As I've said several times, I do not find visualizing on command easy, particularly images of people. Therefore, I do not get much out of meditations where I am instructed to visualize a person...especially one that I have to conjure up with my imagination. I understand what we are supposed to experience, this just isn't the right way for me to do it. I've been looking through some meditations on Youtube and found some to be more "my thing".
"One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself" means that you can not preach what you do not practice. You can't teach your patients about the effects of a quiet mind if you have never experienced it. If we have proof (and I think we do) that there are positive health effects of self-reflection then the medical community does have an obligation to at least make patients aware. Do I personally have an obligation to my patients to develop myself in this way? I'm not sure about that...I guess if you feel that I have an obligation to be thin, not smoke, etc. then yes....but while I may have an obligation to myself, I think that what I do with my personal life is personal. My obligation to my patients is to make sure that they are aware of practices that can bring them good health. I can direct them toward information if they are interested.
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI feel the same about some visualization practices, but not all. I was surprised, but I found this one easier than I expected. I also had to conjure up a person with my imagination, but somehow I new exactly what she should look like and it was easy for me to let this person merge and become me. I plan on doing this practice often.
I think I would feel like a hypocrite if I told my patients to do something or be a certain way and didn't do the same for myself. I understand that that everyone needs different things at different times, but for general lifestyle and healthy practices, then I will certainly feel obligated to walk the talk.
Elizabeth
Hi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI found this exercise a little easier than it sounds like you did. I actually envisioned my grandfather, who passed away in 1973. Although I was only 5 when he passed, this practice, because of the many pictures I have of him allowed me to connect to him and it was a very powerful experience.
I like what you said about obligations versus awareness. It is difficult to determine who should be at the forefront of thought when talking about patients vs. personal lifestyle. Do you change your current lifestyle every time you encounter a patient that has a different one than you? I would say no. Do you appreciate the patients viewpoint and can relate to that patient when you have experienced the same thing as them? I would say yes. I believe it all scenario based determining the answer.
Great post.
Scott
Thanks for posting. My inner life has become very important to me recently. But like you said Scott, I can not incorporate everything into my life that my patients may need. I feel my obligation is to at least have the knowledge to guide them to resources that can help them. Diet is one example, I know what a healthy diet consists of, but sometimes I like to eat stuff that is not good for me. Do I have to give up things I enjoy so that I can tell patients how they should eat? Not in my opinion. I feel that when I tell them what makes up a healthy diet, I am giving them information they need. Then it is up to them to make the decision.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way you do about the visualizing on command. I get hung up on whether or not it is working, etc. but I find I do (by accident) visualize what the exercise is asking for eventually. I just need to let go of worrying that I am not "doing it right." The most important thing I have learned from all of this is to take deep, slow breaths. I will keep trying with the visualizations since I have no trouble visualizing my worries! Those visions need some competition! :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on this exercise. It is almost impossible to relax and focus with all of the instruction and commands to visualize. It was different with previous meditation exercises, yet this was not enjoyable, or successful.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your posting and words describing your experiences and we are thinking a lot alike on this exercise. Best in health,
Brenda Tipp