Unit 7

After listening to "Meeting Aesclepius" I realize that it is important to incorporate some sort of mindfulness or meditation into my every day life. As I read through the book I highly enjoyed Dacher's description of people going to the temple of Aesclepius and how they obtained health and wellness. I realize that adding meditation into my life every day has reaped positive benefits. I find that when used periodically through out the day even if its for 10 or 15 minutes or for 30 minutes it helps me regain focus of my mind, and helps me wind down from my day. Recently when I had to put a long time pet of mine to sleep it helped me remain positive and not become absorbed with grief. I had moments of sadness, but it helped me see the whole picture and how it was the best decision I could have done. It also helped me realize that with life comes death and death is not always a negative aspect. Death can be a healing in a sense.

The saying about the inability to lead when you have not been there itself is a simple one for me simply because it reminds me of saying "you can not judge without walking a mile in their shoes." It can be very hard to be understanding of someone who is struggling with an issue they want to change when you yourself have not struggled with that issue. It also reminds me that things are easier said than done. I feel this is important for a health and wellness professional because they need to be sensitive of others who come to you and may be apprehensive about your ability to help them. I also feel that it is important to be a good example to your clients and be able to practice what you preach. I feel that applying these to my life will help me remain optimistic and calm when dealing with issues that I myself may not be familiar with.