Posted on Feb. 27, 2009 by Kate Fagan Taylor, Executive Director
Queenswood's new program focus is to support people who serve others, and so we're always on the lookout for opportunities to reach out into the community and offer that support. We sponsored a training conference this month for counselors and social workers who serve youth at risk. The conference was organized by the South Island Training Initiative and included staff from a dozen groups such as the Boys and Girls Club and the Child and Family Counseling Association (CAFCA).
One of my sisters is a youth counselor, and from watching her in action, I've learned that sometimes one person's loving attention makes all the difference to help kids turn their lives around.
Sr. Marina and I attended the keynote by Dr. Tim Black, who presented an integral perspective on healing. Tim is from the Department of Educational Psychology and Leadership Studies in the Department of Education at UVic. I was captivated by his presentation; it was so effective in demonstrating how important it is to develop the habit of stepping back from stress to focus on something that affirms the beauty, joy, and meaning in life. Tim took us through a series of images and stories that gently helped us connect with the experience of walking with someone through trauma, and then-- a surprise every time-- we would be immersed in an image of beauty: a image of gorgeous spring cherry blossoms. As the image infused us, the group would exhale a collective sigh of relief and pleasure. The presentation itself was a demonstration of how the destruction and pain of life is real, and if we are not to be overwhelmed or hardened by it, we have to choose to deliberately take regular breaks to shift our focus to experiences of beauty, joy and meaning.
For me, Tim's presentation affirmed the practical human need that Queenswood serves. This presentation demonstrated how it's not just something "nice" to do; taking time out for experiences of renewal is not a luxury, but a necessity. It's a no-brainer for those of us who are managing stress from helping others who are in sad and difficult life situations. Otherwise, burnout and illness results.
Queenswood has always been a place that is all about those kinds of experiences, a place to refocus on the beauty, inspiration and joy of life. And as this baby web site and blog of ours grows, we're really hoping to provide that kind of relief in a virual community as well-- even in the midst of a working day-- to be a place you can visit to to revitalize your spirit.
