Forums IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ Spring Forest Qigong Hospice Volunteer Work

Please feel free to comment anytime you see those types of so so negative or self sabotaging phrases. I have been striving to be more aware of these and it amazes me what slips out at times. Thank you for your very valuable insight.

Boy you are not kidding about the front line, braking ground statement. Just yesterday I was at a Hospice class where they talked about energy work done on a patient which seemed to be helping. Well I had to ask, energy work, what type was used I inquired. The answer was no surprise to me and is what is at the fore front of what is being more acceptable these days which is a grate leap forward for mankind. It was Reiki and therapeutic touch and boy in my mind I saw the grate benefits of Qigong fitting right in there. I held my tong because I did not want to divert where the class was already going on the topic.

I am proud to say that the State of Connecticut now has an approved program that works in conjunction with Hospice called pedia care. I’m curious Anna if you have that program in your area? This is what that class was that I was attending which would open up opportunity for me to do volunteer work with kids that are in the program. One of the kids mentioned had respitory issues (I think my eyes bulged or opened wide when I herd this) and man I was like jumping out of my skin wanting to inform them of Qigong. It would have been an in appropriate time to mention it but the universe has opened a door that I am willing to step into. If the opportunity comes about that this child is on the program and needs a volunteer well I’ll be all over that and ready to share. I can’t wait to get into the healing lev 2 and up. Again I throw that up to the universe because financially I don’t see it happening. But the gut feels to good about it to even be in the slightest concerned about how it is going to come about, trust faith and going with the flow is the name of the game right now. As they say in Australia, no worries.

Love & light.

Dear Ascending1,

I've never heard of pedia care here where I am. I presume it's a special program for kids who have a terminal disease, is that right?

I have worked with a bereavement camp for kids who have lost a loved one. It's tough to be a kid, and you lose your mother, or your father, brother or sister. It's a weekend camp experience, where the kids talk things over in a group sessions, and also do fun things like crafts, swimming, cookouts, etc.

Most of the kids would rather skip over the serious part, and just have fun! But it's good for everybody. Last year, the hospice added an adult bereavement camp, camp for adults who had lost a loved one. In some cases, several family members of different ages were there, working through the loss of the person. On the last day, there was a remembrance ceremony for those who had died.

It's a pretty intense weekend, and I was glad to give, but glad to get home too! Next time, with my new-found Qigong skills, I'll have a new way to help give comfort to folks.

I have to compliment your hospice group on being enlightened about energy work. I've never heard it mentioned at any of my hospice trainings or groups. One person does volunteer to do massages for the patients if they want it. Of course, people do what they are comfortable with. I like to sing, so sometimes I do that, if it's appropriate.

You were up bright and early this morning, writing in here. It's about my bed time. Guess I'll do a little bit of Qigong and call it a night. With love, Anita

Anita,
You are correct about the special program for kids. Unfortunately as you know when someone finally decides that it is hospice time it is usually too late or to close to the end in some cases. This program was started in hopes to get in sooner and spend more time getting to know the family bond with the patients and help where need. The assistance is vast and could include helping with siblings to whatever the family needs are. It is an amazing program and I glad to be at the start of it. I believe it is wide spread even at international level unfortunately not everyone is doing it due to lack of funding ect.

The camp program sounds like a grate idea and I think some of the concepts are similar and used in pedi care. It is amazing how many different avenues there are available to help fellow souls in need.

It is amazing how things are getting more acceptable. Basically volunteers are encourage to use any modality they feel can help. This ranges from various types of energy work to massage and so on. It is a grate benefit for all. As in any other situation approval sometimes is required and caution for treading on someone’s belief system. But there are ways to approach it to keep it neutral and the family usually wants what is best so no harm no foul. I look forward to sharing Qigong when I am ready.

Last weekend, when I was at the Conference, I spent quite a bit of our meditation time working with various people I know who are sick. One of those people was the hospice patient that I referred to earlier in this thread. She had been getting sicker and sicker for a long time, and I kept expecting her to go, but it wasn't happening for her.

In my meditations I've done everything I could think of to help her and comfort her. This time, I visualized cradling her, like a baby, and giving as much comfort as I could. I think that being in the group increased the power of it too. I did this on Saturday and Sunday.

I later found, that the lady died on Monday morning. In this case, I was very glad for her, that her suffering is over.

Qigong is good for healing and for comforting too.

With love,
Anita

Anita and Ascending1: Really wonderful healing work you are doing! I learn so much from threads like this and thank all who share their experiences and insights.
Love and peace.

Thanks Starfish and “it mattered to this one” (from the starfish story).

There really is so much to learn in life and something for everyone it is amazing. Anita are you able to integrate Qigong on any of your patients?

[This message has been edited by Ascending1 (edited November 21, 2003).]

Yes, a bit. As I've mentioned earlier, I'm still trying to figure out just what is appropriate for a hospice patient. So I ask inwardly each time, and try to go with the guidance I get... How about you? Do you use it in that situation?

I should have mentioned this in the other thread but looked at this one second. I think it is harder because, at least in my case I am working with older people who have rigid belief systems. Some are a little more open but I can not say that I have had a direct and concentrated secession of any kind. I guess I am doing it similar to you and when and where ever I can but it is more subtle than anything else. I do realize it is all helpful but would love to be able (as you mentioned in Jetay thread) have a more concentrated opportunity with an open and willing patient.