Introducing PeerARTxMed: Saying “Yes” to Life … Now

The healing arts are creative practices that promote healing, wellness, coping, connection, and personal change.  Traditional healing arts include music, art (painting, drawing), dance/movement, poetry/writing/literature, and drama.  When the PeerRxMed process was first piloted in July of 2019, there was an additional component to it, called PeerARTxMed, which was intended to integrate the healing arts into the peer support process. 

Initial feedback from those colleagues who participated in the pilot indicated that while they appreciated the incorporation of the arts, the frequency of every other week felt a bit overwhelming.  So, I decided to put this aspect on hold … until now. 

One incredible power of the arts is to provide a mechanism for the expression of thoughts and feelings which seem to defy such expression.  This is certainly the case for much of what we are challenged with on a day-to-day basis in healthcare.  Add on all  that has gone on in the world over the past 2+ years or just the past few months … or even the past week, and it would be easy to find oneself, as I’ve found myself, almost devoid of an ability to even identify what to think or how to feel – dulled and numb.    

And amid that, I’m reminded of the poem “Yes” by William Stafford, a poem I have returned to again and again over the years when the state of the world or just the state of me is out of kilter.  I encourage you to read the poem all the way through.  Then re-read it as if it is speaking directly to you – to your own soul.  Notice details of the imagery and any feelings or thoughts as they arise.

Yes

It could happen any time, tornado,
earthquake, Armageddon. It could happen.
Or sunshine, love, salvation.

It could, you know. That’s why we wake
and look out — no guarantees
in this life.

But some bonuses, like morning,
like right now, like noon,
like evening.

William Stafford

Sometime this week, please consider doing the following with your PeerRxMed partner, a colleague, or a friend:

Reflect (remember, there is no right or wrong – only what is true for you):  What emotions and memories do you experience as you are reminded that the direction of a life can change in an instant, as is the case for us on a daily basis in our work?  What are the “bonuses” in your life?

Respond:  Share with this person your general response to the poem, and in particular any word or phrase that specifically spoke to you.  Why do you think you were drawn to this word/phrase?

Receive:  Listen deeply and reflect back what this person shares, ensuring you understand the experience they convey.

Renew:  Conclude any additional conversation with “what can I do to help you, support you, and/or encourage you?”

Remember:  As you go about your week, allow this exercise to be a reminder of the meaning of your work and the importance of connection, which for me is not only one of the essentials of this life, but also one of the incredible bonuses.  Allow it as well to be a reminder of the importance of saying “Yes” to the present moment, as it is the only one that is truly “guaranteed.” 

Stay tuned for more “installments” of PeerARTxMed in the coming months – likely every other month.  And remember to wake and look out ….

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