Unit 8

The two exercises I found the most beneficial are the breathing/visualization and Loving Kindness exercises. I can utilize the breathing techniques at work when I am feeling stressed. Take a few moments and just calm myself before moving on. The visualization exercises were fairly easy for me to do, and I feel very relaxed afterwards. The Loving Kindness exercise allows you to share these positive feelings with others. I can radiate these feelings to my family, coworkers and patients. By looking at the bright side, and focusing on the positive others tend to follow.
Shartyse

Meeting Asclepius

This week I really struggled with the exercise. I was unable to concentrate long enough to achieve much of anything. I kept having to refocus on my breathing and eventually gave up. I have had a lot on my plate this week, so i think I was unable to turn off my mind. We had the Make A Wish Foundation visit for our son, work, and the large project due in my other course all took its toll and I was unable to concentrate on anything else. I will continue to try as I believe this exercise will be beneficial. As for the quote from this week "One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself,"I believe that it rings true. I grew up in a family of alcoholics and I still find it hard to understand what their thought process was at the time, but I remember that my grandfather always said you can't help unless they want to be helped. I think that this is the reason that programs like AA are beneficial because the are surrounded and supported by people who have been in the same place and situation. The people understand where they are coming from and can relate to the struggles they are having. When I read this quote I remembered the phrase, "before you judge me, walk a mile in my shoes," this seems fitting and relates back to the quote from this week. I can utilize this in my work by not judging others for the illnesses they present with. I do not know there story, and I should keep my judgements to myself, and do what I became a nurse to do: help those in need. In regards to the health professional "practicing what they preach," I think it is beneficial for the nurse/client relationship if the caregiver also displays a healthy lifestyle. That being said, I do not think that the health professional should be judged for their habits either. It may sound hypocritical, but I think we all have our vices and neither one is better than the other. The healthcare professional is held to a higher standard, but I think this is part of the stress of the profession.
Shartyse