Monday, November 12, 2012

Master/Chaplaincy Lesson 10

My policy on appropriate touch:
I approach this not just as a chaplain-in-training, but also as a sensitive as well as a Reiki and Energy Medicine practitioner.
My Reiki/Energy Medicine teacher set forth some fairly standard guidelines during our training.
1. Always introduce yourself first and be as pleasant as possible without being condescending. Try to exude warmth and compassion.
2. Avoid strong smelling hand sanitizers; find more neutral smelling 'natural' sanitizers (available at any health food store).
3. Always ask permission to step into somebody's personal space.
4. Read the person's body language. That will tell you how comfortable they are with you being there.
5. Stick to the hands if they do allow personal contact. You may feel inclined to hug somebody but this is 2012, not the 1960's/1970's. If they do want a hug then keep it 'easy' and friendly, not personal.
6. The general rule is hand or shoulder. You have no business touching anybody any place else; you are not their physician.
7. When praying for somebody ask if they'll allow you to hold their hand or touch their shoulder gently. Press or touch lightly (and warm your hands!). (I've also simply held my hands over them without touching them and that seemed to go over well too.)
8. Know the policy of the places you visit and be aware that what one might deem appropriate another might see as 'sexual misconduct'. 
That's it for now -
Rev. K Hyler
 
 

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