What does it Mean to Be a Practitioner in Times Like These?

As directors of the Pantarei Approach School, we are in continuous communication with many of the practitioners and students who learned with us. We hear their worries, and their concerns, and we also hear that they are looking for ways in which to contribute; to give value to others and to our society at large. What does it mean to be a practitioner in times when there are so many restrictions in place in order to safeguard our health?

This challenge that we are all currently facing asks for solidarity and shared responsibility. Our actions will continue to impact us, as a society, also later on when this crisis is all over.

The role of a practitioner of the Pantarei Approach, that values the wellbeing of others, and works to support and enhance this, is very significant during times like these. The work starts by taking care of our own health – body, mind and soul. Then, we are better able to support others in doing the same. And this is what is needed more than ever during these challenging times.

The importance of being true to ourselves

What does it mean to be a practitioner during this pandemic? First and foremost it means to be true to yourself. Just as we teach our clients to listen to their own inner wisdom, you should apply this, to yourself. If you feel that all you need is to rest or take care of your own family; do that. If you feel that you have more strength to be of support to others; let yourself do that.

Remember how important it is for your clients to feel that they have a safe place to feel their emotions and their vulnerability. Similarly, in times like these, you don’t need to show that you are stronger than you are, or that you are able to successfully deal with everything life has to throw at you. The people you’ll find yourself supporting during this time, need to feel you. Not only the practitioner that you are, not only the business owner that you may be, but more than anything, your heart, your humanity, your care.

Notice Priorities

Take a moment to listen to yourself and to what you need. Be true to yourself, and by doing so, you will naturally open a path for others to be able to face this challenge; simply by being present, just as they are.

We would like to remind you that as practitioner you don’t have to move all your sessions or workshops to online platforms, or even to work with clients at all. You don’t have to be above it all.

It is important to ask ourselves: what will make me feel healthy and alive in times like this? The answers might surprise us and may be very different from what we get when we usually ask: “What does it mean to be a practitioner?”.

If you are guiding others during these times

From our point of view, we recommend being present, being attentive, being caring. Let your surroundings feel you, and connect to yourself and others. Invite clients to call, to chat, to message. Offer online sessions if and when relevant, and remember to connect to your unique strengths, so you can encourage others to do the same.

You might find yourself talking to your clients while cooking in your kitchen. Perhaps you find a moment during your day to call them and ask how they are and how they are coping.

Of course, if your clients are struggling and would rather not be in touch during this time, accept this with an open heart. We all cope differently with stress and overwhelm, but what certainly helps, is knowing you are supported and have people around who are there for you. Reach out, send a good word, and show you care. Love your clients, love their struggles and their strength, just like you do with your family members and friends.

The collective power of healing

Beyond each of our individual strengths, there is a collective power we have as a society. During these times, this is very obvious. We all share the responsibility to keep everyone healthy. But our responsibility goes beyond that. We are also there for each other and will walk together towards our future. Clearly, there is a lot of uncertainty about just what that future may hold. There will be a lot of pain to heal and to recover from. But if we do it together; if we remember that each of us is a part of a whole, we might find ourselves going through these times with courage, with heart and with friendship.

Keeping healthy – In body and soul

What does is mean to be a practitioner in these times? It is to know that our health is not only a physical thing. Just as you learned with us, we view health as something that goes beyond the body. It might be our ability to remember our priorities in life, our ability to connect to ourselves and our resources, as well as to others. Health is when we feel that we have a reason to smile; when our heart feels love, and when we feel the connection to life around us.

To keep ourselves and others healthy right now, is to remember the things that are important to us; to remember the value of our own life, and the life of the people around us. It is time to give a hand, to support when needed, to breathe in and breathe out, to notice a flower and its beauty; especially in times like these when worries and concerns are being shared by so many of us.

By Claudia & Vered