Keats’ Chaos: Poetry Meets Self-Care Magic
Chitra Sankaran
Empowering Disillusioned Healthcare Professionals to Thrive Again by Reviving their Passion and Energy |Transformational Coach and Mentor | General Practitioner | GP Educator |GP Appraiser |
A recent conversation with Dr Anupa Sahdev sparked my curiosity about John Keats, leading to this fortnightly newsletter. I discovered that Keats was not only a renowned poet but also trained as an apothecary and surgeon. Interestingly, he went to school in Enfield, where my practice is based.
In the early 1800s, he faced a dilemma that resonates with many of us: choosing between a stable medical career and his passion for poetry. Despite battling depression, Keats chose to pursue poetry full-time in 1816. Though he lived only to 25, his work gained profound recognition after his death.
What I’ve come to realise is that constantly using our left brain—focusing on logic, analysis, and rational thinking—often disconnects us from our right brain, the source of creativity, imagination, and freedom. So, let’s take a moment to unleash our inner Keats today. Let’s dive into his world and see how his poetry can give us a fresh perspective.
Ode to a Nightingale: The Power of Escape and Reflection
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"Fade far away, dissolve, and quite forget
What thou among the leaves hast never known."
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There is a universal longing to escape from the harsh realities of life. The line "Fade far away, dissolve, and quite forget / What thou among the leaves hast never known" speaks to the desire to retreat into a simpler, more peaceful existence—something every overworked professional can resonate with. In our demanding roles, the weight of responsibility and the never-ending to-do list can feel overwhelming. We don’t need to completely step away, but we can find small moments of mental escape that make a difference.
Imagine allowing yourself a few minutes each day to dissolve into a good book, a moment of silence, or even the soothing sounds of nature, just like Keats sought solace in the nightingale’s song. These micro-breaks are essential for our well-being. They don’t require much time but can significantly recharge our minds and spirits.
?A few deep breaths between patients, coffee with a colleague, a brief walk outside, or even listening to your favourite music during a lunch break can serve as a mental reset. These simple actions can help us step back from our immediate pressures and give us the clarity to handle our tasks more effectively.
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Ode on a Grecian Urn: Embracing the Present Moment
"Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard
Are sweeter; therefore, ye soft pipes, play on."
The above lines highlight the beauty of stillness and the power of living in the moment. It reminds us that sometimes the greatest joys come from quiet moments we often miss. In the fast-paced world, we're always rushing from one task to another, making it easy to overlook the present moment.
Being present helps us reduce stress and connect more deeply with our patients and ourselves. Slowing down, even just a little, can make a big difference in how we experience our day. It allows us to notice the small joys and find a sense of calm amidst the chaos.
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Here are some different ways to practice mindfulness in your daily routine:
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Practice mindful listening: When talking with a colleague or patient, focus entirely on what they are saying without thinking about your response. It helps you stay in the moment and truly understand their perspective.
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Engage in mindful eating: Take time to enjoy your meals without distractions. Pay attention to the taste, texture, and aroma of your food, turning an everyday activity into a mindful experience.
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Start a gratitude practice: At the end of each day, reflect on three things that went well or brought you joy. This habit shifts your focus to positive moments and helps you appreciate the present.
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Use a visual cue: I always have a visual cue on my desk and phone. Place a small object, like a stone or a photo, on your desk. Every time you see it, take a moment to pause and be present.
By embracing these simple mindfulness practices, we can find more balance in our busy days and connect with the peace that Keats cherished.
A Thing of Beauty (Endymion): Finding Joy in Small Things
?"A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness."
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In "A Thing of Beauty (Endymion)," John Keats captures the idea that beautiful moments, no matter how small, can bring lasting joy. It reassures us that amidst the challenges and stress of healthcare, we can find enduring happiness in everyday experiences. Even on our busiest days, some moments can uplift us, like a patient’s sincere thank you, the laughter shared with a colleague or the fulfilment that comes from making a difference.
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Recognising and appreciating these small joys can help us maintain a positive outlook and feel more connected to our work. Even when the pressure is high, taking a moment to acknowledge the good around us can provide a sense of balance and well-being.
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Here are some practical ways to find joy in the small moments:
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Create a "positivity wall: Use sticky notes to jot down positive feedback, kind words, or good moments. Place them on a wall or board where you can see them daily.
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Celebrate small wins: Whether it’s successfully managing a challenging case or finishing your paperwork on time, acknowledge these achievements and give yourself a pat on the back.
Share a moment of kindness: Offer a smile, a compliment, or a helping hand to someone around you. These small acts can brighten your day as well as theirs.
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By noticing and appreciating these small joys, we can enrich our daily lives and cultivate a sense of lasting happiness, just as Keats suggests in his poetry.
Conclusion:
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John Keats used his poetry to make sense of his struggles, finding beauty and solace in words. His insights remind us that no matter how overwhelming life becomes, there is always space to pause, breathe, and find joy in simple moments. These lessons are timeless, speaking directly to our hearts.
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In our demanding roles, we often forget the importance of self-care, reflection, and creativity. Taking time each day to nurture our inner selves can transform how we handle stress and connect with others.
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I encourage you to engage your right cerebral hemisphere consciously each day. Pick up a poem by Keats or another poet and let their words speak to you. Use their wisdom to spark your own reflections and creativity. Allow yourself to feel inspired and connected.
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How do Keats’ words resonate with you?
What moments of beauty have you noticed today?
?We have the power to make each day beautiful.
P.S: Here are four ways to become Captain of Your Career and Life and start enjoying your life:
1. If you want to work smarter and live better as a healthcare professional with our ultimate quiz! Take the quiz now and unlock valuable insights to enhance your self-care, stress management, workload, and goal-setting skills.
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Visual Artist (Falmouth School of Art) and social scientist (PhD Imperial College London). My artistic practice centres on improving health systems and clinician welfare using socially engaged methods.
2 个月Thanks Chitra: it was great to talk with you a few weeks ago about my project that is anchored on John Keats and clinician well-being. I’m glad you found it inspiring. Please do get in touch if you’d like to learn more about my work. Thanks Anupa