There’s nothing like walking around town during leaf peeper season in Vermont. I had space for lunch today in Montpelier and time for a short walk. When getting off one of those big buses to see some colorful trees, all it takes is a smile for the out-of-towners to feel welcome by the others of us rooted here. We may get to hear some European languages spoken, some different fashions in clothing, and an interest in our downtown shops. I feel grateful that central Vermont has been my town for over twenty years, where I’ve raised my kids, even if not my hometown.
I’m Also Grateful
I’m also grateful to be a practitioner of Chinese Medicine in our community over this time, to provide a form of health care that has supported many of those I often get to see when strolling around. I see how we each contribute our talents and interests in our own way to be part of and carry the group, as it carries us as well. It may be with your profession or job, or your volunteerism, or your economic support.
It is with your heart as a neighbor and friend, looking out for and listening to those around you. Maybe providing a health care service, legal support, entertainment, food and beverage, supplies for daily life, or maintenance services for the car or home. It would take another few paragraphs to list the variety of services that it takes to support a healthy community. It seems to me that central Vermont thrives in this.
Taking that walk around town and returning to the office, the momentary smile to the leaf peepers reminds me of the value of acupuncture. The smile may shift their inner state, even without intending to do so, and maybe just a small amount. I feel this the moment I receive that smile from another. Do you know that smile you exchange with another when there is no attachment to the outcome, just a simple exchange? This sort of simplifies the effect of acupuncture, as we are typically attached to the treatment outcome. Still, such an inner shift is partly what’s happening when stimulating certain points on the body.
Supporting Someone
Supporting someone in their process toward greater health truly takes a community. Whether one is dealing with pain or anxiety or cancer or poor sleep or addiction, it’s best to build a surrounding team of caring people and providers. Those directly involved may be a primary care provider, a particular medical specialist, an acupuncturist, a yoga teacher, a counselor, a massage therapist, a personal trainer, a nutritionist, friends, co-workers, family. I recognize that I serve as one part of a person’s journey. There may be indirectly supportive people who help deal with the contributing stressors. This may be a veterinarian, a marketing consultant, an auto mechanic, a plumber, an electrician, a restaurant, a venue with musicians or performers who give you a mental break.
Reflecting after a stroll around town, I’m seeing the value of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine that I offer as part of the context of the community that I live in. I get to interact with the person before me for an hour, sometimes week after week, month after month, or year after year. My hope is always that the interaction, whether from the acupuncture, certain words, or just a smile, helps shift this person toward greater well-being.