Balancing Joy and Suffering

"To live is to suffer; to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering."  ~Nietzsche

Caregiver burnout has reached pandemic proportions in healthcare systems across the country. All the symptoms are there - emotional, physical and mental exhaustion; abandoned self-worth, isolation, detachment, and despair for the very work that once created joy. For many healthcare professionals, their purpose has been buried so deeply beneath the ruble of collapsing dreams that organizational leaders may wonder if the engagement strategy is one of search and recovery rather than search and rescue.

Several years ago, the findings of a longitudinal survey on happiness stirred things up in the field of social well-being. The German Institute for Economic Research challenged conventional wisdom by suggesting that individual's who pursued altruism - doing good for others - saw a marked increase in personal happiness. The persistent practice of compassion was linked to elevated levels of happiness over one's lifetime. Healthcare is a mecca for altruism. The medical profession demonstrates it's mastery of caring by holding to a deeply held conviction for patient-centered care. But in so doing, these compassionate altruists regularly place their own well-being in great jeopardy.

"Remember that your natural state is joy." ~Dyer

Joy is inside us. On a continuum, joy surpasses contentment, satisfaction, even happiness. However, it is an emotional state of being that requires diligence and practice. And while we ultimately choose whether our glass is half full or half empty, inhaling the wisdom, strength, courage and kindness of others is nourishment to our joy. We must regularly reflect on those individuals who inspire us while at the same time offering ourselves as inspiration to others. Charismatic leadership can light the fire, but the flame burns from within. Altruists find those they serve to be the greatest source of inspiration - the humblest expression of gratitude is the kindling fanning their passion.

Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel. ~Brownn

Life is a balancing act. Joy and suffering should be viewed this way - they are actually complementary in many ways. If you consider one of the most basic of all human processes - childbearing - a mother will tell you that the joy of cradling her newborn excuses the physical pain of delivery. Athletes return to the field because the joy of winning propels them past their injuries. Patients endure debilitating treatments and wage narrow odds for the chance to live and love another day. In a sometimes divisive and frightening world, most of us rise up each day intent on making a difference - to contribute, pay forward and acknowledge the blessings we enjoy.

"There is no such thing as work/life balance - it is all life. The balance has to be within you." ~ Sadhguru

I can't think of a nobler call to action for today's leaders than to inspire balance between the inevitable joy and suffering of human existence. We can do this by stepping into the chaos for a firsthand view; offering face-to-face comfort and encouragement; celebrating victories alongside caregivers. Talking less; listening more. We should all commit to mindfulness - focusing on the here and now. There are nuances in every interaction and every relationship is an opportunity to influence the global perception that we are all in this together.