A Practitioner’s Perspective

by Heather Epps, RScP

Sometimes my heart breaks when I see the impact that adults’ decisions have on my students. I know that I am not the only teacher who is deeply impacted as we become aware of the home lives of students in our classrooms.

Recently, I came home crying because of something I witnessed. It was not abuse in any way, just poor choices leading to children suffering. I want to share some things that helped me that day, and perhaps they could help you deal with this type of situation too, because I know I am not the only one witnessing and being impacted by suffering around me.

First, I got a much-needed hug. We tend to underestimate the power of simple touch. This hug alone began to soothe me.  Heck, hugs have even been proven to improve cardiovascular health and boost the immune system. So, lesson one - hug and be hugged.

Then, I spoke with my prayer partner, and that helped too. If you don’t have someone in your life with whom you can routinely pray, I highly encourage it. As licensed Practitioners, we as a team are always available for prayer, but an effective prayer partner can be anyone. I love our prayer format in this philosophy because it focuses on remembering spiritual truth, being grateful, and letting go to allow Spirit to do its thing. Studies have shown that hope, belief and faith positively influence our life and health.  So, lesson two - actively pray, preferably with others.

Then, I consciously chose to remember spiritual truth which is reflected in my beliefs. I believe that all of us have a soul, a piece of Spirit, which is actively seeking to experience being human. I believe that our souls are directed and intentional in all ways. I believe that Spirit knows far more than I ever will. So, no matter how sad a situation makes me feel, I can know that it is exactly as it is meant to be. I don’t have to like the situation or let this knowing erode my compassion, but I am able to regain my peace of mind when I remember this. We pray for people’s highest and best outcomes, because we know that sometimes it might look ugly to us, so we trust that God knows what is best more clearly than we can.  Lesson three – know the highest truth you can remember.

These three practices helped me regain my footing and soldier on. I hope this can be a reminder for you to find that which helps you to consciously choose your thinking. Remember, when you change your thoughts, you can change your life.