Shifts in perspective make a known place brand new.
We are still in early December, but, true to form, I am thinking 4-6 weeks ahead; a habit set nearly 8 years ago when I began working as a Massage Therapist and Polarity Practitioner and my life began to really revolve around my work calendar. This January, I will be heading back to Spa Tech Institute in Westbrook to complete the Polarity education I began back in 2012 with the Holistic Massage Therapy program, which includes the introductory 120 hours of education in Polarity needed to qualify for the Associate Polarity Practitioner credential offered by the American Polarity Therapy Association. Returning to complete the remaining 400+ hours of education to qualify for the next credential level requires a pre-program Orientation date.
I’m not going to lie—I was aggravated by this requirement. A few hours out of the middle of a work day to move through an orientation for a school I had already attended to complete a program I had already begun. I was cranky. I rolled my eyes and thought, “What a waste of time.”
Time has passed, and December has shown me a few things since I was advised of the orientation. My life has recently been filled with opportunities to reorient— to spaces I’ve lived in for more than a decade, an office I’ve occupied for four full years, a practice I’ve been building for nearly eight years. I find that I have even been able to shift my perspective of both the Winter season and the Holiday season this year. These shifts have been illuminating and have reminded me of the value of a shift in perspective, especially in places and spaces that we have been occupying for a period of time. Routine may save time, but it can also lead to a lack of perception of opportunity.
I am grateful for what my reorientation process has shown me in my home, my professional life and in my relationships. Orientation for school is next week, and I’ll bring my shift in perspective along for the ride, and will keep my eyes open for what is new and different, both at school and in myself.