Your Daily Focus: Waiting
Sometimes the best gift can be nothing at all.
I am in the process of consulting on a new specialty medical clinic here in Milwaukee, and during a planning meeting I heard someone complain that the thing they like least about their doctor is that he always makes them wait, often up to 45 minutes. It made me reflect back to my perspective on visiting my doctor or dentist, and the wonderful experience I usually have in their waiting room.
In this fast-paced and busy world, where each minute of our day is often “double-booked,” I find the doctor’s waiting room one of the few sanctuaries left in daily life. I would plan to use that gift of time in a very special way.
When I go to the doctor or dentist, I take along a great book, something that I haven’t taken time to read but know I would really love to read. So, I check in, grab a beverage if available, and turn off my cell phone as to not disturb the quiet environment. And then I sit and gaze at my book. I open to the first page. What a great feeling. No obligation to phone calls or emails or doing any one other thing than just being completely present in the moment. Mmmm, delicious!
I actually find myself hoping that the doctor is delayed! What a wonderful feeling, the luxury of time and attention. Being present, and getting lost in the moment. What makes it even sweeter is the feeling that I was able to convert the frequent delay from a negative to a positive experience. It’s great knowing I turned a potential irritation into a feeling of peace. When my name is finally called, I even find myself tempted to suggest someone else go ahead of me!
Now when I visit the doctor, I find myself actually hoping they are delayed at least 45 minutes!
I too enjoy taking the “waiting time” as a time for me. I like to use the time to reflect. Maybe the earlier part of the day or how I want the rest of the day to unfold.
Re: the specialty medical clinic here in Milwaukee you’re consulting on, we need more integrative clinic choices! I certainly appreciate my doctor and NP for their personalized face to face style, not punching out after 8 mins. and onto the next patient, plus their knowledge of natural medicine integrated with conventional if one so chooses.
Re: doctor’s waiting room procedures…that’s all fine and dandy bringing a book to read (which I do and relish in the down time) but I’m one who has time constraints due to the nature of my job and I have to get back!
I use to get irritated in the past, until I learn the art of practical miracles. There are so many opportunities to bring joy into our daily life. It really all comes down to how we live and perceive our experiences.
The art of practical miracles… tell us more.
There are nine practical miracles, In his book John Gray, talks about the secret is to first change our attitude without expecting circumstances around us to change. In doing this we adjust our lens in which we experience our daily life.
Thank you Maria. that sounds perfect… change our attitude without needing to change our circumstances, instead of needing our circumstances to change first. Inside-out I always say.