Zazen At Hospital

[michaelw]

In a previous life I worked for the Samaritans answering the phones and being there for people.
As they say the only difference between to two people in the conversation was who called who.
We were not allowed to offer any advice just listen until finally it broke my heart and I left.
I just wanted to take everyone home with me and make it alright.
I found it very hard to do nothing. Just thinking about now brings back that feeling of despair.
Perhaps I need to Bodhisattva up.

Gassho

MichaelW

satlah

[Kokuu]

Hi Michael

I think that many people find that work to be really hard, and professional counsellors and psychologists have debriefing sessions with supervisors to allow them to process what they hear. And they at least can offer advice and also get to see the same person multiple times so aren't left hanging over what happens after.

It may be that there are ways of dealing with what you hear and being comfortable with not being able to do anything about it, but it feels only human to want to fix things. Even with a 'Zen' mindset I think it takes an emotional toll.

For several years I was a moderator of a chronic illness support group and we had so many people in desperate circumstances, including medical gaslighting, lack of care and being on the verge of homelessness, that I couldn't continue the role after a while. Suicide attempts were common and one January we had three, with two being successful, and that was the final straw for me. I was happy to help for a time, and may do it again, but my emotional resources were empty by that point and I think that even bodhisattvas have to know when they need to take a break and recharge their batteries.

Gassho
Kokuu
-sattoday-

[Kyonin]

A few years back, I sat with my mom every day at the hospital, until her last breath.

Being there present and in peace was Buddha.

Thank you Bion.

Gassho,

Kyonin
Sat/LAH

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBVPFyLcFdM

(I recorded this to show my sangha that we sit Zazen everywhere, at peace with what there is)

[Shujin]

A few years back, I sat with my mom every day at the hospital, until her last breath.

Being there present and in peace was Buddha.

Thank you Bion.

Gassho,

Kyonin
Sat/LAH

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBVPFyLcFdM

(I recorded this to show my sangha that we sit Zazen everywhere, at peace with what there is)

[emoji1374]


St/lah

Sent from my Pixel 6a using Tapatalk

[Shonin Risa Bear]

Kyonin, oh yes.

gassho

ds sat today

[Washin]

A few years back, I sat with my mom every day at the hospital, until her last breath.

Being there present and in peace was Buddha.

Thank you Bion.

Gassho,

Kyonin
Sat/LAH

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBVPFyLcFdM

(I recorded this to show my sangha that we sit Zazen everywhere, at peace with what there is)

Gassho

Washin
St/lah

Sent from my SM-A325F using Tapatalk

[JasonC]

This is a wonderful thread. Many years ago I worked in various healthcare roles including as a nurse aid at nursing homes. What I found was that many, especially the elderly, just wanted some connection with others and not to be forgot or just another patient. Sitting with someone, in my humble opinion, can be incredibly powerful.

Thank you Bion for this reminder. I will need to see about visiting nursing homes near me.

Gassho,

Jason

Sat Today

[Emmet]

As one who's been on the receiving end, visitation was deeply appreciated, and I'm very grateful to those who took time out of their busy day to drive 2 counties over just to see me. Speaking for myself, Zazen or just quiet presence would be preferable to chatty small talk when you're short 2L of blood.
IMG_20230415_130354580.jpg
Sat today/LAH