Meeting Aesclepius
This week's exercise was really hard for me at the beginning of the unit. I imagined my grandmother, who is still alive, and one of the most amazing women I know. She is full of wisdom and kindness for others. Imagining her was not difficult, but it did bring a bit of sadness. One reason is that she lives far away, and I have not seen her in quite some time. Another is that her wisdom has come with a price. I know that her life has been full of difficult experiences, which have helped her grow into the person she is. It saddens me she went through all of that, though. By the end of the week, I was able to see that everyone goes through something that makes them who they are. I had a peaceful feeling at the end of the exercise the last few days. I'm not sure I felt that I became her, but I honestly hope someday I am more like her. =)
"One cannot lead another, where one has not gone himself"
I think that this quote is simple, and yet profound. You cannot begin to explain some of the more complex things in life without having gone through the experience. I think that it is important to work on strengthening your own mental, physical, and spiritual health before telling someone else to do it. When I started this class I was skeptical and cynical about some of the things I was reading in the book. After a few weeks, I began to see how these exercises and assessments can be beneficial. I have learned a lot about myself, and will continuously strive to do better. I can assess what areas I need to work on, and put a plan in place. When working with patients, I think it is important to be able to guide and encourage them. It's sort of like going to the doctor and listening to him lecture you on smoking cigarettes, but he smells of smoke himself. There is little credibility if he does not practice what he preaches to his patients.
Ryan,
ReplyDeleteI was in the same boat. I wasn’t really sure what to think of some of the exercises and skepticism filled my thoughts as well. It was only after participating, and being very open with myself that I felt relief and a sense of well-being growing inside.
I am still trying to become better about silencing the mental chatter that overcomes me all too often, and I will say that the subtle mind practice comes in very handy in the mornings when the stress response starts to arouse me from my slumber. I have been fixated on giving off the loving-kindness vibe everywhere I go, and I feel more unified and vibrant from doing so.
I realize that committing to the daily practice can be challenging, but well worth a few minutes of my time. Opening these new doors to integral healing has been very exciting for me. I hope you continue to embrace this new found realm of healing as well. Best of luck!
Thanks for commenting! =)
ReplyDeleteI love the subtle mind practice. I have ADD so my mind feels like it wanders faster than I can keep up with sometimes, but acknowledging the thoughts and then returning to the breathing helps. I've found that sometimes things that are bothering me subconsciously sneak up when I'm working on subtle breathing. I sort of take note, and come back to them later to resolve the issue.
I think that is really great that you imagined your grandmother, and although it is sad she is far away and experienced some trying times, you realize that it is those situations that have made her the amazing and wonderful woman she is today. "That which doesn't kill us only makes us stronger" Now if you ever have a moment where you need yourgrandmother's wisdom, you can do the meditation and have her right next to you in spirit.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with you that for someone to be effective in their processes of helping people they themselves need to have gone through experiences that have changed thier lives spiritually and emotinally.