Gentle Teaching Stories: “It has taught me patience.”

Gentle Teaching Stories:

“It has taught me patience.”

July 25, 2023/inBlog, Employment, Gentle Teaching, Stories

Gentle Teaching has taught me many new skills and has shown me a different way of interacting with people. The main skill Gentle Teaching has taught me is patience. I am more aware of how fast-paced I often live my life. Working with the ladies I support has taught me to be more present in the moment and to slow down.

There are times when a person is constantly on the go and there are times where we just relax and hangout. I have become more aware to be engaged in both situations and that it is fine if we aren’t always doing something all the time. I am also more patient while we do things, allowing more time for an activity and moving slower so that the person does not feel rushed and are able to enjoy themselves.

I am also more aware of my tone of voice and the words I use, as well as how I arrange the words I use. I have become more careful with my tone of voice because I have discovered that it can completely change the way a conversation goes. Occasionally, I am quick to respond and do not pay attention to my tone, so it is quick and harsh even though I do not intend it to be. By slowing my thoughts and working through how to word what I am saying, I also tune in to what I will sound like when I say it. Changing my tone and wording my sentences differently have helped me greatly. I feel I can better help the person in times when they are feeling anxious if I keep my tone light and friendly.

“I have learned that sometimes I don’t need to say anything; a simple hug, hand hold or even a smile and eye contact can make a big differences in an individual’s life.”

I have never been a very touchy person. Gentle Teaching helped me ease into being more affectionate by making me aware that I can start with where I am comfortable and then stretch my limits. Starting with simple high fives and then working towards holding hands and hugs allowed me to feel comfortable.

I have always been a shy individual, so learning how to be more engaged with the people around me and actually being able to see how it affects them both short and long term is allowing me to feel more comfortable in a variety of different situations, where I may not typically feel comfortable.

All of these tools allow me to help the people I support feel safe and loved, but they also allow me the same. I have created such meaningful relationships with them as well as enhanced other relationships in my life through the skills Gentle Teaching has taught me.

Rachel
COR Family Member