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Fire Ember Breathing Technique

Deep breathing exercises are widely recognized for their benefits in managing strong emotions like anxiety and depression. Here is a powerful exercise that combines deep breathing with visualization to help calm the mind. Begin by visualizing a small ember ignited by a match. It glows a dim yellow and appears ready to burn out. Inhale deeply, and as you exhale, picture yourself gently blowing on the small ember. As you blow, it begins to glow brighter. Continue this process two more times, exhaling slowly each time. Now, take another deep breath and blow gently onto your ever-brightening ember. This time, as you blow, the ember bursts into a bright flame—a flash of heat and light that lasts for a moment. Then, the flame goes out, leaving only blackish-gray ash. Draw one last deep breath. As you blow strongly, imagine the ash being carried away into a gentle breeze. If you wish, envision that your worries are consumed along with the ember and carried away with the ash. Feel free t...
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Guidelines For Offering Prayer With Patients

Is it ok to pray with patients as a medical professional? Generally speaking in the United States, it is legal to pray with patients. There are some ethical considerations to keep in mind. Also, it is important to check your facility’s policies to ensure you remain compliant. It is vital that we keep in mind the right of every person to be treated equally regardless of religion or worldview. Additionally, patients are a captive audience in a medical setting. It is not a public space where they can easily walk away if they choose. Thus, we must respect their right to access medical care without proselytization. Always ask a patient if they would like you to pray with them in a way that allows them to say no. "Would you like me to offer a prayer?" Instead of "Let's pray about it." Do not pray for a patient publicly if they are not alert and oriented enough to agree to it. You can always pray for them privately in your mind. Also, be wary of praying for a patient p...
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Universal Spiritual Development Phases ​

Researchers have long sought to categorize human development across various dimensions. While there are numerous theories about human development, their accuracy varies significantly. No single tool can perfectly capture every stage of an individual's growth, as each person’s experiences are unique. Therefore, any list or chart presented is merely an approximation of "typical" development and cannot encompass all the nuances of human growth and change. Scholars have created such lists for every aspect of humanity—from psychology and physicality to sexuality and spirituality. However, some areas, like spiritual development, have received considerably less attention and funding in academic contexts. Many religious leaders have attempted to address this gap with various models of faith and religious commitment, often limited to specific traditions or sects. One notable model extensively researched in academic literature is James W. Fowler's Stages of Faith. This model ...
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Life Advice From Senior Citizens

Here are nuggets of wisdom my patients have shared with me over the years. All quotes shared with permission. “Go with the flow in life.” -Dolores, 91 “Hard work is important.” -Richard 90 “Take it easy sometimes.” -Gladys 92 “Don’t ever stop.” -Ada 90 “Do right and you won’t go wrong.” -Carol 92 “Keep cooking for yourself as long as possible.” -Leona 89 “We need more people who are willing to help others. Be like that.” -Imogene 92 "Never stop reading." -Nancy 86 “Don’t ever quit.” -Ken 82 “Work hard and don’t retire early.” -Faye 97 “Be honest and help people.” -Patty 93 “Listen to your children.” -Mike 90 “Work in your yard until you can't anymore.” -Roxie 90 “Ive been married 72 years. The secret is L O V E.” -Boyd 91 “Live every day, don’t take any for granted.” -Doris 93
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Addressing Uncomfortable Health Topics as a Therapist

By David Garner MOT, OTR/L, AC As therapists (PT, OT, SLP) we wish the best life possible for our patients. Sometimes we see them making unhealthy decisions that may impede their recovery. How can we approach these topics with respect in a way that is educational without being judgemental? Topics I'm referring to including losing weight, quitting smoking or drinking, and other counterproductive lifestyle choices. For many people these behaviors may involve addiction or anxiety. They likely know they should change, but it's hard. Perhaps they have tried in the past and were met with poor results.  We are not generally experts in these areas, but we can educate our patients about healthy life choices as well as resources that may support their success. It can be awkward to bring up these topics with patients. So here is what I have found to help me approach the subject respectfully without any awkwardness.  Begin by ensuring the conversation takes place in a private setting. Som...
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The Drowning Journal Technique

Journaling is a widespread practice, yet many people feel it is not for them. There is a stereotype, especially among adult men, that it is juvenal or feminine. Research has shown that it is an effective coping mechanism for people of every gender and at every stage of life. Additionally, it does not look the same for everyone. The classic trope that one needs a dedicated diary where they gush about there deepest feelings in paragraph after paragraph of vivid ink is untrue. There is no right way to journal. Let me repeat that, there is no correct way to journal. Each person does it their own way. Here is how I define journaling. The act of writing down things that clog or stick in your mind. The primary use for journaling in my view, is to help control and focus ones thoughts. Writing paragraphs is perfectly fine. Many people feel they do not have time for that. Here, I want to share a simple technique that is quick but impactful. It can be used in almost any location, private or publ...
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The Survey of Spiritual Needs (SOSN)

Developed by David Garner OTR/L, MOT, AC with contribution by LaVoy Garner M. Div, CC Description: The Survey of Spiritual Needs is a short, seven question survey to assess for spiritual distress, depression and patient needs and wishes related to these issues. This survey can be completed in two to five minutes. It is intended for adult and older teen populations with abstract reasoning skills. Purpose: Screening for spiritual needs can be conducted by any healthcare personnel including patient care technicians and certified nursing assistants. The SOSN is a brief survey that will enable any healthcare professional to assess for spiritual distress and disruptions in spiritual engagement thoroughly yet quickly. It will also enable the examiner to identify solutions to help their patient re-engage with this occupation and begin to resolve present distress. It will enable the examiner to connect the patient with other appropriate resources and determine if further screening is necessary...
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