We are really excited to have Katherine join us and be part of our team. Katherine is working in the clinic on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. What follows is a beautiful introduction that Katherine wrote in response to joining us.
Happy Summer.
I’ve been thinking a lot about times of transition recently. The past six months have been one long drawn out transition into another, from the time I graduated with my Diploma of Acupuncture to the pinnacle of writing my board exams. Things shifted again as I moved out of study mode and simply waited to find out if I passed or not. Then, a flurry of activity once my results came in (I passed!) as I put together and submitted my application for my license. As I write this I am waiting for the official stamp of approval. Hopefully by the time you all are reading this, that fancy piece of paper has arrived and I am (finally!) a Registered Acupuncturist.
What I’ve been thinking about however, is how full our life is of transitions, and how parts of that are easier than others. For me, the beginning of new things has always been relatively easy. I tend to jump right in feet first without much nervousness, only excitement. However, the leaving of things is harder. The longer the leaving stretches out for, the harder it is. Perhaps I’m impatient for the new thing to arrive, perhaps I have a hard time with the grief of what is getting left behind. I suspect it’s a little bit of both, which is something I suspect a lot of other people experience as well. We talk about the excitement and the beauty that is the new thing coming in, but honouring the aspect of our lives, of ourselves, that is leaving is equally sacred. In the next few weeks I will have some kind of quiet ritual to mark this shift for me, and I will come for a few acupuncture sessions to help my system move more smoothly with the flow.
One of the things I’ve been witnessing in myself with this particular transition is that yes, all of the usual discomfort and impatience are present, but there is also a greater sense of softness than in some of my other big life transitions. The thing that is different is all of you. The shifting roles within this community feels expansive, supportive and filled with lightness. I can’t tell you how much it means to have heard from so many of you in the last little while that you are looking forward to having me in the clinic, and that you are planning to come see me for some pins. It has made me appreciate and reflect on how important the strength of community is as we navigate transitional times. How we can provide stability and a sense of safety for those around us simply by being part of something outside of our individual lives. How we all need this more than we may think we do.
I will always remember the first time Michael mentioned the possibility of me joining the team on the clinic side. It was maybe six months into me working here and about a year and a half into my schooling. I said yes without any hesitation, without any thought really. Just a yes that came straight from my gut. Because getting to be here and witness the magic that happens in the community clinic lit a passion for this style of acupuncture that has grown stronger the more I learn about and experience it. I am honoured to be joining the team of acupuncturists who provide care here.
With delight, anticipation and much gratitude,
Katherine