Environments - OTcoach - Occupational Therapy

Person Performance Environment, is such a huge concept for OT. Now I just consider it as part of my practice, creating meaningful and purposeful lives which obviously involves the environment - right! I was reading a book called Mood Mapping, fascinating. It is all about noticing what mood your are in and managing it. Dr Liz Miller was a brilliant neurosurgeon who experienced bi-polar and this book describes how those who suffer from a mood disorder can apply her technique successfully to cope with 'life'. I had it on the shelf for quite sometime, which was sent to me by an awesome OTcoach in the UK, Jen Gash.

She describes just how important environment is, not just at work but at home. The need to have space, some where that is calm, not cluttered, peaceful and safe. I am fortunate that I have a room to work from like that but I hardly ever use it for myself, to just go sit there for a few moments, minutes to just be, time out and yet the rewards would be profound. There is of course out doors, nature, so many wonderful places, especially here in NZ.

I wonder how many of us have access to an environment that is conducive to our needs, even if only for a few moments. If, we do not have that then perhaps we can create our environment from within and not rely on the outside. We can do this and easier then you think. Through mindfulness, day dreaming. We can be at traffic lights, in a busy queue, in a business meeting, in front of someone who is anxious and we can create our own internal environment from where we can practice, breathing, pausing and then choose our next action rather than being reactive.

I wonder how many of our clients are in a chaotic, noisy environment, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that but could we teach them strategies to create the calm, steadfastness of a peaceful inner environment when they may need it. Um, just interesting. I wonder what your environment is like? Do you have somewhere there that allows you to connect with who you are? Does not have to be in an intense meditative way, just somewhere, inner or outer that supports you to be. Try it, the rewards are amazing, just starting even with 5 - 10 breathes, right now!  Just notice your breathing.