Art Opening Minds Classes are built to strengthen six powerful internal capacities—called AOM Nutrients. These strengths help Participants grow emotionally, think critically, and connect meaningfully with others. Instructors can use the Nutrient filter to select Classes that support the specific skills their group might benefit from most.

What Are the AOM Nutrients?

Each Nutrient is valuable on its own—and even more powerful when balanced with its opposite on the AOM color wheel.

Creativity

• Invites new ways of seeing and self-expression.
• ✧ Pairs with → Respect for Practical Constraints

Respect for Practical Constraints

• Encourages grounded thinking and realistic action.
• ✧ Pairs with → Creativity

Honest Self Reflection

• Builds non-judgmental awareness of one’s own thoughts, feelings, and patterns.
• ✧ Pairs with → Empathy

Empathy

• Strengthens the ability to feel with and understand others.
• ✧ Pairs with → Honest Self Reflection

Intellectual Honesty

• Supports clear, open-minded, truth-seeking thought—even when it's uncomfortable.
• ✧ Pairs with → Deep-Rooted Values

Deep-Rooted Values

• Helps Participants name and act in alignment with their core beliefs.
• ✧ Pairs with → Intellectual Honesty

Using the AOM Nutrients Filter

When browsing Classes, use the AOM Nutrients filter to select the strengths you want to focus on. Some examples:

• Want to help students reflect on their identity and choices? → Try Honest Self Reflection
• Hoping to build a bridge across differences? → Look for Empathy
• Supporting future leaders or activists? → Consider Creativity and Respect for Practical Constraints together
  Every Class builds at least one Nutrient—and often more than one.

Tips & Notes

• You don’t need to teach these terms explicitly. The Nutrients work as an internal guide to help you choose a Class that fits your goals.
• If you’re planning a series of Classes, consider balancing contrasting Nutrients across the sessions to deepen growth.