Discussion
The yearning circle is made up of a group of Aboriginal women who come together to share, disclose experiences and knowledge (Boni &Demosthenous, 2005). This forum can be used to educate indigenous women on how to manage their diabetes issues (‘Yarning’, 2011). The yearning gathering is convened with a feeling of trust and mutual respect. The women are therefore likely to endorse the health practices being presented under this forum. Bessarab and Ng’andu (2010) demonstrate that yarning is a special way of passing on history and knowledge within the Aboriginal culture. Testimonies by other women in the circle will therefore serve to reinforce the importance of certain practices in managing diabetes.
As a health professional, yarning would assist me to cultivate relationships with my clients and develop some amount of trust. Bessarab and Ng’andu (2010) reveal that social yearning will not only help in the establishment of a connection and sharing information but it will lead to a real and more honest engagement. I will evaluate the impact of yearning on diabetes by comparing the data on self-care before and during the yearning implementation. Ewald, Patel and Hall (2001) observe that effective self-care education is needed to address the epidemic of diabetes in Aboriginal Australia.
Yearning is an important approach for indigenous women for a number of reasons. To begin with, yearning will lead to empowerment since the women will feel that they are being given an opportunity to play a part in the health of their community. Yearning will also demonstrate a respect for this historically relevant culture among the Aboriginal.
Comment
T makes a very valid observation by noting that engaging in yarning will result in approval of the practitioner by the community they are serving. This will increase the positive health outcomes among the aboriginals.
References
Bessarab, D., &Ng’andu, B. (2010). Yarning About Yarning as a Legitimate Method in Indigenous Research. International Journal of Critical Indigenous Studies, 3(1), 37-50.
Boni, R., & Demosthenous, C. (2005). Stories from the Aboriginal Women of the Yarning Circle: When Cultures Collide. HECATE, 31(2), 34-44.
Ewald, D., Patel, M., & Hall, G. (2001). Hospital separations indicate increasing need for prevention of diabetic foot complications in central Australia. Aust. J. Rural Health, 9 (1), 275–279.
‘Yarning’ to help women tackle diabetes. (2011, October 5). The National Indigenous Times Newspaper. Web.