I truthfully am not sure how I felt about this exercise, I will continue to use it this week and see what it brings, I was able to focus on the narrators voice and follow her guided steps but perhaps I was too focused? Following the periods of silence when she would start to talk again I would be so concentrated that it would actually startle me, I do not know if this is from being too focused or perhaps just my nerves being on edge this week. I have noticed that this past week as things have become increasingly challenging life and stress wise that I find myself stopping and taking a few moments to breathe and refocus and this has been a great help. Normally I would have had some type of emotional explosion by now but with using what I have learned over the last several weeks I am able to find my calm before a storm begins to rage.
When we talk about the phrase "One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself" I believe that this statement reflects one similar that we use often and that is in reference to saying we need to walk the talk. Basicly saying that we cannot advise those we want to help about healthy practices if we ourselves are not active in healthy practices. I completely agree that we have an obligation to develop our own total health and wellness so that we can set a positive example for those we work with. If I tell a client about the importance of using the negative energy to turn it into positive energy and they see me out somewhere being overly negative to someone rather than practicing what I preach so to speak, that I truly believe can do more harm then good in a therapeutic relationship. By not being aware of my own level of health I put those around me that I am trying to help in jeopardy.
Be blessed this week my friends and remember to stop and breathe once in awhile :)
Amy,
ReplyDeleteI too found myself startled once the narrator started speaking again. I believe my issue was that I was a bit more tired then I should have been when trying this exercise. I did enjoy the second half, when it had us focusing on the love and kindness of the person we were focusing, and that is when I was startled.
What I have started doing at work when tensions start rising is to excuse myself, and I step outside to get a breath of fresh air, a moment of sunshine and an opportunity to reflect. It has made a world of difference. I actually smiled and laughed while at work yesterday. That has not happened in weeks, and I also have not had a "storm" this week.
Great job and keep it up!!
Julie Couillard
I too have used these exercises in my daily life to help get through those challenging and stressful times. The more we engage in these the better we will be able to handle the stress. Stress can bring a person down, the steps we take to reduce the amount of stress, the better off we will feel.
ReplyDeleteI truly believe that by being a good role model we have to lead by example. How can patient's put their trust in us, if we are not leading our lives by the education and direction we are providing to our patients? Its important to be a positive role model for our future generations!
Barb Engel
Amy,
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you find yourself stopping to breathe and "incorporate" these practices into your life subconsciously. I know for myself, it is simply remarkable to me to realize that I am actually "doing it" and not just going through the motions. If my mind is taking me to this place and practice without my urging maybe I am actually accomplishing something!
Also, I do think the pauses here were a bit long this time, although no different from when we first practiced this exercise. I think I "sunk" deeper in and allowed myself to let go a bit more and et my mind do the work it needed to do without so much interference from my brain. Having experienced this I feel confidant in advising clients of this tendency and hope they do not get discouraged.
Blessings,
Christine M. Campanella Dixon
Hello Christine,
ReplyDeleteI am having a hard week; your write-up helped me realize I needed help from someone wiser than myself. I felt a lot of anger with balancing school and my personal life. I looked for an outlet and this class gave me a positive forum. life is not always fare or what you expect it to be, so just strive to learn then lead. I always think I have the answer when it come to other's hardships, but not when its my own life. I love meditation techniques because stress use to rule my life totally, now I seem to be able to get a head start and make it passed the finish line. Faith, guidance, and leadership are what helped me through this week. I am grateful to be in this class with other leaders who also guide me.
Christine,
ReplyDeleteIt's really good when life gets tough to take a step back and regroup. It really helps with mental clarity and to be able to think rationally. I think that the exercises we have learned over the last few weeks how to positively react to certain situations and to relax a little more. I hope things get better for you!