This new book I'm reading says that what I suffer from is "compassion fatigue" -- the weariness of the full-time caregiver. I suppose that's what I am, although right now I'm nursing the Electronic Medical Record at our place instead of actual people, and I'm not sure what bodhicitta means in relation to a computer.
There are days when I miss actually taking care of patients, when it's almost a physical ache. There are days when I'm so fed up with people whose carelessness and stupidity winds up hurting themselves or others (see Darwin Award) that I wouldn't mind never seeing one again. I guess that's why I'm doing the Buddhist thing. I miss being enthusiastic about what is actually a privilege: people let us into their lives when their lives are in the crapper, and we walk with them as they climb out.
that's a terrific insight. no wonder you miss working with patients since you understand its a privilege in that sense.
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