This phrase stated in Lawrence George’s article “Transformation of the Healer: The Application of Ken Wilber’s Integral Model to Family Practice Medicine” (Schlitz, 2005) is most applicable to any health and wellness professional who might work with others in the capacity of guide to integral health. How can you possibly spend time mentoring someone if you’ve not experienced an internship of some kind?
This phrase references the inability of an individual to fully understand a set of circumstances or empathize with a situation if there is no reference point, meaning if they have had no prior exposure to such circumstance or situation. In the area of American medicine, specifically the method of medical care and the challenges both the system and those who practice within it face, the words are relevant to each person who has a hand in the care and healing of others.
As a person who intends to counsel others from a holistic perspective, I am professionally obligated to clients to have spent considerable time examining myself for strengths, weaknesses, bias, areas where I have a natural ability and interest (wherein I would have more to offer certain individuals) and things of this nature. Personally, I owe it to myself to be as prepared and well-rounded as is possible so as to enjoy my work. If I have provided myself the gift of an evolved emotional, spiritual and psychological perspective, I would certainly be in all the better place to help others sort out their difficulties and work on the areas of wellness that are keeping them from experiencing an improved day to day.
1 comment:
Hi,
I agree with that statement. I find that if I am to be the best teacher even though it isn't via a profession in health I am as we all are, teaching others by our example and if I am going to suggest to my daughter or a friend for instance that they could utilize this or that technique then I should at least have done the technique to see how it works and share my experience with them if they need would like to hear of my experiences so they know what to expect or not expect. I could never give them this insight if I had not had these particular experiences myself. Practice is what makes one great at something. I hope to learn face reading and apply it to my legal career and if all I ever did was book learning and never practiced reading various faces how would I know if what I am 'reading' is accurate or the most accurate? Without practice I would never know I would just assume I can face read. Thanks for your insightful postings this term I enjoy your blog! Liz Hobby
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