Embracing Change in Different Stages of Life: Lessons from Eastern and Western Philosophies for Therapeutic Growth
By Alpana Das MSW, RSW
After completing my MSW in 2009, I left Canada and embarked on a journey that significantly shaped my understanding of the world and myself. Working in Africa, I dedicated myself to supporting vulnerable children in rural areas, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, and raising awareness about domestic violence. This experience opened my eyes to the realities many individuals and communities face and ignited a passion to effect meaningful change.
Upon returning to Canada, I spent seven transformative years working with Catholic Family Services. This experience deepened my understanding of faith and spirituality through the lens of my dedicated colleagues. I found that the organization's faith-based approach, rooted in the compassionate love exemplified by Jesus, played a pivotal role in helping individuals on their journey to personal growth and positive transformation. Embracing a strength-based perspective, I witnessed individuals harnessing their resilience and courage to navigate life's challenges.
Throughout my journey, I have explored and embraced the integration of Eastern and Western philosophies within faith-based practices. This exploration has highlighted the profound connection between humility and confidence and how these elements can work harmoniously to facilitate personal growth and change.
Over seven years, I have led three to four marriage preparation classes per week and served as the foremost divorce and separation expert for the Archdiocese of Toronto. This experience has granted me invaluable insights into the intricacies of human relationships and the profound impact of love, commitment, and dedication to a higher power. Through working with numerous couples to strengthen their marital bonds, I have witnessed the transformative power of these values. Reflecting on the past, I am grateful for the lessons and experiences that have shaped my journey and brought me to this moment of contemplation and growth.
It taught me to:
Embracing Change: Lessons from Eastern Philosophies: The profound teachings of Eastern philosophies, such as yoga and dance, have shaped our understanding of change and personal growth. These practices have instilled a deep sense of humility by allowing a connection with a more significant source of energy. In upcoming articles, we will explore and add insight into how trauma-sensitive yoga studios that blend Eastern and Western practices can serve as powerful beacons of guidance, leading individuals toward greater self-awareness and spiritual growth.
Embracing Change: Lessons from Western Philosophies: I've discovered that combining Western approaches with my Eastern philosophies has deepened my understanding of change. I've merged confidence with humility by embracing evidence-based methodologies and diverse modalities outside my cultural background.
The Significance of Children: Children hold a special place in our lives, a powerful reminder of the beauty of embracing change. Their unique perspective allows us to reflect on our journey and recognize the potential for growth within ourselves. As a first-time mom over 45, I reflect on the preciousness of children, emphasizing the need to nurture and positively influence the younger generation.
The Significance of Fur Babies: Acknowledging the significance of children and fur babies in people's lives is crucial. Many individuals hold their fur babies in high regard, and as a therapist, it's essential to understand and empathize with the diverse ways people experience love and companionship. Every person's journey and relationships are unique and deserve respect and support. A client told me, "God spelled backwards is Dog."
Embracing Change: Personal Growth and Transformation: I encourage my therapy clients to begin their personal growth and transformation journey. I urge them to reflect on areas where they can grow, discover more about themselves, and find a balance between humility and confidence. Whether it's overcoming trauma, experiencing the transformative journey of pregnancy, or nurturing loving relationships with pets, my article emphasizes the significance of self-reflection, which allows for personal joy and freedom.
Questions to ponder:
What practices or techniques from Eastern and Western philosophies are recommended and needed to expand for therapeutic growth, further assessment, and earlier detection in various areas of advocacy to support children and their safety better?
How can professionals in positions of authority in therapeutic interventions better support child clients while maintaining a balance of humility and confidence in promoting change and self-advocacy? Additionally, how can they identify and support children pretending or feeling like they don't belong?
Can we enhance self-reflection practices, cultivate a growth mindset, and improve our agencies to protect and care for vulnerable populations?
How can acknowledging the critical role of animals in providing comfort and companionship contribute to a more supportive and holistic healing journey for individuals who have experienced trauma?
How can professionals actively support and encourage these unique and diverse connections to promote well-being and healing?
Here are some reflections; this is not an exhaustive list:
Integrating specific practices and techniques from both Eastern and Western philosophies can potentially benefit therapeutic growth, further assessment, and earlier detection in various areas of advocacy to better support children and their safety. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the need for additional research and review to address potential gaps in this complex yet vital topic. Moreover, the practical integration of the balance between humbleness and confidence in embracing change and self-advocacy for therapeutic clients is an area that requires more exploration.
It's crucial to thoroughly explore this topic to ensure that individuals don't feel excluded or inadequate in their quest for self-improvement and healing. Additionally, as a society, there's an urgent need to promote self-reflection and personal growth while strengthening our institutions to offer more comprehensive protection and care for our vulnerable populations. This requires thorough research and analysis to identify deficiencies and develop effective improvement strategies.
The significance of children and animals in people's lives is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires further investigation. It is essential to explore how animals can provide protection and care for individuals healing from trauma and whether denying individuals the opportunity to form safe bonds with their pets excludes them from valuable sources of support. This calls for in-depth research and review.
It is crucial to thoroughly study and review the integration of trauma-informed care, children's rights-based approaches, and best practices in identifying and responding to child sexual abuse across different systems. Identifying gaps in these areas and developing strategies to address them is essential for the well-being and safety of our communities. Concluding Remarks I offer my life journey as a source of inspiration for therapy clients, therapists, and individuals from all walks of life. While there is much more to learn, it is a testament to the transformative power of embracing change through the fusion of Eastern and Western philosophies. By nurturing humility and confidence, individuals can embark on a path of self-discovery, finding joy, love, and freedom through embracing change. Through introspection, personal development, and the influence of younger generations, therapy clients can achieve a harmonious balance between humility and confidence, ultimately leading to personal growth and fulfillment. This approach has worked for me and continues to be one of my guiding lights.
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