This is your first article of the month! You can read 5 articles each month. Subscribe now to read as much as you want.

Mindful Medical Work

I have recently returned to working as a general medical practitioner. In doing so, I have benefitted from the teachings of Thay in the following ways:

I do some form of walking meditation while going from one room to the other. My office has two doors leading to the room where I meet the patient. On my side of the door, I have taped a small drawing of a smiling face that reminds me to take three mindful breaths before going through the door, and maybe even to smile. This helps me be more aware of the attitude I have towards the patient, and I can be more present when I meet the patient. Trying to be aware of the Buddha-nature of each patient—whether she be a beautiful girl with a sore throat, or a chronic, foul-smelling alcoholic coming for the Xth time to have help detoxifying—is a great help in my daily work.

The working situation has also shown me that the doors of my heart are not as open as I might think. I am often more concerned with my own comfort and needs than with the needs of the patients and co-workers. In realizing this, I try to breathe and smile so as not to create a battlefield within myself.

Jorgen Hannibal
Helsinge, Denmark

Log In

You can also login with your password. Don't have an account yet? Sign Up

Hide Transcript

What is Mindfulness

Thich Nhat Hanh January 15, 2020

00:00 / 00:00
Show Hide Transcript Close
Shopping cart0
There are no products in the cart!