their roles within these structures and considered how personal values can guide action in broader contexts. This systemic lens allowed them to link individual growth with social responsibility, creating a bridge between personal transformation and collective change.
The holistic approach—moving from the “Me” through the “We” to the “Its”—provided a framework that participants could continue to use beyond the training. As one described, “The entire training was based on a scheme of four steps … it allowed us to carefully consider how we understood the issues, as well as learn the views of others.”
Reflections and Shared Experience
Beyond the structured program, the week was also about human connection. Shared meals, evening walks through Tallinn’s cobblestone streets, and informal conversations created bonds that enriched the learning process. Participant diversity—cultural, professional, and personal—challenged assumptions and broadened horizons. As one participant put it, “Meeting people from completely different backgrounds forced me to reflect upon my views, prejudices and behaviour … but it was incredible to be a part of this experience.”
By the end of the week, participants left with concrete strategies, new self-understanding, and a renewed sense of possibility. “It was a beautiful experience that filled my mind and soul with new optimism, tools and knowledge on how to proceed with my life further,” reflected one participant.
Closing
The Inner Compass training in Tallinn was more than a course. It was an invitation to pause, reflect, and realign with what truly matters—personally, relationally, and collectively. The combination of structured learning, personal reflection, and shared experience created a transformative environment that participants will carry with them into their future journeys.
This training was organized as part of the Communities for Future program and was funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.
