She Drove All Night
It was a chilly October morning as my first patient came bustling into my cozy waiting room. I did not expect her to be in person and so I thanked my lucky stars that I was in the office that day. As I remarked on the unexpected blessing of seeing her in person, she acknowledged the 6-hour overnight drive she had just made. I immediately felt an overwhelming blend of gratitude, humility, empowerment, along with disbelief that she would do that “just to see me”.
We sprang into action and addressed numerous needs all in that morning by completing forms, cervical cancer screening, blood work, physical exam and spiritual/emotional support. I have a beautiful, heated crystal mat that provides comfort and muscle relaxation. I place silicone cutting boards, wee wee pads and wrapped towels on the mat for pelvic exams and other procedures. Playing calm music throughout the experience has been lovely. Once the procedure is done, I stretch out the patient’s legs and have them lie for another half hour or so. The experience has been well received and now I have patients calling me for the “spa pap smear” that is reportedly better than any spa treatment they have ever had before in their life. This really brings a smile to my heart.
As I reflect on this, I find myself smiling with the understanding that life brings us so many unexpected delights. I am also humbled and honored that patients will share their innermost thoughts see me in hopes of finding healing for their bodies and minds. I am seeing the value of having sat with my own shadow through therapy and psychedelic work. When I describe what shadow is to others, I say it is the part from which we are disconnected. It could also be called our unconscious and it plays a powerful role in our lives. Carl Jung said, “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and call it fate.” And because I have sat with my own pain and darkness, I am able to be present with others as they sit with theirs. I believe my own healing from trauma is my superpower. It is in the energy of forgiveness for myself and those who have harmed me where I find peace. Rumi once wrote: “The wound is the place where the light enters you,” and I remind myself of this during moments of darkness and pain. I imagine a dark forest with a sliver of light cutting through the trees and this comforts me in my hour of need.
I do not heal anyone but rather I facilitate and witness others as they heal themselves. I have regulated my own central nervous system, and my patients can learn to co-regulate theirs alongside me. This can have a ripple effect and work its way through the world. We can send the energy of love, and it is a resource that the more we receive and share, the more we have.
Did I ever believe that patients would drive 6 hours overnight to see me? The answer is No. However, if they grace me the privilege of seeing them in my office, then I receive honor with love and gratitude. I know that we all heal together in holding up mirrors of truth and love for each other. And that is what I call Direct Primary Care!
Can you post a link to your crystal heated mat? I am intrigued and want to make my pap smears more spa-like!
of course-please see my comment
https://biomat.com/
https://therichwaybiomat.com/
https://biomat.com/
It is called the Richway Biomat
they can run expensive (I purchased mine from my pilates instructor years ago at a discounted price). But you can find other mats that are most cost friendly and do just the trick.
It really is about having a warm bed, rather than the cold sterile ones. The crystals are a bonus.
Different brands are likely just as great.
You can get creative and play music (I love playing Sade), spray some essential oil (for those not allergic) and create a warm enviroment. It is fun and the patients love it! 🙂
you can message me if you have further questions-I do not sell these devices but am happy to help you be creative on a budget! 🙂
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