Donna Frost

Chapter 7 222 Figure 7 . 4 Coming to see our emotions as sources of information, and not just something to be ‘managed’ There was a shift, here, in the way we viewed our emotions. We began to see our emotions and bodily sensations as signals and signs, carriers of information, instead of being something we had to ‘manage’. Working with the CCCI lemniscate contributed to creating the conditions for this insight: built into the steps of the lemniscate is the assumption that that emotions and the senses are sources of knowledge. Particularly helpful, as well, was working in a group where we experienced support, and within which we could note shared patterns and experiences. During the NP inquiry we extrapolated this insight to help us better anticipate and be aware of potential uncertainty felt by people outside the CCCI groups who were participating in data generation and interpretation. For example, exploring moments of particularly effective or beautiful practice with a patient can throw episodes of less than skilful or effective practice into sharp relief. We agreed that within the context of this CCCI the role of facilitatorwas crucial at the beginning stages of the journey. As the initiating researcher and facilitator my role was instrumental, for example, in creating a safe space and offering a structured way of exploring the subject of professional artistry. As well, I had knowledge of and experience with ways of working with different kinds of knowledge and ways of knowing and of capturing experiences. I did as facilitator, in effect, for the person trying to develop their artistry what the nurse with PA does for the patient. I valued what was happening in the present while holding the possibility for transformation and brought encouragement to carry on even when there were unexpected dips or barriers along the way.