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 31 May 2007 @ 14:49
Everyone needs appropriate encouragement-
As I have been discussing in my Learning to Learn & Play with Children blog, it is essential to support children with what Ashley Montagu describes--"Appropriate Encouragement." Dr. Montagu beautifully describes this concept as follows for all ages:
"Babies are new to themselves, and all that surrounds them is novel. Children of all ages feel much the same way; it is a feeling and a view of life that can last a lifetime. To see the world always with a fresh eye means that one brings encouraging things to every experience a habit of feeling, of experiencing, a not-taking-for-granted the everyday scene, but finding something new in each time one encounters it. And this can only come about naturally by encouraging the child, at every age, to be interested, curious, and experimental minded. This is what babies and children are, and what all humans are capable of being all of their lives, if only they receive the appropriate encouragements." (Montagu, p. 222)
I believe that Professor Montagu is one of our most outstanding human development specialists, yet few professional social workers and allied health professionals are aware of his contributions to understanding and applying his concepts of "neotenous traits." I wrote a previous article introducing these 26 basic needs that are so very important for the development of the child and for the adult to maintain and support throughout his/her evolution.
All of these basic needs are elegantly described in Growing Young and in this article I am focusing on the importance of teachers, families, care givers and other adults to support and encourage this basic need for children to sustain their interest, curiosity, and experimental mind throughout their lifetime. It appears that many children in our schools are abandoning this requirement for healthy living as they enter secondary schools and become more like or emulate adults. There are many reasons for this, but perhaps if we could be more enthusiastic about our children's work while continuing to encourage them and support their interests they would continue to improve, learn and advance their knowledge and skills.
I have found that using photography and theatre offers a great means for children to learn to express themselves and also provides encouragement for them while sharing their creativity with others. This past weekend, Ariana introduced her art work with us. Daeja, her younger sister and I, served as photographers. We posted this short introduction on Google Videos so do let her know about your impressions of her work and you can apply this concept and contribute "appropriate encouragement."
[link] More >
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 5 Apr 2007 @ 14:31
Dear friends and Team Members,
I want to thank everyone for your contributions to our Las Cruces Health Promotion Team with Elders during the past year (April 1, 2006-April 1, 2007). We certified 65 team members and gave 2,445 stressouts in our 4 health centers and nursing homes during this past year. This is very impressive and I'm sure that we have contributed to the health and wellbeing of our participants and wider community.
These figures do not include the 90 caregivers who participated in our stressout program during the City-wide Conference. Also, the LC In-home Care Program includes the stressout as part of their daycare program with Alzheimers so their clients receive the stressout regularly. Our BSW students gave stressouts every Tuesday morning during this Sp 07 term, along with Christy with these participants.
It is great that our College of Health & Human Services -social work, nursing and health science students-- are all represented and working together in our touch program. Our elder team members, Ann and Elizabeth, are the pillars of our organization and they are to be commended for giving stressouts every week at Mesilla Park and East Side Centers. Our goal is to have at least 2 team members in each diabetic clinic.
During the next few months, Francesca and her staff will be introducing and teaching our program with nursing home staff and in the Fall Semester, we are hopeful that nursing and social work students and others will continue to join with us in our outreach activities.
Finally, as one of our students mentioned today during our stressout program at Good Samaritan..." I felt as though I was receiving much more energy in return for giving the stressout." Integrative Health Forum
Cher, thank you for maintaining our records and for supporting our teams. Aurora, you are a great strength. Nice going.....best wishes to you all as we start a new year and continue to advance safe, skillful and nourishing touch with our elders, families, friends and others. You are wonderful.
Jerry
PS Please feel free to add anything you wish with this report as I love to hear about the many experiences our team members and participants have while giving touch. I have not included the skillful touch given by our global team members, but will add them as comments as they arrive.
15-Minute StressOut Program More >
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 14 Mar 2007 @ 22:00
As Dr. Luce says, it is not the years themselves that diminish us. It is the way we have learned to live them, giving up a little of our true selves at each step. In our culture we lack a tradition of self-development for the elderly: what we have instead is a tradition of not-so-benign neglect and uselessness. This is supported by the established mythology relating to aging. (p.203, Growing Young, Ashley Montagu)
This is an update on our teams in southern New Mexico and west Texas who are giving our 15-Minute StressOut Program in health clinics and nursing homes regularly. Two of our team leaders from our New Mexico State University, Social Work with Elders Class report on our "StressOut Forum" on their recent experiences introducing our program in nursing homes with Alzheimer residents.
I am so very proud of our students, seniors, nursing faculty and the staff of nursing homes for their courage in giving safe, skillful and nourishing touch with their residents and in our health clinics. As we know, touch has been forbidden in most education, health and human service programs for fear of abuse issues, but our program is given openly with large groups receiving it, so there is no possibility of anyone straying from our guidelines.
Jerry
You and I have talked, and we know where we each stand on things. Whatever minor differences we may have on certain issues, I gotta hand it to you -- your Stress-Out program is a huge success at Good Samaritan. Today, we (Sharieffa, Robin, Marybeth, Crystal, you and I) did the massage with a small group of Alzheimer's residents in the Special Care Unit (SCU).
Later in the day, after you guys had gone, the head of the SCU came up to me, totally unsolicited, and asked if we could do that on a very regular basis (maybe every week). She had been a bit skeptical last week, but today she said she was amazed at the results, and that she had never seen all of them so calm at this point in the day.
Also, the Activities Director for the rest of the Good Sam population has already scheduled another Stress-Out for this Wednesday; I almost didn't find out. She said she was so impressed with the results from last time, that she also wants to make it a regular thing, using the girls that work with her, and any certified person who wants to come help.
So anyway, this will clearly be a lot more than just once a month as originally planned. I'd like to invite anyone from class to come help out on Stress-Out days (I'll let the class know when they're happening. One is this Wednesday.)
Also, I know you left the music CD with me, but they were still playing it hours later in the SCU, and I was told by the head of the unit that she kept it on because she felt it had a very beneficial, calming effect on the residents. So, I just let them keep it!
Seth
Linda Schaberg, RN, is instructor for our New Mexico State University,
community health nursing class that provides "stressouts" in our city of Las Cruces diabetic clinics and offers training programs for seniors and care-givers to learn how to give our chair type massage. Linda responds to Seth's message and this research article:
I am happy to read this article because I can see that researchers are starting to listen to others about the subject of touch. Here is America we have gotten so far away from touching others that we are now probably the most untouched society on the face of the earth. I have always believed in the power of touch and what it can do for someone who is hurting, sad, lonely, and deteriorating in a nursing home environment. We have gotten to the point that we cannot touch children or someone will say we are molesting them. It is my hope that we who are in favor and excited about the power of touch can turn America back to when it was ok to hug a child, and touch someone without there being some hidden meaning behind the touch. I believe this will lessen sickness, loneliness, will ease pain and promote healing in a way that has never before been seen in the medical profession. With the researchers and the medical profession recognizing the power of touch perhaps we can return healing touch to the healthcare profession where it can be utilized by those who are the recipients as well as those who will be providing it.
Thank you so much for what you are teaching us about the power of touch and how it can be used to promote well care instead of the sick care we have been dealing with for so long.
Linda
Just when we think it can't get any better, Cat, our team leader for the Alamogordo, NM stressout team, shares her team experience with giving our program with Alzheimer residents in this community:
The elders and the employees at Casa Arena (in Alamo) are also very responsive to the Stress-Outs. I have to admit, in the beginning, I was a little skeptical about the impact that we would have on the individuals that we would be working with. It’s hard to believe, but I immediately saw the positive impact that we had and could potentially continue to have in the future. The experience that opened my eyes was real encouraging for me.
I was working with one woman, Ms. Anita (an Alzheimer patient), and I was trying to engage her in some friendly conversation, but she wasn’t responsive. In fact she specifically said, “I just want to relax.” So I respected her wishes and continued with the stress out. But she came around mid-way through. She began telling me of her childhood and how her dad would do wood working when she was a child. I am not sure what triggered such thoughts, but Ms. Anita was definitely happy. She was beaming as she recalled these pleasant thoughts. I know for a fact that it had something to do with the Stress-Outs. It allowed us to gain a connection—through the power of touch. It’s definitely moving to be able to lift the spirits of others and make them feel better.
To my fellow classmates, please continue to keep up the hard work. I know that it is hard with all of the commitments that we have and our busy schedules, but this is of great value for both the giver and the receiver. Our work does not go unnoticed or and it is greatly appreciated. : )
Cat
As a global project with the New Civilization Network , we are continuing to advance the use of touch with elders and to serve as a model program for other communities around the world to hook up with us. Together we will help to improve the quality of lives, health and relationships for all those we serve and touch. Do join us. As one of my teachers so aptly put it: "Don't wait for the bus, it may never arrive."
Shortly after posting this log, I received an excellent note from one of our other team leaders in Alomogordo, NM who has been giving 'stressouts' with Altzheimer's patients in nursing homes. This is her experience as she describes it:
Dear Friends,
Alzheimer's is a very sad disease. Just knowing there is no cure and for those who have this dreadful disease no hope for a future. As I have been working in the nursing home giving stress outs to people with Alzheimer's I have become more aware of it's devastating effect on a person.
I know there is no cure but I do believe that the touch we have been giving to those we have been working with has made them feel a little more alive that they did before we started. I saw a lady who had not been talking very much start talking and telling me all about her childhood. She then told another worker all about dancing and having fun. It was good to see her come as alive and alert as she could. She told us that she was having a very good day and that she was very happy. That made us happy as well.
I truly believe that touch can alleviate some of the effects of the disease and can make the remainder of the lives of those with the disease more comfortable and tolerable. It reminds me of the song of years past, "Reach out and touch somebody's hand and make this world a better place if you can". We can and we should!
Linda
I only wish that I could post more pictures of our participants, but we don't want to do it without their permission. However, we are now giving over 150 stressouts a week with our elders in nursing homes, health clinics, in-home care and other elder and caregiver programs.
Do visit our homepage for more information about how you can become certified and team member in your community.
15-Minute StressOut Program & Health Forum
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 11 Feb 2007 @ 22:34
"Much of our aging, in the negative sense of reduced capacity , is a result of conditioning rather than actual limitation. It is our evolutionary destiny, Montagu says, to lengthen childhood and rescue ourselves from our "mature" ways--before it is too late." (Ashley Montagu, Growing Young).
Growing Young should be required reading for adults, social workers, teachers, parents, elders and other health related professionals. Dr. Montagu describes our development and evolution as human beings as growing in phases rather than of stages as Erickson and others claim. He makes a good case for this, as in stages, as Erickson suggests, one stage has specific challenges that must be met before the child can grow effectively into the next stage. For example, he identifies "Basic Trust" as the first developmental stage related to the quality of nourishment the infant receives from mother and if frustrated or neglected during this early stage, the infant psychologically becomes mistrustful and begins to doubt his/her relations in the world.
On first or second glance, this so called "crisis approach" appears to make sense. However, I believe this crisis is more analytical and built around a psychology model that is limiting in its observations and enlarged with a labeling characteristic that psychiatrists and other clinical professions have adopted to make human development or lack there of, a disease model. In other words, if you don't make it through the stages of development successfully, you are ill, stuck and in need of repair.
[link]
Dr. Montagu's thesis in this book is that, "as a consequence of the unique evolutionary history of our species, we are designed to fulfill the bountiful promise of the child; to grow and develop as children, rather than into the kind of adults we have been taught to believe we ought to become." So many of our adult models today are played out in competetive sports and aggressive dramas on tv and in media ads.
By this it is not intended to mean that we are programmed to remain arrested at childhood stages of development, but that we are, by every confirmable measure, designed to continue, throughout our lives, to grow and develop in the traits so conspicuously exhibited by the child. p.121, (Montagu, Growing Young)
Furthermore, it is evident by many observers that we are driven to achieve our best possibilities from birth through all of the phases of becoming a complete and healthy human being. (Professor Montagu defines health as our ability to love, to work, to play, and to think soundly.) "It is the frustration of the child's needs by his incompetent socializers that is principally responsible for the behavior attributed to innate depravity." And, he clearly points out that all the terms related to child development -- fetus, baby, infant, child, adolescent, maturity and old age--are arbitrary concepts with loosely related definitions.
Dr. Montagu is a remarkable and astute observer of human development and has a message for us as adults, especially for those of us identified as old, retired, and stuck in our 'ways.' He reminds us of the healthy attributes that are supposed to be given up as we mature and 'grow older.' In other words, stop enjoying life, laughter, play, learning and adventuring--leave your curiosity and love for life in your playpen.
For me, in addition to learning about "neotaneous drives or needs," he provides us with a more complete description of healthy development. Each of these needs is described so beautifully that we can appreciate the child within us rather than desiring to eliminate this spirit being. I suspect our schools and other institutions that are engaged in teaching and learning programs for children are not familiar with these drives and basic needs. Or, perhaps the adults have failed to "make the equal" with the kids so their relationships are maintained at a superficial level. Why else would our young people (and teachers) be so unhappy in these prison like systems and feel like just ..."Another Brick in the Wall?" (Pink Floyd)
Beyond the usual basic human requirements for living are introduced to us (food, clothing, shelter, touch or physical interaction, sex , fresh air, water, etc) these 26 additional needs will nourish us throughout our lives:
1. The need for love (The child is born not only with the need to be beloved, but with the need to love others)
2. Friendship
3. Sensitivity
4. The need to think soundly
5. The need to know
6. The need to learn
7. The need to work
8. The need to organize
9. Curiosity
10.The sense of wonder
11.Playfulness
12.Imagination
13.Creativity
14.Openmindedness
15.Flexibility
16.Experimental-mindedness
17.Explorativeness
18.Resiliency
19.The sense of humor
20.Joyfulness
21.Laughter and tears
22.Optimism
23.Honesty and trust
24.Compassionate intelligence
25.Dance
26.Song
Finally, as I started this brief discussion on human development and the development of our spirit child, I want to close by reminding us:
"To 'Grow Young' means to grow in our youthful traits, not to grow out of or to abandon them." We don't have many examples of healthy aging and healthy adults in our society, perhaps because of the forced requirements, beliefs and rules imposed by caregivers, teachers and parents. These impositions of adult related goals to "grow up" and become like them or like other conventional adults who arrived before us, has only worked against the healthy development of children and adults. As my grandkids would remind us: boring, boring, and boring.
If you wish to learn more about this outstanding scientist and remarkable human being, read this two part synopsis on all of his books, his philosophy, his discoveries and his love for humanity and our relationships, inside and out. [link]
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 30 Jan 2007 @ 11:07
Dear colleagues/team members and others following our Global Touch Project
"The goal of adulthood is not to grow up, but to develop what are considered childlike traits: the ability to love, to learn, to wonder, to know, to explore, to experiment." (Growing Young, Ashley Montagu)
We are off to a great start for our Spring term plan to move our stressout into nursing homes and other programs. Linda Schaberg's 9 NMSU senior Nursing Students started their orientation to our touch program on Wednesday and they are sharp and eager to give stressouts every week in Munson. They will also be conducting research and designing, promoting, and administering a training program for seniors interested in using or giving our nourishing touch.
I have the good fortune to have 25 senior, BSW students, enrolled in my Social Work Practice with Elders course and they are also enthusiastic and interested in learning to give our 'stressout' in nursing homes and other programs as well. We will have teams in El Paso, Alamogordo and Las Cruces providing training for staff and care givers in nursing homes with a special focus with Alzheimer's patients and residents.
Francesca, Imelda, and her staff are to be commended for taking the lead with our nursing home teams while Aurora will be actively involved in assisting us in recruiting and supporting our senior volunteers. Special thanks to senior volunteers -- Elizabeth for covering our Munson Health Center(Wed) and East Side Center(Thurs) and Ann for maintaining our Mesilla Park(Tues.) services. Also, many thanks to Cher for helping us with our setup in our senior centers and for her expert consultation.
On another note, Samantha is interested in providing stressouts with the battered, abused and neglected population and establishing a research component to determine our touch program's effectiveness with the healing and therapeutic processes. We will be exploring grants to support the project and also look to include university and community partnerships.
Finally, I have been invited to present our program for St. Andrews Episcopal Church (6:00-6:50pm), March 15. And, in April I will be giving a workshop for the El Paso Alzheimers' annual conference for caregivers. I would love to have our team members join with me in presenting these workshops.
Please forgive me if I left your name out of this message. Everyone is equally important and valued for contributing to our Las Cruces NM Health Promotion Team with Elders. We are One.
Thank you all for your support and for advancing our work with elders and others. Let's stay-in-touch.
Jerry
PS Here is an interesting research report on the use of acupressure.
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Acupressure May Help Dementia Patients
Small trial suggests it eases illness-linked agitation
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FRIDAY, Jan. 26 (HealthDay News) -- Regular acupressure treatment helps reduce agitated behavior in dementia patients, according to a small study by Taiwanese researchers.
Acupressure involves the application of pressure to certain points of the body.
This study of 20 dementia patients found that 15-minute acupressure sessions given twice a day, five days a week, led to noticeable improvements, including reduced wandering and less verbal and physical aggression.
During the sessions, each of five key pressure points was pressed for two minutes using three to five kilograms of pressure. The sessions lasted for four weeks. After the end of that treatment period, patient agitation levels started to increase again. That suggests that dementia patients require acupressure therapy on an ongoing basis, the researchers said.
The study is published in the February issue of the Journal of Clinical Nursing.
The findings have "important implications for the future care of dementia patients," study co-author Professor Li-Chan Lin, of the Institute of Clinical Nursing at National Yang-Ming University, said in a prepared statement. According to Lin, the study shows that acupressure "provides an effective option that, following training, can be carried out at home or in long-term care facilities."
"Agitated behavior in people with dementia is a major concern for caregivers. It can endanger patients and others, make it necessary for them to be moved from familiar surroundings and demoralize and psychologically distress caregivers," Lin noted.
"It is very important that we find interventions that enable us to provide more effective care for (dementia patients), both in their own home and in long-term care facilities," Lin said.
More information
The American Academy of Family Physicians has more about dementia.
(SOURCE: Blackwell Publishing Ltd., news release, Jan. 22, 2007)
Copyright © 2007 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.
HealthDayNews articles are derived from various sources and do not reflect federal policy. healthfinder® does not endorse opinions, products, or services that may appear in news stories. For more information on health topics in the news, visit the healthfinder® health library. More >
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 15 Jan 2007 @ 14:48
As our experience opens to wider perspectives, our senses, our bodies, and our consciousness become vibrantly alive. Patterns of craving and frustration give way to the flowing interaction with the process of living. All imbalances drop away, and whatever satisfaction or healing we need is provided naturally. This protection, this balance, this genuine self-sufficiency allows us to open to the endless possibility of each moment and to discover the richness and depth of all experience. (Tarthang Tulku, Openness Mind, p. 43)
As we begin a new academic season or semester, I think about how we can awaken our being and open our experience to learning from one another and ‘all that is.’ So often, the student is expected to focus on the teacher’s message and it matters not what else is taking place in the moment and in the classroom or internal environments. Obviously, this narrows and limits our psyche and our learning opportunities.
Learning is like health – it is a dynamic experience of wellbeing that is in relationship and interaction with our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual realms. Our senses, thoughts, feelings and energy are all involved in this process of learning. I have learned that we can develop the classroom and our minds as a laboratory for enriching our whole being. Our knowledge, skills, and values will come alive with enthusiasm, balance, and inspiration as we learn to open and calm our minds. It is for these reasons that I begin each class with physical exercises that include breathing and movement to generate vitality, sensory awareness, and emotional conditioning.
For example, often students arrive in class with excessively active minds and often with unbalanced emotions. As parents, especially moms, pre-school and morning routine includes having to awaken our children from deep sleep, get them dressed and their teeth brushed, find their back packs and school work, prepare their breakfast and sack lunches, get them loaded in the car, urge them to put on their seat belts and to stop fighting with one another, and escort them to the bus or drive them to their daycare or school.
Seems to me, our university students have a lot on their minds as they enter our classroom after going through these whirlwind activities. Furthermore, it’s hard enough finding a parking place, rushing to get to class on time, and trying to remember what their assignment is for this day. After all of this activity, it is no doubt that students have difficulty in focusing, learning, and enjoying their academic experiences. Thus, as teachers, we can prepare our students and our classrooms for higher learning, health and wellbeing. And, when our students enter and leave our classes, their body, mind, and spirit will be calm, aware, curious, and open.
Note: This brief article is attached to our course syllabus. More >
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 23 Dec 2006 @ 15:35
"Alternative to Disatisfaction" - For all their unhappiness, few people seem to question the basic patterns of their lives. (Tarthang Tulku, Knowledge of Freedom - Time to Change., p.4)
In a Student Forum, I posted a message that describes my position on labeling clients with the DSM (all versions). I don't think that any labels are respectful of clients. This classification system is virtually the only mental health program used by this broken system. Social workers for far too long have passively bought this model, 'hook-line and sinker.' There is no organizational effort that I am aware of to change these practices. This article is written as a protest to the violation of 'best practices' and ethical considerations with mental health related clients.
"The mission of the social work profession is rooted in a set of core values. These core values, embraced by social workers throughout the profession's history, are the foundation of social work's unique purpose and perspective:
o service
o social justice
o dignity and worth of the person
o importance of human relationships
o integrity competence.
This constellation of core values reflects what is unique to the social work profession. Core values, and the principles that flow from them, must be balanced within the context and complexity of the human experience."
We don't have to buy this harmful DSM program any longer. Let's organize and do what social workers do best--engage clients with dignity and respect.
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Dear Students and Colleagues,
Thanks for remembering my position on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV). I have talked with many students and faculty about this issue, especially students who fail the licensing exam because they have little interest in becoming mental health therapists. Several of us, also don't like the idea of putting a label or a negative distinguishing characteristic on our clients. Labeling may produce a stigma or a false impression about a person, thus misrepresenting their dignity and respect as a human being and potentially establishing a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Furthermore, while discussing this issue with mental health professionals, few if any have ever changed their diagnoses to "cured," so these labels apparently stick with the person for life. Seems to me, if this is true, this approach is not just, responsible or respectful. I wonder how many clients are told at intake, if they choose to use this service, they will be labeled for life as mentally ill, emotionally disturbed, personality disordered, bipolar, etc. And, their chances for ever running for public office are minimal.
These are just a few of my objections to labels. I realize that this is not the issue that you raise, but does give me an opportunity to throw up the 'red flag.'
Finally, if we wish to interact and discover the intrinsic nature of our clients and others, I suggest that we free ourselves of judgments, control and labels. By doing so, we experience the natural flow of empathy and compassion--a healthy relationship is the result.
Our Code of Ethics has described these measures for disclosing information:
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1.08 Access to Records
(a) Social workers should provide clients with reasonable access to records concerning the clients. Social workers who are concerned that clients' access to their records could cause serious misunderstanding or harm to the client should provide assistance in interpreting the records and consultation with the client regarding the records. Social workers should limit clients' access to their records, or portions of their records, only in exceptional circumstances when there is compelling evidence that such access would cause serious harm to the client. Both clients' requests and the rationale for withholding some or all of the record should be documented in clients' files.
(b) When providing clients with access to their records, social workers should take steps to protect the confidentiality of other individuals identified or discussed in such records.
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Perhaps the key to this is: "Social workers should limit clients' access to their records, or portions of their records, only in exceptional circumstances...."
It's good talking with you Tom from Canada. It has been some time since I've been active here, but learn much from the interactions of students and professionals.
I remember our extensive discussions on using safe, skillful and appropriate touch with individuals, couples, groups and communities. We are really doing well with our touch program and would love to invite my colleagues to visit our website and view our alternatives to these labels. [link]
Best wishes for a fulfilling and loving Christmas and New Year to All,
Jerry More >
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 15 Dec 2006 @ 03:13
Introduction
I was really taken with "D's" article on "Do Humans Deserve to be Saved" and in the followup discussions, I followed a link to: Pioneers of Change and decided to answer several of the questions.
I have always encouraged my children and grandchildren to freely and openly ask any questions that they wish. I often don't even know the answer to many of them, but together or alone, we will see what we can discover. I once asked one of my spiritual teachers: How do we know if we are telling our children the Truth? As I recall, he said that this is an important question that we must continue to ask ourselves.
Thus, I recommend that we 'Never' stop asking questions...in fact, encourage children and others to ask why, what, how, where and when? It is for this reason that I encourage others to examine this excellent resource related to WORK and to being creative.
I think it is worth my time and energy to respond to several of these 21 questions so that I can see what I can discover about my life's work and my professional experience as a Social 'Worker.' I will followup on this challenge by asking my students and children to do likewise, if they wish. Again, I am especially grateful for having visited Dianne's Homepage and finding this gem.
Expressing our Creativity Through Work
"But, now more than ever we need to wake up and recognize the limitations of our knowledge, not only for ourselves, but for the future of all human beings. During the last few decades, we have begun to direct our knowledge into channels which are pathways to destruction, endangering the survival of all forms of life on our planet. How can we free ourselves from this prison when the patterns bind us so tightly?" Tarthang Tulku, Knowledge of Freedom - Time to Change, p. 365.
I am going to start a conversation to myself on how I am enjoying and appreciating my Work. Perhaps, like many of you, I haven't always enjoyed my work for many reasons; however, as I get some distance from my work life it feels and looks so perfect. I made it what it is/was. As I become more mindful and aware, I see how my development as a human being--knowledge, wisdom, love and truth-- is directly related to learning how to freely express my nature, my skills, my courage and my whole being.
So these questions for me offer an assessment opportunity to examine my past, present and future in the "Domain of Work and Activities." 9 Domains by Oscar Ichazo
During my current meditations, I am examining thoughts that come from the past to the present--here and now. Also, I notice how I become attached to certain thoughts and make a big thing out of nothing, if you get the drift. In other 'words,' what makes one thought more valued and important over others. Why the obsession, pain and suffering that follows from these thoughts? So, "what we reap is what we sow." I like what one of my friends said about these mechanisms--"Give me a break, Just stop it."
Do join me if you wish to explore how creativity can flow out of our Work and Activities.
"Never Stop Asking Questions"
Questioning my Work
"A spirituality of Work questionnaire that flows from the themes treated in Matthew Fox's "The Reinvention of Work." Individuals or groups might examine their attitudes toward their work by answering the questions and then sharing answers. This sharing may provoke rich discussion and searching."
"Never stop asking questions"
1)"Do I experience joy in my work? When, and under what circumstances? How often? How can the joy be increased? How does this joy relate to the pain and difficulties of work?"
I feel joy when I go to Work. I think there is big Work and little Work. When I am doing Big Work, all my systems are in harmony. My mind is open. I am aware of my thoughts, feelings and interactions. I frequently observe my breath and notice the quality of my voice. Do I see myself in others? What makes me upset or angry? How do I react when I don't get my 'way?' Hmm, is there such a thing as, 'only my way?' Or, My way or no way?
I am happiest and most joyful when I am teaching and practicing social work. When I am with my grandkids I am probably in the point of joy and happiness with great feelings of love and fulfillment. We find ourselves laughing and freely associating without judgment--thoughts just come and go, much like good friends I cherish.
2)"Do others experience joy as a result of my work?
Directly? Indirectly? How can this joy be increased?"
This is another good question. "How can we spread our positive love and kindness in our Work?"
I directly spread joy by giving and introducing Stressouts in senior centers, classes, with the military and other social service agencies. Our senior health promotion team that includes social work and nursing students, senior volunteers and home care workers offer our touch program to all age groups, but we now have a special program to give our stressouts in all of the senior centers in our community. Also, several of our homecare professionals and Vista workers are giving healthy, nourishing touch with their homebound clients.
How can we increase this joy? We are organizing more training workshops in our community so that we can expand our volunteer network. On a global basis, I have organized our project to include other communities throughout the world. Do visit my blog and [link].
3)"Is my work actively creating good work for others?
How? How might this be improved? How does my work prevent other’s working?"
I think that I have answered, in part, this question; however, there is always room for improvement. We are especially wishing to recruit and train more senior volunteers for our outreach programs in nursing homes and other places that our elders are isolated and lonely. We have a homeless population that can benefit from our touch. We also can build a wider network of human service programs, schools and other resources to open up their minds and hearts. There is a basic fear of touch that dominate most professional education programs. We now have the NMSU School of Nursing and the NMSU School of Social Work who are introducing safe, skillful and appropriate touch with their students and faculty. I am also invited to health science and university courses for new students to present our program.
I do not see how our work prevents others from working, but perhaps some massage therapists may get the wrong impression when we 'give' free stressouts to our participants while they charge a fee for this service. I have introduced our program in some massage and physical therapy programs and have had full support of their faculty to continue our Work.
4)"Is my work smaller than my soul? How big is my soul? How big is my work? What can I do to bring the two together?"
Every time I touch another human being I am exchanging energy and expressing my love and compassion. One of our goals is to reach for the perfect touch with our partners and during our 'laying-on-of-hands' exercise, together we repeat the mantra-We Are One!
5) "Is my work real work or a job? Is it a vocation, calling, or role that the universe is asking of me? How do I know the answer to this question? How can I increase my awareness of the mystery and role my work plays in the work?"
My Work is both a vocation and a calling. As a professional social worker, I have always felt that my spirit is called to serve humanity as one body, mind and spirit. Now that I have designed a healthy and respectful touch program, I know for sure that there is a power of touch united with the vitality of breath that produces a deep body-mind relaxation experience for both givers and receivers.
"Without greater knowledge, we cannot be certain that our actions will not bring suffering to ourselves and others. Continuing to act unknowingly, we can only create more confusion and suffering in a world already overburdened with hopelessness and pain. On a national level, even well-intentioned actions can bring about the opposite of what we desire: serious imbalances in our environment and the heightening of tensions that endanger world peace and prosperity." (Tarthang Tulku)
As you can see from my reference notes, I strongly recommend that "Knowledge of Freedom" can be a very important resource for our helping and empowering professions. We can also ask ourselves and others another question: What will be the impact on others by making this decision or creating this action?
This article is adapted from my Blog: Learning to Learn and Play with Children
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 7 Dec 2006 @ 16:10
Free ourselves from fear-
"Jonathan Livingston Seagull discovered that boredom and fear and anger are the reasons that a gull's life is so short, and with these gone from his thought, he lived a long fine life indeed." Richard Bach
I remember some words of security from one of my spiritual teachers that made good sense to me and I have passed them on to my children and grandchildren. That is, don’t let the fear of God, Sex or Sin prevent you from developing, supporting or maintaining your courage to be your true self.
One question is, “What is there to Fear?” Some of us still remember FDR’s Inaugural Address during the tough times of the Great Depression:
"So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself -- nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance."(FDR)
Yes, fear can paralyze us and prevent us from taking responsibility for ourselves and for taking "right action"- what is often referred to as “Mindfulness” in our lives to promote health, responsibility and freedom. Fear for many of us was and still is transmitted to us by our early care givers, our parents, teachers, other adults, peers, politicians and religious leaders. I believe that fear, ignorance and prejudice are all part of the same equation that make us incapable of fulfilling our dreams and aspirations for promoting and supporting a healthy, happy life for us and for our families.
I believe that we can acknowledge that the human being is a delicate creature as we literally have no real inherent self-defense, unlike our animals that have attributes to protect or defend themselves. We hopefully will use our mind to protect our physical being and secure our sense of trust, safety and security through proper exercise, nutrition, relaxation, work, activities and friendships. In other words, finding a balance in our lives physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually offers us the best possibility to be fully and securely human.
God is not to be feared!
So for me, my mind does not accept that God is to be feared. I view God as our Creator of all and everything. I accept that I am part of God and part of everything—we are one body, mind and spirit. I do not view my self or anyone or anything separate from 'All that Is'. Thus, to be fearful of God is to be fearful of all and everything.
Who in their ‘right mind’ would create such a division between us and our true nature? By recognizing our delicacy and insecurity as a human species, opens up vast opportunities for those in power and authority to manipulate the truth by deceiving us and by playing on our ignorance about ourselves, our emotions, our sensitivity and our unity. We see fear provoked every day by our politicians to build and continue to expand the largest military defense systems that our world has ever known, at the expense of the health, education and welfare of our global family and wider community.
I know that we can free ourselves of fear by taking one step at a time and learning more about ourselves, inside and out.
Note: This article is also included on my Delphi blogs: learning to learn and play with children More >
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 16 Nov 2006 @ 14:43
During the past six years we have accepted the behavior of bullies, especially Bush, Rumsfeld and Cheney. I think that we have had enough of this abuse and our election has demonstrated that it is time for change in leadership.
How can we improve our home, school, work place and neighborhood so that our environment is human centered -- loving, caring, nourishing, responsible and respectful?
Profile of a Bully
"Adult bullies, like their schoolyard counterparts, tend to be insecure people with poor or non-existent social skills and little empathy. They turn this insecurity outwards, finding satisfaction in their ability to attack and diminish the capable people around them.
A work place bully subjects the target to unjustified criticism and trivial fault-finding. In addition, he or she humiliates the target, especially in front of others, and ignores, overrules, isolates and excludes the target.
If the bully is the target's superior, he or she may: set the target up for failure by setting unrealistic goals or deadlines, or denying necessary information and resources; either overload the target with work or take all work away (sometimes replacing proper work with demeaning jobs); or increase responsibility while removing authority.
Regardless of specific tactics, the intimidation is driven by the bully's need to control others." [link]
Seems to me that we have far too many persons in authority who secure and maintain their position of authority by bullying, intimidating and controlling others. Children often learn to bully others by observing and experiencing authoritarian parents, teachers, coaches and others who lose control of their emotions and become abusive. We see many of these bullies in the sporting world. For example, most recently I observed Bobby Knight physically abusing one of his players on TV by forcing his player to look him in the eyes while talking to him.
These aggressive and controlling persons, rarely change behaviors, even after being fired from a previous position as head basketball coach at Indiana University for losing control and abusing his players. By the way, we must remind coaches that these players are also our students who we treat with dignity and respect. Personally, I believe that we should forget the old adage that professional athletes and coaches serve as good role models for our children. For most of them, winning means more to them than the lives of their charges.
Here are two extensive websites that describe a culture of bullies. We have all been associated with these controlling, angry and abusive individuals. I know that I have had supervisors who misused their positions of authority and created an environment of intimidation and fear. I think that these articles show how sinister these bullies can be and how we can identify or recognize them and learn to do something about improving our work place and our social environment. After all, our country, home, school and work place should serve as a safe sanctuary for learning, experimenting, developing, and creating our best possibilities as human beings. Obviously, when we do not feel safe and secure, our spiritual qualities, health and wellbeing are at risk.
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Note: This article was also published in my Blog-Learning to Play with Children[link] More >
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 21 Oct 2006 @ 15:36
I recently started a blog on my forum to discuss "Learning to learn and play with children--being like children -- honest, open, accepting and loving."
I have introduced some of these activities on NCN; however, my forum provides an outlet for me to directly engage and exchange ideas, plans, theories and more with my students so it is convenient to introduce some of my brief articles on Delphi Forums as well. [link]
In Montagu's book Touching, p. 5, Andre Virel, anthropologist and neurologist, describes the "internal nervous system":
Our skin is a mirror endowed with properties even more wonderful than those of a magic looking glass. The primeval mirror that envelops the ovum splits apart only to be swallowed up within itself. Then it reappears on the other side of the original fissure. The divided mirror that is the skin and nervous system combined thus ends up looking at itself, so to speak, resulting in a confrontation that stimulates a never-ending movement of images and the birth of what is aptly referred to as reflexive thought.
Dr. Montagu follows this beautiful passage by further describing the changes that take place:
On our skin, as on a screen, the gamut of life's experiences is projected: emotions surge, sorrows penetrate, and beauty finds its depth. Soft, smooth source of youth's vanity, skin later bears wrinkled witness to the toll of years. Radiant in health, it tingles to the affectionate touch.
Obvious to me is the importance of touch conveyed by Dr. Montagu and others who introduce us to the dynamic nature of our skin and its relationships to all of the other systems of our organism. After reading these chapters, I even grow to appreciate massage and touch even more.
In the following article learning to touch is introduced for infant bonding:
Touch from another human being can be a nourishing medicine or a damaging poison. Without words, we can show affection by giving a hug or by stroking a child's arm, or we can show disapproval by using our hands to restrain a child's hand. The importance of touch for a child with deafblindness is apparent. The child will use this sense extensively to develop communication skills, to help orient in different environments, and most importantly to connect socially with others. This article focuses on the power of gentle touching and suggests ways in which touch can make a positive change in your life and the life of your child.
What does caring and loving touch do for infants? It is a necessary part of developing attachment between the child and parents. It is the beginning of communication between you and your child. Because you make him feel secure, the child learns to trust you and develops an emotional tie to you. The child's response to those feelings of security deepens your feelings of love and protectiveness towards him. It is what Dr. T. Barry Brazelton refers to as the parent and child "falling in love" with each other."The Importance of Touch in Parent-Infant Bonding" [link]
Please let me know how you feel about the use of healthy, respectful and loving touch with individuals, couples, families and groups. More >
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 9 Sep 2006 @ 15:04
Looking at the human predicament, we may not know whether to laugh or cry. Tarthang Tulku,Knowledge of Freedom
There is no better time than the present to review and pass on these Human Rights to your children and others. I know that even my young grandchildren enjoy discussing some of these freedoms and expressing what these universal rights mean to them. As free spirits it is hard for them to understand how anyone would treat another human being with such disrespect and disregard as we see in the world around us and on tv. My grandaughter asks: "Why don't people share and get along with one another, Papa?" As a family and as adults we can demonstrate how human beings can be kind, loving, and nourishing. In other words, we must 'practice what we teach.'
Do discuss these Human Rights with friends, colleagues and others so that everyone realizes that we must treat everyone with respect. Treating others as loving brothers and sisters and knowing that we are one body,one mind and one spirit, allows us to develop dignity and to naturally treat ourselves with the same respect and loving kindness.
In the Preamble of this Universal Declaration of Human Rights states:
Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.
Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscious of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been prclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people
Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resourt, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law.
Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations.
Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,
Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in co-operation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms,
Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge,
Now, Therefore THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY proclaims THIS UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction."
Note: See, Articles 1-30[link] More >
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 26 Aug 2006 @ 16:52
The Trouble with earthlings is their early adulthood. As long as they are young, they are loveable, open-hearted, tolerant, eager to learn and to collaborate. They can even be induced to play with one another. Most adults, however, are mortal enemies. The only educational problem earth has is how to keep them young. (Growing Young, Ashley Montagu)
I recently learned that Google provides free uploads for pictures and videos so I had the good fortune to post three short videos about Coca Cola Zero spoofs that Ariana, one of my granddaughters made. I think they are very funny and demonstrate the playfulness, joy and skill of our 7yr. old artist, actor and athlete.
When I play with my three grandchildren, we enjoy many games, ride our bikes, do theatre, art work, dance, read stories and whatever they enjoy. (Do visit one of my earlier logs that we made while developing an art project with our three kids demonstrating a method created by our good friend, great teacher and NCN colleague, Judih.) [link]
Currently, our kids are enjoying photography so I give them one of my cameras and they learn how to entertain themselves and also to load them on our computer. These three very short videos are one example of how we use photography and technology to support the children's interest and enthusiasm with acting and in expressing their openness and spontaineity. Please comment so that I can share them with Ari.
Coca Cola Zero Spoof #1[link]
Coca Cola Zero Spoof #2[link]
Coca Cola Zero Spoof #3 [link]
One of my cameras (HP Photosmart R707) can take both still and videos so it is handy to have available when the kids want to do extemporaneous theatre. Ariana and I took a trip to a local park a few weeks ago and she asked if she could have a soft drink. I wasn't aware that her mother didn't allow them, but she purchased a Coca Cola Zero and began making up a story about how this drink gives her energy while I did the camera work.
I have such a great time with these kids and laugh for hours on end. If you want to improve your health and happiness, do find time to play with your kids and grandchildren. I also encourage those of you who are teachers to use the camera in your classroom to help build confidence, self-esteem and creativity. Obviously, the kids love to see their pictures and enjoy watching their peers expressing themselves as well.
I am hoping that as a New Civilization we can dedicate these logs to improving the quality of health and education for our children families. More >
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 7 May 2006 @ 15:20
What’s happening with our 15-Minute StressOut Program with Elders? An Update -
We are generating interest, relaxation and support for our Las Cruces Health Promotion Team with Elders. During the past 2 weeks, our organization has given over 100 individual ‘stressouts’ with elders in 3 of our health settings. Our New Mexico State University, social work students, senior volunteers, staff members of Munson Senior Center and Home Based Services, joined with us in giving healthy, loving touch with our elders.
It is very ‘touching’, pun intended, to observe and experience the relief of stress, anxiety and depression of our elders who participate in our weekly chair type massage programs given in our community centers also offering diabetes testing and blood pressure exams. Professional students enrolled in my course on “Social Work Practice with Elders” have contributed greatly to this effort and have learned to incorporate safe, loving touch and integrative health practices into their professional practice with this population. [link]
I have enjoyed giving our ‘stressout program’ to elders as well. All of our participants have evaluated their experience as positive and relaxing and most have returned for a second massage. Because of the huge response to this program, it is necessary for us to do more recruitment for healthy elders and other volunteers to administer the program and meet the demands for the service. For example, during the next few months, we will be giving demonstrations in co-op food services, social clubs, public schools, university classes and other resources.
As a global touch project designed with our New Civilization Network, I appreciate the feedback and messages of support from our members. Thank you. More >
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In these articles, I introduce the basic need for human touch. While there is strong evidence that our society and human family are becoming an endangered species, many governments, such as the USA, pay little, if any attention, to global warming, nuclear stock piles, environment, natural and economic disasters, poverty, abuse, neglect, pandemic health diseases, and growing military-industrial monopolies.
While many of us are aware of these pending and current disasters, organizations such as New Civilization, are hoping to awaken humanity through mindfulness, virtual interaction on the Internet, and forming healthy, respectful alliances to make a difference and change the direction we are heading.
Our health promotion team is a small effort, but hopefully an expanding opportunity, to awaken individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations and commuities to an awareness that touch, respect and love are basic human needs for survival and wellbeing.
Obviously, there are serious considerations for being circumspect and skillful in offering touch as a conscious intervention in the workplace or in a family environment. Guidelines for the safe use of touch include:
- providing the option for participants to self-administer our program;
- receiving permission to touch and reminding participants that contact is always in safe areas;
- having witnesses or partners present;
- teaching the activity to others so that they can be the givers of the stressout program;
- encouraging participants to use the teaching video and study guide (Vest,1995)if the worker chooses not to make physical contact.
Join with us in advancing the use of healthy, respectful and loving touch throughout the world. We are One. |
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