Cara O. Frank, L.OM.
I wrote this blog post in January of 2017.
Based on the events of the past week, I felt moved to re-read it I’ve updated it a bit to reflect our expanded perspectives at the practice. However, our core values have never wavered, and now, it matters more than ever. We will say this over and over: Six Fishes is a safe space.
I will also add that there several behaviors that we will not tolerate in our office. As we know- words can heal. And they can harm. Welcoming a wide community means that a range of opinions and feelings exist and made room for. We’re OK with thaTo that end:
No one in the office may express racist opinions in our waiting room. You may not speak pejoratively about any person with a sexual identity you are unable to understand. At this time, we will not discuss the riots in the waiting room. We’ve had a very challenging few months with more to come. I don’t have the bandwidth to tolerate language that could be harmful or hateful.
-cof
This week I had the eye-opening experience of losing a patient because of my personal political beliefs. This person, who was a Facebook “friend” on my page, accused me of being a “relentless” liberal. My profile picture was me with the great, esteemed Congressman John Lewis, who last year was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in our great city of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection, was attacked and denigrated. I was fortunate to have seen him at the DNC the previous summer, and he was gracious to pose for a selfie.
I have spent the week struggling with many emotions, ranging from concern, disbelief, anger. My personal social media pages reflect my lifestyle and political leanings. The Six Fishes business page focuses on helpful articles, blogs, and messages of positivity and inclusion.
Six Fishes is an acupuncture practice, founded by me and deliberately and mindfully built to be welcoming to a broad and diverse people. All races. All religions. All gender identities. And even other political parties. We have devoted ourselves to help heal all people with skill, dignity, and respect.
Here is our mission statement:
“The mission of Six Fishes is to promote health and healing for people in every phase of life. We believe that Chinese medicine is a practical modality to treat disease, alleviate suffering, and promote wellness. We are passionate about life-long learning. We share our expertise and scholarship with our patients, students, and other practitioners with a spirit of generosity. It is our joy to enhance the health and wellbeing of the Philadelphia community with Chinese medicine.”
I, as well as the practitioners who work with me at Six Fishes, are committed to providing a safe space. We are here to help alleviate physical and emotional pain and to help our patients be their best selves. Great care and thought have gone into creating a comfortable and healing space. I feel strongly that your treatment begins when you walk in the door and receive a warm greeting. We welcome all people, and we respect, and we celebrate our differences.
To every person who seeks our help:
Whatever your religion- you are welcome at Six Fishes
No matter what your race is – you are welcome at Six Fishes
However, you identify your gender- we respect and celebrate you at Six Fishes.
Regardless of your political beliefs- you too are welcome at Six Fishes
May we all be beacons of light.
With love,
Cara
