For some time I have been reflecting on promoting a positive and appropriate attitude towards vulnerable persons.In average times we tend to think of vulnerable people as those who are physically and mentally disabled but in current times we really need to extend our view of vulnerability to include all of us. Such a stance opens the door for viewing human beings on different levels.
In the first case we have those recognised as disabled either physically or mentally, or perhaps both, and therefore ‘vulnerable’ to a greater or lesser degree, and there are terms of reference which allows the level of vulnerability and needs to be determined. However one the positive things coming out of the pandemic is the notion of ‘we are all in this together.’ everyone is vulnerable , and at risk both physically and mentally.
It is frequently the case that workers without thinking about it adopt a persona as the provider of care ‘the well one’ if you like and to some degree this notion may be fostered by the service provider.It seems to me that because the whole world is in this together we need to reconsider the lines of demarcation between workers and patients and to do this the worker needs support to recognise the vulnerabity within themselves, if you like the patient within them.
Everyone has been touched by so much loss, fear and restrictions that it can become the unconscious choice to just mentally ‘hole up’ and deny our feelings. I am concerned that such behaviour causes huge stress and is detrimental to physical and mental well being.
Organisations have ‘a duty to care’ for their workers even those who are not currently working in office sites. Alongside this the individual has a responsibility to take stock of their own stress level by allowing their feelings free reign if you like, giving them a voice in a balanced and controlled way. This can be achieved by creating new structures within our day and relationships which reflect individual personal needs for self care and preservation.
I have been moved by some comments on previous blogs re how a person engages in self awareness, adaption, and healthy integration during ‘Lockdown’ this is certainly a question? Lockdown and isolation can be closely connected, and lets face it, social distancing is not natural for human beings and indeed the need for social engagement is patterned throughout many species on earth. In our quiet meditative moments we need to allow voice to this to feel angry and frustrated because old choices and ways of being have changed and we are obliged to create new ones.
Allowing the worker vulnerability voice in various ways not only supports ‘self care’ but strengthens the compassion and respect for the patients they care for.In addition it allows the worker to develop a sense of’self efficacy’ to be in control of their well being and to support others with theirs.
The world has been shifting and moving throughout this crisis, and it is difficult to stand still the desire is to run or play dead in order to be safe but where is the safe place?I suggest the safe place can be found not just in our homes but inside ourselves if we quiet ourselves through meditation and balance our lives with structure enjoyment and truth.
RESPECT VULNERABILITY GIVE IT SPACE AND VOICE! My son sent me this song from a Japanese group
Even in the days we can’t meet we grow up together wrap you up with my unchanging feelings just forward, just only forward.I reach out to you Let’s light a smile in the darkness in this blue world let’s make the future you are alright.See we are all here not alone.
BAND MAID ABOUT US
CAN YOU SEE THIS WHAT DO YOU NEED?
tag: respect vulnerability
aoibheann thoughtful reflections 