1. Describe the saying: "One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself” (P.477) How does this apply to the health and wellness professional? Do you have an obligation to your clients to be developing your health psychologically, physically, and spiritually? Why or why not? How can you implement psychological and spiritual growth in your personal life?
The idea that one cannot lead somebody where they have not gone themselves means that an individual loses credibility without personal, proven ability and experience (Dacher, 2006). For instance, a dietician will have little effect in persuading an individual that they need to eat fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy diet when they themselves only eat meat and complex carbohydrates. In the same way a doctor who smokes a pack a day has little impact when they advise there patients not to do the same because it is bad for their health. I think that I do have an obligation to my future clients to continue to develop my overall wellness. After all I will ask no less from them as their health care provider. By continuing to gain awareness of where I am in my journey and where I need to grow, I will become a better health care provider to my patients.
Reference:
Dacher, E.S, Integral Health, The Path to Human Flourishing, 2006, Basic Health Publications Inc.
Great post! I tottally agree. We lose credibility if we arn't living what we are teaching. I love your analogies. People do watch what we do, not only what we say.
ReplyDeleteCasey, I was at my doctors office for a wellness visit about a month ago. We were discussing this concept after the doctor asked me about my schooling. She told me that there is a pharmaceutical rep that brings samples of diabetic medication to their office. Each time he visits, he brings two dozen donuts! Granted he himself is not a health professional, but would it not be common sense that if you are peddling diabetic pills that you would not encourage donut consumption??!! Or, maybe it is just job security for him... making sure everyone in the office gets diabetes so that he can keep his job!
ReplyDeleteHi
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, you cannot ask someone to do something if you are not doing it. My doctor preaches about walking and the benefits of walking. He hosts a walk with the Doc once a week where anyone who wants to can join him in walking through the town on his lunch break. He is great and the fact that he will get up and walk with you helps to motivate his patients.