In this fast-paced world, many of us live in a state of autopilot. We are numb, not just to the world, but also, to the signals our bodies are desperately sending us. In Part 3 of Service Without Sacrifice, Kay Adams and Melissa Palmer join me to explore how we can shift from operating on autopilot to a more mindful and intentional way of living.
Over the course of our conversation we delve into the concept of "seeing" as a way of being: the ability to notice what’s happening as it happens. Kay and Melissa share their experiences in the fields of geriatrics, hospice, palliative care, and mental health and how they found their way back to a more fulfilling and balanced approach to their work despite the challenges and burnout they faced along the way. Join us as we explore the importance of self-compassion, the burden and impact of systemic expectations, and put forward a call to action for organizations to prioritize the well-being of their staff by offering a holistic, human-centered duty of care. Part 3 highlights include:
Living and working on autopilot can lead to missed signals from our bodies and default survival reactions, resulting in conflict, stress, and unhealthy patterns. "As human beings living in a fast-paced world, we spend a lot of our time operating on autopilot, often missing the signals our body is sending us to let us know something's wrong."
Burnout and moral distress are common challenges faced by individuals in service-oriented roles. "I hit the wall there over and over again... I was burned out when I moved from Minnesota to Colorado, swearing I'd never do it again—and then I did it again."
Practicing self-compassion and self-care is essential for breaking old patterns and avoiding burnout. "We have to have self compassion, because for every one step we'll take forward, we're going to take two steps back, we're going to backslide, we're going to find ourselves back in the same pattern again."
Creating a culture of connection and belonging in the workplace is crucial for the well-being of employees. "There's a disconnect between the mission of serving all these different types of people and groups and what we're requiring of the people doing the work."
Holding sacred space and being present for individuals in need can have a profound impact. "The best time that I ever have when I'm at work is when I can be present in that moment... It's almost a mindfulness practice when I'm doing my therapeutic interventions and listen without judgment, without trying to fix."
Organizations must prioritize the well-being of their employees and provide support for their mental health. "We incorporate insight-based learning... If we're not shining a light on that and being open about it, and we keep stuffing it—if it doesn't come out one way, it's going to come out another."
Resources
Bedside Witness: Stories of Hope, Healing and Humanity by Kay Adams
Kay Adams on the web | Facebook | LinkedIn
Melissa Palmer on LinkedIn
Dimple Dhabalia on the web | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Substack
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Part 3 | Seeing - Featuring Kay Adams and Melissa Palmer