I am not my job description

 

"We must abandon the idea that stability exists. Change is the only thing that is constantly happening" Jac Lewis 

Following on from this weeks discussion - what is my practice - I came across this statement from Jac Lewis, a meditation teacher who's emails I subscribe to. I find it so fitting for how I feel about my practice, for it has changed & evolved over the years to become what it is currently, it changes and adapts to the situation I am in, and my relationship to it changes- how embodied, fatigued, confused or fulfilled I am. CHANGE IS THE ONLY CONSTANT. 

I feel my practice is also always adapting, similar to how an octopus changes its camouflage to fit into its surroundings, I've done a similar thing with my practice. Adapting to the environment I'm in to initiate healing & empowering the client &/or participants who I am working with. This has many benefits, including: meeting people where they are at, gaining a deeper sense of trust quicker (for they believe they are already aware of the methods I use) and by-passing my ultra awkward response in trying to explain what is seen as my job, but what actually is a practice. 

So, I took great comfort in realising I am not alone in this. Others too can't describe what they do, are multidisciplinary so don't fit into one box or put on different 'hats' when needed to fill their desired role at the time. I was also opened to the idea that those who do have a job description usually have a broader list of tasks & responsibilities. Doing more than their contract implies; out of generosity, because it is a necessity for their role but isn't considered initially or due to the person they are and wanting to make life easier and more fluid for themselves and those around them - having been self employed for majority of my adult life, this is something I had never considered, nor the frustration this must cause.

Now not only am I left feeling more contemplative about what is it I actually do, I am also internally debating why I have felt the need  to place myself & others into boxes when it is evident that we aren't definable. So where has this need to define and compartmentalise come from? And is it of any use? ....especially if change is the only constant?

Just beyond

yourself.

It’s where

you need

to be.

—Excerpted from the poem Just Beyond Yourself by David Whyte