Warning: This blog contains an opinion based on personal observation and experience that may or may not be relevant to your observation and experience. I try to generalize big ideas in broad context to create connection and meaning to lead toward sustainable growth outcomes. No ‘bad guys’ here.
Hospitals and the people who work in them are amazing.
I was mesmerized by hospitals as a kid. I may or may not have exaggerated symptoms at least once to visit the emergency room. I was also the kid who wanted to break something – arm or leg preferably. And this was even before neon color options for casts were available.
I broke my nose in ninth grade during softball tryouts. Imagine a full in/out field. Coach batting a variety of fielding opportunities. Apparently I really wanted to make the team. I ran from second base to shortstop to catch a pop up. The shortstop caught the ball in my nose. The pain wasn’t anywhere near what the multiple novacaine shots inside my nose felt like the next day to move it back into place. We left for Spring Break in Florida. The glory I anticipated of a cast experience got blocked by a nose shield that looked like a sunburn protector. And then add the sunburn. 1986.
#nevercool
Life/death scenarios happen. Not often. Yes? But they can/do happen. Thank you hospital. THANK YOU.
Like everything, the hospital is a part of a whole. It is a system. When used as intended it is magnificent. If the hospital system is considered a whole, there are parts to it as well.
Nutrition. Rest. Fresh air. Mutuality. (Mutuality meaning balanced human interaction, rather than patient dependent on staff). These things may not be prioritized when it comes to short term results. What about long term?
I wonder about the human nervous system. Is the intended use of a hospital system like the ‘intended’ use of one’s stress response system? (fight/flight/freeze/faint)
The connection I would like to make is that the hospital can save a life. The intensity of a hospital setting is a function that effectively serves an intended use. To say a hospital is useful is a gross understatement.
When I consider the essence and experience of wellbeing related to daily living, the things that come to my mind that support this state were not needed to save a life, but necessary to have a life.
To live day at an intensity likened to a hospital setting can maintain and support life.
Is the object of human life to live, or to not die?
What things support the living? What if we did more of these things when able?
Maybe we can appreciate external resources, while at the same time choose to contribute to and grow what is present and available when one is present and available to it…the goodness.
day. 