Blog Posting 3

 Hi, all! This past week I have somewhat slacked on my new occupation of ASL, between studying and visiting my family over the weekend. I did read the next chapter in my ASL for Beginners book, and I learned the signs for numbers and also how to introduce myself and let others know that I am hearing. One fun/somewhat related activity I did was attempt to teach my dog to signal "more" when her food is out! It was a little difficult to teach her to touch her paws together, she mainly jumps and gets excited so we're still working on it. 

I have found Hasselkus's assessment that occupation can enrich one's spirituality and vice versa to be true. I believe that engaging in occupation allows one's spirit to communicate with the outside world, and it helps individuals create a sense of meaning within their life. Within my own occupations, such as cooking meals and baking, walking my dog, and talking with family and friends I am filled with a sense of passion and I know that my spiritual health benefits from these activities. In my new occupation of American Sign Language, I feel that it is in the beginning stages of enriching my spirituality. I do feel passionate about engaging in this new occupation, however I do not think that I have attached as much meaning to it as I have with my other engagements. However, because I do recognize how beneficial the skill of ASL will be to me in my future as an OT, I do believe that I will continue in finding meaning and spirituality in my learning. 

I do think that the inclusion of spirituality in the OTPF is important, and should be recognized as a foundation of occupational therapy. The OTPF 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" (OTPF 4th ed). The framework extends on this definition of spirituality to also add the importance in recognizing that spirituality is "dynamic and often evolving" (OTPF 4th ed). I think that this definition closely relates to Hasselkus's definition of spirituality, as they both emphasize how one's spirituality helps to create meaning. Within the framework, spirituality is categorized alongside values and beliefs within the client factors section. Although I do not particularly agree with spirituality being grouped together with a client's values and beliefs, I do recognize its importance of how one's spirituality effects a client's motivation to engage in occupations. I believe that it is important for spirituality to be recognized within the profession of occupational therapy, because in order for us to successfully encourage our patients to engage in their daily lives, we must understand the meaning and passions behind their everyday occupations. 

I hope you all had a great week and weekend, and I am excited to see how you all are progressing in your new occupations!