I actually really enjoyed the "Meeting Asciepus" exercise this week. I did not think it was going to work, but I have always liked the visualization exercises in helping me with meditation. This week, all I have really done for meditation was practicing deep breathing and learning to relax. I have not yet had the opportunity to focus on an image. In doing any sort of meditation, however, I am able to foster a greater sense of wellness because I suddenly feel a connection to the rest of my environment and surroundings. For a few brief moments, I am able to experience peace and calm. This helps me to refocus on what is important, thus enhancing my overall mental and spiritual health.
I think that the phrase "One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself" is absolutely true. To me, it means that you cannot really attain a sense of sympathy for someone until you have experienced that same thing. To tell someone how to do something is one thing, but to actually live it is another. I think that this applies to health and wellness professionals because in order to be a caring person, it is always best to understand firsthand what someone is going through. I definitely think that health and wellness professionals have an obligation to their clients to help them "see the bigger picture" and to advise them to enhance all aspects of their healing, not just the physical ones. Even in my profession of dental hygiene, stress can certainly manifest itself through physical symptoms in the teeth, so I often find myself talking to patients about stress relieving techniques that can be used in their lives. I think that to ignore other aspects of a person just because you may not be that experienced in them is silly. They should at least be informed of other possibilities for care.
I think that you can implement psychological and spiritual growth in your own life simply by doing the things we have done all semester. By continuing to keep a journal or blog, by continuing to do the relaxation exercises, by continuing to read the textbooks, etc., we too can better find a way to draw closer to the other aspects of ourselves as well.
Aimee Fairbanks
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Hi Aimee,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post as I always, it makes a big difference when you have knowledge of what someone is going through before you assist them with their problems. I worked in home health care for more than 10 years, and there were many times when I had to listen to my clients discuss their personal problems but was not allowed to give advice concerning family and personal matters, therefore it put me in a bad predicament, wanting to help but not being able to do so because it was against the rules. The majority of my clients just needed someone to understand them. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and giving good advice concerning how I can foster psychological and spiritual growth in my life.
Hey Aimee,
ReplyDeleteYou made a really good point in the last paragraph. If we don't practice these exercises or some form of meditative practice, we will be slow to achieve the positive progress we seem to be needing.
However, any progress we make is always a good thing! I know this takes time, practice, and some form of dedication to achieve. It seems that you are still moving forward and that's great!
I wish you continued positive motions forward and a peaceful week!
Take care,
Michelle
HI! Aimee, This exercise was easier for me to use and I really enjoyed it. I think just taking the time to do these exercises is good for us, to set aside time to specifically focus on our spirituality and mental well-being. And in doing this we can relate the benefits of it to our clients because we have the first-hand experience.
ReplyDeleteHi Aimee,
ReplyDeleteI could not agree more with our post. I think that a lot of people like to give out advice because it makes them feel important. If they have not experienced something for themselves, then they really need to do some research in order for the other person to trust what they are saying. I am not saying that someone has to do drugs in order to tell someone not to do them, but they should at least understand the ramifications of drugs before telling someone not to do them. As a parent, I have assumed that my son will ask me all of the hard questions in life and my wife and I are going to have to give him the best possible advice. It is a little scary to think of all of the things that kids are going through these days, but I think with a proper education, we will do our best.
Thanks,
Aaron
Hi Aimee,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post.I agree with you that it takes personal experience to be able to sympathize with the experiences of others. Continuation with the contemplative practices and keeping a journal helps us all grow in our transition towards a healthier existence in each of our lives. I'm sure my patients now and in the future would definitely benefit from these exercises as much as we have this semester. I wish you well on your journey!
Aimee: I think one of the greatest things that we can do is do something! It does not have to be something huge, but just keep making strides in "becoming". We have to set our mind to keep on pushing beyond our limits and not just the normal exercises that we have always done. Life is so short and we have to be open minded in order to become a success emotionally, physically, psychosocially, and spiritually. Enjoyed your thoughts!
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