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January 25, 2008
Curb Your Enthusiasm
I met with one of my instructors yesterday to go over core abilities. Core abilities are attributes, characteristics or behaviors that are required for success. Eleven core abilities are used as assessment tools to facilitate professional growth and behaviors associated with professionalism. I've been asked to work on my active listening skills.
Apparently, I've been exhibiting a bit of over-excitement about some of my classes. I've worked hard for three long years preparing for graduate school, going through the application process, and, finally, getting accepted into the program, so you bet I'm excited. However, I need to just dial it back a bit.
People who know me personally are probably snickering behind their hands by now. Yes, I'm a high energy person and I do get a bit over exuberant at times. What one of my dear clients once told me (when I told her I was working on trying not to talk so much during massage sessions) was, "bless you, you just can't stop talking." She delivered this with a lot of love and a chuckle.
The challenge of working on active listening opens the door wide for self-assessment and with that yawns the eight years of massage therapy practice behind me. Did I do a disservice to my clients all those years? Sometimes yes, sometimes no, and the ones I did would never tell me, they would simply stop coming. So, I've got a big job ahead of me, but I'm philosophical. I asked to grow myself in the service of people and this is part of that growth.
In that vein I'm seeking tools for curbing my excess energy. I've decided to liken myself to a dog--I believe comparing myself to a terrier would be appropriate. Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer says that the way to a happy, healthy, balanced dog is through exercise, discipline and affection in that order. I expect people are not that different.
Yoga and some light weight-lifting is not enough exercise for me. Neither is walking. I have a beautiful new recreation facility at the university that is available for students. I went over today and did walking/running circuits for about 2-1/2 miles. It was the first time in a long time that I was able temporarily to empty my mind. So, this may be a way to help me garner my energy and channel it in more constructive ways. In fact, I should build running into my schedule every day as part of my professional education. Who knows what I could accomplish with all that energy.
And, by the way, if you liked the humor in Seinfeld, you may want to watch Curb Your Enthusiasm. It's hilarious.
tags: massage massagetherapy wellness massage therapy bodywork health
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Posted by linda at January 25, 2008 5:00 PM
