Water.
WATER: Noun (Oxford Dictionary).
Water Metaphor and Social Work
Water is strength in softness – so many healing and life sustaining properties made up of separate elements, yet so powerful in its ability to transform between solid, liquid, and gas, in addition to carving a landscape. This metaphor has provided me with ongoing insights throughout my learning experience - the properties of water are the essence of integration. It serves to sustain however, water must not be undermined or underestimated because of it's dynamic and raw tendencies. Within my eco-social work model of practice, I apply a holistic approach to a path of integrated service. I recognize the importance of remaining aware of the challenging and often unpredictable nature of this work - much like water. Maintaining integrity and within my center with an observing and open mind and heart, it is critical to maintain perspective within relational dynamics between people and systems.
- colourless, transparent, odourless, liquid which forms the seas, lakes, rivers, and rain and is the basis of the fluids of living organisms.
Water Metaphor and Social Work
Water is strength in softness – so many healing and life sustaining properties made up of separate elements, yet so powerful in its ability to transform between solid, liquid, and gas, in addition to carving a landscape. This metaphor has provided me with ongoing insights throughout my learning experience - the properties of water are the essence of integration. It serves to sustain however, water must not be undermined or underestimated because of it's dynamic and raw tendencies. Within my eco-social work model of practice, I apply a holistic approach to a path of integrated service. I recognize the importance of remaining aware of the challenging and often unpredictable nature of this work - much like water. Maintaining integrity and within my center with an observing and open mind and heart, it is critical to maintain perspective within relational dynamics between people and systems.
The Social Work Paradox
Working with an anti-oppressive lens to support the healing of individuals, communities, and the planet through social change and justice requires attentiveness to the paradoxical nature of this work. It is paradoxical because social work was birthed out of the industrial revolution. It is a profession that function within a capitalist society while striving to change it and, I believe, at times unintentionally perpetuates the oppressive nature of the socio-economic system. Sustaining a reflective and evidence-based practice that support strength in softness is critical to affect change.
Working with an anti-oppressive lens to support the healing of individuals, communities, and the planet through social change and justice requires attentiveness to the paradoxical nature of this work. It is paradoxical because social work was birthed out of the industrial revolution. It is a profession that function within a capitalist society while striving to change it and, I believe, at times unintentionally perpetuates the oppressive nature of the socio-economic system. Sustaining a reflective and evidence-based practice that support strength in softness is critical to affect change.
Integration of Practicum Experiences with Social Work Paradox
Yoga supports one to remain strong in my center while sustaining soft and flexible energy and edges. My understanding of the need for reflection and an evidence-based practice became apparent during my practicum experience in trauma-sensitive yoga at the Trauma Center. I took a practicum in trauma sensitive yoga (TSY) because the opportunity allowed me to apply my skills in community development and research, while integrating two lenses - social work and yoga. An example of this integration was an article I published to extend the discourse on this topic within the public sphere. The article on Treating Trauma with Yoga was published in a popular online journal called Elephant Journal. It discusses the complex nature of trauma, something that affects the health of humanity on a deep level, and the need for a complex intervention that supports recovery – a relational approach. My previous knowledge of complexity, community development, social capital, language, and therapeutic relationships informed this article as well as my own relationship with yoga!
For yoga to be accepted as a profession by the health care and social services systems, there needs to be scientific proof demonstrating positive results. I took my practicum at the Trauma Center because it the leader in robust research on trauma and yoga making TSY is an evidence-based practice. It is an adjunctive trauma intervention the Trauma Center has been studying for the past 10 years. Recent evidence gained in a randomized control study of a short-term 10-week TSY program revealed a 33% decrease in PTSD symptomology for clients (van der Kolk et al, 2012). Through developing skills as a TSY instructor, I intend to be on the frontier of this trauma intervention. It will be incorporated it into my eco-social work practice model and NEW ECOLOGY framework. My hope is to work with communities striving to overcome intergenerational trauma with Four Worlds Center For Development Learning. Harnessing my previous relationship with the Calgary Center for Global Community, I collaborated with them to contribute to the professional yoga community in Calgary. Together we offered an 'Introductory Trauma Sensitive Yoga Workshop' to support the integration of a trauma sensitive lens while teaching Alberta flood responders and victims. In addition, I have accepted invitation to take the first ever 110 hr Trauma Sensitive Yoga Certification. With this I intend to continue contributing to the yoga community through offering workshops and modules for Yoga Teacher Certifications and certified teachers interested in learning more. Lastly, but not least, I hope to continue my relationship with Enviros Wilderness School Association through offering TSY to clients residing at their residential treatment centers.
Yoga is a practice of paradox, therefore supporting a sustainable livelihood within a profession and world filled with them!
Yoga supports one to remain strong in my center while sustaining soft and flexible energy and edges. My understanding of the need for reflection and an evidence-based practice became apparent during my practicum experience in trauma-sensitive yoga at the Trauma Center. I took a practicum in trauma sensitive yoga (TSY) because the opportunity allowed me to apply my skills in community development and research, while integrating two lenses - social work and yoga. An example of this integration was an article I published to extend the discourse on this topic within the public sphere. The article on Treating Trauma with Yoga was published in a popular online journal called Elephant Journal. It discusses the complex nature of trauma, something that affects the health of humanity on a deep level, and the need for a complex intervention that supports recovery – a relational approach. My previous knowledge of complexity, community development, social capital, language, and therapeutic relationships informed this article as well as my own relationship with yoga!
For yoga to be accepted as a profession by the health care and social services systems, there needs to be scientific proof demonstrating positive results. I took my practicum at the Trauma Center because it the leader in robust research on trauma and yoga making TSY is an evidence-based practice. It is an adjunctive trauma intervention the Trauma Center has been studying for the past 10 years. Recent evidence gained in a randomized control study of a short-term 10-week TSY program revealed a 33% decrease in PTSD symptomology for clients (van der Kolk et al, 2012). Through developing skills as a TSY instructor, I intend to be on the frontier of this trauma intervention. It will be incorporated it into my eco-social work practice model and NEW ECOLOGY framework. My hope is to work with communities striving to overcome intergenerational trauma with Four Worlds Center For Development Learning. Harnessing my previous relationship with the Calgary Center for Global Community, I collaborated with them to contribute to the professional yoga community in Calgary. Together we offered an 'Introductory Trauma Sensitive Yoga Workshop' to support the integration of a trauma sensitive lens while teaching Alberta flood responders and victims. In addition, I have accepted invitation to take the first ever 110 hr Trauma Sensitive Yoga Certification. With this I intend to continue contributing to the yoga community through offering workshops and modules for Yoga Teacher Certifications and certified teachers interested in learning more. Lastly, but not least, I hope to continue my relationship with Enviros Wilderness School Association through offering TSY to clients residing at their residential treatment centers.
Yoga is a practice of paradox, therefore supporting a sustainable livelihood within a profession and world filled with them!