21 May When teaching is a learning process
Teaching osteopathy
Internalization process of the concepts
Teaching is an art and skill which can be developed in so many different ways. Any lecturer knows 
when the delivery is going well or not. We can see students’ faces, interest or lack of it. We can monitor their apathy or empathy, their tiredness or their zest, their concentration or lack of it.
Teaching osteopathy is fascinating and quite challenging. I personally learn a lot while teaching because I am not only teaching the osteopathic concepts or rationale behind what we do for a living. I am also trying to teach the internalization process of the concepts.
Compassionate guidance
Deal with the ego and personalities
That is when the compassionate guidance is needed and the reassurance is so important,
particularly when meeting “shy and insecure hands”, as well as equally disconnected, “bossy and invasive” hands. Besides, we must still deal with the ego and personalities that come in all forms and shapes…
A good teaching day for me is when the rather active, “thinking, exploratory hands” are navigating quietly and respectfully through tissue layers to get acquainted with the anatomy we are supposed to be introduced to and engage with. It is lovely to see a student’s surprised eyes when they feel the anatomy with their own hands…. It is a time of wonder and joy and it makes it all worthwhile.