I think of all the exercises we've done for this course, the Meeting Aesclepius meditative exercise was by far my favorite. When trying to visualize a wise mentor, for me, it was my mother (who passed away in September of 2011. I never had closure--she passed while I was at the ER with my daughter, and that's where I got the phone call). Doing this exercise gave me the greatest sense of inner piece that I've eve known. I could feel her love for me just completely surround me. And it was almost as if I could hear her voice inside my head, comforting me. I feel that whenever I feel overwhelmed, I can turn to this exercise--and, by extension, to her.
The saying, "One cannot lead where one has not gone himself" means that an individual cannot teach someone something that we ourselves do not know. For example, if I can't drive a car, it would be a waste of time for me to even begin to try to teach my daughter how to drive one. This especially applies to healthcare professionals--we would not want to prescribe a certain diet or exercise routine if we haven't done it ourselves.
As a healthcare professional, we do have an obligation to our clients to develop ourselves both physically, psychologically, and spiritually. We do with our clients as we would do with our children--we lead by example.
Theresa,
ReplyDeleteI visualized my dad. He died when I was 3 and never got to say good-bye. It's been hard not knowing him and trying to live without a father. Miss him though. I felt his love surrounding me and whispering that everything will be ok. I liked your example about the car. What do you do as a healthcare professional? Thanks for the post!
Angela, right now, I work in retail, not in the healthcare field. That's the reason I'm going to school--so I can get OUT of retail, and into a position in the healthcare field, so that I'm better able to support my kids (not that there's anything wrong with retail, but to be honest, $7.40 per hour is just not cutting it when trying to pay the bills, you know?)
DeleteHi Theresa,
ReplyDeleteThat is so sad you lost your mom, but I think it's wonderful that you picture her for the meditation and find this to be your favorite. I tried to use someone I knew at first, but then it wasn't working out quite well so I switched to an imaginary person. Anyway, I liked the exercise too, but just not the lady speaking and guiding me, I found it to be rushed actually! Anyway, I really like the example you provided about if you can't drive you shouldn't teach your daughter to. I believe just because we learn something, it doesn't mean we have what is fully required to lead someone. Education and experience are essential to being a good leader, and I am glad we both see that :-)
Hi Teresa,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear you had success with this exercise by visualizing your mother and being able to feel her love for you, this is great exercise you can do daily. These meditative practices when trying to visualize an individual who is important to you can really help you feel comfort and relaxation.
HI tERSA! Im sorry for your loss. Although, I hope this course has helped you cope with the loss of your mother and how to heal. I know that this course (and this blog) have been really healing for me with the meditation and practices!
ReplyDeleteGood luck to you!
Angie H.
Thanks, Angie. It's helped me, as well--I find that I've better learned how to cope with stress a lot better than I have been.
DeleteHi Teresa,
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for your loss. I visualized my girlfriend who passes away two years ago and like you this exercise gave me a great sense of peace. I agree that you can't really teach someone something you haven't done or experienced yourself. I have found that I enjoy learning and experiencing new things and have no intention of stopping once I get my degree. There are so many things that I have learned from this class that I want to find out more about and see if I can achieve a deeper sense of peace in my life.
Heidi
I visualized my greatest teacher who passed away last week. I feel that sometimes the visualization of a deceased love one helps in the healing process. I sought out Grandmother Morning Star's guidance for reassurance more often than not, and I really wish I'd have listened more to her. Anger and fear were my biggest enemies growing up, and she saw me suffer through that, but she always told me that I wasn't alone. The inner calm is mine alone, however, and she told me that she cannot fight this battle for me. It is said that there are two wolves within us all ( a Native American analogy). One grows wise, patient, happy, healthy, and compassionate. The other grows foolish, hasty, angry or sad, sick, and self-centered. Which one will you feed? Finding your inner calm is the longest, and toughest battle that we ever have to face. I applaud your progress, my friend. You are one step closer.
ReplyDeleteHi Teresa, I am so sorry for your loss and how hard that is regardless and especially without having any closure at all. I am glad you were able to find some comfort in this exercise. I had a similar experience only I visualized my great-grandmother. I know exactly what you are describing, the sense of connection to her during the exercise was unreal. It is nice to discover this way that we can reconnect with those we have lost whenever we would like to, I know I will certainly be turning to this exercise again in the future.
ReplyDelete