Armchair travel inspires through images of other countries, cultures and ideas.

While discussing the Greek theater during a group presentation, we examined a costume. Adele described it as “regal”, noting the colors used were ones held for wealth. Ben commented that it looked like it was made for a wealthy person. Betty commented that the mask looked like a queen, but not like something she would like to wear.

Having this interactive dialogue strengthens the group’s connection to each other while developing a sense of community and life long learning.

“Patsy was feeling upset on this morning. I kneeled beside her and listened to her concerns. After some time, she accepted my invitation to go out to get crispy chicken tenders. Our outing to McDonald’s and the park eased her anxiety. The change of scenery improved her mood and got her thinking about positive memories. She talked about watching me and my husband dancing together at a party and appreciating the love between us. She talked about Beverly and then her own marriage and appreciating being kissed by her husband. Although the stories were not factually accurate, she put herself into the story and smiled while telling it. When we arrived home, she was happy and looking forward to a rest.”

This is a story of a Hummingbird activity specialist meeting her client right where she was, honoring her process and entering in to her world. That emotional support served as “good medicine” and helped decrease Patsy’s anxiety and heightened her positive mood. And of course, a little comfort food always helps too!

In creating meaningful connections, a Hummingbird activity specialist discovered an interesting program at a church near her client Josephine’s previous home in NYC. The program is a year-long series of events inspired by the work of Dr. MLK Jr. Their activity session focused on listening to a speech by Dr. King and then discussing Josephine’s work with Adam Clayton Powell and how much she missed Dr. King’s presence. She declared that she was emotional listening to the speech and made a note of it so that she could hear it again. Connecting her with this transformative time in her life supported her emotional well-being.

Finding gems of information about our clients opens opportunities to connect them to what matters most, and that nurtures value and meaning and dignity.