Mindful attitudes open hearts in clinical practice

Abstract

Who clinicians are and how they are matter as much as what they do with their patients. Whole clinicians foster wholeness in others by creating a space for healing to take place: healing in the self and the other. This closes the gap between “I and thou” such that we recall:When I forget who I am I serve you. Through service I remember who I am. And I know I am you. (Hindu)In this final chapter, qualitative studies of clinicians who work mindfully are reviewed first. Then, attitudes and actions that reflect congruency (i.e., acting with awareness of the self, other, and the context) in the books' authors are highlighted by quoting them. The snippets of the narratives chosen showcase real people in the hustle bustle of hospital wards, clinics, and sometimes on house calls, who apply mindfulness to enhance relationships with their patients. Finally, as this book comes to a close, it is asserted that despite cutbacks and constant restructuring of health care systems, compassion continues to permeate clinical work enabling physicians and health care professionals to cure when possible and care always.