Revisiting my Vision Statement

By Angie
When I was in my final year of University at UTS (2009), we were asked to prepare a Vision Statement - a document to describe what we would like to achieve in our new profession as Chinese Medicine practitioners. 

I recently came across this document and it really warmed my heart. I love how 'bright eyed and bushy tailed' I was about my future as an acupuncturist. And, I particularly love the fact that after five years of professional practice, I can honestly say that I still embody all the same hopes and ideals. Not only that, but I have made manifest many things that I only dreamed about as a student. I thought I would include that vision statement here with you and make a promise that I will continue to strive towards making this vision a reality. It is my life's work. I hope you enjoy it :-)

---

Angie's Vision Statement - 2009 

I hold a deep reverence for the healing arts and feel honoured to walk the path of many ancient and noble healing traditions. I am continually inspired by the seemingly infinite approaches from around the world dedicated to bringing about a state of balance and harmony, and the innate capacity of the body to heal. I wish to dedicate my life not only to helping people overcome various states of disharmony and alleviate suffering, but also to assist people on their journey to achieving radiant health and their full potential as human beings. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) represents a range of healing modalities that have captured my imagination as but one of these many approaches to facilitate healing on a number of different levels. I admire and respect the age-old traditions and the modern interpretations of TCM and wish to draw upon the wisdom gathered over thousands of years in my daily practice.

Every patient that I see will be my teacher. I wish to learn from their individual stories, and from their collective narrative. I wish to learn how I may serve them better and inspire them to recognise that they are truly their own healers. I see the clinical encounter as a dynamic interaction where the best outcomes will arise out of a respectful partnership.

My colleagues will be my best allies. I joyfully anticipate being part of a global community of practitioners dedicated to bringing about harmony in the world, and the boundless possibilities there are to learn, share and grow together.

I acknowledge that my few short years at university are only the fledgling beginnings of a lifetime of learning. I look forward with excitement to learning more every single day about the laws and the wonders of the universe, the artistry and complexity of TCM, and the myriad ways that I can engage with each individual patient in order to help facilitate their healing.

From my initial inspiration to practice TCM, I have always envisaged being able to use my knowledge and skills to help whoever required it. My dream is still to have a free clinic that makes TCM available to those most in need. Now I realise a more realistic goal is to develop a private practice that operates on a flexible sliding scale, and to use my skills to contribute to existing community health projects. Furthermore I would also like to help instigate community health projects for neglected sections of the population, and spend some time traveling the world visiting disadvantaged regions and offering any help I can. 

All in all, I aim to be the best practitioner that I can be. 

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.
If you want to be happy, practice compassion”

- The Dalai Lama