Acupuncture Graduation!

January 25, 2009

Keynote speech
Acupuncture graduate Vanessa Hortian

Welcome... to this moment... where we reminisce about the past, become utterly attuned to the celebration of the present, and revel in the infinite possibilities of the future. Where we sit in the company of love, eat perhaps a little too much, and rejoice, emphatically, the fact that WE MADE IT!

We made it! I mean that in the most profound way, as it not only resonates with the graduates, but has a significance that touches everyone in attendance who has played a monumental role in this journey. Whether you taught us how to tie our shoes when we were four, reminded us that laughing OR crying is the best antidote to stress, instructed us on finding and needling points, or helped us begin to comprehend the vast complexity of this medicine... we thank you, appreciate you, and apologize for any of our mood swings along the way. But this program has been challenging!

Let's rewind to the beginning because, as our teachings have instilled in us, the significance of one's foundation is an integral part of the story. January 2, 2006 - the day our family was born, a day that marked unimaginable transformation. Bonds began to mold that would resemble relationships like no other, new neural pathways began to form as our brains transitioned from the linear to the circular thinking methodology, we began to cultivate an understanding of the interconnectedness of our bodies, minds, and spirits in ways that would make our jaws drop repeatedly, and the seeds of wisdom were planted for a lifetime of growth, learning, and curiosity. So much unknown lie ahead, yet we were all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, ready for the ride.

There have been so many rites of passage along the way. I recall trying to pronounce point names in Chinese (quite educational, but even more entertaining), disrobing in front of complete strangers (a moment when personal hygiene became key), to needling our first acupuncture points on ourselves, and then on each other, and THEN needling our first acupuncture points CORRECTLY.

Switching our brains back to the linear approach once a week when it came to our biomedical classes, to undergoing the Clean Needle Technique Exam. Of course, the joy of comprehensive exams should never be forgotten, only to exquisitely prepare us for... dun, dun, dun... THE BOARDS!

At some point we became ready to take classes with Jeffrey, the moment for which we had all been waiting. Jeffrey's teaching ability is quite like the Tao in its inexplicable, profound nature. Yet he is able to make complex theories and treatments so tangible that every class he offers sparks your inspiration exponentially, deepens your drive, and ultimately allows all to reconnect with the passion we have for healing.

Clinic was the place where things began to integrate and where miracles would happen. These miracles ranged from the simple, such as finishing a treatment within the one hour allotted, or getting the diagnosis right on the first try. To the more complex, such as seeing someone walk after being confined to a wheelchair. Or witnessing a patient's cathartic release after 40 years of emotional repression. There were also moments in which we were sure that we were making no difference, yet often realized later that we were the only ones who were.

We were reminded over and over again that this medicine is profound, breathtaking, life-giving, and ultimately perfect for us all as we could adopt the medicine into our hearts and our hands as was appropriate. Today, January 25, 2009, three years after we set sail, we continue to travel along this journey that is taking us to new heights, yet there is no maximum altitude. We are part of a cultural shift that is awakening consciousness on levels we have yet to explore, and we are doing this together

As we prepare for the next phase of this voyage, let us go back to the basics - qi. Qi has many functions and I'd like us to remember its versatility as we go forth.

Qi is warming… may your heart be warm always to laugh, smile, and to comprehend the joys and sufferings of your patients.
Qi moves, so move your body, mind, and spirit freely and embrace your ability to move between the utilization of intellect versus intuition in your treatments.
Qi transforms, so witness the transformation of your life and the lives of those you touch.
Qi transports resources - let us emulate all of our amazing instructors that have shared their hearts and souls with us as they have transported the wisdom of this medicine, and let yourself become this transporting qi as we reach out to the world as ambassadors of this medicine.
Qi protects – protect the legacy of this artistic science/this scientific art we call Classical Chinese Medicine, and ultimately protect yourself as you share your qi with the world.
Qi keeps things contained, as you will contain your resources so that you may serve as a pristine vessel for this ancient modality.

Lastly, as Jeffrey teaches, qi is about relationship, this relationship to ourselves, to each other, to the medicine, to the world. I am honored and grateful to have been granted the life-altering opportunity to experience this relationship with all of you, and am excited to discover the nuances of these bonds as we settle into our roles as acupuncturists. Let us witness again a return back to our foundation - our teachers, families and friends - which has provided us with the support to arrive at this juncture in life, and ultimately to remind ourselves of our fundamental relationship to each other as human beings. We all vibrate on this human level, and our patients will benefit greatly if we allow this connection here. Therefore, as we move ahead in our curriculum, absolutely nurture the acupuncturist within, but perhaps more importantly, nurture your awareness of the human being you are, as this will allow for the paramount expression of your qi to the world.

Thank you all for enhancing our lives, and in turn helping us to enhance the lives of others, and thank you to Jeffrey for being the original spark that ignited the flame of our victory.

Reflections on mastery
Acupuncture graduate Michael Ng

What a great night to share with our family, friends and school. What a beautiful setting... the aroma is intoxicating. Love is in the air! First, let me state that these are my personal opinions and views to share with you, so you can take whatever pearls from this basket of thoughts you like.

As graduates, we first must acknowledge our teachers, clinic supervisors and administrators. They have imparted all the wisdom they could to arm us as we go forward.

Contrary to our perceptions, our learning in the world of acupuncture has only just begun. Really? Oh yeah. Acupuncture is an art. One that is tactile, social and like a tsunami; it starts off with little ripples from our teachers and end with roars from experience. Those resounding sounds will be echoed and heard by each of us, the practitioners, as we practice our craft in the years to come.

Like most of you, I first entered Swedish Institute after listening to Jeffrey's speech at the open house. His clear, decisive command of the acupuncture world made simple to a complex person as me. I followed him because of his resonance. Speeches are just words until they touch our hearts. His did.

In the past three years, I am sure you have heard from students and teachers alike, "Jeffrey this" and "Jeffrey that". Frankly, it would get on my nerves. Luckily, I have someone in my life to compare Jeffrey to. My mother!

It dawned on me that Jeffrey's mastery is akin to my mother's cooking. I am sure a lot of you feel your mother's cooking is the best. But let me brag about mine. My mother (who unfortunately is now going through Alzheimer's) used to be a fantastic cook. So well noted was her cooking prowess that she catered to wedding parties single-handedly! You know, I would follow her recipe for cooking dishes and special sauces step-by-step, ingredient by ingredient, and yet it never quite turned out the same.

So I asked my mother: How come? She told me, "You notice I do not say a teaspoon of this spice or tablespoon of that ingredient. Cooking is all about taste and love. You add a pinch of this and more of that. Each time you cook, the water is different - the fire is different - the air is different - and you are different. You cook totally in the moment with love!"

That is why we hear conflicting stories, that Jeffrey said do it this way and then another time, do it that way. It is all in the context and content of the question. Hence, these are the pearls of wisdom I have gathered to share with you:

Even if you followed Jeffrey's protocols and treatments word for word, you will not get the same results. You are not Jeffrey.
Acupuncture is an art. That means each time we treat a patient, even if it is the same complaint, we need to resonate. Take off this point, add a couple more or try a different modality. Add a piece of you in it and that is love.
We need to make this practice our own. I believe it is the highest compliment to Jeffrey to use these protocols and make them special to each of us. Nothing is ever static. As we evolve, the world changes, so must our practice and protocols.
As long as Master Jeffrey is still alive, why would our patients want to come to us for treatment? If they want Jeffrey's treatment, they would go to Jeffrey.
The reason they want to come to us is because we have taken Jeffrey treatments and made them our own. They come for Ng's treatment or Beau's or Alice's or Adam's. Only then would we be considered graduates of Jeffrey's school!
Last but not least, in today's economy, we realize we have real challenges ahead in setting up our practices. Let me impart to you one final thought of the night: Tough times never last, tough acupuncturists do!!!

Now go out there and conquer with your certain touch, your special love and especially you, in the moment!

Photos
Thanks to Sue Guinn and Anne Van Druten for the photo of Acupuncture Program graduates at their table in the Liberty View.

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