Gentle Teaching is a tool that can be used to generate trust among people, create special bonds, and ultimately provide happiness in one’s life. Creating and maintaining a culture of gentleness takes lots of time and effort but is also very rewarding. It may take months – or even years – to develop an unbreakable bond, but the results are long lasting. Working for Creative Options Regina for the past five years has enabled me to learn key elements that help develop and grow relationships with the individuals I serve.

It becomes very important to provide positivity in every situation with the individuals. At the beginning of each support time, I greet the individuals and ask them questions about their day. Being fully engaged with the individuals at the start of each support time shows that I care about them. Additionally, it provides a boost of happiness and/or momentarily deflects them of any potential negative thoughts at that particular time. If one (or more) of the individuals wasn’t happy at that instant or was simply having a bad day, it provides a source of positive energy that could potentially improve their mood. This creates a sense of gentleness that can resonate with the individuals.

Offering unconditional love is another way of showing the individuals that I genuinely care about them. Similar to the love I show to my family and close friends, I reciprocate the same action toward Rene, Trent, and Garth. It is a matter of always being by their side to support them regardless of the situation or circumstance. This helps maintain a culture of gentleness and shows the individuals that you are there to help and support them at all times.

Inevitably, there will come times that become difficult to manage. To provide comfort to the individuals during times of turmoil is essential in displaying a culture of gentleness. Showing forgiveness to the individuals regardless of the extent of the misbehaviour or wrongdoing generates trust in the relationship. It becomes important to accept the individual regardless of their flaws. Not only will this ease the situation at hand, but also helps develop a stronger bond.

Gentle Teaching is a way of life. Not only can this approach be used with the individuals we support, but also with family and friends. A positive attitude can make a significant difference with an individual’s overall mood. Unconditional love and forgiveness are used in combination during my support times to create and maintain a culture of gentleness. Showing the men I support that I care about them during times of turmoil helps strengthen our relationships. I offer support and show love for them without any expectation of receiving it back. These strategies have become very helpful in developing strong, positive, and long lasting relationships with the individuals that I support.

Belal,
COR Family Member