This being human is a guest-house.
Every morning a new arrival
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
Some momentary awareness comes
As an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re crowd of sorrows,
Who violently sweep your house
Empty of its furniture.
Still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you
Out for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
Meet them at the door laughing,
And invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
Because each has been sent
As a guide from beyond.

-Rumi

I feel like I am always talking either about fragility of life, impending death or the celebration of this very minute. My message is pretty simple really.

I think that the theme of this space is mindfulness and living your bucket list now. In some bizarre way, it has been using proximity to death in my line of profession which has necessitated that I become more mindful.

Someone mentioned that the major benefit of this FB group may be for the overworked and overscheduled physicians who are too busy to pause and reflect on life.

Let this space be that reminder for you.

In palliative care, I call it a ‘medical pause’. In meditation it is simply referred to as an awareness. I want you to be aware of your thoughts and feelings. I want you to invite them in, and appreciate them and get to know them. I don’t want you to shove them down inside like a beach ball in a pool, only for it to jump back up and unravel you.

Let your feelings and thoughts wash over you like a wave. Welcome them. They are all a part of you. They make you who you are. Just learn to watch them like clouds going by.

Distance yourself from them and rise above them.

I know it sounds impossible. How could you remove yourself from the insecurity, shame, doubt, guilt, sadness and depression that you feel so deeply inside?

Believe me, it’s possible. Meditation and mindfulness can help.

In one of the live videos on this page, I was giving a tour of the giant Banyan Tree in Kapiolani park. I had mentioned that I finish my long runs under the tree and meditate while listening to Andy from the Headspace app.

Someone asked, is the app that good? Like, wouldn’t sitting under that majestic tree and listening to the symphony of the tropical birds be enough?

We all need to practice to get better.

I get zero kickback but I recommend the Headspace app to absolutely everyone. I sometimes even tuck my girls to sleep with the parts tailored for the kids with his voice (Andy). If you have kids, you must try that. My kids have learned to meditate themselves to sleep. A major life skill.

It is free in times of COVID with your unique NPI number as a physician. Whether you are new to meditation or have been doing it all your life, or if you want to start a running meditation, they are all there for you. There is one for anxiety, limiting distractions, depression, the list goes on.

Try it for a week. It will change your life. I promise you. Then come back here and tell me how you learned to calm yourself down when a patient was angry or people cut in front of you in line or your child lost it trying to do their online homework.

Unless you learn to handle your thoughts and emotions, you cannot show up fully present and intentional for the world around you. Without that, we are just reactionary creatures that treat every situation like a game of whack-a-mole. Just like your body needs fuel to operate, your mind needs mindfulness to navigate difficult situations in life.

Trust me. It is truly life changing. I hope you try…

So much love to all of you.