gestalt-isms.

You know when you're sitting in church and about five minutes into the sermon you realize it was written for you? Whatever was burdening your heart or bludgeoning your brain suddenly flows eloquently through the preacher's words, as if intended solely for you.

I experienced that tonight in my Counseling Theories class.

Sometime during the first hour of class my brain caught hold of a few menacing thoughts and, despite unicorn-filled efforts, just wouldn't loosen its grip. Instead of wallowing, I busted out my trusty journal and started an entry (stop judging . . . I love me a good journal sesh) more to dissociate than to ruminate, if you will. A few sentences later, realized that not only was my professor trying to say something poignant, but he was looking directly at me. Sheeeoooooooottttaaaahhhhh. You know that feeling? When you know that they know that you're not paying attention but they require your undivided attention . . . I digress. At that moment I put down the pen and turned my listening ears back on.

We were discussing a chapter on Gestalt Theory which, in my novice opinion, is highly relevant in the new-aged Western school of thought. "Unfinished business," Dr. C explained, "defines things from the past--thoughts, actions, decisions--that affect your here and now." Well hot-damn he was onto something with this. He had us envision our most embarrassing moment and wait for the physiological reaction that accompanies the memory. The only thing I could think of was during my sophomore year of high school when I ripped my pants (no less acting like a fool) in choir and had to get my brother out of shop class to take me home to change. The hot look Mr. Williams gave me was enough to fry an egg on an iceblock. I felt a little twinge in my belly thinking back on that. Interesting concept. Try it.

Long story short, I generally don't enjoy this particular professor's lectures, but this one hit home for some reason or another and I have this new-found appreciation for the guy. And truth be told, it's a much better way to look at things. Yay for grad school. :)