Hi, Lucky Laser...Wow, I'm glad to read your posts. Bless you for the choices you're making.

It's so simple, really...how any of us can be present with others, regardless of our profession. I have been a psychotherapist in my working life, and the moments of authentic connection always seem to come when everything gets "dropped" for a moment -- roles, labels, surface things. When one person is simply kind to another.

My own physician is a gift. What makes him so? -- he is kind, respectful, quiet when I speak; he considers what I say; he looks with me at my whole life when considering my health; he and I share a hug at the end of each visit. He recently read a long letter that I wrote to him, and his challenges to some of my thinking always come with a moderate (balanced) attitude; he asks wise questions; if we disagree, or if I don't understand something, he takes the time to explore, examine, explain. He looks at me and sees me. He relates to me as a person, not a case. I know that he's often rushed; there's a shortage of doctors at the community health clinic he works at. He tends to look tired and harried (I'm seeing him every two weeks right now). He recently had to tackle prostate cancer...I believe that his own experience as a patient has just deepened his kindness towards the people he serves.

I can't stress enough how important kindness is. It's a way of approaching another...even when one's schedule is stuffed and the clock is forever ticking. I really feel for doctors...it can't be easy work within a system (I am making a general statement here...please forgive) that considers profit more important than people; a system that emphasizes disease management more than well-being.

It's the individual whose presence comes through everything else. What a difference that makes.

Best,

Roo