Ah the Galaxy of mental health providers and educators on the planet reunited at the New Jersey Counseling Association (NJCA) conference for 2015 ! At the conference I was looking around and I realized that everybody was a star twinkling from within. They were spreading their light in their own unique way. The power of these stars not only gave light to others, but they also paved the way for aspiring counselors and educators. They get together at least once a year to celebrate their contribution and life!
Meeting up with my peers
Once again, I was there with my fellow counselors. The counselors come from all walks of life, different colors, and experiences. I got many opportunities to share and learn at the same time. It’s always satisfying to see the number of attendees increasing and above all, the enthusiasm steering in the right direction.
While attending presentations, every time I heard a story of great resilience or powerful humility, I got goosebumps and my heart began beating faster. Yes, even after being in this field for a decade, this hasn’t changed a bit. Occasionally, the stories of clients as well as counselors still bring tears of joy and sorrow.
It was an honor to meet women and men who have been tirelessly helping people for over three decades and still going strong. Their stories, words, thinking lines on the forehead, and smiling lines manifested their struggles as well as celebrations. What an inspiration!
“Holistic Living with Mindfulness and Neuroscience”
I presented on, “Holistic Living with Mindfulness and Neuroscience: Next Level Holistic Living.” The mind can heal the body, if we have the capability of understanding it appropriately. During the presentation, I felt the enthusiasm among the attendees and gratitude in my heart for having this opportunity to share what I have learned. Attendees actively contributed and were eager to learn. Most of us wished there would have been more time together. This will motivate me to go back in 2016 as well. It was a great experience!
Right after the presentation, a thought came to my mind; in the past 70 minutes, if that room would have turned into a high-tech Neuro-laboratory where I had a way to measure the brainwaves or the connections between everybody’s brains, I bet the room would have looked like a multi-level Laser show (without music). I could sense the positive vibrations.
It was an awesome experience and I am looking forward to the 2016 NJCA conference!!!