For today’s Mindful Monday post, I would like to share with you a poem that I heard over the weekend.
On Saturday, I was fortunate enough to attend a physician wellness conference in Redondo Beach, California. One physician in particular spoke about maintaining our humanistic side in medicine, a profession rife with burnt out and over extended doctors. In his talk, he shared the poem that I am about to pass along to you.
Some of us work in the healing professions. Some of us are trying to make an impact on the world in small and big ways. And others don’t work outside of the home but spend time caring for those who need us. Sometimes our efforts are recognized. Other times, we feel increasingly drained by giving, unsure if we are indeed making an impact… whether we are giving enough or in the right ways.
This poem, written by Dr. Spencer Michael Free, a surgeon, reminded me of the power of reaching out to others in their times of need.
“The Human Touch”
Tis the human touch in this world that counts, The touch of your hand and mine, Which means far more to the fainting heart Than shelter and bread and wine. For shelter is gone when the night is o’er, And bread lasts only a day. But the touch of the hand And the sound of the voice Sing on in the soul always.
In the week ahead, can you connect to the power of giving mindfully, even unconditionally, to another human being? It doesn’t matter what you are giving–money, a favor, medical care, a helping hand, your undivided attention–as long as the giving comes from a place of true kindness and generosity.
Please feel free to share your experiences with me in the comments below.
With gratitude, Monisha