Aesclepius was an epic failure for me. I was starting to connect with the person that I imagined and then my mind was flooded with thoughts of my very elderly parents and all the clean up and major repairs they have to do as a result of Sandy. I kept trying to push this from my mind and focus on my wise person, but I kept becoming overwhelmed with thoughts that I was being selfish trying to find my inner healer when so many that I love are faced with such devastation.
I feel that if I listen to this at another time when things are more settled I will benefit from it. I just found it very difficult to think of myself when my home town filled with family and friends were dealing with something so much more profound.
Describe the saying: "One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself"
I feel that this means that you can not teach someone something that you have not already learned. I do feel that it is important for me to practice what I am preaching to my clients (when I have some). I think it is hypocritical to tell patients how important psychological and spiritual development is so important to their health if I am not trying to develop my self in these ways.
I can implement psychological and spiritual growth by conitnuing daily practice of meditation and by trying various forms of meditation to see which type I can benefit from the most.
Rose
I think a lot of us had the people affected by Sandy in our minds and hearts this week. I think it is important to give ourselves time for our own reflection. It helps us become healthier for the people we love and want to help.
ReplyDeleteAs for the quote I agree that it is important to "practice what you preach", escpecially if we are in the field of health & wellness. I think that by at least trying something before we recommend it is ideal although we know the outcome is different for everybody. I think that if we try something & we receive no benefit it should not deter us from recommending it to someone else, for they may receive the benefit.
Good post!
Rose, I totally understand how you could find it difficult to focus on anything besides the devastation that affects your family and friends. I think it will be easier, eventually, when it isn't so fresh for you. It's important that we take time to reflect and be thankful that they didn't lose their lives in the aftermath. I understand how you would feel guilty, but remember that you can pray for them and be a support for them, while keeping yourself at peace. Does that make sense? I am praying for you and your family, as well.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with you that we have a responsibility to do what we ask our clients to do. If we aren't willing to, what right does that give us to dictate to them? I believe that the journey we take our clients on should be one of a "tour guide". Tour guides have taken the tour, they've been down the same/similar path, and they know where the pitfalls and traps are. I want a tour guide who knows where to go because they have already been there. :))
Great blog!
Rose,
ReplyDeleteI want to start off by saying I am sorry to hear about your family, friends, and home town. I can not imagine what they are going through and must say I can totally relate with you on the exercise as I have a very sick family member that kept crossing my mind and I felt guilty thinking of myself.
I agree that we should practice what we teach and preach other wise we are simply walking through the day as fake and hipocrits. If one can not practice psychological and spiritual growth then they certainly should not expect their clients to do so either.
Things can be difficult especially when you have so much on your mind. I know how hard it can be to not worry, not fear, and not have to think about is going on around you, especially within your family. My father is currently having issues with his leg, my mother is still battling several health issues, and for me it's difficult to meditate without thinking about them. Everything I do is difficult without thinking about them. This is a challenge that we face, and we must overcome it to be able to fully experience the exercise. We know that we have to learn to control our emotions and to be able to withstand distractions such as those, but it's difficult because you love them and want to be there for them. What I can say is that you should focus on them, help them anyway you can, and get yourself to the point where you can once again focus on yourself, rather than attempting to just outright focus on yourself through this exercise; you have to have a clear mind to be able to reach toward spiritual healing and mental healing, so as long as there's things bogging you down, you need to take care of those things. I hope things go well for you and your family!
ReplyDeleteRose,
ReplyDeleteI am sorry for all that your family and friends are going through. This devastation is awful and its no wonder that is your focus, it would be mind as well. My advice would be like that of Pam. In order for you to be there emotionally for those who are victims of this storm, you should consider taking some time to focus and center so you can aid in alleviating their suffering. I know this is easier said than done, it would be for me as well. You and your family and community are in my thoughts.
Brandy
Hi Rose,
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry to hear about your family being a victim of Sandy. I too live on the east coast, but by the time it made it to Vermont, I think it lost most of it's gumption thankfully. Last year however we were hit really hard from hurricane Irene. Anyway, I generally have a hard time focusing with meditation. I hope that you can go back however and do it and find it to be productive for you. Like Brandy said above me, it might be better if you are emotionally sound so that you can be there for your family in their time of need. I really do hope things get better for them and you!
-Megan