Journal of Sacred Work

Caregivers have superpowers! Radical Loving Care illuminates the divine truth that caregiving is not just a job. It is Sacred Work.

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   In the midst of my usual morning exercise, I saw the last part of The Stepford Wives (the 2004 version based on the book of the same name by Ira Levin) on television. Although this movie remake got mixed reviews, there is no way to overestimate the power of the core story. Its message rings as true as books with similar themes like Brave New World and 1984. The world of technology and money where the efficiency of first line workers is often valued over their humanity is a theme even more chilling in this century than it was in the past.
   The Stepford Wives posits a community in which married women are reshaped as robots, designed with "perfect" measurements, and programmed to do whatever their selfish husbands wish.
   It's not too difficult to imagine a parallel movie in which power hungry hospital bosses might acquire the power to program their employees? What would they do?
   How do we, as caregivers, preserve and protect each other's humanity while simultaneously striving for efficiency and  what some call "perfect" care? Some leaders adopt programs that promise efficiency by forcing employees to follow rigid protocols in an unquestioning way. These CEO's dream of Stepford Caregivers. Should their wish be granted, patients would be doomed to an efficiency as sterile and heartless as the environment in the movie.
   Life refuses to deliver such perfection (thank God.) Instead, we are challenged to deal with a world where mistakes occur, people cry, and tempers are sometimes lost.
   How do you preserve your humanity when confronted with pressures to conform?

-Erie Chapman

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5 responses to “Days 79-81 – Keeping Our Humanity in Techo-World”

  1. Edwin Loftin Avatar

    Being mindful of why we are here. One patient, one person, one soul, one heart at a time. The obvious secret to loving and healing experiences and encounters is allowing ourselves to be focused on the patient in front of us.
    Conformity and technical perfection are quickly erased as we sit at the bedside and hold the hand of patient or lean against the wall next to a family member or kneel on the black asphalt touching the arm of an accident victim. In that moment we are people being there for people and there is no greater gift or honor.

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  2. Karen York Avatar
    Karen York

    It takes courage. This is an ongoing theme in my personality. It’s too easy to conform and very difficult to stand firm. It is a lifelong learning for me.

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  3. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    First off, I wish to say I value your perspective Edwin and I admire your courage Karen.
    I recall a Twilight Zone episode with a similar theme. When young teenage girls turned a certain age their memories were erased and they were surgically altered to look beautiful and exactly like every other woman. One particular girl liked reading books and having her own thoughts, she did not want to conform. We live in a society where everyone strives for a youthful appearance and many surgically alter their appearances. On one level the allure is appealing. Yet, as I age, my hope is that I can grow old with grace and acceptance. Men may feel distress balding, or women may fear wrinkles and the pressure to have large breasts for sex appeal. My mom has lived 93 years and she has modeled aging with grace. She has never dyed her hair and she has a beautiful head of gorgeous white hair. She lives in simplicity and gratitude.
    I feel fortunate to work for a Health System that encourages caregivers to seek the deeper meaning in our work. This is not only encouraged but it is nurtured in us. Yet, the pressures in Healthcare and shrinking resources create tremendous tension and challenges daily. What is critical for me is not to lose sight in the swirling whirlwinds that jostle me. I must anchor myself daily in the core of Gods being, for without Love, I am lost and alone. As I accept reality over illusion, I recognize Love’s kindness is for everyone. “The power of love, which is its meaning, lies in the strength of God that hovers over it and blesses it silently by enveloping it in healing wings. Let this be…” (Course in Miracles, pg.308) Thanks for another interesting meditation, Erie.

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  4. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    A Homespun Love
    Because this humble and homespun love
    — just as you see it, simple, unadorned —
    is what keeps our feet on the ground,
    is what engenders the fruit of our nonconformity,
    and throws us a lifeboard amidst the shipwreck.
    Every so often our love blazes like thousands of stars,
    gets dressed up to go out and uncorks
    bottles of effervescence, cases of laughter.
    You see, every so often, when the moment is right,
    our love recalls that is it, like we are, a survivor.
    ~by Alicia Partnoy

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  5. Deb Gerlica Avatar
    Deb Gerlica

    Karen, you are a ray of hope. Please always stay true to who you are

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