Preppin' Projects

 

When I started this blog three weeks ago, I never would have imagined that I would be talking about my irritability during my encounter as a mechanic. Let me tell you, the lack of sufficient food and the need to sleep will certainly affect your ability to focus on and learn about the new occupation that you chose. This week as a mechanic, I prepped the space and area to put an electric fan on an older Toyota Tacoma. All that entailed, was taking off a few nuts. As simple as that sounds, I learned that when you have a securement that needs to be released from a moving body, you need apposing resistance to get it off. And when you drop your wrench seven times too many, it can make you feel inadequate, and your patience may wear a little thin.

The other obstacle making this occupation a little less enjoyable is the amount of space you have to work in some areas. Feeling restricted and like you just can’t get the tools in the direction they need to go in can be very discouraging. The second project I prepped was for a MacGyver move. There was a hole in the pickup’s radiator from welding that had been done on the bumper. A bead (a hot piece of molten steel lava) from the welding, sparked into the radiator, melting one of the aluminum bands or pipes holding the radiator fluid (antifreeze/coolant). For a temporary and possible permanent fix, I cut out some of the coils to access the hole a little easier with the intentions of crimping above, below, and around the hole to stop the flow outward. Next will be to JB Weld the hole in the hopes that the adhesive bond and the crimping will prevent fluid from coming out of the hole.

Spirituality is a part of human existence, whether it is known or not. It is the ability to cultivate how we think, feel, and behave as occupational beings, and helps increase our understanding of our values and beliefs. Engaging in occupations that are meaningful allows us to reflect on the people, occupations, ideals, and environments that contribute to our well-being. Occupation enriches our spirituality by giving us a sense of value and belonging. A sense of value and belonging keeps us motivated to do the occupations that bring us joy, in turn making the occupation more meaningful and fulfilling.

I have found that my own occupations and spirituality coincide with each other. When I contribute to and support the spiritual aspects in my life, I find more fulfillment from and contribute more effort towards my occupations. I harness more gratitude and mindfulness when my spiritual needs have been met. Within my new occupation, I have not yet found this to be true. This last project preparation had me really moody and frustrated. It could have very well been because I had a small breakfast, a very small lunch, and chips and a soda for dinner. My body was not properly fueled, and it was late in the evening. I was tired and ready for some rest. Having said that has made me realize that even if your spiritual needs have been met, if the needs for your mind and body have not been met, your occupations are going to be lacking enrichment. When our occupations lack enrichment, they lack meaning which in turn does not contribute to our health and well-being.

As the fourth edition of the OTPF’s definition of spirituality encompasses the deep experience of meaning through engagement, reflection, and intention, I certainly believe it should be a part of the framework and is a supporting factor for the rest of its content. Spirituality is a huge part of the human experience, and without spirituality in the framework, we would not be holistic practitioners looking at the patient as a whole. Spirituality belongs within the framework because it relates to our perceptions and how we gain motivation to be involved in the occupations that bring us a sense of gratification and contentment.