how often do you practise?

[chicago bears 2009 (3-2)]

Hi all,

I started my AoR diploma last month and although I know i should be practising all the time, I am often too tired what with a full time job (not to mention chores once I get home!), to practice on friends and family every night. So far I have probably practised about once a week. What has everyone else done when they did their diplomas/certificates? Do you think once or twice a week is enough?

 

[Arafat]

Hi ya Ruthie

Of course you should be practising every single day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But life gets in the way, does it not?

Once a week at least is better than nothing, and have you thought about practising in the weekends (unless its a weekend type course you are on) where you can relax and focus. At some point you will have to do the 60+ case study treatments for AoR. That in itself is practice.

Sometimes we all have to push the boat out a little bit to achieve what we wish to do in our lives. Think of the long term benefits of qualifying as a reflexologist. Short term there is always pressure (home, work etc), but if your heart knows it is the right thing to do, you will find the energy to do it.

Just go for it.

Best Wishes

Dave

 

[fraffinia]

Hi when I did my diploma I probably practised about once a week at first. It took me so long to remember everything that my husband used to get bored!!! However, the real 'fun' starts when you have to do all the case studies I found that to get them all done I sometimes had to try and do two or three people a week ... but then I knew what I was doing and I really enjoyed doing the case studies as I could see a real difference in the people that I was treating. So hang on in there - it all seems daunting at first but with practise it does get easier. Doing the Diploma did I have to say take over my life but it was definitely worth it in the end. Keep on practising when you can and if you're too tired then try another day. It's not worth making yourself drained over it ... especially at the end of a long day

 

[DrorbTubSooxy]

Aah shucks, cheers guys. I guess it has been overwhelming! Just reading your kind words helps me out, with a part time course you can often feel isolated!
I also know that one thing getting in the way is that I need to get myself a more comfy chair and couch as I get a bad back when in the wrong position.

XXX

 

[Ugly Betty]

Hi RuthieBee, one thing our tutors always emphasised was practice, practice, practice. It is tiring but when you start finding your way around the feet and imbalances stand out, it becomes fascinating and certainly not a chore - so persevere, stagger the days and the rewards are defo worth it

 

[No One]

Hi Ruthie,

The thing we were told was, if you have no feet to practice on then run through the sequence in your head. Write it in note form on some paper. It works.

I used to talk myself through it out loud whilst walking the dog in the woods, it worked for me. In the early days I even moved my thumbs as if I had a foot there.

Try it everyday and you will find you know the sequence and all you have to do is concentrate on what you find.

Good luck with your course.
I should really get on with my revising, my exam is at the end of Nov.

Peppermint

 

[jejos]

Hi Ruthie,

Some really good advice here. I had my AoR exam at the end of July and just got my results to say that I passed - believe me, all the hard work will be worth it.

I also work full time and found it a real struggle at first to do practice, homework, study...but you will find away - and it will be worth it.

My advice to you, is to sort out who are going to be your case studies, and check with them when they will be free for a 6 week block, and get them in your diary. That way, they will be aware that for those 6 weeks, give or take a week here or there, they need to be available for you, and you to them. This is what I did and was doing one or two case study treatments per week spaced out over 6 months. It felt good for me to have a plan and know what I was doing, rather than trying to do half a case study here and half a one there etc.

I commute to London each day on the train, and in the beginning, used to take my routine notes with me and sit there and pretend I was doing a treatment - used to get funny looks mind! It worked for me though, and before I knew it, didn't need my notes with me for the treatment. I also used to write my homework up in rough on the train then type it up at work during my lunch hour.

Also, just reading your course books when you have time is really helpful. I took mine when I went to the dentist to read whilst waiting, on the train with me, at work and in bed!

It can and will consume your life for a while, but it wont be forever, and just think, this time next year, you're going to be fully qualified!

Take care, and good luck.

Laura.

 

[errornHiceake]

Hi Ruthie,

Yes i can remember how daunting it was......i was heavily pg when i started training and being a new mum found all the studying and case studies very hard going, but I got there eventually.......i was the tortoise in the class but ended up coming top in the exam!! So try not to panic, just take it at yoru own pace and if your heart is in it you will get there and believe me all of a sudden it gets easier and starts to sink in.

Our teacher gave us a pair of the Chinese reflexology plastic feet, they were brilliant to practise the routine on and test yourself of different reflex points. I also used to go through my routine while in teh bath on my own feet, its amazing where you can practise when u you have to. I had very limited people to practise on, but as i said i got there and I am sure you will too.

Good luck

Jess xx

 

[Coma White (jsts22)]

hi, I am doing my diploma at the moment, started January and finish end October. I too have the plastic feet which are a fantastic practising tool. Especially near my assesment I just picked them up and ran though routine in 5 minutes. Once you've mastered routine thats a mile stone out of the way! when you start your case, write up even in rough straight after, I didn't and now i'm struggling to fill in my sheets! As some one else suggested pick up A + P books when you can, a chore at first the actual learning, but it actually becomes interesting!!! I found the work became really becase daunting and scary about 4 months into the course, and started to get stressed and panicy about everything. But you do get to grips with it, just keep on top....
What course are you doing? Good luck

 

[Zeke]

Feet First

What you talking about? I thought you were a pro, your treatments are top notched... by the way why use plastic feet when you can use mine.....

FEET FEET

 

[C.Lee]

Wow, what great advice from all!
The plastic feet, looking at notes during the commute to work (I cycle so could be a problem!) thinking through the sequence in your head, writing up notes straight after the case studies etc.. all great stuff and great to know I am not alone!
Feet First I am doing the AoR course at the Central London College of Reflexology..

Thanks again guys, I love this site!!