Solid Ground in a Storm: A Masterclass in Mindfulness
When life takes an unexpected turn what does it look like to remain unshaken? The casual observer gazing over the hospital waiting room late at night sees a lone man. In reality the observer is witnessing a masterclass in mindfulness.
The large clock on the wall read ten o’clock on this cold Monday night. A lone man sat in a vast waiting room. The room was filled with surprisingly plush comfortable chairs and loveseats. Charging stations dotted the floor in numbers rarely seen. An iron gate covering the registration desk was the only harsh element in the room.
A casual observer looking onto the desert of empty chairs and loveseats with that lone inhabitant may understandably note that single lone figure. The casual observer is experiencing the disadvantage of observing what is easy to see. What our casual observer cannot see is occupying our lone figure’s mind and heart.
Our man is waiting on his wife who has been wheeled in for emergency surgery. He has a cell phone tucked into his pants pocket and that is where it will stay. There is no one to call or text. The handful he would contact are far away and getting ready for bed if not already sleeping. Our man does not appear to be in visible distress. His body is relaxed with breathing of a man content in his space.
Unknown to the casual observer a lot of activity is going on inside the mind of our lone figure. His body remains relaxed from years of mastering mindfulness relaxation, resulting in gaining control of how his body responds to stress. His mind remains active with the thoughts of the day and what must be happening behind the closed hospital doors leading to surgery suites. The one patient in surgery this evening is our lone figure’s only concern.
If our casual observer possessed the power to read minds what would our lone figure reveal? Is that not always the real question in a situation like we are witnessing on this Monday evening? The wise observer knows the truth lies within the person and not what is visible on the outside. As our mothers used to say, “looks can be deceiving”.
Our lone figure’s mind is busy processing and reflecting. Moments that confront us with our vulnerability and mortality are not to be ignored. It is these moments that can be the most fruitful in bringing perspective and balance to our life.
Our lone figure’s concern is lessened by the confidence of the medical care his wife is receiving. The calculated and thoughtful decision to relocate to an area with world-class health care was proving to be a wise move. The need was coming sooner than expected. Emergency surgery was not on the radar for any reason.
Our lone figure is comforted by being financially secure. He is not a wealthy man in terms of money. His financial reserves are adequate, being more than enough to meet his needs. Our lone figure has focused on managing needs as much as money. The more you manage your needs the less money manages your life. Our lone figure is fortunate that his most important need is pursuing knowledge and understanding of the world. His needs are balanced between material objects and living a peaceful life. A life with meaning beyond acquiring is rich in rewards.
It has been a long and stressful day. Our lone figure is blessed with a healthy body. Moving from home to a doctor’s office, then to an emergency room, multiple hospital rooms, and now a waiting area made for a physically demanding day. Years of caring for his body allows our lone figure to stay alert, attentive, and physically comfortable.
The absence of someone to call at such a late hour does not escape the thoughts of our lone figure. In life there is no guarantee the person on the other end of the line is going to be helpful at best or discouraging at worst. Even with a large contact list there are none getting a call late on a Monday night from a hospital waiting room.
When all is said and done our lone figure is doing well. Good decisions have removed many of the additional stressors one experiences in these situations. The ability to be at peace with positive thoughts and mastery over self provides solid ground in times of need.
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