I really wanted to meditate more especially lately but being here on the USNS Comfort and working everyday makes it difficult. I am just exhausted by the end of the day. If you can imagine being in the movie “Groundhog Day” that’s what I am currently doing and it can be exhausting. By the end of the day all my thoughts are swirling through my head and they won’t stop. In the end it really makes you realize what you have at home is pretty good and needs to be cherished. So I tried to play the CD and tried to listen to the “Meeting Asciepius” but really didn’t get much from it because I couldn’t relax or find a quiet spot. The whole ship is loud and something is constantly going on someone over the loud speaker, normal ship sounds so on and so forth. I feel I do need to try a little harder to concentrate on these meditative practices especially if I am going to make it through the end of July here in a sane mind. I don’t feel I have gotten the full benefits of the meditation practice to really change my psychological or spiritual wellness.
The saying “One cannot lead another where one has not gone him or herself” (P. 477) is a statement that reminds you that you as a healthcare professional cannot tell a client to do something you have never done. It is difficult for me to see an obese dietician or a healthcare professional that smokes. I feel these are the types of things that we need to consider when dealing with patients. I totally believe that as a health care professional I have the obligation to develop my psychological, physical, and spiritual health.
Hope everyone is doing well.
Hi Emily,
ReplyDeleteI feel for your situation. It is tough to make a quiet spot when one does not seem to exist! Is there a way you can transform the noise by wearing headphones with a pillow over your ears?
I wonder, since you listened to the meditation, what if you tried to draw this visual on paper? Do you think that might make it more viable to you since drawing is in itself a relaxing and mindful activity? Just a thought...
I agree, the idea of a smoking healthcare professional would cause me to decline their services.
Hang in there!
Emily,
ReplyDeleteI empathize too! I'm not onboard a ship, but my life has suddenly gotten very busy too and I'm just as exhausted at the end of the day.
I like Collen's suggestion and I have one more (if you can stand it), do you have access to a work out room? Or can you at least do some sort of exercises in your quarters? I've been supplementing my meditation time with my gym time. When I'm on the treadmill or stationary bike, I try to focus on my breathing and clear my mind like Dacher suggests for teh subtle mind practice.
That way I'm affecting two quadrants with one activity!
I hope that idea helps. Keep up the good works and stay strong! We're rooting for you!