I felt more connected
"After 25 years of caring for critically ill children and families, this last year of COVID-19 has magnified absolutely everything professionally and personally. My work continued at a constant pace, the work felt heavier, and I was becoming numb at times to survive.
A colleague invited me to a Gratitude Circle, ‘Healing for the Healers’. I have done meditation and taken selfcare courses throughout my career. This was a unique experience; I was amazed by the feelings that arose with each card that was pulled from the Gratitude Blooming card deck. The symbolism of nature was key to me, the delicate drawn flowers, and with the understanding that I was there to not fix, not to advise or save another. It was a period for myself to breathe, let go and to have the courage to step into the sadness that I often hold deep in my mind and body.
After, I felt more connected to those in the session, more connected to the feelings that were triggered by each card, and felt I was honoring those feelings whatever they were and not judging them. A time to reflect, refocus, and recenter professionally and personally. This is something I am continuing on my own with the Gratitude Blooming cards and looking forward to more sessions with fellow healthcare workers."
Ann H.