(VOICEOVER AT THE TOP FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO LISTEN)
I originally wrote this reflection for a group of caregivers who are leaders over various clinics in Polson and Missoula, Montana. I wanted to share this with you with the hope that perhaps it would be a resource for you to begin a day of fun, vacation, rest, or retreat.
Before you begin this reflection, I invite you to take a few deep, slow breaths. I imagine that today, as with many other days, your mind has enough to think about and consider. By taking a few deep breaths, I invite you to become mindful and aware of where you are. Invite your mind back into your body to be present and attuned to this moment.
As you inhale, a breath of gratitude for being where you are today, as you exhale, a breath of gratitude for those around you.
As you inhale, a breath of compassion for yourself, exhale a breath of compassion for your support system, faith, family, friends, and community.
Inhale and exhale. Take as many as you need.
As you sit and read (or listen to) this post, I imagine you are in some ways preparing for something else. For me, sometimes that is preparing for work, an afternoon at the lake, or hoping to engage in a day of fun, joy, and camaraderie. Today I am reminded of the delicate balance we hold as humans. In our work and in our leadership, we are closely familiar with the intensity and dedication our roles demand of us, our families, and those we work with. It is not uncommon to find ourselves personally committed to clients, patients, families, and even our peers beyond what we would normally consider the scope of our work. Receive this affirmation: We do good work. We do hard work. We care for the poor and vulnerable.
At this moment, I can’t help but wonder how many of you are thinking about how much work we are missing out on or have a particular stressor or point of anxiety that is weighing on you. I know for me, I am mindful of a few patients on the floor today that I spent some time with yesterday. Yet being at home today and engaging in rest is a vital part of our work as well. Rest days, fun days, and retreat days help us stay true to our mission and balance out the hard, heavy, and mundane.
Growing up, I was invited into my life’s work to be completed with excellence. I imagine for you, your life mission is also guided by a commitment to excellence. This value of excellence is not just about the highest standards of professionalism and work, but it goes beyond work and into the the holistic well-being of our communities; not just clients, and our colleagues. Most importantly, excellence in life means holistic well being for ourselves. Excellence in work cannot be sustained without excellence in living.
It is easy to become consumed by our work, to let the weight of our responsibilities overshadow the need for rest and play. Yet, it is in these moments of joy and relaxation that we recharge our spirits and renew our commitment to service. Fun and play are not luxuries. They are necessities and are a vital part of our personal and communal health.
Just as the lake reflects the sky and trees, so too should our lives reflect a balance of hard work and joyful play. May we, through our rest, find new ways to support one another, to celebrate our successes, and to enjoy moments of lightheartedness. May laughter and fun today remind you of the why behind what you do.
Our excellence in work is strengthened by our excellence in living fully.