Becoming a Reflective Practitioner, 6th Edition

CHAPTER 8Applying the MSR

Christopher Johns

In this chapter, I apply the MSR cues (Table 4.1) to my experience with Peggy.

Bringing the Mind Home

Sitting at my desk, my fingers poised before the laptop. Before I press the first key I pause and bring my mind home to the experience with Peggy.

Writing Self

I write in my journal

Peggy

An apparently normal day at hospice day care. The usual suspects. Things go as normal that is until Peggy pulls me aside ‐and says ‘I’m first today’. Taken by surprise I was uncertain at first how to respond. After a pause I said ‘Ok Peggy lets go’. I had not spoken with her beyond social niceties before even though I had been working there for the past six weeks. Others had grasped my attention.

We walked to the therapy room and she talked about her life, how she had lost her partner quickly to cancer and then her dog dying recently. She is sad. She likes to come to the centre for company but also feels she needs to be alone.

She took off her new walking boots and I gave her reflexology. My base cream mixed with essential oils. She was relaxed and appreciative of the therapy. Afterwards we walked back to the day room to rejoin the hungry throng‐ hungry in the sense of demanding my attention. Peggy smiled. She had made her point and taught me a lesson about paying attention and taking nothing for granted. No such thing as a normal day when you pierce it rather than slide along its surface.

What is Significant to Reflect On?

How easy to ...