Oh my gosh! Am I going to do the 12 Days of Christmas for the first 12 days?!
I have no idea! That is a thought though!
But first …
Thank you!
The comment section from yesterdays’ “Day 1 Experiment” were amazing! Some folks even continued the affirmation practice by affirm others in their experiment! And lot’s of folks loved the idea of self-affirmation and self-compassion. (A great foundation for learning!).
Here’s an affirmation one that Tiffany shared
I sent this to my professor:
Dr. Renwick,
I appreciate your dedication to our growth to become exceptional clinicians. Your value of ethical integrity is apparent.
Warmly,
Tiffany B
Want to catch up? See what others are doing? No problem!
Did you stumble into this post and have no idea what MI (Motivational Interviewing) is? Also no problem. Read on.
Todays Prompt: Day 2 - Give Two Reflections in a Row
That’s it. No big deal, though it might be to them.
If you are new to MI, just reflect back something you heard the other person say. No questions, no advice, no judgement. Be a Mirror, and don’t put yourself in the Mirror.
Friend: “I think being so inactive is catching up with me.”
Me: “You are thinking not being active is starting to hurt you.”
or: “You are wanting to be healthier in your life.”
Not too hard, give it a try.
Be the Mirror
If you are ‘old’ to MI, this might feel like breathing to you. Yes, let it breathe. See how far you can go.
Here’s a tougher one:
And most important: Notice the other person’s response to your care for them.
She: “I’m sorry I’m late”
Me, maybe: “You feel badly, you wanted to be here sooner.”
She: “Yes, I know how important this is to you.”
Me, maybe: “You know how this is a big deal for me”
She: “Thanks for not being mad at me.”
Me, maybe: “You feel grateful I’m staying calm.”
(“Me, maybe” is me at my best. And please note, after giving empathy, I now have some space to share my personal disappointment, or use my hurt/anger to think about setting a boundary.)
I wish you had been there for me.
Whatever you do, please write it up in the comments below
And by the way you are free to do anything you want with this experiment. Today's prompt is just an idea out of my head, I trust you will do what is right for you.
Want to Join in?
Just start! And tell us what you did in the comments below
And feel free to comment on your fellow traveler’s write-ups!
You Decide
Some folks are starting small, with just 7 days, some are committing to 3 times a week, some are going for 30, and some are going to try for the full 100 days. You decide.
We definitely did not want to be provoking anyone's perfectionism with this experiment!
If you're catching up with this for the first time here's the idea:
Commit yourself to a time limited intentional practice of MI
Tell us what you did every time you do it, put it in the comments of the daily Substack prompt
My Commitment to You
I am committing to helping out by sending a daily blog post on Substack everyday for the next 100 days. The post will include prompts and ideas of what people are doing which might stir your interest in the project and for that day. You are free to try the prompt idea for that day, or do your own thing. Every attempt at practicing MI is welcome!
Low Barriers
As you all know I am interested in providing MI with the lowest barriers possible: MI Practice and MI Snacks are free and you don't even have to register, you just show up. I’m hoping we can do this the same way here on Substack.
If you are wondering how and why you are getting this, you signed up to receive emails and substack blog posts from me when you registered for the free MI Practice and Snacks. If this is no longer meeting your interests, you are free to unsubscribe at any time.
Ready to Start?
Just do it!
Sky
—
MI BASICS CLASS: The Power of Listening
Get the most of out the free practice sessions
May 23, 2024
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We are all in this together
Sky Kershner, LPC, ALPS, LCSW, DMin
Assistant Professor, WVU School of Medicine
MINT Certified Trainer of Motivational Interviewing
AAMFT Approved Supervisor / Member IEDTA / PACT L2
304-220-0088 / www.wv-mi.com / the mi-ai practice space
Wow! I'm really enjoying this! And I ran out of time because I was getting into the writing so much! I went back to add a further thought about the advanced reflection example. My fruther thought is at. the end f this comment. Yes, to give a good reflection is to empty yourself a bit. And at the same time, I don't want to encourage anyone to be a doormat. Here it is:
She: “I’m sorry I’m late”
Me, maybe: “You feel badly, you wanted to be here sooner.”
She: “Yes, I know how important this is to you.”
Me, maybe: “You know how this is a big deal for me”
She: “Thanks for not being mad at you.”
Me, maybe: “You feel grateful I’m staying calm.”
(“Me, maybe” is me at my empathic best.)
And please note, after giving empathy, I now have some space to share my personal disappointment, or use my hurt/anger to think about setting a boundary.
I sometimes drink Yogi tea. The paper on the end of the string attached to the tea bag always has a wise saying printed on it. Today’s: “The one who listens understands.” Even my tea is MI compliant.