Amanda Perkey

MSOD 620 Reflective Paper

April 2, 2015
Since Intensive One at Parajo, I have focused diligently to practice self as
instrument in all aspects of my life using various techniques mindfulness, journaling
and dialogue. Prior to my cultural immersion in China, I found my path to being a clear
instrument took a significant amount of intentionality and I wasnt clear about what it
looked like or felt like. Experiencing a different way of the world both in Beijing and
Datong provided me clarity around two key areas that directly impact my ability to be a
clear instrument: first, we are uniquely human, I now see the world for more than simple
judgments; second, if I get out of my own way I have a capacity be brave enough to
create a spark in others. From the moment I arrived in Beijing I felt stripped of my guard
the language, the culture, the lay of the land were all foreign to me. I had to make a
choice to trust the aspects of me that were familiar my mind, my heart and my gut. As
the days passed and I experienced the people, the culture and myself in the element, I
began to see the people of China, my clients and my cohort for exactly as they were
human. It was a pure experience to not see male, female, beautiful, unusual, Chinese,
Mexican, American and more. Learning from my client engagement with my consulting
group and my faculty consultant Ken allowed me to recognize this as a pivotal
experience. Second, through dialogue with my peers and journaling about my verse I
had a moment of clarity I do not see myself the way others see me. This impacted how I
show up for my clients and peers. Focusing on flying instead of failing has allowed
me to expand my boundaries to take risks, be brave and bold in effort to help others and
create a spark in them to see change.