My mentor, a counselor named Linda, planted seeds that continue to grow within my heart and mind. In Texas, part of the process of becoming a fully licensed counselor is to spend a period of about two years under the tutelage of a supervising counselor. I could not have been more fortunate than to know her and subsequently become her intern.
I’m only about half joking when I say she was my Yoda. Whenever I was stuck with a patient, she engaged fully, always able to see the forest when I was frustrated by all the trees. Today if I’m stuck, it’s not uncommon for me to ask myself: What would Linda say?
Years after my internship ended, she gamely took my questions, pointing the patient and me in the right direction. She passed away a few years ago, and I do miss being able to pick her brain and talk shop. She was married to another sharp counselor, and they had a simple morning routine that I think about sometimes.
When I say I think about it, what I really mean is that I tell myself I should do it too. The routine was simple: Each morning over coffee, they read to each other. Specifically, they read to seek wisdom, be it from the Bible (she was Catholic), Asian philosophy, AA writings, etc. They started each day with such food for thought.
Aside from the subtle beauty of sharing such an activity with a partner, I can only imagine the emotional upside. Given our brain’s ability to change and adapt (which we call neuroplasticity) the positive impact of this specific, measurable practice paid multifaceted dividends.
And if you’ve ever met an old counselor, perhaps you noticed how sharp they tend to stay.
In my recent anger management training, the instructor suggested that we view our brains not as organs, but as organizations. He said he found that to be a much more accurate way of describing the seemingly endless array of abilities and tasks the brain manages. What do you suppose the simple act of seeking wisdom on a daily basis does?
What are you doing with your gift of neuroplasticity? Are you spending time each day on the neverending hunt for proof that life isn’t worth living? Are you affirming what is good and worthwhile about you? If you picked up one simple specific and measurable habit that you know would benefit your mind and emotions, what would it be?
