05/24/09

Today was a day at Casa Cares with classes and then a trip to a small town above Reggello. Homesickness appears to be in full swing for many here right now. Some want to go home, others miss aspects of home and others just need time to themselves to feel whole again. I am a combination of the latter two. The morning class, Italian school systems, was very interesting as to the perThankfully, I recognized this over the past few days and was able to do small things to get me back into a motivated learning frame of mind by this afternoon. Thankfully, someone allowed me to use their phone card to call Steve this afternoon so I could hear his voice and once again feel connected with "my world" and comfort zone. As soon as I heard him on the phone I felt better.

This morning, our class was about the Italian school system. Our morning session provided me with an intersting perspective that the school has over counseling in the school. It was also a different perspective about how to teach. Italians view the US educational system as inferior and when Americans come over from the US they often need to complete a few more years of schooling in Italy to be considered proficient. The teacher that presented is a former American, now an Italian, and she was able to share her own views on school and attitudes about schooling in Italy. She talked a great deal about how teachers in Italy view their role and the expectations set upon them. She discussed their lack of cohesion in school to life and how this affects students and teachers alike. She also discussed the discord in teaching students about things that are applicable in real life as opposed to rote Italian facts and history. It is true that if not learned, history will repeat itself, but at times I believe it will repeat itself regardless.

The afternoon session, was Ethics in Counseling led by Dr. Ted Remley. We actually utilized his textbook in Ethics class at UAB so most of the information was stuff that I was familiar with. With that being said, it was nice to hear from the author of the textbook about his perspective, reasoning and understanding of legality in counseling. We were afforded the opportunity to ask questions and dialogue during class which was great. As Dr. Tyson pointed out, this is a great oppurtunity for networking and building relationships with others in the counseling profession because you never know when you may need to call on the expertise of a fellow collegue. Dr. Remley provided me with some great "words of wisdom" in the profession.

After Dr. Remley's session we had the choice to go to a small town and monastery for the afternoon. I had intended on going, but today, my body was telling me to stay and rest. I kept reflecting back on Henry David Thoreau wisdom and felt the need to simply get back to nature to feel whole again. I opted to stay at Casa Cares and do my own thing. It was pleasant and refreshing. I knitted, read for a while and attempted at a nap. The whole time I listened to the birds chirping and twittering in and out of the trees. I watched the kittens of the house chase lizards and play in the sun, I felt the heat from the sun on my skin and relished in the breeze when in blew by. I listened to the bee buzz above my head while I tried to nap and while I was slightly annoyed that I couldn't nap, I appreciated that the bee felt comfortable enough to flitter above me for most of the afternoon. I allowed myself to breathe and feel in tune with my physical and emotional needs today. I allowed myself more than a moment to relax and not DO a single thing nor plan another moment. Because of this, I was in the moment. sigh. I reflected on my life back home and what is essentially missing. I need a center, a place for reflection and creativity to rejuvenate. Some need to run to clear their head, I need to read, write and utilize my creative gifts given to me by a higher power. When I go home I know I need to allow myself time to sit and relax and paint, read, write and garden. I need to stop and breathe. Thank you Casa Cares for bringing that notion back into my brain.

It is almost time for dinner and then tonight I place to paint with watercolor and knit some more. We are heading to Siena tomorrow for the whole day, we will not return until almost midnight tomorrow and I am sure I will be exhausted and quite sick of the bus by then. For now I will close but I hope all of you are able to reflect and take a little more time to focus on your wellbeing - away from the computer, the phone or the television and enjoy some aspect of the natural beauty of which we are a part. Ciao!