Pat Reilly, MSN, RN, director, Caring and Healing Modalities, and Teresa Buchanan, MBA, BSN, RN,
nursing project manager, Caring and Healing Modalities

A May 2016 HeartMath Resiliency training class

“A good life is when you smile often, dream big, laugh a lot and realize how blessed you are for what you have.”
– Unknown

Do you remember the last time you felt your best – energetic, strong, healthy and open to possibilities? When you were feeling this way, how were your interactions with family, colleagues and patients? Were you more patient, kind, understanding and willing to listen? Could you see the beauty and miracles happening all around you?

Emotions have a dramatic impact on what we see and hear in the world, and how we respond, in words and deeds. In our daily lives, we are bombarded with situations over which we have no control. These situations may engender unpleasant feelings such as fear, anger, anxiety and jealousy. As energetic beings, it’s important to be aware that these emotions impact not only our own well-being, but also the well-being of those around us.

Ultimately, the only thing you have control over is you. How you respond to situations and people is a choice, one that requires self-awareness and preparation. You have to make a decision to help yourself establish practices that will result in enhanced health and happiness. Just as a marathon athlete trains for the 26.2-mile race, you must cultivate strategies that help you cope with the stressors present in everyday life. The HeartMath Resiliency program, offered monthly at BWH, teaches techniques to help proactively manage the stress, challenges and adversity life presents, in a way that allows you to feel good and whole.

When you routinely practice HeartMath tools, your resiliency and energy will increase, and you’ll find it easier to make time for the important things in your life. Relationships will improve, as you are better able to listen, communicate and think more effectively and clearly.

As a resilient caregiver, you will be better able to enter into sacred, caring relationships with your patients and their families, and witness the miraculous happening around you. Your resiliency and caring will support patients in healing wounds of all kinds: physical, emotional and spiritual.

HeartMath classes are offered monthly and run 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Class dates scheduled for 2017 include: Jan. 9, Feb. 21, March 16, April 10, May 15, June 12, July 13, Aug. 7 and Sept. 18. Nursing contact hours (5.5) are provided for this class. To register, email Teresa Buchanan, tbuchanan@partners.org.