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Olive B. Poliks, M.S., N.C.C., L.P.C., C.D.A.P.
East Aurora High Schoo
500 Tomcat Lane
Aurora, IL 60505
(630) 859-8707
As professionals, volunteers and administrators who deal with unrelenting crisis, we often struggle to find answers that are beyond our human mind and heart. Although the barrage of frustration, disappointment and disillusionment appear as barriers for our clients, we can discover the avenues to finding deeper spiritual strength for ourselves and for those with whom we work. In the experience of crisis our clients experience a sense of powerlessness to stop the danger that is or is about to happen. At such times, our last and best hope is to look deep within to find a source of strength and wisdom beyond ourselves. As we explore the personal meaning that we find in crisis, we discover avenues to finding deeper spiritual strength.
We can discover this new-found depth through various methods, including writing poetry (for the non-poets), singing (for the tone-deaf), games and playfulness (for the all-too-serious), and experiences of trust (for the mistrustful). To discover a new-found depth of spirituality is to discover a new-found trust in ourselves and in our ability to deal with the crisis that we encounter with our clients. As we find a deeper sense of our own inner strength, we become better able to help our clients find their own inner strength, too.
Spirituality is not limited by religion. One can explore their spirituality within the safety of their own belief system as they
find a larger consciousness and a more encompassing faith. Spirituality is for grown-ups with a child's heart. Grounded in a
spiritual orientation we can become persistently hopeful, tirelessly joyous and indefatigably forgiving. In looking for
spiritual solutions we can find no magic, only miracles.
Suggested Bibliography:
Chodron, P. (1997). When things fall apart: Heart advice for difficult times. Boston: Shambhala Press.
May, R. (1991). The awakened heart: Living beyond addiction. New York, NY: HarperCollins.
McBride, L (1991). Preventing burnout through spirituality. "The Counselor," May/June, 10-13.
Moore, T. (1992). Care of the soul: A guide for cultivating depth and sacredness in everyday life. New York, NY: HarperCollins.
Poliks, O.B. (1999). The noble victim: Stress management for helpers. Aurora, IL: The Fertile Ground Press.
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