1. Video suggested by Monica Maghrak in her email on gratitude. click on the link given.
Brother David Steindl-Rast, an elderly Benedictine monk, has been described as a “Zen Christian” and “The Gratefulness Guru.” Although he is Catholic, his work is of relevance to everyone, no matter what your religion, and even if you have no religion. Everyone needs to practice gratefulness, especially now. I am attaching a link to a beautiful meditation on gratefulness by Brother David. It only takes about five minutes, and I encourage you to take the time, as it is well worth it. You can find more at gratefulness.org. Blessings to you all.
2. Meditation music. Click on arrow to start video music.
3. Sharing.
I want to share what Monica wrote in her email below.
A group we have offered for the patients here at TSH is based on the book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. The idea of the book and the group is that if you count your blessings instead of your troubles, you are better equipped to deal with your troubles. There was a song written by Irvin Berlin for the 1954 classic film White Christmas entitled “Count Your Blessings.” The gist of the song is that when you can’t sleep because of your worries, don’t count sheep (a common practice at the time) but rather count your blessings. Berlin reported that he based the song on advice given to him by his psychiatrist when he complained of insomnia.
There is such wisdom to such a practice. John Colbert wrote an article earlier this year entitled, “Gratitude in a Time of Coronavirus: How Giving Thanks Builds Resilience.” In it, he stated, “Being grateful highlights the things and people you have in your life, instead of the things you don’t have. When you aren’t thinking about what you’re losing, your brain is less likely to feel in a state of threat and you’ll be more positive, focused and able to tackle challenges that come your way.” Rose Zonetti, in her article entitled “The Dynamic Interplay of Resilience and Aliveness” stated, “While gratefulness helps us cultivate resilience, drawing on our resilience expands our embrace of life, which in turn makes us more grateful.”
We really need to be resilient to work at Torrance (or anywhere else, for that matter) at this time. Because of the continuing nature of the Coronavirus, its ebbs and flows, we never know what we will face when we arrive at work in the morning. Will we be on lockdown? Will we wear full PPE? Will our patients be allowed to leave the wards? Will ancillary staff be allowed on the wards? Those of you who are parents of school-aged children face a whole separate set of questions. Will there be school today? Will my child be safe? What if they are dismissed early, and I am here at TSH? Those of you with family in hospitals or nursing homes face even more questions. Will I be allowed in to see my loved one? What measures are being taken to protect them? What if there is an outbreak there? No matter what our circumstances are, these days we have many questions, and, depending upon the answers, we may have to change our plans on a moment’s notice. We need to be resilient in order to do so.
4. Count your blessings Song YouTube video. Click on arrow to start song.
5. what a wonderful world song by louis armstrong. Click on arrow to start the video.
Thanks to Monica for her wonderful reflection and to Rosemarie C, Mary Cay, Linda B., Donna C., Natalie, Carrie, and first timer to the meeting. Eleanor S. for their presence and sharing of their thoughts and feelings. And thanks to you all for being with us all as you read this. God bless.
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