Summer Learning

One of the distinct pleasures I’ve had this summer has been watching my five-and-a-half-year-old daughter learning to swim.  I’ve been a swimmer and a water lover my whole life, and so my heart feels warmed by her growing skills and confidence in the water. 

And to be honest, I was worried because we missed a year of swimming – lessons, practice, and play – last year due to COVID.  The inflatable pool we scoured the internet to find just didn’t quite cut it for developing long strokes or having underwater tea parties.  So, I am breathing a sigh of relief, that apparently, it’s not too late to learn.

And as I’ve watched my daughter learning to swim, and as I’m supervising a summer CPE unit with six amazing new chaplains, I’m reminded of some of the key features of learning new skills:

• It takes time.  Lots of time.  It takes hours of experimentation, and practice, and play.
• It happens best with others – teachers, peers and friends, family.
• It involves trying things before you may feel totally ready, or confident.
• Breathing is key.
• A secure attachment helps in learning to trust and respect the water.

Of course, five-year-olds are not adults, swimming isn’t spiritual care, and neighborhood pools aren’t level I trauma centers.  But after the last year and a half, I am feeling a distinct hopefulness about the learning process, and the new things that are emerging.

This new growth is also emerging in ACPE, as Communities of Practice continue to grow and thrive.  The Professional Well-Being Committee has welcomed three new CoPs to our ranks (you will be hearing more about these in the coming months!) and several more are in the works.  The committee has also begun some intentional reflection on the state of CoPs, what is working, and opportunities for growth.

The 2022 CoP funding cycle has begun.  (If you are a convener and haven’t received information about this from me, please let me know ASAP!)  While this process is heavy on the administrative details, it has also been infused with a hopefulness and creativity as we envision gathering in person again. 

As always, I’d love to hear from you!  What is working well?  Where do you need support?  Please reach out – Katherine.higgins@acpe.edu.  

Katherine Higgins is the Director of Communities of Practice. She may be contacted at katherine.higgins@acpe.edu