Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Master of Chaplaincy Studies Lesson 18


The stress points in this field are varied as much so as the people
served. Most of my work-related stress involves the emotional
instability and feelings of others. I deal with this in a timely and
immediate kind of way. This can be especially true during the
counseling session (particularly one-on-one sessions, but can also be
true during semi and group sessions). My solution works for me and it
is extremely simple once you "get it." The solution I am referencing
here is called, by some, the observance process. This process involves
becoming non-participatory. It can be demonstrated by seeing yourself
on the outside of a situation, not directly experiencing the issue,
and not directly affected by it (moved). It is based on observance,
which means truly viewing the issue from outside of the environment in
which it is occuring, in spite of being in such an environment. It
takes time and lots of practice to achieve some level of comfort and
naturality with this technique, but helps grealty in situations where
people need an objective and non-biased counsel and advise. This
technique is a wonder for anyine called to "LISTEN" to others.

At this time my week is filled with about 10 hours of schooling and
studies, including scripture and language studies. I am currently
learning three languages (Ancient Hebrew, Egyptian Arabic/hieratic,
and Tokelauan), as well as bible studies and seminary courses. At the
same time, I do set aside certain days and hours each day for
counseling and volunteering efforts. With such a schedule, it is
important to have some form of time management and stress management
in place upon which you can rely. My method of time management (after
trying many of them) is very simply this: I ""don't schedule anything
unless I have to"". This  helps me to ascertain a steady flow of
events in case somethings happens, emergencies and unexpected events
come up, which we all know will happen.

My Spiritual Care Plan involves taking time each day (lunch) as well
as one day per week off and a one week vacation per year. If in the
future I oversee others in this work, I will enforce the same as a
standard. During these times I relax, pray, meditate, etc. Exercise is
important to me because of my martial arts experience and becuse I
teach others martial arts (private lessons). This requires great
sacrifice, but is essentially who I am. To comply with this part of
self, I arise earlier than I normally might and I use the day off of
ministry for helping my students achieve knowledge in the martial
arts.

Please note that these all are a work in progress and as I continue to
develop my ministries I will update this information regularly.

Thank you,
    Dr. Rev. Aaron Norris


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