I have shared with clients and some family members…a little “zen ceremony”…not too different than the ‘tea ceremony’ highly revered in Japan. There is a uniqueness about “zen” and the other eastern philosophical foundations, yet they are so very similar in nature. Many ways to meditate exist, inclusive of “meditation-in-motion” which is how I approach Aikido, Yoga, Tai Chi, Chi Kung and Kung Fu. There were many times within my Tae Kwon Do training that I felt much the same feeling within the “meditative healing arts”. I believe, as have I heard that the “enterprising of the Martial Arts” such as Karate, Judo, and those I have studied…have changed the very nature in which the participants make a connection to their inner nature. We now are seeing Shao Lin Monks on tour. It is likely, they too, have surrendered some of the inner serenity, to become “performers”.

How I can equate this to nursing, is not easy. It is easier for those that have experienced the ultimate compassion, in caring for a dying patient, or contributing to their recovery or a facilitator of high-level-wellness. It is this high that I get, when I approach my day with intent to show love and compassion. It begins with a little “ritual” dialogue that I have with myself. I equate my soul, to the empty tea cup, with potential to be filled with goodness, just as the cup awaits to be filled with tea. There is the other “ceremonial” gesture though…there is a separation of the tea…there are the tea leaves,…there is the water…there is the cup that will hold both…the potential is only realized in the presence of tea, bathed in water (steeped is yet another metaphor…how long…to get just the perfect blend…and not toooo bitter.) The cup represents …the soul….the tea experience….the water…one’s spirit.

So in this my metaphor for potential, we have both a soul…and a spirit. They represent oneness, in that without the spirit…being steeping the experiences of life…there is no life worth any value. Without the soul, (the ultimate potential) there is no where the spirit is appreciated or “flavoured” to worthiness in the tasting. Nursing is an “ultimate potential”, manifested by compassion for the other. We care for other human beings…that is human nature…our true nature is to love. Nursing is a “doing” art, an experience…the tea leaves of our choosing how to BE, in this world, with the other as the recipient “taster” of our spirit…welling up from our soul.

May you as a nurse, find your inner Zen. May there be a manifest of a higher sense of self, in relation to the other. May you find this as your ultimate purpose and your aversion to peace within and without. If you long for this experience, the “ultimate purpose”, may your inward journey lead to the discover that you too long to manifest the ultimate nature…for you to BE a nurse.

Contact me and I would be glad to share with you my perspective of how to find true fulfillment as a nurse.

BE Wise, BE well, BE the change,

Dave