Meredith Kendall's Blog, page 102
March 18, 2012
to look or not to look?
Speaking of informed consent, just because you can read someone's aura doesn't mean you should. Right? Don't you think you should ask?
Before searching someone's soul... inform. Ask permission. Hang a sign and do readings.
But don't walk around reading people, and then telling them you see "dark stuff" or their past lives. You need to ask first. It's a professional boundary.
Like when you visit someone's home, sure, you can snoop through cupboards and drawers. But should you? Same thing. [image error]
Before searching someone's soul... inform. Ask permission. Hang a sign and do readings.
But don't walk around reading people, and then telling them you see "dark stuff" or their past lives. You need to ask first. It's a professional boundary.
Like when you visit someone's home, sure, you can snoop through cupboards and drawers. But should you? Same thing. [image error]
March 17, 2012
informed consent
Guess I just have ethics on my mind: I've been grading ethics papers all week. We talked about ethics at our Reiki share last Thursday. Informed consent was one topic. One person asked, "How do you get consent to give Reiki to someone who is unconscious?"
At the share, many practitioners expressed support for informed consent. That is, we do not share Reiki without first obtaining permission. Sometimes we have to try to explain Reiki before obtaining consent, so we talked about how to do this also.
I said, "I don't try to explain how Reiki works. I explain what I'm going to do, and what the client needs to do. I tell them they will relax, fully clothed, as I place my hands gently on their head, arms, and legs. I tell them they can keep their eyes open, but it usually works better if they close their eyes and relax. I say they can talk, and for sure to tell me or move around if they are at all uncomfortable."
One person said, "If they can't verbally give informed consent, then I learned I can ask their higher self if it is OK."
I said, "I too learned that we can ask the higher self, if the person is unable to speak, but I don't like to do that. I'd rather get permission from family members, if the person can't speak or indicate consent. I would never share Reiki with someone who expressly said they didn't want it. I wouldn't do Reiki anywhere near that person." Several people nodded in agreement.
I told them about MaryAnne. I used to work with MaryAnne at a small hospital; she was selected to be my supervisor when I set up a Reiki program there. I thought she was an odd choice to supervise the program, as she was morally opposed to Reiki. Then it seemed to make sense. Who better to help me figure out how to explain and present Reiki to people who shared her beliefs? Who better to help me discern those who would not like to share Reiki energy? MaryAnne told me, "Tell them you're channelling. That will cue people like me right away that this is not for us."
So at that hospital we had to tell everyone we were channelling.
But are we? Do we channel energy? Or do we create a space for relaxation and healing to occur?
I used to believe the Diane Stein channelling theory, but lately I've gone more to the Pamela Miles space model.
So, not sure how it works, but I know that people like it. I've seen amazing results. It doesn't seem to harm. Whatever it is, however it works, we must obtain informed consent before initiating a session. I support client autonomy. I respect a client's right to choose if this something they'd like to try. I hope you will do the same. [image error]
At the share, many practitioners expressed support for informed consent. That is, we do not share Reiki without first obtaining permission. Sometimes we have to try to explain Reiki before obtaining consent, so we talked about how to do this also.
I said, "I don't try to explain how Reiki works. I explain what I'm going to do, and what the client needs to do. I tell them they will relax, fully clothed, as I place my hands gently on their head, arms, and legs. I tell them they can keep their eyes open, but it usually works better if they close their eyes and relax. I say they can talk, and for sure to tell me or move around if they are at all uncomfortable."
One person said, "If they can't verbally give informed consent, then I learned I can ask their higher self if it is OK."
I said, "I too learned that we can ask the higher self, if the person is unable to speak, but I don't like to do that. I'd rather get permission from family members, if the person can't speak or indicate consent. I would never share Reiki with someone who expressly said they didn't want it. I wouldn't do Reiki anywhere near that person." Several people nodded in agreement.
I told them about MaryAnne. I used to work with MaryAnne at a small hospital; she was selected to be my supervisor when I set up a Reiki program there. I thought she was an odd choice to supervise the program, as she was morally opposed to Reiki. Then it seemed to make sense. Who better to help me figure out how to explain and present Reiki to people who shared her beliefs? Who better to help me discern those who would not like to share Reiki energy? MaryAnne told me, "Tell them you're channelling. That will cue people like me right away that this is not for us."
So at that hospital we had to tell everyone we were channelling.
But are we? Do we channel energy? Or do we create a space for relaxation and healing to occur?
I used to believe the Diane Stein channelling theory, but lately I've gone more to the Pamela Miles space model.
So, not sure how it works, but I know that people like it. I've seen amazing results. It doesn't seem to harm. Whatever it is, however it works, we must obtain informed consent before initiating a session. I support client autonomy. I respect a client's right to choose if this something they'd like to try. I hope you will do the same. [image error]
March 16, 2012
downsizing, pay cuts, economy
Just for today, do not worry.
That's my mantra today.
[image error]
That's my mantra today.
[image error]
March 15, 2012
cats are scary
My dog wants one.
But they're scary. They remind me of lions. Who knows when they might pounce?
And gross. They poop in boxes of sand and then jump up on your counters and tables. ick.
Expensive and labor intensive. Cat food: dry or canned? Vet bills, kitty litter, and fur balls.
Yet so beautiful, aloof, and healing.
I remember walking to work, predawn, Honolulu. The feral cats slept in herds or packs in alleys and vacant lots. Sweet and scary. Cats are worshipped in some societies. I know one who eats fresh local organic, gets acupuncture, Reiki, and homeopathy.
My dog is lonely and wants one. They scare me. [image error]
But they're scary. They remind me of lions. Who knows when they might pounce?
And gross. They poop in boxes of sand and then jump up on your counters and tables. ick.
Expensive and labor intensive. Cat food: dry or canned? Vet bills, kitty litter, and fur balls.
Yet so beautiful, aloof, and healing.
I remember walking to work, predawn, Honolulu. The feral cats slept in herds or packs in alleys and vacant lots. Sweet and scary. Cats are worshipped in some societies. I know one who eats fresh local organic, gets acupuncture, Reiki, and homeopathy.
My dog is lonely and wants one. They scare me. [image error]
March Reiki share
Went to way cool Reiki share tonight. What made it so good?
The people, obviously. B was there, in his new purple shirt. His name is embroidered on the right chest. J, the survivor, with her bright spirit. JS told us about her webinar with Pamela Miles. N is going to be attuned to master/teacher on the vernal equinox. E talked about politics of healthcare and working with Native elders. L led us in meditation and distance healing. Then he recited the Reiki principles in Japanese. Japanese! Ly talked about how she does distance Reiki. She places the name of the recipient on her Reiki rabbit. K soaked it all in, radiant. J and C stopped in for mere moments, sharing energy... moving on. M is ready for Level 2.
We laughed. There was an abundance of kindness, gentleness, caring, erudition, and tolerance. My favorite things.
We talked about professional boundaries, informed consent, distance Reiki, medical Reiki, other integrative modalities, research, and cultural diversity. Educated and experienced people talking about Reiki, oh my yes, I was in hog heaven. Dear readers, wish you'd been there too. [image error]
The people, obviously. B was there, in his new purple shirt. His name is embroidered on the right chest. J, the survivor, with her bright spirit. JS told us about her webinar with Pamela Miles. N is going to be attuned to master/teacher on the vernal equinox. E talked about politics of healthcare and working with Native elders. L led us in meditation and distance healing. Then he recited the Reiki principles in Japanese. Japanese! Ly talked about how she does distance Reiki. She places the name of the recipient on her Reiki rabbit. K soaked it all in, radiant. J and C stopped in for mere moments, sharing energy... moving on. M is ready for Level 2.
We laughed. There was an abundance of kindness, gentleness, caring, erudition, and tolerance. My favorite things.
We talked about professional boundaries, informed consent, distance Reiki, medical Reiki, other integrative modalities, research, and cultural diversity. Educated and experienced people talking about Reiki, oh my yes, I was in hog heaven. Dear readers, wish you'd been there too. [image error]
March 12, 2012
ethics of practice
A co-worker asked me about Reiki today.
She said, "I had a Reiki session this weekend. The lady told me I had two chakras going the wrong way. She said that was bad. What do you think of that?"
"What do I think? I think she wanted you to go back for another session. She's reckless and irresponsible," I blurted. "Let me explain. First of all, the practitioner should remain positive. She shouldn't tell you something's wrong with you. Second; the session should be about you. Your journey, your experience, your insights. When she told you what she perceived then the session became about her. Her ego, her vision, her experience. What else? Well, chakras are from yoga, not Reiki. Did she tell you that you need another session?"
"Yes, she did. I'm going back next week," my coworker told me.
"Umm hmmm. Well. Sorry to say so much, I"m just telling you what I tell my team of practitioners. We practice medical Reiki, anyway, not shamanic Reiki," I explained. "Because we practice in a medical institution, we work in a way that would be acceptable to nurses and physicians. We don't diagnose medical problems, we don't give bad news, and really, we don't say much. It's not about us."
Anyway, that's what I told her. How about you Reiki practitioners out there. What do you think? Is your practice similar? [image error]
She said, "I had a Reiki session this weekend. The lady told me I had two chakras going the wrong way. She said that was bad. What do you think of that?"
"What do I think? I think she wanted you to go back for another session. She's reckless and irresponsible," I blurted. "Let me explain. First of all, the practitioner should remain positive. She shouldn't tell you something's wrong with you. Second; the session should be about you. Your journey, your experience, your insights. When she told you what she perceived then the session became about her. Her ego, her vision, her experience. What else? Well, chakras are from yoga, not Reiki. Did she tell you that you need another session?"
"Yes, she did. I'm going back next week," my coworker told me.
"Umm hmmm. Well. Sorry to say so much, I"m just telling you what I tell my team of practitioners. We practice medical Reiki, anyway, not shamanic Reiki," I explained. "Because we practice in a medical institution, we work in a way that would be acceptable to nurses and physicians. We don't diagnose medical problems, we don't give bad news, and really, we don't say much. It's not about us."
Anyway, that's what I told her. How about you Reiki practitioners out there. What do you think? Is your practice similar? [image error]
March 9, 2012
country mouse v city blue jay
So they say there are more opportunities in the city: more culture, jobs, businesses.
Really. Cause I go to the country to get things done.
Car broke. $100 in the city, $20 in the country.
Gym. $10 in the country: walking track, pool, classes, and weights. In the city? I can't even find a gym. Yoga classes are $20/per. Ferget that.
Town office? Well here it's City Hall. It's in a scary neighborhood and there are 2 parking spots. On a hill. There, in the country: plenty of parking, no lines, and I went to high school with the clerk.
Post office. Parking is a wash. In the country, I know the postmasters. Here, no.
Friends. No one talks to me here in the city. No one says, "Nice haircut!" "New coat!" All my friends are back there in the woods, in the small town, in the place I lived for 30 years. Sometimes it feels like a razor blade to the heart; but there is love: hugs & healing too.
Job. Yeah, it's here in the city. Reiki? Here. I love my job and my Reiki.
Dog. She's here with me. Spent her whole life in the country, in the woods. She snuffled after deer, turkeys, cats, and raccoons; she wandered the forest and always came home. Now she is the queen of the back yard. My vet is in the country. Veterinarian. She's capable and caring. She communicates well. She's quick and cheap.
Health care. I love my Nurse Practitioner. Yeah, in the country. The secretary knows to book extra time because my NP & I gab the whole time. She's a medical intuitive. She's wonderful. Oh, and I know all the docs there too, because I worked with them. Here? In the city, I know no one.
Culture. Yeah, thought I'd be going to art openings, film festivals, and lectures. Hasn't turned out that way. I work and sleep, walk the dog.
Health food stores, hippies, professors, philosophers, local organic, local honey and herbal products. Country, oh yeah. Here, not so much.
Crumbs v banquet? [image error]
Really. Cause I go to the country to get things done.
Car broke. $100 in the city, $20 in the country.
Gym. $10 in the country: walking track, pool, classes, and weights. In the city? I can't even find a gym. Yoga classes are $20/per. Ferget that.
Town office? Well here it's City Hall. It's in a scary neighborhood and there are 2 parking spots. On a hill. There, in the country: plenty of parking, no lines, and I went to high school with the clerk.
Post office. Parking is a wash. In the country, I know the postmasters. Here, no.
Friends. No one talks to me here in the city. No one says, "Nice haircut!" "New coat!" All my friends are back there in the woods, in the small town, in the place I lived for 30 years. Sometimes it feels like a razor blade to the heart; but there is love: hugs & healing too.
Job. Yeah, it's here in the city. Reiki? Here. I love my job and my Reiki.
Dog. She's here with me. Spent her whole life in the country, in the woods. She snuffled after deer, turkeys, cats, and raccoons; she wandered the forest and always came home. Now she is the queen of the back yard. My vet is in the country. Veterinarian. She's capable and caring. She communicates well. She's quick and cheap.
Health care. I love my Nurse Practitioner. Yeah, in the country. The secretary knows to book extra time because my NP & I gab the whole time. She's a medical intuitive. She's wonderful. Oh, and I know all the docs there too, because I worked with them. Here? In the city, I know no one.
Culture. Yeah, thought I'd be going to art openings, film festivals, and lectures. Hasn't turned out that way. I work and sleep, walk the dog.
Health food stores, hippies, professors, philosophers, local organic, local honey and herbal products. Country, oh yeah. Here, not so much.
Crumbs v banquet? [image error]
cars are expensive
Yes, they are. Cost me $60 to fill the gas tank this week.
And then my speedometer did the weird thing it does. It goes all the way around to the other side of zero and gets stuck. It's done this odd thing twice before. Both times I took it to a Dodge dealer and got it fixed. This is how they fixed it. A guy came out with a handheld device, punched some buttons, and it was fixed. It took about one minute. They charged me about $20.
This time was different. I live in the city now, so I went to the Dodge dealer here in the city. I described the problem and the usual fix.
"That's going to be ninety-nine, ninety five," he said.
"Dollars?" I gasped.
"Yes."
"They usually charge me $20," I replied.
"Who does?" he inquired.
"The dealer in Farmington. But I live here now"
"Let me see what I can do." He hopped off his stool and sped into the back. He was a lot shorter off the stool, just over 5 feet tall. I stood there waiting. He came back. "We can do it for $45," he said proudly.
"But they do it for $20 in Farmington," I wailed.
"Maybe you'd better take it back to Farmington," he said firmly.
"I guess I will. But thank you! Thank you for getting me a better price!" I smiled and departed.
Today I took it to the dealer in Farmington. I parked, went inside and described the problem. I didn't mention the city dealer. A guy went out with a handheld device and punched some buttons. It was fixed. It took about a minute. They charged me $20.94.
And then my speedometer did the weird thing it does. It goes all the way around to the other side of zero and gets stuck. It's done this odd thing twice before. Both times I took it to a Dodge dealer and got it fixed. This is how they fixed it. A guy came out with a handheld device, punched some buttons, and it was fixed. It took about one minute. They charged me about $20.
This time was different. I live in the city now, so I went to the Dodge dealer here in the city. I described the problem and the usual fix.
"That's going to be ninety-nine, ninety five," he said.
"Dollars?" I gasped.
"Yes."
"They usually charge me $20," I replied.
"Who does?" he inquired.
"The dealer in Farmington. But I live here now"
"Let me see what I can do." He hopped off his stool and sped into the back. He was a lot shorter off the stool, just over 5 feet tall. I stood there waiting. He came back. "We can do it for $45," he said proudly.
"But they do it for $20 in Farmington," I wailed.
"Maybe you'd better take it back to Farmington," he said firmly.
"I guess I will. But thank you! Thank you for getting me a better price!" I smiled and departed.
Today I took it to the dealer in Farmington. I parked, went inside and described the problem. I didn't mention the city dealer. A guy went out with a handheld device and punched some buttons. It was fixed. It took about a minute. They charged me $20.94.
