Using Nested Meditations to Gain New Insights – I’m “All In”

“If we have pen in hand and follow the thread with a playful spirit, new and healing discoveries can emerge as if they were trapped there among the words all along, just waiting for a childlike playfulness to set them free.”   Kevin Anderson, PhD, Psychotherapist and Author

After more than 4 ½ years, the SARS-CoV-2 virus finally caught up to me this week.  Being in isolation has provided a lot of reflection time, so I didn’t consider it at all a coincidence when I received a text from one of my faculty colleagues with a picture of a poem I had written and shared with some or our residents in June of 2022 as part of our R&R (“Reflection & Renewal”) resident support group, which I co-facilitated.   As you might recall, it was around that same time we were really looking to “open up” due to a relative decline in COVID activity, and there was much uncertainty, disagreement and various levels of comfort around doing so, even within the medical community.

In writing the poem, I was inspired to use a particular structure called a “nested meditation,” which was originally introduced to me through the work of psychologist Kevin Anderson, PhD.  A nested meditation is a brief, accessibly written meditation that begins with a single line, then repeats, adding one additional line at a time.  As each line is added, the meaning of the piece shifts and when read slowly with a pause after each stanza, important insights or “Aha’s” often emerge.

The poem “All In” attempted to help sort out some of my own thoughts and emotions during that time (and now!).  Though when I wrote it I had no idea where it would finally “land,” I was pleased where it did.  As you read it, stop after each stanza to see what bubbles up for you and then consider trying to write one yourself (would start with 4 stanzas).  You might be quite surprised as to what surfaces for you.  Then take the time to share some insights (and perhaps your newly written nested meditation) with your PeerRx partner, a colleague, a friend, or even me.   I’m all in!  How about you?

All In

We’re all in!

We’re all in

this together ...

We’re all in

this!  Together

we will find the way out!

We’re all in

this.  Together,

we will find the way out

of our collective disconnection. 

We’re all in

this ….  Together

we will find, the way out

of our collective disconnection 

is to honestly share our joys and sorrows with others.

We’re all in

this together.

We will find, the way out

of our collective disconnection 

is two; –  honestly share our joys and sorrows with others

and – lovingly hear theirs in return.