I already had a developed sense of observation from working on stage. And in danger of sounding romantic, I felt studying traditional five element acupuncture at Leamington under JR Worsley in the early 1990s was another great opportunity – to see people in a more formalised, categorised way yet allowing for manifestation to be personal, individual and wide-ranging. Training in my middle years, it was perfect timing to be looking for meaning, fulfilment and a different direction.
And I found it. The system of to see, to hear, to feel, to touch felt as though I had struck a nugget of gold, almost a secret of the universe. If each of us as practitioners and members of society could apply these principles to ourselves and to others, I thought, and if world leaders could exercise the knowledge that came as a result, what a better place the world and its people would be.
Well, yes absolutely – seriously naive, but indicative of the impact the system had upon me. Being reminded of our fundamental connection to nature and referring to nature and the seasons as a blueprint to live in step with – it all seemed so logical and became essential in becoming an effective practitioner.
Contemplate some of the point names we have the privilege to work with, energetically supporting clients on their journey: Spirit Gate, Nourishing the Old, Grasping the Wind, Heavenly Window, Eyes Bright, Soul Door, Rich for the Vitals, Walking on the Verandah, Palace of Weariness, Bright and Clear, Great Esteem, Gate of Hope, Very Great Abyss, Support and Rush Out, Abundant Splendour, Great Enveloping.
Retirement means different things to different people. To me it meant only relinquishing regular, salaried, professional responsibilities; stepping back from the front line of complementary, holistic practice; letting go of the commuting, the structure of being in regular work.
So my point is, retiring from a subject that amounts to a vocation, a philosophy, such a logical, elegant observation of life and seeing it manifest in people and nature is impossible. Clinical practice, yes, life practice, no. It enriches me still in so many ways and informs me when treating clients and when socialising and out in the world. To see a classic manifestation of a CF (causative factor) – in or out of clinic – is a day when I look to the gods and nod to JR.
Now, I treat occasionally – quite happy to not have the demands of running a professional clinic with all that that means, yet not ready to give up the hard-gained skills, honed and practised over 30 years and still open to learning more. Once relinquished, I would probably never recover them. And belonging to the professional body I see as an ongoing achievement, difficult to give up.
I trained with a great bunch of people who were also looking for something else… the camaraderie, the connections, the friendships, the studying together that resulted were also part of the rich experience then – and what continues today.
Long live retirement! Longer live acupuncture!