It has been my great privilege to be a Registered Nurse for more than 30 years. I have met so many people over the years during incredibly vulnerable times. I have seen joy, courage, kindness, faith, and incredible strength and love. I have also seen heartbreak, despair, regret, sadness, fear, unforgiveness and remorse. Working in health care is a raw experience, filled with ups and downs… that occur over the course of a single day, weeks or years. That experience significantly shapes many of us over the span of time that we devote to our professions in health care.
The pandemic years, in many ways, have introduced another dimension to our work… and an exponential increase in the uncertainty, challenges and pace. Some days, it seems as if we are attempting to run a multi-year, long distance race, through foreign terrain, at a sprint. Discussions about burn-out and fatigue are common place for those of us working in the health care environment. Maybe this is true in your work environment or community as well. Recently a colleague approached me and asked, “How are you navigating this? … I’m looking for some advice.”
I shared a bit about my primary personal wellness practices; meditation, Reiki, sound healing and exercise and my colleague shared a bit about practices that she had developed. Later that day, I reflected more on her question and our discussion. The time that I have spent, and the investment that I have made in learning and developing my wellness practices have been primary tools in sustaining me through this uniquely challenging time at my job, the death of my father, and simply as someone living during this particular time on the planet.
Primordial Sound Meditation serves as a pair of bookends on my day, I fit time in for daily exercise, and perform Reiki or play my sound healing instruments. I make time for these practices because they make a difference in my energy, mood, health, and my sense of well-being. These wellness practices enhance my ability to hear my inner voice, support my resilience, and my faith. They simply help me navigate in a variety of different ways!
As you contemplate the possibilities 2023 will offer, you may give some thought to developing or expanding your personal wellness practices to support you in your life. There is a lot to explore and so many opportunities for growth, fun, and pure joy along the way!
If you are curious about developing your personal wellness tools by; developing a meditation practice… exploring Reiki… or sound healing, I invite you to contact me at [email protected]! I am happy to answer any questions that you may have!