A Mindful Trip to the ER
I visited the ER earlier this week to have a wound of my daughter sealed up. All is ok. The patient is on the mend, and we are so lucky that it wasn’t worse! It’ll likely heal without a scar, but if there is one, she has a story to tell of her diving class on the first official day of summer vacation!
So, how does a mindfulness teacher respond to life’s difficult times? This is a question my clients love to ask me when I share with them stories of my own ups and downs… “What was your response?” The truth is, in addition to being a mindfulness teacher, I’m a mom and I’m human! So, in this case, I responded in a very appropriate way for a human mom ;) Inside, I had moments of freaking out. Outside, I stayed as calm as I could, and I went into fixing mode (Then I ate chocolate when we got home and my nerves settled).
Having a mindfulness practice did come in handy though (as it does most days). Here were some of the benefits that I noticed.
· There’s always time for a breath! There was definitely some lower belly breathing going on as well as slowing down to gather my thoughts and information. It helped to settle my nerves and focus my mind. Remaining calm allows you to think clearly. I needed to be able to assess the situation and what needed to be done. Plus, I needed to let me daughter know I had it under control.
· I cried some tears! Emotions and adrenaline were flowing. When I was making arrangements for my other child, I saw a friend, had a brief cry and grabbed a hug. Being honest with how you feel and not holding back is authentic and helps you move forward in a way that will best serve you (and others). In this case, it was getting in the car to get her checked out!
· Stay present. I didn’t let my mind get too far ahead. Addressing each individual moment and need helped my daughter and I both stay calm.
· There is kindness everywhere and so much to be grateful for! My two sweet friends who offered to take my older daughter home… The family who brought over the most perfect get-well gift! …The family and friends who let me send them gory pictures of the wound… The nurses and doctor who made everything better… The lifeguard who sat with my daughter while I got everything in order… and luck- that it wasn’t worse!
The reality is life is unexpected. We never know when we’re going to need to have these skills at the ready. Practicing them every day both formally and informally internalizes them and makes them part of how we interact with each experience in our life. I think we definitely got off easy, and I hope to not be tested further. Staying mindful during peaceful times is much more my speed!