Do you ever wish there was a way to watch your interactions with others from an outsider’s perspective? Lately I’ve been keenly aware of what an asset it would be to have that reflective ability. I wish to gain an understanding how I am perceived within my interactions at Art and Spirituality, Common Art, and Café Emmanuel. When I was very young I was told by my father that it doesn’t matter how pure or good your intentions are if someone perceives them poorly. Clearly this issue is far more complex than “good” or “bad”, and I’ve found that it holds true for the most part. Understanding perception is something I will be working and reflecting on probably for the rest of my life.
While personally processing some of the interactions I have had with artists at Common Art, I’ve realized that in trying to sound disarming and kind there have been times where I came off as patronizing or later felt I left someone feeling infantilized by my tone and word choice. Does my body language convey to the artists that I’m guarding the art supplies or monitoring their conversation in the kitchen instead of trying to facilitate access? At Art and Spirituality I joked with the women at my table about making my card for my sister because she says I don’t call enough. While they laughed with me (I hope), I made light of my privilege to easily and openly communicate with my sister whenever I want, which highlighted that they cannot.
My time with Café Emmanuel in conjunction with weekly supervision meetings has highlighted for me that the usage of terms can be group specific. For example, queer is very commonplace in some LGBTQIA communities and is still pejorative in others. I use the word queer as a more universal and accepting term but learned that using the term in our Café Emmanuel Community is considered offensive to some.
Within the context of this internship I feel so privileged to have co-interns and a supervisor who help me reflect on perception versus intention. They help mirror for me the way I interact with others. In processing and planning our groups, they help me check what I may think is a fantastic idea and how in reality it may not work for some people. Moreover, they have helped me to gain flexibility in my work.
Ultimately the Emmanuel community is helping me understand that others’ perceptions will always be an important part of their lived experience. It has emphasized for me that being present, connecting and listening with all of the senses is so important. The groups I’m working with have given me the opportunity to take this concept of perception, which seems straightforward, experience its complexities, and re-experience them in my process of growing as a clinician.
Speaking of growing, I wanted to share some exciting news! This past week Café Emanuel launched Café Arts, a weekly 45-minute program, led by the interns, meant specifically for creative expression. We are beginning Café Arts by running 4 different types of groups over the next 4 weeks including chair yoga, a writing group, a visual-art & crafts group, and a jazzercise/Zumba inspired movement group. I am so happy to say chair yoga was very warmly received by the men who participated.
Bekah Woolf, Nov. 23, 2014