Hi Everyone,
I'm happy to say that I had much more success in understanding my limitations with the Loving-Kindness exercise. I really enjoy the beginning but again had some difficulty taking in others pain and suffering. I think I struggle with this because a lot of people's pain and suffering is self-inflicted or used for self-gain. At work I see endless patients with ailments who do not work, nor want to work, and live a government assisted life. It's hard to me to take in pain and suffering of those who do not want to heal their bodies and are just looking for handouts and a quick pharmaceutical fix. I can take in the pain and suffering of others due to an emotional disturbance within or some other natural aspect of their being that causes unrest. I guess it all boils down to the person's morals, as to whether or not I can do this part of the exercise. On the other hand no matter the individuals moral compass I do with health, happiness and wholeness for all.
Due to my difficult with this exercise, I have chosen this as an area for future focus of growth and development. Since it is embedded in the nature of my work, my job will be a constant test and help me improve in universal loving-kindness. Remaining unbiased and free of judgment will not only transform my relationship with patients but also lay the groundwork for a mind free of mental chatter. Rather than being consumed by my discontent with certain patients morals, I will accept them for who they are and wish them health, happiness and wholeness in hopes their morals will improve. Doing so will create a healthier work environment for myself since I will no longer be consumed with thoughts about their behavior. Implementing this thought pattern isn't going to be easy, but I think my work provides a great atmosphere for self-growth and development.
I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend!
Janelle
HI Janelle,
ReplyDeleteGreat points you made in this exercise. I had a hard time with this one as well. I can understand why it would be hard to take in someone elses pain and suffering when there are so many people who suffer due to self infliction. They live in poverty, live off the government, do not have sort of motivation to work, eat poorly, live a sedentary lifestyle, have bad habits such as smoking, drinking and doing drugs. why would you want to take in their pain when they just dont care about fixing it. Well, I used to have these same feelings and still do sometimes but, when I visit an inner city where these people are all around me, I try and picture what there lifestyles are like. For a lot of them, they were born and raised in poverty situation and their parents were not good role models therefore, they copy what the parents did. They simply do not know any other way of living. They dont have the education, loving environment, access to nature, nor good fresh foods or working oppurtunities. It is true that there are programs out there to help them but, there are just not enough people to council them and educate them. Sometimes it is hard for them to make the first step and they need people like up to push them along. Some actually do want to change and want the help but, simple dont know how. However, some do not and dont care to. If you can make the difference in at least one life then you have done your job. People say that I am to nice sometimes to the point that people walk all over me.I always want to help someone but, sometimes I am taking for granted. Thats ok, I will make a difference someday.
Cheryl
Hi Janelle,
ReplyDeleteI understand what you are saying. It can be difficult to care about the suffering of people who seem to consistently bring it on themselves. I think it is easier to think of the mantra as
assisting individuals in gaining freedom from needless suffering. Also, it is important to remember as a health care professional that there are reasons that people have come to these self-destructive mindsets. All we can do is educate and motivate people, and try to be outstanding examples in our own lives.
Janelle,
ReplyDeleteVery insightful post. I don't see the same level in my work but I see people all the time that seem to bring things on themselves and then want assistance. I liked this exercise and didn't struggle with it as much as some others but can see where people might. I always find your posts insightful. Thanks you for sharing.