Hello! I hope this post finds all who read it doing well :-)
This week has been BUSY -- but I have managed to find the time to meditate at least 20 min each day and the results have been wonderful. Even though I have been somewhat stressed by my new job, clients, school, etc. --> in the middle of what could be a storm, I have indeed found the calm. My mind has been restful and I have been able to choose my responses and be open with others. In continued daily practice, this mind exercise leading to calm abiding contributes directly to my mental health...and through the reduction in stress, offer indirect benefits for my body as well.
The Asciepius exercise for me was a great chance to connect again with my grandfather who acted as my guide. The water in the background was relaxing and ask I focused on the energy/light coming from my grandfather to me...I was able to recognize and connect with my inner guide. For me this is touching on several levels...the first is that it signified for me that my grandfather is always with me even though he passed away almost 20 years ago. The second is that my inner guide has potential that I have just begun to realize and leverage for my own personal growth and development. I believe too often people look for a teacher outside themselves...when in reality, they already possess all of the knowledge needed -- if they will only pay attention and listen.
This idea leads me to an interesting response to the statement "One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself" -- I disagree.
I believe that at the essence of personal development, it is the individual themselves who make the changes and grow. I offered similar thoughts in response to Mille's excellent blog. There are many examples - in sports, I cannot do hurdles to save my life...but I know the correct form and have taught and coached many young athletes who perform quite well. In coaching, I work with lawyers, doctors, CEOs and even NASA scientist who all have expertise far outside my own -- but by being aware and attentive, I am able to coactively coach them to new levels of performance.
With respect to health and wellness professionals -- I believe the same idea holds true. After all -- does that suggest that a oncologist cannot help a patient through cancer unless they have had cancer themselves? (By the way -- I've have several oncologist during my own battle with cancer -- one had cancer and was a survivor and the other two have not had the disease. My experience with the cancer survivor was actually not as powerful as some of the others -- why? I didn't need someone who had cancer previously (and so might focus on themselves or their own experience) -- I did need someone to be where I was...and to help me how they could.
With that said - I do believe that a health and well professional has an obligation to SELF (not clients) to continue developing health psychologically, physically, and spiritually. By modeling the way, the health and wellness professional can be of service -- but even an overweight doctor can provide the leadership and encouragement needed for a patient to change. Just as leadership begins with leading yourself, to best help a client... a health and wellness professional should start with themselves. However -- even if the journey to full person development has not been completed (or even started) -- this doesn't mean that we can't still be of service to others in their own development. In the end, we are but a guidepost...it is the individual who is doing all of the work :-)
Have a WONDERFUL week!
David
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5 comments:
David,
There are wonderful benefits to be derived from the practice of these exercises. In terms of relieving some of the grief attached to the loss of a loved one--these exercises have been immeasurable. I am more in control of the situations that once caused me undue stress and ultimately affected my blood pressure and I suffered numerous panic attacks. They are all gradually diminishing. I still have to work on my visualization skills, but steady is the course.
Awesome blog fellow classmate.
Pam
David,
I am so happy that you have been able to make the time daily to meditate. It is wonderful that you are experiencing such positive changes! Keep up the good work.
After reading your comments on leading others I have to say that I may have changed my stance in a slight bit...because it is very true -a doctor does not need to have cancer to treat a patient with cancer and clearly you are able to offer your clients from NASA a benefit as well without you yourself being a NASA engineer. I also read in ErikaTew's blog that she feels that a one can lead another in a direction as long as they have some prior knowledge of what lies in that direction. I would tend to think that in some instances however it is better, not to say it is impossible otherwise, but is more beneficial to both parties if the practitioner has walked down the path him/herself. This is for the personal testimony factor...If I am going to propose a client try something out, I want to also be able to offer them testimony to the benefits of the practice and perhaps a little of what the experience will be like. I guess all in all it is not completely 'necessary' to have practiced it myself.
Great Post!
--Catie
Good for you that you have been able to find time in your busy schedule to meditate. I am sure that it is very beneficial for you as a whole. I hope you continue to make time for yourself and the outcome of your total wellness.
David,
Your post really touched my heart. When talking about your grandfather it is exactly how i feel everyday. I never stop thinking about him and on days i noticed the sky is really grogeous out and teh sun is shingin bright i know hes up there making that sun shine bright.
Hi David,
Again a very enlightened post! I agree with you in some respects as to the saying, but feel that it does not mean literally. I think is a general as to having experience in things similar to be able to help others, not necessarily having cancer but having known someone or having been educated in that area. I also do not believe that you have to have had cancer to help someone that is going through cancer. You only need a loving heart and compassion. Again, great post!
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