Welcome to Leonor’s #MeMeditating account – part of our #MeMeditating series, where students share their real-life stories of how Vedic Meditation affects their lives.
London-based Palliative Care nurse Leonor shares with us how her meditation practice has supported her through the intensity of working through the pandemic.
I’m Leonor.
What changes have you noticed since learning to meditate?
Throughout this year and a half, I have noticed so many changes. And new ones keep coming as well, which is interesting. I’m more organised and productive at work, more present with my friends, family (even on the phone) and patients and their families. My priorities have shifted and I am now able to let go of the things I can’t control, using my energy and time in a more effective and efficient way.
At work, my colleagues keep asking me how I am so calm all the time, grounded, clear on my understanding and communication and how I continue to bring joy to my patients, their families and the rest of my team, especially during the pandemic and in the type of work we do. This practice certainly changes more lives that you can imagine, it’s a ripple effect.
Regarding relationships, I’ve been letting go as well. It gets to that point where nobody is benefitting from that relationship and so, why force it? This letting go has happened very gracefully, as well as new people coming into my life. I now know more clearly what I want from friendship and intimate relationships and even if it looks I’m ‘picky’ from the outside, I know it’s because I just know what is good for me and what isn’t.
When it comes to my job, I’ve been feeling I need to expand. I love working with people at the end of their lives and I now feel I need to step it up. It is easy to give palliative care in a Hospice; the challenge is outside, in hospitals and in society. It’s too much of a taboo for something so natural and certain as death. So I’ve been looking into ways to lift the taboo, have a different approach even as a nurse and trigger the conversation. Some ideas have popped during meditation and I am now more able to follow my heart and the charm. I am more alert to signs and synchronicity so I feel I’m on my way.
Also – I couldn’t stand dogs and couldn’t even look at them from a distance because I was so frightened! I am now able to pet them. I did not see this coming.
How have you adapted to fitting meditation into your life on a daily basis?
The morning one is easy, I just wake up earlier. The evening one has been more challenging but so far since I started (May 2019) I’ve only missed one meditation. I work shifts so I always have to plan my meditation according to the shift I’m working. On a night shift, after trying a few ways and seeking advice from Jillian and Michael, I’ve found one that works for me. My friends and family all know I meditate now, so they respect this is a priority in my life.
Leonor is passionate about breaking down the taboos around death: “I want to trigger the conversation.” Follow her @we.only.die.once for her insights.