How do you create space for healing?

It's been a busy week between preparing to move (finally found a rental spot in LA!) and my clinical shifts. As much as I write and think about creating spaces for rest for other people, I often forget to carve that out for myself. It's particularly after I have a long stretch of work shifts that I start to feel the physical and mental signs (headaches, body aches, decreased patience) which remind me I need to pause and rest, to restore some of the physical and emotional energy that I use during the week. These past few shifts were particularly emotionally challenging- I was juggling teaching learners at different levels of medical training and holding space for families who held different medical beliefs than myself. I often need to remind myself that the emotional labor of the work requires rest and recovery in the same way I know I need to catch my breath when I run to a crash C-section delivery.

Laura and I have been grateful to be spending these past two weeks in conversation and community with the wonderful team at Don't Clock Out, creating our first ever asynchronous virtual retreat for healthcare workers. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we will be co-creating a retreat with live opening and closing sessions and the opportunity to engage in contemplative practices on your own time. We deeply believe that the love and care we offer patients and colleagues can only stem from an overflow from the love and care we offer ourselves. 

We are grateful to partner with the Don't Clock Out team, and appreciate their belief in the necessity in creating space for our inner worlds. It's a true gift meeting kindred spirits in the healthcare space, folks who are passionate about creating communities of support and connection. It reminds me that the world of love, compassion, and justice we dream of begins with small steps, starting with the opportunity to be with ourselves and each other.

We invite all of you to join us this weekend for this free virtual retreat and to check out the awesome support groups offered by Don't Clock Out!

With love and gratitude,

Anu & Laura

PC: Mt. Rainier, Washington