“The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion that stands at the cradle of true art and science.”

— Albert Einstein

At BWH, we have the privilege of caring for patients and their families during some of the most memorable moments of their lives. Often life-changing, these moments range from the best to the most challenging of times. The more aware we are as individuals and as a community, the more we can fully engage and influence patient care. This engagement helps us to carry our learning forward in our practice. Our self-reflective practice benefits everyone, including, and maybe especially, ourselves.

Because there are so many mysteries and unanswered questions that surround us, we can become fearful or cautious of the unknown. Caritas Process #10 instructs us to notice and embrace the mystery surrounding us and to replace our fear with a recognition and appreciation for the miracles at the center of the experience. The birth of a child, the effectiveness of a treatment, the life-altering surgery, the guidance we provide at end of life – this is the collective everyday work of the care teams. Let us never view the miracles embedded in our work as mundane or as “something that anyone would do” because just “anyone” doesn’t do this work.

As we start the new year, let us renew our commitment to seek, recognize and celebrate the miracles within our work and our lives.
Warmest regards,

Lisa Morrissey, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC
Interim Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services