Unit 7

"Meeting Asciepius"

I am so glad I have been participating in these exercises over the last few weeks; they have given me the strength and endurance I needed to complete "Meeting Asciepius." this particular track hit me profoundly hard. I envisioned my grandfather who passed away in 2002 from complication from cancer. There he was in my mind smiling, laughing, and lively. He was exactly how I remembered him before the tubes, machines, suffering, and sadness which had overtaken him in his last few months of life. The voice suggested a white light to surround him, which was easy to imagine because it felt right to see him enveloped in a heavenly, angelic glow. I was rather receptive to his beams of light penetrating my mind, words, and heart. I truly wanted his same kindness, compassion, and loving ways to fill me. This experience was emotionally charged and cause tears to roll down my cheeks. I thought at first they were tears of sadness, but afterwards when I looked back I think they were garnered out of happiness of fond memories of a great man. Although, I did not get to touch him in the physical sense, my soul felt warmed and uplifted as though his presence was with me. Such a wonderful and humbling exercise; not at all what I was anticipating.

Each day, I take and write down thoughts which flood my brain, and then after my physical workout, I take 20 minutes to do my contemplative exercise. I go to my bedroom and turn my cell phone on silent, turn off the lights, and I sit on my bed. Then I close my eyes and try to focus on my breathing and clearing my mind. After a few minutes, i try to bring loving-kindness thoughts into my mind. I am not always proficient in attaining or keeping in focus for long periods, but I do keep with it until the alarm goes off. I am beginning to have more patience with those in my and when I start to feel negative about myself or my situation, I just think about the limitation, circumstances, or grievances of others. It is then I remind myself of my blessings and all the things in life for which I do have to be grateful. I am becoming more grounded and resilient at the same time.

The saying: "One cannot lead another where one has not gone by himself" simply means not to advocate a path in life to another when one has not soiled his feet upon similar ground. It is unwise to promote mental, physical, or spiritual flourishing to someone, when you have not experienced it yourself. As a respected professional, clients will need your guidance and will come bearing questions similar to that of a curious child. I do not think you can effectively answer questions or relay the true benefits without having your own story to share or experience to draw upon. A great professional relationship and rapport can develop through honest personal testimony and a strong desire on both parties for client goal attainment. I am doing my contemplative breathing exercises to train my psyche for growth and development; which I hope will provide me more wisdom, compassion, and patience. My spirituality is blooming, although slowly, but I am enjoying attending church and the connections I am making with some of the individuals who also attend. I want to open myself up to making new friends and getting involved with some of the activities the members perform outside church; great fellowship and opportunities to help others.