Within the same vein of Nepo’s experience I have encountered a dilemma that has completely transformed my understanding of health and wellness. As a write from a coffee shop in Texas before returning to New York end of January, I am surrounded by family in poor health. My brother-in-law is on his last battle with colon cancer that has spread to his liver, lungs, and abdomen. Being home since mid-December, I’ve accompanied my father to his doctor’s appointments, of which, are a cardiologist and nephrologist (my father has had a heart-attack and kidney cancer). Both of my older sisters have PCOS (Polycystic ovarian syndrome) and the second eldest received news today from her doctors that she needs to schedule a hysterectomy.
More recently, I am starting to show symptoms of PCOS and have decided to make a decision to completely change my diet and exercise regime in order to combat the symptoms. My weight and wellness has fluctuated the past ten years or so and was something I blamed on aging and stress. As I get older, I realize that my body and mental wellness should be nourished and treated in a way that allows it to heal and feel good. Impulse eating and unhealthy habits have become easier to avoid because I have a different perspective that motivates me to take better care of myself. Before, if I am honest with myself, I would diet and exercise to look good for former partners, not necessarily for myself and well being.
When reading Mezirow, I really resonated with the following passage:
“Transformation Theory's focus is on how we learn to negotiate and act on our own purposes, values, feelings, and meanings rather than those we have uncritically assimilated from others-to gain greater control over our lives as socially responsible, clear-thinking decision makers” (p.8).
I think because my perspective on health has taken a real shift, due to not only seeing the struggle of others close to me, but undergoing this struggle myself, I have become more motivated to prioritize health and wellness. Through this prioritization and motivation, I’ve also been able nudge family members and friends to take small steps in eating healthier too.
Looking at learning and transformation as a negotiation process is something that I can really jive with and feel comfortable talking about in my own classroom. Whenever I am teaching painting classes, I always try to be sure to not establish any kind of hierarchy, but rather, serve as a facilitator to my students, giving them the tools and environment to uncover their own ah-ha moments. Yet, at the same time, as educators, how do we toe the line of teacher, negotiator, facilitator and the like?
On another aside I agree with the notion of what Mezirow writes about in the former article about transformative learning being impeded by different speedbumps and loopholes that include culture, social class, etc. feel so valid.
I always try to be sure to not establish any kind of hierarchy, but rather, serve as a facilitator to my students, giving them the tools and environment to uncover their own ah-ha moments. Yet, at the same time, as educators, how do we toe the line of teacher, negotiator, facilitator and the like?
ReplyDeleteThis is always a balancing act as teachers always have a certain level of position power