Connections In Healthcare

Deep breathing exercises are widely recognized for their benefits in managing strong emotions like anxiety and depression. Here is a powerful exercise that combines deep breathing with visualization to help calm the mind. Begin by visualizing a small ember ignited by a match. It glows a dim yellow and appears ready to burn out. Inhale deeply, and as you exhale, picture yourself gently blowing on the small ember. As you blow, it begins to glow brighter. Continue this process two more times, exhaling slowly each time. Now, take another deep breath and blow gently onto your ever-brightening ember. This time, as you blow, the ember bursts into a bright flame—a flash of heat and light that lasts for a moment. Then, the flame goes out, leaving only blackish-gray ash. Draw one last deep breath. As you blow strongly, imagine the ash being carried away into a gentle breeze. If you wish, envision that your worries are consumed along with the ember and carried away with the ash. Feel free t...

Is it ok to pray with patients as a medical professional? Generally speaking in the United States, it is legal to pray with patients. There are some ethical considerations to keep in mind. Also, it is important to check your facility’s policies to ensure you remain compliant. It is vital that we keep in mind the right of every person to be treated equally regardless of religion or worldview. Additionally, patients are a captive audience in a medical setting. It is not a public space where they can easily walk away if they choose. Thus, we must respect their right to access medical care without proselytization. Always ask a patient if they would like you to pray with them in a way that allows them to say no. "Would you like me to offer a prayer?" Instead of "Let's pray about it." Do not pray for a patient publicly if they are not alert and oriented enough to agree to it. You can always pray for them privately in your mind. Also, be wary of praying for a patient p...

Researchers have long sought to categorize human development across various dimensions. While there are numerous theories about human development, their accuracy varies significantly. No single tool can perfectly capture every stage of an individual's growth, as each person’s experiences are unique. Therefore, any list or chart presented is merely an approximation of "typical" development and cannot encompass all the nuances of human growth and change. Scholars have created such lists for every aspect of humanity—from psychology and physicality to sexuality and spirituality. However, some areas, like spiritual development, have received considerably less attention and funding in academic contexts. Many religious leaders have attempted to address this gap with various models of faith and religious commitment, often limited to specific traditions or sects. One notable model extensively researched in academic literature is James W. Fowler's Stages of Faith. This model ...

Here are nuggets of wisdom my patients have shared with me over the years. All quotes shared with permission. “Go with the flow in life.” -Dolores, 91 “Hard work is important.” -Richard 90 “Take it easy sometimes.” -Gladys 92 “Don’t ever stop.” -Ada 90 “Do right and you won’t go wrong.” -Carol 92 “Keep cooking for yourself as long as possible.” -Leona 89 “We need more people who are willing to help others. Be like that.” -Imogene 92 "Never stop reading." -Nancy 86 “Don’t ever quit.” -Ken 82 “Work hard and don’t retire early.” -Faye 97 “Be honest and help people.” -Patty 93 “Listen to your children.” -Mike 90 “Work in your yard until you can't anymore.” -Roxie 90 “Ive been married 72 years. The secret is L O V E.” -Boyd 91 “Live every day, don’t take any for granted.” -Doris 93