With time and repetitions, research will tell us whether it is possible to excise the spiritual components of meditation and still see the same benefits, but knee-jerk resistance to concepts that have guided meditation practices for millennia is unacceptable, especially when an effective process has already been established.
A Worldwide Epidemic of Stress in Nursing As an RN, I've worked in many environments that I would describe as "stressful." Why were they stressful? Because there was an abundance of stressors. People often confuse the words around stress, maybe because they're so stressed out?! Before we can learn how to handle stress in our life, it might be worth knowing what we can modify (hint: that's the stress) and what is out of our control. The Definition of Stress It seems that whenever I research challenges in nursing, the main topic seems to be stress. Whether it's [...]
There are a number of articles published on the effects of stress and burnout in nursing. If you haven’t read any of these articles, you’ve probably had your own experience with stress, if not in your workplace, then in your life. How do we deal with stress?
By creating the third mind of nursing, that wonderful creatrix of possibility from which spring infinite possibilities for change, we can create an intangible force of awareness and compassion, and venture to bring the collective mind into a new era of nursing.
Minding the bedside, remaining mindful, aware, and compassionate in the presence of those we care for, comes from turning the mind, re-turning the mind inward; transforming the stormy arisings of thoughts, emotions and feelings and recognizing them to be impermanent phenomena, like passing clouds in the sky.
While this week's post is directed towards nurses and healthcare professionals, I encourage all of my readers to have a look. Since healthcare and its practitioners can impact all of us at some point in our lives, it's important to know what nursing is doing about showing up at the bedside, mindful and compassionate. Enjoy!
How to Meditate Every once in a while, I receive an email or correspondence from a reader that speaks to the heart of what meditation is or, oppositely, poses an important question related to what meditation isn't. Recently I received the following email from one on the readers of this site. I've changed it up ever-so-slightly to maintain the confidentiality of it. I never want to force any of you into the spotlight. Here's the reader's email: Hi Jerome, I have a question...how long does it take to see real lasting change of any kind. I am a healthcare provider [...]
Why Meditate? Science Has Proven the Benefits As a Westerner, and a skeptic, there's something about "hard science" that puts me at ease. While I am delighted with the mysteries of the universe, and truly believe that there are some things that have no "rationale" answers, like healing at a distance, I like it when science confirms my perception of the universe.
If you work as a nurse or work in the healthcare field, or even know someone who does, meditation is an important tool to help you be more present in your work...and your life!
Even though this post is written with nurses and healthcare professional in mind, its content may be valuable for anyone who reads it. Give it a read and see. Let me know whether it works for you, regardless of what profession you're in. Enjoy!