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mar's Desk

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The Pleasure of Polarities

6/24/2015

16 Comments

 
Picturemarcoujor
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.
 


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"
Picture
Aunt Baby
Picture
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

16 Comments
Mary link
6/24/2015 02:43:18 am

I can't believe I am the first person hear!
I smile at your difficulty with polarity. Who among us honestly admits the "ends" of our personalities? So different from what we actually expect of ourselves.
Your listening and caring carry through technology as well as person to person, I know, I've experienced it! I'm so thankful for the day we met.
Congrats on your book and beautiful book review!
Hugs and blessings,
Mary

Reply
Maria link
6/25/2015 12:35:19 pm

You are both speedy and sweet, dear Mary. I appreciate your kind words and am thankful we're friends as well. Love and hugs, Maria

Reply
Shauna
6/24/2015 02:49:58 am

Mar, stepping outside our comfort zones is hard - especially as we get older. But it's something we have to do from time to time in order to move forward. When you think about it, everything we know or do was once uncomfortable, unfamiliar, and even daunting. Yet we make it through and thrive as the result.

Very wise post, my friend!

Reply
Maria link
6/25/2015 12:37:12 pm

Your point is well taken and wise in itself, dear Sha. Thanks for your visit and have a peaceful night. Love you, mar

Reply
Mike
6/24/2015 04:44:54 am

Thanks for your interesting take on growing and stepping small steps outside your comfort zones. Between the Army (years ago) and wellness issues, I learned a lot about being outside of my comfort zones. Your Gestalt training is building you confidence.

Reply
Maria link
6/25/2015 12:39:54 pm

Mike - you are mighty impressive when pushed 'out of your comfort zone'. And I feel confident enough to say that... :))

Reply
Martie link
6/24/2015 06:31:28 am

Dear Mar

I remember a time when I could not see myself working and writing on a computer. In fact, there are countless things I do today that I never thought I would be doing. So, the motto, 'Fake it till you make it', is highly recommended.

Thanks for another profound and encouraging post. When we know our best and worst traits, we can work with them.

Reply
Maria link
6/25/2015 12:43:49 pm

Dear Martie,
I totally agree with 'fake it til you make it' - with most things I've ever mastered actually.
I look forward to your interpretations and thoughtful remarks each week. Love you and hugs, mar

Reply
Ruby link
6/24/2015 11:07:56 am

I learn so much from you each time you open up to all of your new adventures. It's so funny, today I returned a new laptop because I hated it. I find new technology very difficult to use, so we have something in common, but I didn't need to tell you because you and Mike have taught me what i do know, so my old computer is just fine. lol.Your topic is a reminder that we all must grow and learn as we go along this road of life. Thank you for being you and a friend. Hugs.....

Reply
Maria link
6/25/2015 12:46:49 pm

So great to see you, dear Ruby. You are in my thoughts all the time.

You are so right about our 'trepidation with technology', yet we manage to muddle through just fine...must be the 'nursing instinct' in us!

Take good and gentle care. Love you and hugs, mar

Reply
Gail Sobotkin
6/25/2015 05:40:00 am

Dear Maria,
This is another great post about how your Gestalt studies can expand one's views of the world. It always surprises me that when I try to look for strengths in things I reflexively think of as weaknesses, there's always an important lesson to be learned.
Thanks for sharing your Gestalt journey and your friendship and kind compassionate heart with me. You are one of the greatest blessings in my life.
Love and Hugs,
Gail

Reply
Sannel Larson link
6/25/2015 10:02:36 am

Dear Maria, Just like Martie there was a time I could not see myself working on the computer. My x brought home an old, bulky computer in -92. I could never see the beauty of it. My x could stay up until the wee hours of the night working with this thing. I could never understand the meaning or the fun with it. I just saw it as a wasteful thing that took up a lot of valuable time.

Who would have known that one day, I would be as hooked as my x on this thing. Now I can't imagine my life without the computer. It has brought so much to my life, It has opened many exciting doors.
Thank you for sharing your gestalt training and your wise and wonderful words.
Take ,care, sweet friend.
Love and hugs to you, Sannel

Reply
Maria link
6/25/2015 12:49:22 pm

Dear Gail,
Thanks for taking time on your birthday to visit, leaving such a meaningful and insightful comment.
Hoping you had a day that was as special as you. Love you, Maria

Reply
Maria link
6/25/2015 12:52:03 pm

Dear Sannel,
So great to see you. I love hearing that we had a similar aversion to computers - actually around the same time.
And now we are 'finally' seeing the perks...LOL, like meeting beautiful friends like you. Love you and hugs, Maria

Reply
Nancy Collier
6/26/2015 02:31:38 pm

Maria,
I marvel at your marvelous command of words that enable you to have the ability to express your feelings so adequately !!

Reply
Maria link
7/1/2015 11:58:49 pm

Dear Nancy,
How delightful to see you here. Please join 'me' for a cup of tea and some cookies, you sweet woman.
Thanks for such a gracious compliment. I treasure you. Love, Maria

Reply



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    Marcoujor

    Welcome to my desk...

    I am a work in progress, so a rule of thumb is to expect the unexpected every week!

    Pull up a comfy chair and make yourself at home.

    Thank you,

    mar  



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  • Home
  • BOOK SHOP
    • Kylie's Stories
    • Other books by Maria Jordan >
      • Mysterious & Miraculous Book I - News and Reviews
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    • mar's Desk
    • Inspiration Station
    • Poetic Ponderings
    • marcoujor on Hubpages
  • I Recommend...
  • Contact Me