Feeling stuck today, like we all do sometimes, with not much energy or inspiration? I sure am! How do we create, innovate, be inspired and humane and compassionate and focused, and put ourselves out there physically and energetically, when feeling down in the dumps? My Mother would have said, "If you want to feel better, stop thinking of yourself and go do something for someone else." That sounds like something we, as practitioners, do all the time, doesn't it? We do, however, get paid for our care. So what could we do in our communities that involves and imbeds us even more than we may be already and does not have any direct remuneration connected with it? Here's a few ideas.
• It's July. Does your town have a Labor Day parade, fair, or celebration? Why not get a group of 3-4-5 acupuncturists to join the event organization committee? Or create an acupuncture float for the parade? Or create a donation-only community acupuncture tent with all the proceeds going to some excellent town project [Think NADA protocol]? (Don't forget your release of liability/consent to treat forms!)
• Is there a derelict field, park, or open space in your town that could use cleaning up? What if a group of local acupuncturists organized a clean-up party with free drinks and acupuncture after the work was done? What if that got on the local news and in the local paper? How would you advertise it and get wider participation (website, Twitter, Facebook, in-clinic signage, patient newsletters, press release)?
• What's happening at your local hospital(s)? Is there a public lecture series, any special events, or upcoming fundraising activities that you could attend? If so, take your cards and introduce yourself to the speakers, teachers, organizers, volunteer committee folks, anyone sitting behind a desk or standing at a podium. Perhaps offer to become a speaker for their next lecture series, or offer to participate on the fundraising committee. You never know whom you'll meet or what opportunity will arise!
• Join a team! Softball, volleyball, ice hockey, whatever. New friends lead to new patients.
• Coach a team. Little league, soccer, swim team. What kids sports are available in your town and do you know how to teach any of them? This is a great way to meet lots of parents. Take pain patches and Chinese liniments (and your biz cards) to practices and games for those skinned knees and elbows.
• Organize an acupuncture fundraiser for some important non-profit in your community. Do it in conjunction with their biggest annual event so that you have maximum exposure and maximum return on your time investment. Ask every practitioner you know, and even the ones you don't know, to participate. Send out press releases. Make a splash. Get involved. Get to know all the folks who work for that organization and event.
Those who give in their communities will get back. When you feel stuck or uninspired, that's the time to act! Inspiration will follow.
• It's July. Does your town have a Labor Day parade, fair, or celebration? Why not get a group of 3-4-5 acupuncturists to join the event organization committee? Or create an acupuncture float for the parade? Or create a donation-only community acupuncture tent with all the proceeds going to some excellent town project [Think NADA protocol]? (Don't forget your release of liability/consent to treat forms!)
• Is there a derelict field, park, or open space in your town that could use cleaning up? What if a group of local acupuncturists organized a clean-up party with free drinks and acupuncture after the work was done? What if that got on the local news and in the local paper? How would you advertise it and get wider participation (website, Twitter, Facebook, in-clinic signage, patient newsletters, press release)?
• What's happening at your local hospital(s)? Is there a public lecture series, any special events, or upcoming fundraising activities that you could attend? If so, take your cards and introduce yourself to the speakers, teachers, organizers, volunteer committee folks, anyone sitting behind a desk or standing at a podium. Perhaps offer to become a speaker for their next lecture series, or offer to participate on the fundraising committee. You never know whom you'll meet or what opportunity will arise!
• Join a team! Softball, volleyball, ice hockey, whatever. New friends lead to new patients.
• Coach a team. Little league, soccer, swim team. What kids sports are available in your town and do you know how to teach any of them? This is a great way to meet lots of parents. Take pain patches and Chinese liniments (and your biz cards) to practices and games for those skinned knees and elbows.
• Organize an acupuncture fundraiser for some important non-profit in your community. Do it in conjunction with their biggest annual event so that you have maximum exposure and maximum return on your time investment. Ask every practitioner you know, and even the ones you don't know, to participate. Send out press releases. Make a splash. Get involved. Get to know all the folks who work for that organization and event.
Those who give in their communities will get back. When you feel stuck or uninspired, that's the time to act! Inspiration will follow.
Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome.
- Samuel Johnson
Thanks for reading my blog.
Hi! Nice post!!Thanks for sharing it with us....really needed. Dr. Park attended Korea University in Seoul, Korea and received his B.S. in Genetic Engineering. After graduating from college he completed a 2 year traditional apprenticeship under Master Hyun Kyu Choi as a full time apprentice studying Acupuncture and Traditional Oriental Medicine.Acupuncture in Ellicott City
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