The Pleasure of Polarities

marcoujor

I'm typically a 'creature of habit'.  I'm comforted by experiences that I have a degree of familiarity with. I crave 'the known' whenever possible.
 
Although I have a full respect and appreciation for what computers can do for efficient and organized assistance in day-to-day living, I admit I've not fully embraced technology.  At times, I don't even want to 'hold its cyber - hand'.
 
In Gestalt training, I've been asked to identify my personal strengths on a regular basis. For some people, this question, in itself, is a hurdle to overcome.
 

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I tend to come up with variations of the following traits.

I am:

• compassionate
  
• a good listener
  
• intuitive
  
• understanding
  
• attentive to others' feelings (nonverbal cues)
  

 
Is it any wonder I gravitate towards behavioral health nursing?  For me, it makes perfect sense to think about every issue in a holistic manner - that is, considering the body, the mind and the spirit.  I am way more in tuned with how one feels than what they are specifically thinking, although I know there is a time and place for such things. I guess this is what makes me a good listener...
 
Well, identifying strengths is not hard for me.  I have long embraced the importance of enhancing our strengths. I'm quick to ask others to recognize their strengths - whether in a classroom or a nursing assessment.  Sometimes the very act of strength identification is empowering enough to effect some movement of personal energy.
 
Now I never said Gestalt was all easy.  For me, the challenge starts with the concept of 'polarities'.  As the very word suggests, this seemingly simple technique explores a harmonious integration of opposite traits within ourselves. 
 
Please allow me to work with the strengths I've identified above in a manner that is 'way outside of my usual manner of thinking':

• I am compassionate.  I am a 'no nonsense' patient advocate. 
  
• I am a good listener.  I have a 'zero tolerance' for violence.
  
• I am intuitive.    I am objective and factual. 
  
• I am understanding.  I am committed to safety for self and others.
  
• I am attentive to others' feelings (nonverbal cues).   I am attentive to what others are saying.
  

 
The issues in my world I've been perfectly comfortable regarding polarity have been cultural diversity, my musical tastes and the colors of my amazing Labrador Retrievers:
 
Michael Jackson:  "Black or White"

Aunt Baby

Andy

Aunt Baby and Andy Jordan

Practice really does help.  I'm embracing my polarities, as I uncover them...one by one.  I see now why I liked traits in 'The Wicked Witch of the West' in that archetypal story that we all relate to - in one way or a dozen...!
 
I resisted my strong urge a couple semesters ago when an opportunity came up at my University for an online nursing instructor.  I caught the negative self - talk running through my mind:
 

• Computers are  not your forte.  You're better 'talking to people'.
  
• You may be too old to keep up with the younger students.  They're great at technology.
  
•  You'll miss the discussions, the feeling aspects of the learning environment.
  

 
A core concept in Gestalt is the 'experiment', where the individual purposely experiences, 'tries out' , feels what it is like to do something.  I knew that I had taken classes online as a student.  I knew that I was at least comfortable in an online community - thanks to the support of readers like you.  With a knowledgeable supervisor at the university and a good grasp of the course content, I decided to counter all of my negative self - talk with a 'thank you, yes'...!
 
And the rest, as they say, is history... I love online teaching!  In fact:
 

• The computer is not so bad.  I admit I am 'excellent friends' with the HELP Desk but the calls are decreasing beautifully.  And it gives me a great chance to talk to some 'really nice people'...!

• It was thrilling when a young nurse (reeeaaal young) told me that computers 'were not her thing'! We got along great.

• The discussion posts and the personal reflection threads brought tears to my eyes on a regular basis.  I 'know' each and every one of my online students very well as a result of their sharing and online participation.  
  

 
In listening to the lyrics of this favorite by Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder:  "Ebony and Ivory", the concept of polarity is well defined:

Before you go...

Please don't miss out on other recent news in the Weeblyhood!

• Gail Sobotkin: Walking a Sand Labyrinth via marcoujor's musings

• Crazyhorseladycx: It Starts With a Whisper via WarnerWords

• Jacqueline Jakes: Sister Wit via flashPress

There's a new edition of the latest news for the Legacy Archives Foundation regarding the organizations it supports and the monies raised and distributed thus far, earned from continuing sales of the Mysterious & Miraculous series books I and II. Here's the link...

Welcome June! via Hear Ye! Hear Ye! (Legacy Archives Foundation blog).

Also, I'd like to thank author, Sunnie Day, for her wonderful review of my book, The Rain and Everything via Graceful Intentions!

Wishing you a week of peace, hugs and perhaps an experiment of your very own, you decide,
mar