Need for Compassion

I've been thinking a lot about the need to improve health care. Particularly, I believe that clinicians should focus on the wellbeing of patients and be trained in the art of compassionate care. I also feel that western medicine often seems to have an aversion to treating the whole person and providing patient centered care. Perhaps medical eduation and continuing medical education (CME) requirements should involve classes that teach people skills and provide opportunities for development of compassion in physicians. Some will say that this is an unrealistic goal, because medical education is too demanding already and there is not time to include this type of training when physicians have so much to learn already. However, I have found that meditation and striving for a compassionate lifestyle have enabled me to become a better person in so many ways...improving concentration, attention to lectures and details of scientific work, better interaction with colleagues and improved decision making. In addition, meditation and the practice of loving-kindness also seems to lessen the dystonia spasms and pain. In addition to improving relations with patients and improving care, this training would also facilitate physicians who are better able to focus on their job and make good decisions for the patient.

From the Dalai Lama:

According to my personal experience, mental stability and physical well-being are directly related. Without question, anger and agitation make us more susceptible to illness. On the other hand, if the mind is tranquil and occupied with positive thoughts, the body will not easily fall prey to disease... of course it is also true that we all have an innate self-centeredness that inhibits our love for others. So, since we desire the true happiness that is brought about by only a calm mind, and since such peace of mind is brought about by only a compassionate attitude, how can we develop this? Obviously, it is not enough for us simply to think about how nice compassion is! We need to make a concerted effort to develop it; we must use all the events of our daily life to transform our thoughts and behavior.

True compassion is not just an emotional response, but a firm commitment founded on reason. Therefore, a truly compassionate attitude towards others does not change even if they behave negatively.

Let me emphasize that it is within our power, given patience and time, to develop this kind of compassion. -H.H. The 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet

From a booklet printed to commemorate the 1992 return to Perth, Western Australia, of His Holiness, Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet. More at: http://www.john-bauer.com/dalai-lama.htm

Feelin Twisty

It was a long day at the lab today. Microscopes and dystonic head tremor don't work well together. I manage, but somedays I feel like I should begin working in a field where dystonia doesn't interfere as much. Tonight I just feel exhausted after spending so much energy just trying to get my legs, hands and neck to work correctly. Others don't realize how much energy it takes to live with dystonia. Even when my dystonia isn't outwardly visible, I still feel the tug at my muscles and it seems I am always fighting it to some degree.

My husband and son are out of town. I miss them any time they are away, but it is nice sometimes to have a break from being Mommy. I can rest and get some more work done at home tonight. This weekend will also provide some much needed time for meditation and self reflection.

The photo is my dystonic fingers playing "GO" http://www.usgo.org . A quite challenging ancient board game that my husband and I play to engage our minds...as if graduate school and parenting aren't enough.

Afternoon in the Orchard

Today we went out to Musgrave Orchard to buy some pumpkins and cider. http://www.musgraveorchard.com/ They apparently have the "best cider in Indiana". We think so. We joined the Core Farms CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program this past season. The fresh fruits and veggies from local farmers have made for some delicious home cooking this year. Unfortunately the season is over for now, so we will have to wait until Spring. The drive out there was like a painting with all the different colors. I love this time of year.

A Time to Blog

Today I was reading a blog by a friend with dystonia http://dbsdystoniarn.blogspot.com/ and decided that it is time to start my own. I plan to share my thoughts on living with a chronic disability, dystonia, and the struggles of day to day life as a doctoral student studying neuroscience. I have recently found solace through meditation and Buddhist ideals and would also like to share my thoughts and ideas from this perspective. The photo is of my service dog, Kramer, he is a diligent helper and friend.