RASCAL FLATTS LYRICS

“My Wish”

I hope that the days come easy and the moments pass slow,

And each road leads you where you want to go,

And if you’re faced with a choice, and you have to choose,

I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.

And if one door opens to another door closed,

I hope you keep on walkin’ till you find the window,

If it’s cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile,

But more than anything, more than anything,

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,

Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,

You never need to carry more than you can hold,

And while you’re out there getting where you’re getting to,

I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,

Yeah, this, is my wish.

I hope you never look back, but ya never forget,

All the ones who love you, in the place you left,

I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,

And you help somebody every chance you get,

Oh, you find God’s grace, in every mistake,

And you always give more than you take.

But more than anything, yeah, and more than anything,

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,

Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,

You never need to carry more than you can hold,

And while you’re out there getting where you’re getting to,

I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,

Yeah, this, is my wish.

This is my wish

I hope you know somebody loves you

May all your dreams stay big

Everyday, typically has a “take home message”. Regardless of what you do, at the end of the day, and reflect on what you learned, or how you grew as a person. I have known for sometime that there was much room for growth in how I related to people. I have not always done well with communicating to family members, or in my many roles in Health Care and Education. Most say I am a good teacher, but on more personal levels and as a professional speaking to another professional, I sometime offend. I know very well in my heart that it does not serve me well, or the goal I wish to achieve, for me to offend others. I do recognize also that everyone has the right to a differing opinion. I further appreciate that I do not have the right to impose my opinion (or values) on others. I certainly get my dander up when someone else tries to impose their values (or opinions that are not invited) on me. I am trying to come to terms with this difficulty that I have had all of my life,…essentially wanting to sway others or to get my own way. I believe the first step to resolving this and changing is to have the insight. This part, I get.

For those that have read most of my material, (a few of you have seen the volumes) you relate to how I like to speak, write and relate to things in metaphors and analogies. In my recent studies and research on how the brain functions, how we learn, behave and respond under stress, trauma and brain injury (such as stroke), I am barely apprectiating the tip of the iceberg, in understanding all of this. I am in a parallel world at the moment, I feel this ongoing crisis, as I wiatch my Dad and family struggle with the impact of stroke, I am deeply impacted by the struggle I sense and witness for my students. Much of the struggle exists as the Paradigm of Nursing Education is shifting, to one that accomadates students who learn differently, but is not there yet, further, those that have decision making power over students, often are working from a differing set of values that what I have developed.

I do not wish to offend here, as easily as it could be if I was speaking at a conference, one that might be attended by a diverse group, male and female, from differing provinces, countries, ethnic background, historical context or different generation. It is likely the someone may take offense or simply disagree with me if they were teaching a differnt model of education. I see that stark contrast between the one University I teach for and the other. In staff meeting I have witnessed (heard) the differences of opinions of how to handle a situtation with a student based on the “generation gap”, within the same faculty. There was even differing opinions on how the meeting should be conducted. I came to the conclusion that I am not the only one who wants to be heard,…and is willing to share contrasting values.

Much of what I am wanting to share here, can be related to (or use a metaphor) in terms of how individuals experience a stroke. Since the human brain is so incredibly complex,…has motor and sensory functions, we can compare this to the multitude of individual presentations (or responses) to the patterns that evolve when stroke occurs. What adds to this analogy is the idea that if there is multiple strokes,…and multiple family members, there is bound to be complexity “multiplied” accordingly. Just as no two snow-flakes are the same, we should never expect the same presentation of stroke to be the same, nor whould we expect the peripheral family and friends to respond the same to the individual who has the stroke, or how they respond or interact with all others involved with the survivor of stroke. All of this “difference” in response and interaction can be metaphorically interjected in the life and learning of the student. I teach nursing yes, but a differing type of nursing than many others. I am neither right nor am I wrong in teaching “differing” ways of being a nurse. As far as other students of other professions or other “subject” matter such as science, math or English, there will be different approcahes that are appropriate for differing students. No two people learn the same. Gender differences are enough in itself, but differing ethnic background and/or cultural, is also not always a consideration…this has been a historical issues in our “English” speaking country. The fact that we are supposed to be “bilingual” and a diverse mosaic of cultures,…and that the Charter of Rights and Freedoms is supposed to be all about Social Justice and Equality…I am one to witness (and sense at a very personal level)…we are not there yet, Canada.

It is a simple answer as to why we still are not “living” in a Socially Just society…not yet anyway. We all have a challenge in holding back from wanting to influence others, charter the course, or direct the meeting. We wish not to offend, knowing it impacts on our ability to influence in the future. There is lots of evidence to suggest though,…there are multiple, differing “agenda’s” that surface, when people come together…for any reason. The solution…to not just be sensitive to the difference in the way that others learn, behave, think or define their values. We must learn to be, “culturally responsive”,…suggesting we take action to change our ways, not just feel remorseful if we offend others. It does begin with developing or gaining insight into our own short-sightedness (self-sighted agenda), and learn to appreciate and respect differences. The genders still struggle with this…it is very evident in nursing…it is very evident if health care culture….it is very evident in education. It will be very manifest as the challenge of the future of Health Care Professional education…no doubt. We do need to be educated together…all disciplines…in order to assure that we will work together….in the patient-centred agenda…while we need to examine and alter modes and methodologies of education that accomodates differences. No student should face rigidity and scrutiny of an old, narrow paradigm…not the “new” generation…they differ…each and every one.

Thoughts from many angles,

Dave

Hi, I give you this as an introduction to a new approach for my students to “reach out to the world” with their thoughts and Academic work. The idea has been passed around with both my University of Windsor students, (past and Present), as well as my students from McMaster (Level III and Level IV). It is a worthy consideration I think, that the students have impressed me enough,…they would impress the global community as to what they are learning, researching and even thinking about,…inclusive of their future (and yours). While not every one will be honoured with developing a relationship with a nursing student, Nearly everone will come in contact with a Nurse, at some point (often in crisis) in their life. I say, why wait till these students are finished and practicing, why not get engaged and share in the mutual education with them now.

It is very clear to me that the Health Care landscape is changing rapidly…and the faces of health care will be changing,…many will be the younger cohort, who is more computer savvy,…and who has grown up communicating online. With the transition to a Primary Health Care model…one that focuses on health promotion, injury and illness prevention…the newer the nurse…the more likely they will have that orientation…many will be living it. Smoking cessation, Active Living and Healthy Eating have of course been part of the curriculum…and the computer savvy know how to research and access the reliable sources of infromation for health education. Health Promotion and Chronic Disease surveilance and management will be the Domain of the Degree Entry to practice nurse of the future.

The Demographics are ripening for there to be more community based, empowering programs for the Baby Boomers to enroll in. It is reasonable to think that a partnership of generations will be mutually rewarding. I further think that this model can be developed to recruit High School students to become involved, teaching retirees and senoirs how to access the internet based programs that will be developed by the “New Kids” on the block,…the newly graduated degreed nurse. This format…online community development will be just one example how this engagement can happen.

So for now, students will have their own section here on this site to share inisights, and assignments as they wish and you will soon see a new website (online community) developed for nearly every Health Care topic over time. The targeted topics that will be first out of the block (and into the ‘blog’) will be on Stroke. There will be a progression to include Brain Injury/Trauma, Spinal Cord Injury and one on Anxiety. Everyone and every nurse experiences anxiety and we who have been involved in University Education (whether Faculty, who were once students themsleves,…or current students) anxiety is part and parcel for being a student. It is overwhelming test anxiety, performance anxiety of a skill,…or the intense fear of making a mistake with medication administration (and risk failure) that really needs to be examined under a critical lens. My feeling is, should we as faculty not want to intervene (reduce stress) so there is optimal learning,…and we don’t actually desire to promote failure or mistakes.

So visit back,…see and visit the new category, “From my students” and yes, you are always invited to comment and/or post, as part of the greater (online) community.

BE well,

Dave

A special entry for my kids,…under “To my children”

So as not to embarass the person, my whole family knows who they are,…lets just say, someone in the family has demonstrated great potential, and equal potential to get lost at Disney World. Let me set up this analogy first so that you can appreciate the diversity in personalities and potentials, and the diversity that is often found in one single individual, that some see struggle with time management or organization,…or following through with something to completion or optimal competence…enough talent and competence to be paid to do it (make a living at something), does not come easy for many.

Disney World is multi-dimensional,…”beyond the box” and “beyond 3-D” (3 dimensional imaging, such as the presentations on screen of “Honey I shrunk the audience” or Michael Jackson’s Thriller,…in 3-D, both of which my children saw, but now barely remember). To define Disney World as a “place”, could bring visions of drives to Florida, and the anticipation of seeing the “Magic Kingdom”, Cinderalla’s Castle…all the buildings, rides,…or as at Epcot,…all the multi-dimensional “worlds”, Land, Oceans, continents or countries and cultural displays, performances and of course “souvenirs”.

If you think of The Wonderful World of Disney”, you could spend hours reflecting on all the “conceptual” dimensions of Disney,…the cartoons, the films, the TV documentary shows we enjoyed as kids,…many about animals. The commercial world of Disney is as equally infinite as the concept,…the stores, the merchandizing of Mickey and Minnie,…Mickey and Minnie as “Love” symbols. The choice in the video store, for famly fun,…you good always count on there to be a Disney movie,…many of us having a Disney Collection, that is chosen from for Grand-children and family nights,…Disney crosses the generations like few other “concepts” today.

So back to the ‘concept’ of this family member getting “lost in Disney”. I goes far beyond the idea of getting literally ‘lost’, at the big (and most visited) theme park in the heart of Florida, which families and honeymooners and seniors flock to year round. (Was it Epcot, versus MGM, Versus the traditional Park?,…was it Fantasyland versus “tomorrowland”) one could build an analogy from the variety of “worlds” within the World of Disney, but we could get lost in that discussion, and I forget now where they got lost at Disney world,…or was it Busch Gardens? The analogy is what is valuable here. Not so much the story and the anxiety, the search and the relief,…it is the multi-demensional conceptualization one can attach to the gifted, creative and often distracted mind.

We can get lost in a project or get lost in the parking lot after coming out of the movie not having paid attention to where we parked and was distracted by the fanatasy that Disney and others create for us. These often remain as ’suvenirs’ of the mind,…many fade,…or are broken up into fragements in our memory… few are ever completely forgotten. Using the analogy of “going to the movies” fits this conceptual analogy also. Does “going to the movies” mean driving to ‘the mall’, parking in a certain section of the mall parking lot in which to go into a specific entrance of the building complex known and visualized when we think of “the mall”…or does going to the movies define the experience of getting lost in a story line,…impressed by the special effects or the “fantasy experince” we often enjoy most….the “escape”.

So why have I brought you along, on my little detour of conceptualization? For yet something else to ponder when you have a difference of opinion or perspective than someone, to suggest that both concrete and abstract, objective and subjective have a place in the world,…and a place inside each of our minds…our thoughts and our “reflections”. If you have a “dreamer” in your family, or one who “gets lost”, in a mindful or fantasy state…these are just the normal potential dimensions that make up the human experience. Be patient with those that are distracted, yet so very creative,…and ‘busy’ in theri mind, and at times “mouth or action oriented”, without seemingly thinking first…they could grow up to be the next Disney,…and create yet another ‘world’,…another dimension that we had never thought of or experienced,…but that we would love to get ‘lost’ in , if we had the chance.

BE well,

Dave

Hi,

Much reflection on movies and movie titles will likely continue, as I am a big movie fan and love to analyse my way through them. I often wonder if I have it right, the underlying message of the story line. So many things can be used as a metaphor for life. I have reflected on the broad concepts that have been attached to the river, how it flows seemingly endlessly, while there is a destination…the journey would never be the same for all who travel the river. From the movie I was able to reflect how differing ways that families struggle,…with life…with one another. Life “meanders” at times and has many twists and turns…rocky parts, turbulent flow at times and pockets of stagnation in the face fo resistance. I re-think this phrase, “no one can step into the same river twice”.
I am now a “stones throw” from the “Fork of the Thames”, which is another “stones throw” from downtown London. There is a Park a five minute walk from ‘Wortley Village” where I live now, and it is aptly called Thames Park. I love the idea that at the base of the river valley where I often walk (and power walk my way uphill, for a little more than one hundred metres),…but only after I spend varying amounts of time enjoying the reflective metaphors that come to mind,…as a babbling brook speaks to me, above the chatter and songs of the birds. I stayed a little longer today reflecting as I watched a dead leaf pass by…I thought,…its lifespan is not over, and its destination will likely be very far indeed from where it had “been born”. The nitrogen, hydrogen and other contitutues will find their way back into the land, water or atmosphere in time,…continuing the circle of life that demonstrates there is a greater connection of all things,…as I breathe in air, I may be hungry for oxygen but it is a small minority in the constituent make-up of the air we breathe. In our need for that 21% of air as oxygen, we do have much of the plant world to thank, even the seemingly dormant deciduous trees. There is nitrogen in that air, partly too from the decay of the  only seemingly “dead” wood and leaves. We (the trees, leaves and river) are one…all a small but infinite part of the greater universe,…it feels good to commune with my cousins of the bio-sphere. It is good to reflect their meaning in my life,…as I again reflect how I and they have a greater purpose….in the big picture.

I proceeded with this reflection to create a “jungle Yoga” routine that I hope to soon record and post under youtube,…keep returning,…and you will be treated to some ideas of how you can commune with nature, using branch and stump and other “natural porps” to increase your strength, flexibilty and even cardio.

While Brad Pitt’s and Anthony Hopkins’ characters, brought great depth to a story, unhealthy relationships and the healthy relationship one can have wiht nature, and their shallow river (I have a metaphor about Fly Fishing I will share at another time). There was healing potential to the river, to the bond between, “intention” and “practice makes perfect”, and what we can do with reflecting on all these different concepts and apply deep hearted principles such as forgiveness,…and we too can find peace, calm and communion with all things.

More to come,

BE wellness,…enjoy the “oneness” that is life,

Dave

Hi all,

I am faced with a seemingly daunting task of “digging out” after yet another move, and also wish to begin the “re-building” phase of this career direction. It may not seem that my vision is clear or that I am not following a design or ‘blue-print’ that is making much sense. I admit, I do sit down, even daily,…intentionallly reflecting on the “climate change” that could easier be a metaphor for life as I now see it. There are plenty of mysteries to which we ponder,…are the threats of climate change real or imagined,…how were the pyramids built,…or why someone would spend major wealth and energy to build a “monument” of love (such as the Taj Mahal), to someone departed.

I find myself theorizing more on these Historical concepts, as I analyze the “sign posts” of the future. The Pyramids I figure, (like someone else I read about recently), were built from the inside, both literally and figuratively. There had to be significant “digging”, and mortaring that would hold up to “the elements”, not just the moving of great ‘obstacles’. You can use the move “The Bridge over the River Kwai” and the dedication the POW’s had at taking pride in building the bridge (losing sight of what the success of the bridge construction could possibly mean) as a means of finding hope and purpopse in their lives, in the moment. Same could be thought of the many slaves that would have contributed to construction of the Pyramids. It was first ‘from the inside of their being’ that they found the strength and pride to carry on in the face of their infirmed status and the treatment they were likely to have recieved. Second,…if you ponder over the building of anything “from the ground up” there is always a foundation laid,…and upwrds from there,…but think of a ramp that would be progressively be built along the inner walls, as the structure would go higher and higher (rather than think of scaffolding or cranes on the outside as we see in modern construction sites today).

This “ramping up”, is also analogous to the way our lives are built,…from the inside,…and up,…progressively…with potential for “back sliding” under weight or resistance which is a natural force, for all existence on this planet, (gravity makes it so on the construction site). Now with enough elements, (bodies strenghtened by experience) and Pride,…self preservation (survivalist mindset which is more than just a human trait),…we eventually get to new heights. I see a platform in every corner of the pyramid, for the resting and “turning” (changing direction) that will be needed as a natural facilatory Phenomenon also. The elements involved with pushing against resisentance and ‘the struggle’ will include relationships to influential people… and knowledge (perhaps such as my case life long study of psychology, self- help books, scriptures , eastern philosophies and practices, and Native perspecitves (and to Critically examine ’supposed truths’ such as the interpretation of Native life-ways, thoughts, and intent,… through the history books or “Wild West” Movies).

Now back up to the idea that the pyramids were built from the sweat, (proabably much blood) and some tears,…it was at the very heart and soul, (and survival) for the slaves to be “into” such a task, as to take pride in what they were doing. We know there had been brain-washing involved in the POW situations, as there was in slavery scenarios throughout history,…there is still situations today where there is “brain- washing” on many levels and context,…today. If you have not yet watched “BLOOD Diamond”, then you get can capture a greater sense of what I am suggesting from that movie alone. The “Blood” had a double meaning,…as does the whole context of “brain washing”,…modern civilized society has brain washed many to believe they need/want such a “prize” as a diamond to adorn their physical body, and “cognitive dissonance” is a human tendency that will assure we would never re-think our positions if they are too painful. (We can only trust that the son in the movie can continue on a journey of healing to re-consider his positions and beliefs of what it takes to “be a man”).

So, yes,…long post,…many concepts to reflect on,…may you find your inner strength,…and a “blue-print” worthy of bringing a wonderfully constructed,…beautiful mind and spirit to your “life”, and be accepting of your body, in the context of wholeness through healing of the greater inner self,…stand tall,…and proud,…and capture the sense of your purpose in this world. Move upward and onward, regardless of resistance and the weight of the struggle.
BE well,…be hopeful,

Dave

I have in the past week been exposed to The Secret”, both the film(DVD)/documentary, through my sister,…and just last night from a good friend, the book. I do highly recommend all, make the opportunity happen to gain your own exposure to the thoughts and inisghts by those that share in “The Secret”. I have been suggesting here in my blog, that I am at one of the most significant cross-roads of my life, (those that know me, may suggest I have been ‘all over the map’ and that my life defines, “The cross-roads” , on many levels). I still consider myself, extremely attached to music, even though I haven’t been on stage for over a year, or picked up my guitar less than a dozen times in the last two. There is great messages all around us,…on the bookshelves, through the story lines of movies or documentaries,…or in the many modes of music. “How to save a life”,…”this is how… you remind me… of what I really am”,…do these ring a bell?, …both hits in the past year. From my past and early love of music, I still reflect on “there are two paths, you can go by….but in the long run…there’s still time change the road your on”…..think you know this one…Led Zepplin,….Stairway to Heaven.

I also had an opportunity to reflect on “symbolism”, and how every culture,…every major religion throughout history, was deeply attached to symbolism. I also think we should be thankful that every culture/religion has a deep attachment to music,…and great lessons (stories that can be symbolic, or prophetic). It is well worth the time to invest (”make the time”) in reflection. I have also recently have pondered the difference/similarities of reflection,…meditation,…and prayer. Cleary there are powerful forces outside of ourselves (reflect on the clear images of the inner workings and structures we are now seein thtough MRI and/or PET scans, how they help us get a “greater picture and appreciation of our inner selves from the physical domain) and there are extensive energies and forces (power) that lie within,…and we have only “scratched” the surface, in terms of the outcomes of tapping into the internal hidden treasures of the mind/ body/ spirit connection.

When someone else comes along in your life, or even a close family member or good friend, sees the value of something meaningful to them,…pause your thoughts and words and listen, and reflect “intentionally”,…and you will learn some wonderful lessons,… and wisdom of the ages, can be yours. If we choose to play “know it all” or that we feel we are the more knowledgable or prepared “guidance counsellor” that we not only risk ‘not growing’,…but we are likely to regress,…or fall back into old “dysfunctional” patterns of living. Life is far tooo short, we say and think that often,…while we truly need to reflect on that every day and with every interaction,…even with our kids and grandchildren. We learn best and/or the most when we remain “open” to others,…and “intend” on sensing and expressing “unconditional love”.

May you feel and express some unconditional love today and every day,…I do hope you are open to this advice to seek out, “The Secret”.., and to “make time” for that all important daily reflection/meditation and/or prayer.

For those following my journey into apprectiating the impact/outcomes/challenges that I am studying about stoke survivors and the families that love them, click here

May the power and wisdom of the ages be yours (seek out and enjoy anything Wayne Dyer also)

BE well,

Dave