1. With gratitude, both “good” and “bad” become capable teachers.
2. With generosity, even small stones can create great ripples.
3. With tenderness, we turn the stream of compassion within.
4. With stillness, we sit quietly in the center of the cyclone.
5. With insight, we accept the change of life’s seasons
6. With courage, we move forward – despite our fear.
7. With service, no time to ask, “Why am I here?”
8. With forgiveness, we discover true freedom.
9. With faith, we learn to surrender. (Copyright Martin Bayne 2013)
Caregiving is often a multi-layered, emotionally exhausting, physically challenging series of daily, 24/7 implementation of care plans, statuatory regulations, federal guidelines and (lest we forget), the needs and wishes of those receiving the care. There is also the ambient despair that is part of a life of disability, depression, dementia and death. I know. I have been on both sides of the care-giving fence for more than twenty years.
What have I learned during those years?
I learned that of all the techniques, healing systems, protocols, clinical trials, methodologies, and treatment plans, what works most reliably, most consistently, with the greatest rate of success is simple kindness.
The list of Dynamic Kindness pre-cursors is listed at the top of this page.
Study it well: let the words flow into that part of you that is birthless and deathless.
You will never regret it.
Along with Dr. Raju’s comment of listening to the care receiver, I would add something about dignity (also in caps!). Overhearing attendants speaking in front of incapacitated assisted living residents assuming the resident was not aware, speaking to them like they were children, discussing intimate body functions while visitors were present and assuming deafness were some of the behaviors I witnessed while visiting a retired college professor.
wonderful concept in care giving. May I add a 10th category- LISTENING TO THE CARE RECEIVER- also an important act of kindness