The Three R’s
I suspect that most of you are familiar with the adage the “three R’s: reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmatic”. Since we are all familiar with the academic setting, whether as professional counselors, students, or professors, and beginning a new academic semester and year, I would like to share with you three other “R’s” for your consideration: rest, reflect, and renew”.
Rest: Dancer and choreographer Martha Graham once said, “The body is a sacred garment. It’s your first and last garment. It is what you enter life in and you depart life with and it should be treated with honor.” As such, we believe it is essential to nurture and rest our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual selves. Furthermore, as counselors, we are called to be self-aware. Therefore, we have the ability to use this self-awareness to find the best means to sustain ourselves, whether it is through the arts, exercise, connecting with nature, working for social change, or any other of the countless ways you find helpful.
Reflect: At the end of the counseling process, we often ask our clients to reflect upon “what was helpful/what went well”, “what could have been better”, “what, if any, regrets do you have”, and “how can you take your new awareness and behaviors with you to improve your life?” I believe the same questions are important for us to consider, as we reflect over the past year. Being able to recognize each challenge, concern, andcelebration will serve us well as we enter into the final “R”.
Renew: It isn’t surprising that after rest and reflection we often feel renewed; being able to not only clearly see the path we are to take, but having the energy, motivation, and excitement to do so. As author and motivator, Ralph Marston playfully stated, “Rest when you’re weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work.” Yes, there will continue to be challenges, but also opportunities and great achievements.
I hope you find this version of the three “R’s” useful whether to remind, or inspire other ways for you to continue the wonderfully, meaningful work you do as professional counselors and leaders in your community.
