Yesterday the guys and I were discussing how to prevent relapses.
This included talk about coping skills, self-care and nourishment.
Most agreed that you can't really face life's big challenges well (e.g. recovery), when you have not taken very good care of yourself.
Self-care practices are often the best forms of preventative medicine.
I led the guys through an activity to identify what little, practical things help them feel most nourished and alive.
I noticed that so many identified self-care items that were relational and also nature-connected. Not such a big surprise, right?
It reminded me of what we learned about on Sunday....
What is Jesus' advice when we are faced with worry?
Jesus tells us to look to nature.
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[? (Matt 6:26-27)
The vast natural world reminds us that we are not in control, and that is a beautiful thing!
Nature has a way of grounding us and filling us up.
I know that everything is spiritual, but it is such a gift when I am CLEARLY aware of the overlap of my work, school, church, and personal 'lives'!
About Me
- Courtney
- My name is Courtney. I am a Substance Abuse Therapist training to be a Mental Health Counselor. I desire to possess a sense of wonder each day. Join me.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Sunday, October 6, 2013
If I knew..
If you would have told me several years ago that my professional life would look like it does today, I would have likely: a) changed my major and b) freaked out
life is funny. ironic. time changes things.
For example, last-week, I found myself leading a discussion on healthy romantic relationships.
Can you imagine?
Oh my heart. I truly believe that God has a great sense of humor.
The latest news is:
I've been somewhat coerced into leading another group.
That makes THREE groups. I only "agreed" to do one evening (I need to have one weeknight "free" to preserve some sanity and Tues/Thurs are booked for school).
So, beginning tomorrow, I'll be facilitating 10 hours of Group therapy per week.
With ALL MEN.
Did I mention that part?!
Plus fabulous hours of paperwork, of course.
Oh, and my new group? Its already booked with 12 guys.
12!
That's not a "small" group...it's more like a CLASS (of ALL MEN, did I mention that? lol)
I'm a bit nervous to say the least.
But, seriously, I am so blessed to be able to do something that I am passionate about.
Even though most days are filled to the brim with challenges.
Another positive- groups make the day feel like it is going by so much faster than individual appointments.
Last week Wednesday I had one of the best group facilitating experiences ever. I showed up, presented the discussion topic, and they guys took it away.
They stayed on topic. were appropriate. and opened up more than ever before.
It was phenomenal. The power of group-work- it's real folks!
P.S. for counseling friends--- I felt like I was in a Corey-Corey film (without as much of the awkwardness).
Anyway, lift a prayer for me and my nerves around dinnertime tomorrow? Much appreciated!
Grace and Peace.
life is funny. ironic. time changes things.
For example, last-week, I found myself leading a discussion on healthy romantic relationships.
Can you imagine?
Oh my heart. I truly believe that God has a great sense of humor.
The latest news is:
I've been somewhat coerced into leading another group.
That makes THREE groups. I only "agreed" to do one evening (I need to have one weeknight "free" to preserve some sanity and Tues/Thurs are booked for school).
So, beginning tomorrow, I'll be facilitating 10 hours of Group therapy per week.
With ALL MEN.
Did I mention that part?!
Plus fabulous hours of paperwork, of course.
Oh, and my new group? Its already booked with 12 guys.
12!
That's not a "small" group...it's more like a CLASS (of ALL MEN, did I mention that? lol)
I'm a bit nervous to say the least.
But, seriously, I am so blessed to be able to do something that I am passionate about.
Even though most days are filled to the brim with challenges.
Another positive- groups make the day feel like it is going by so much faster than individual appointments.
Last week Wednesday I had one of the best group facilitating experiences ever. I showed up, presented the discussion topic, and they guys took it away.
They stayed on topic. were appropriate. and opened up more than ever before.
It was phenomenal. The power of group-work- it's real folks!
P.S. for counseling friends--- I felt like I was in a Corey-Corey film (without as much of the awkwardness).
Anyway, lift a prayer for me and my nerves around dinnertime tomorrow? Much appreciated!
Grace and Peace.
a posture of awe & wonder
Plato:
“Philosophy begins in wonder”
Abraham Joshua Heschel:
“The beginning of our happiness lies in the understanding that life without wonder is not worth living.”
“Wonder rather than doubt is the root of all knowledge.”
“Our goal should be to live life in radical amazement. ....get up in the morning and look at the world in a way that takes nothing for granted. Everything is phenomenal; everything is incredible; never treat life casually. To be spiritual is to be amazed.”
“Wonder or radical amazement is the chief characteristic of the religious man's attitude toward history and nature.”
“Philosophy begins in wonder”
Abraham Joshua Heschel:
“The beginning of our happiness lies in the understanding that life without wonder is not worth living.”
“Wonder rather than doubt is the root of all knowledge.”
“Our goal should be to live life in radical amazement. ....get up in the morning and look at the world in a way that takes nothing for granted. Everything is phenomenal; everything is incredible; never treat life casually. To be spiritual is to be amazed.”
“Wonder or radical amazement is the chief characteristic of the religious man's attitude toward history and nature.”
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