They Want it to Be Shiny, because Fish are Dumb, Dumb, Dumb

     

    This week I focused on tying a bigger fly. After last week's conundrum with the material sliding around, I figured a bigger hook shank would be easier to tie on. I chose to use a color scheme of black, orange, and flashabou. This simple combination was inspired by homecoming week. The flashabou is the easiest way to attract a fish while still retaining a white color.   

    In terms of spirituality, I have found that fly tying is a quiet activity that makes my spirituality level increase. When I get a finished product, the outcome makes me feel better about what was accomplished. In other occupations, the experience is mutual. If the occupation is meaningful to me then it means it is enjoyable. This in turn means that it increases my spirituality while performing the occupation. There are other forms of occupation that do not peak my interest but are necessary for my health. With these mandatory activities, it seems to be 50/50. For example exercise is necessary for me to stay relatively healthy. I hate the occupation and do not feel more spiritual while doing it. But if I want to complete those other occupations that bring my spirituality higher, the devilish task of exercise must be included. 

    The Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process Fourth Edition defines spirituality as 'a deep experience of meaning brought about by engaging in occupations that involve the enacting of personal values and beliefs, reflection, and intention within a supportive contextual environment'. I believe that this aspect is a good inclusion to have in the document. Having an acknowledgment in the concept of not being able to see something physically in a client allows us, as therapists, to view clients' needs on a more personal level. Once we have "come down" to this level, forms of therapy might be applied that once were not thought of in previous experience. For example, a client might not like theraputty-based activities if they are rehabbing and relearning to walk on a knee replacement. By acknowledging their spirituality involved in the tasks, it is easier to see better forms of therapy for them that could motivate their extrinsic needs to get back to full functionality. I know that this has been good in my life for de-stressing. Fly tying in the last few weeks has allowed me to take a break from school stressors and just focus on something completely different. in turn, my study habits have improved. Why can't the same be said for clients who refuse therapy and need it?