|
Reflection & Renewal
(Formation) Comments
To be honest, I was initially a bit hesitant
about attending. Prior (stereotyped) expectations being what
they are, I figured I very well might find myself spending
the weekend among either “New Age” free spirit types or
fundamentalist Christians. Neither circumstance would have
worked for me. I understood almost immediately upon meeting
the other attendees that I was among a diverse group of
other professional who merely seek to grow and develop
additional insight into themselves and what they bring to
both their vocation and lives.
My
first experience with a Formation Retreat was, in a word,
“fantastic,” and left me wondering, “why isn’t there more of
this type of revitalization going on?”
The
venue; the agenda, the Formation leaders, the personal
contacts, the opportunity to explore the self in a safe,
nurturing setting, the opportunity to explore personal
issues, the bringing out of the creative side of self, the
opportunity for serenity, the opportunity to exercise the
mind and the body, the opportunity to break bread and
interact socially with fellow colleagues, etc. were among
the many reasons why a Formation Retreat is a must for all
who need that question answered of “am I the only one who
cares about making a difference? Are there others out there,
colleagues, friends, family who are interested in connecting
to make a difference?” Attending a Formation Retreat
answered with a big “yes,” here we are, let’s connect.
Our
careers/jobs/assignments are a major part of our lives. We
all need the shot in the arm to renew, regenerate, and find
ways to motivate ourselves so that we can in turn give back
the best that we have to offer colleagues, employers, and
those students and others that we interact with on a daily
basis.
A
Formation retreat can be that shot in the arm because it is
a gathering of like minded colleagues who work with each
other to mentor, interact, review, empathize, share in a
positive, non-judgmental way experiences and thoughts geared
toward helping each of us reach our sense of who we are, and
the “reality” of what we, uniquely have to offer others.
If
offers a venue whereby each can bring back to their work:
-Innovative ways of looking at everyday issues
-An enthusiasm to build/use our personal strengths
-A renewed sense of purpose and well-being
-New ways of communicating, coping, dealing with others
-Network of colleagues (resources) who share their strengths
-Strengthened commitment to work with others to accomplish
goals AND
-A rejuvenated enthusiasm for coming to work to give of the
best that we have for the
betterment of others…
It is through empirical assessment,
introspection and feedback that we ourselves continue to
grow and excel as both professionals and individuals. The
formation retreat combined each of these approaches. As a
scientist by training and a skeptic by nature, I found that
I sometimes had my own unique understanding or application
of the ideas and techniques presented. That personal
distinction made the information no less valuable. In
addition, at no time did I feel even slightly coerced or
pressured to accept or profess a particular interpretation
of either the material or the exercises. In fact, the
environment was just the opposite… I felt very comfortable
acknowledging and expressing my “take” or interpretation
during both exercises and discussions.
The retreat has been a source of inspiration
and affirmation to my work at Rio. It helps me read my
students, find ways to help them personally as well as
academically when needed. The retreat also allows me to get
to know my co-workers at a personal level. It makes them
much more approachable. This is necessary in order to work
together for the benefit of our students.
This retreat allowed me to meet faculty I
have not previously met. It helped me to strengthen
relationships with faculty I met last year at Formation.
Strengthening interdepartmental relationships is important
to me. It makes me feel like I am part of a whole (Rio
Hondo College) rather than just part of a department (Health
Science). The retreat helped me to clarify my goals as an
educator and as a member of the Rio Hondo campus. It helped
me uncover my inner teacher and remember why I became a
teacher. After attending the Formation retreat, I feel I
care more about the campus as a whole and look forward to
meeting and working with more people on campus.
Formation activities have
helped me meet and get to know other Rio Hondo Faculty/Staff
from not only my own Department but from many others on
campus. Through the activities that are part of the
retreats we develop relationships and even friendships. We
have discerned ways we can support and assist each other in
our work here. I probably would have never made those
connections without this retreat.
Participation in Formation
activities help me gain new insights and perspectives into
my strengths and challenges related to my work. It seems no
matter how long the activity is 50 minutes or two days I
find a solution that I have been looking for. It also helps
me develop a support system outside of my Department and
Division.
The
formation experience was a very positive experience for me.
It allowed me to discuss many issues with my peers in a very
personal manner. For me, such discussions are few and far
between, and I rarely have contact with professors outside
of my division. I also enjoyed some of the informal events
such as the bonfire and the music sharing which allowed us
to relax and laugh together... I think more retreats such as these with even larger
numbers of professors would be a very beneficial and
positive endeavor.
It is a chance to look at
what is inside you that fuels your choices in your life (not
just your professional life). It is a chance to reconsider
your choices and an opportunity to share all of this with
your peers.
“Formation is journeying,
individually and in community, to identify our true selves
and deep integrity. From this center proceeds our
action.”
Parker
Palmer
http://www.league.org/league/projects/formation/
|
