Healing the Hearts of Healthcare

In the high-stakes world of healthcare, we are often pummeled by other people’s discomfort, fear, and anxiety. But what if you didn’t have to accept that negativity into your body?In this week’s episode of Healing the Hearts of Healthcare, we deconstruct the powerful psychological principle of "So What? Now What?"So What? Learn how to build a natural pause—a nanosecond of self-reflection that acts as a shield, reminding you to surrender feelings that aren't yours to carry.Now What? Accept the invitation to handle things differently. We explore how choosing a response of love, rather than reaction, can revolutionize your care delivery.Join us to discover how two simple questions can help you reclaim your peace and change every interaction you have today.

 Can responding in love really improve patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes? Arleen says yes. In this episode, we dive into the "So what" technique, a powerful tool for reframing stress and reclaiming your peace in any healthcare setting. Inspired by the teachings of A Course in Miracles, Arleen shares how a conscious choice to lead with love can be transformative. Join us for a lesson in healing that starts from within.

In this deeply emotional episode, Arleen reflects on the tragedy of the shooting of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, an event that sent shockwaves through the entire U.S. healthcare system. This single act of violence serves as a reminder of the fragility of healthcare — a system that has been strained to its breaking point. Arleen delves into the intense emotions consumers are experiencing: the mistrust, anger, and frustration that have fueled an increasingly volatile view related to the failures of the healthcare system. As she unpacks the chain of events that led to this tragic situation, Arleen urges healthcare professionals to remain vigilant in their interactions with patients, reminding them that every encounter is an opportunity to embody compassion and empathy — even amidst the chaos, anger and frustration. She advocates for more education and training to help workers navigate crises with a heart-centered approach, shifting from a task-driven mindset to one that prioritizes connection and understanding. Arleen invites healthcare workers to return to the basics–making a conscious decision to lead from a place of love and kindness. In a time when the world around them seems overwhelming, it’s this empathy and patience that can provide true healing — not just for patients, but for themselves. This episode is an invitation for all healthcare professionals to rediscover their purpose and power by choosing compassion in the face of adversity. Are you ready to lead with your heart and help heal a system that desperately needs it?

In this episode, Arleen acknowledges the times when healthcare workers feel boxed in and are simply going through the motions. Are you secretly questioning if you have it in you to continue? Arleen reminds us that difficult memories and the daily challenges of caregiving can cloud your perspective, making it hard to see how important and impactful your work truly is. Drawing from her own personal experience, Arleen talks about the mental clutter that can lead to feelings of anxiety and emotional exhaustion. When you hold onto negative experiences and memories, you miss the opportunity to clear out that mental clutter. Sometimes, the things that weigh you down no longer serve a purpose, especially when they’re beyond your control—particularly when you care for people who need the best of you. Arleen also highlights the wisdom of Marie Kondo, the organizational expert known for her “spark joy” philosophy. Kondo encourages people to evaluate what they hold onto—whether in their homes or minds—and assess whether it brings joy. If it doesn't, it only occupies space that could be used for something more positive. Holding on to negative memories and experiences does the same to your mental space, affecting how you approach each day. Arleen encourages healthcare workers to clean out the clutter in both their physical surroundings and their minds. By doing so, you can make room for meaningful moments of care and more joy in your daily practice.

In this podcast, Arleen shares the great work from Dr. Don Miguel Ruiz’s book called The Four Agreements where he shares the four agreements based on ancient Toltec wisdom. Each of the agreements are a powerful code of conduct that can transform your life through experiencing freedom, true happiness and love. In the book, Don explains that 95% of our internal beliefs are simply not true. Unlearning beliefs and challenging your own thinking is essential to experiencing a strong-sense of joy, happiness and freedom.   Arleen shares readings from the book about the importance of learning how to master each agreement. We delve into: Agreement 1 - Be impeccable with your word Agreement 2 - Don’t take anything personally Agreement 3 - Don’t make assumptions Agreement 4 - Always do your best When you make a conscious choice and self-reflect on the ways you will embrace these four agreements and integrate them into your daily practices, you can experience healing. Arleen reminds us as healthcare workers, the work we do is meaningful and full of purpose. She challenges us to think about how we can use these four agreements in interacting with the patients we serve. You will realize, it is within your power to make change and to live the life you were destined to experience. 

In this podcast Arleen reminds healthcare workers that the challenges you experience every day often include feelings of fear, especially the unknown. Arleen shares that our fears can result in untoward behaviors, stress and unnecessary anxiety. What if as healthcare workers you could learn strategies on how to rise above your fears instead.  What if instead of allowing the fear of the unknown from holding you back, instead, you recognize that fear is a normal emotion that every single person faces each day. What if you could learn how to face everything and rise above it instead.  Arleen invites healthcare workers when you do not learn appropriate coping strategies and learn how to manage fear effectively, it may have a negative impact on every aspect of your life. In order to face your fear, Arleen reminds us that we must recognize the emotions that bubble up and how fear is affecting you, as well as the patients you provide care to.   Arleen reminds healthcare workers that by using positive affirmations every day you set positive intentions on how you wish to manage the day to day challenges with ease instead of being filled with anxiety. When you have the courage to face your fears and notice them, you are in the best position to rise above them and provide compassionate and empathetic care to those you serve.

Arleen reminds healthcare workers that the field of healthcare is full of daily physical, mental and emotional challenges. It is highly likely that in addition to the long hours you are probably not integrating self-care in your daily routine. When you are running on an empty tank, you need to keep your tank at least half full, not bone dry! Arleen reminds healthcare workers that you need to carefully examine your emotional and physical responses especially in stressful situations. Having the courage to recognize when you need a moment to find a quiet place where external stimulations in your environment are limited.  Arleen reminds professional healthcare workers that they shouldn’t wait to the point when you are having a meltdown. You must train your mind to look inward and examine what is within your control and what you can do to send love, compassion and empathy to the people you serve regardless of what is happening around you. Arleen reminds us that good things are happening around us, we just need to pay attention to them. When you advocate for your needs, you are in the best position to increase your tank before it runs completely dry. Like, Share and Follow Arleen's You Tube channel HealingtheHeartsHealthcare.

In this podcast, Arleen reminds healthcare workers that we must learn how to manage in the chaos and create calmness despite the challenges we face. Many healthcare workers crave a routine environment. But healthcare by nature is full of unpredictability. Arleen reminds us that managing the chaos is not just limited to our workplace but in our personal lives as well.  Arleen reminds us that we can never forget that we are drawn into the field of healthcare because we are the healers of people. We must always demonstrate compassion and empathy to create the conditions for healing and comfort to occur.   Arleen reminds healthcare workers that we alone control our own emotional response. When we work to create a sense of calmness even in a chaotic environment, it will improve the overall health of our patients. When you are aware of the energy you bring to work, it will truly change how healing occurs.

In this podcast, Arleen reminds healthcare workers that we are susceptible to being triggered by someone or something in your environment. The truth is, for many healthcare workers, working during the pandemic has resulted in experiences that can still be very triggering to you. Arleen reminds us that a trigger is something that causes a reaction or response, often emotional and/or psychological in nature that causes a person to experience feelings of intense anxiety.  Arleen reminds healthcare workers when we self-reflect, look inward and gain self-awareness of our own triggers we are better positioned to be aware of behaviors that may be triggering to us or for us. When we slow down our pace, create a pause, and resist the temptation to react but rather respond you are in the best position to identify those triggering behaviors.  Arleen shares reflections from Robert Holden’s book Finding Love Everywhere to serve as reminders for healthcare workers that when we provide care delivery, we do it from a place of love. That when we look inside ourselves and search for love, it is just one way we can show compassion, empathy and caring for those we serve. 

In this podcast, Arleen co-hosts with Doris Taylor, RN, BSN, a burnout wellness coach for an in-depth discussion on ways to identify and treat burnout. Arleen reminds us that working in healthcare can leave you feeling overwhelmed, fatigued and full of exhaustion. It is not your fault and not what you imagined when you entered into the workforce. Doris invites us to self-reflect--what if it could be different? What if you could learn ways to truly relax and calm your nervous system and doing what you were destined to do. The secret is performing intentional actions to soothe your nervous system so you are not operating in a reactive state.   Doris reminds us that burnout is not a permanent state and no one should feel alone. We discuss many of the challenges we face and why it is necessary to educate yourself on the ways you can self-identify feelings of burnout creeping in and those factors that contribute to burnout. Doris shares that every one of us must find their specific  window of tolerance and identify when we are operating in either a hyper-arousal or hypo-arousal state, putting ourselves at risk for burnout. Lastly we discuss ways you can recharge yourself every day and find ways to continue to work in the field despite all of the challenges.   To connect with Doris and learn about her virtual and in-person workshops and training on combating burnout, visit her website at www.moonshinewellnesspnw.com or connect on her social media platforms at moonshinewellnesspnw to learn more.

In this podcast, Arleen delves into the immediacy of why healthcare workers need to learn how to demonstrate empathy and compassion in every interaction when caring for others. Arleen discusses the challenges of how the influences of living in a non-empathetic and non-compassionate world can influence the way you respond in stressful situations.  It is easy to spot people who are filled with anger, frustration and rage. When people are not in touch with their own emotional response, they tend to react poorly. Arleen reminds us that the only thing we can control in healthcare, is how we look and handle each situation.  Arleen reminds healthcare workers of their superpowers, which is their ability to create a safe space for healing to occur. When we slow down our pace, and find ways to control our emotional response in every interaction we are best positioned to show empathy and compassion. Arleen reminds healthcare workers of the power of responding in a loving way every time, and how that can influence positive outcomes.

In this podcast, we dive into the emotional and psychological challenges healthcare workers face every day. Whether it be from the intense pressure of caring for people to the constant exposure to pain, suffering and loss.   Arleen reminds healthcare workers you must prioritize your own mental health. Guarding your heart allows you to provide a loving response regardless of the situation. Arleen shares how important it is to be present for the people you serve. You must practice searching for the goodness in one another and to act as role models showing people just how easy it is to care for one another. Arleen reminds healthcare workers you are armed with a super power, which is your ability to heal people who are sick. Sometimes you are left wondering where the people who show love and compassion towards one another are.   As healthcare workers, you are perfect in your design to flood people with love, compassion and empathy. But you must also protect your heart, prevent those negative feelings and interactions from adhering to your spirit. Those feelings can easily overpower your mind, when they take root in your heart. You were designed to embrace all the beautiful moments that come from healing others. When you learn simple ways and work differently, you will position yourself for success.

In this podcast, Arleen reminds healthcare workers, while you are here in life school you were designed to carry out your purpose. You were born to provide care to people who are sick and need healing. Let’s face it, you work in healthcare, which is completely unpredictable. To continue to care for people, especially in a world that is sometimes full of people who do not care about you. Requiring you to recommit to caring every day. Arleen reminds healthcare workers that our patients are dealing with pain, suffering and burdens from acute and chronic medical conditions. We must realize that we may not always see people at their personal best. Arleen reminds listeners that on top of that, the people you work with might also suffer from feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, wondering if the job is truly worth it. Arleen reminds you it is 100% worth it. You simply need to learn how to use your superpowers even in difficult times. Arleen invites listeners to accept the challenge and recommit to caring regardless of the situation you are faced with. When you learn new ways to respond with love, kindness, compassion, empathy and a caring attitude you will positively impact the way healing occurs. In this podcast, Arleen discusses important characteristics that are necessary even when you feel the weight of responsibility on you. That you can use your superpowers for healing when you recommit to caring.

In this podcast, Arleen invites healthcare workers to carefully evaluate the hardships you face every day as something that is designed to put you on a path to make you stronger and wiser. Arleen shares that when you feel broken or lack the strength to push yourself forward, perhaps it is that you need to learn how to grow through it, instead of going through it.  Arleen reminds listeners that we cannot change our past. If we are going to stay in the field we were designed to do we must look deep within and evaluate each experience as a learning opportunity while we are in life school.   Arleen shares readings from Jacqui Phillips book Reset. As a professional celebrity makeup artist and television host and producer, Jacqui was used to making others feel beautiful. But like you, one day she woke up and realized that if she didn’t find the courage to hit the reset button, she wouldn’t live the life she was destined for.  Arleen reminds healthcare workers that if we do not choose to embrace a mindset of learning how to grow from our difficult experiences, we run the risk that we will not stay in the field doing the work we were designed to do. Arleen shares hope for all healthcare workers, that you can grow from every experience and come back each day with a renewed spirit of caring and compassion. 

In this podcast, Arleen reminds healthcare workers about the complex challenges and conditions you face that cause stress, anxiety and fear. When we remember to take time out every day to seek out the moments of joy, while providing care, this practice can help to sustain you every day. Arleen starts today’s podcast with a visualization exercise reminding listeners what it was like when you experienced joy during childhood. Remembering those moments is the key to realizing that joy does not have to be elusive, rather it is something that must be searched for every day especially with the challenging experiences you face in healthcare.  Arleen reminds us that when we feel out of control or recognize we need self-care, finding a quiet moment will help you shift your perspective and notice those subtle moments where joy is around you. Arleen shares that when you seek out those meaningful, purposeful moments with the people you serve, you are best positioned to experience joy every day. Arleen shares a reminder that it only takes one person to change the way care is delivered to allow your patients and family members to respond to illness with joyful healing. As professional healthcare workers, you know what is good for you. When you develop your expert noticing skills you are best positioned to seek out joyful moments and integrate them into your daily healing practices.

In this podcast, Arleen reminds healthcare workers of the importance of shifting from a fixed to a growth mindset. Arleen shares the seminal work of Carol Dweck, Ph.D. on why we must embrace a growth mindset. Arleen shares how to embrace our failures and mistakes, practice self-compassion, set goals and accept that sometimes trusting in a “not yet” mindset positions you for success. Arleen reminds healthcare workers that what you do every single day and how you respond to stressful situations affects the healing of others.  Arleen shares that when we experience challenges, we also have a choice to seek out moments of joy and happiness that comes from caring for others, instead of being overly stressed and worried. Arleen reminds healthcare workers that the work is not easy, but when you find ways to embrace a growth mindset we can learn how to manage through those challenges with ease.  Arleen shares how Jim Carrey, the actor, used visualization and shifted himself into a much more powerful mindset, which led to his stardom. Arleen reflects on how a group of 33 Chilean miners survived trapped underground for 69 days, learning how to support one another even when they were fearful, anxious and full of despair. When we, as healthcare workers, cultivate a spirit of unity to support one another we are best positioned to heal our hearts from everything we experience and live the life we are destined to do.

In this podcast, Arleen reminds healthcare workers that we must face our fears before we can step forward and allow healing to occur. Arleen shares highlights from the recent documentary “Brats” by Andrew McCarthy and the actors who were labeled as the 80’s Hollywood Brat Pack are still battling internal fears and messages of self-doubt nearly 40 years later. Arleen reminds healthcare workers, it is time to live your authentic self and find ways to embrace self-care and let things go so you can push yourself forward away from your fears.  Arleen shares one of the secrets to her success, which includes readings from Mel Robbins book, The Five-Second Rule. Arleen highlights how Mel has taught millions to use the Five-Second Rule and to face your fears by shifting into action. Arleen shares numerous examples of how healthcare workers can find themselves paralyzed in fear, and the constant reminders that taking action is the only way to step into the life you are destined for. As a healer, you deserve to experience goodness, joy, success and professional fulfillment. Arleen encourages you that this is only possible if you have the courage to face your fears, then you can experience all life has to offer.  For more information on Arleen’s keynote “The Courage to Care” email [email protected].   

In this podcast, Arleen reminds healthcare workers to use the power of love every day to promote healing. Arleen shares Noreen O’Sullivan’s “Look Listen Love” model and why we must slow down, look inside and listen to our emotions then shower ourselves with feelings of love. Arleen reminds us that because we care for people, we are exposed to pain and suffering every day. When we work hard to show love towards ourselves and others, it can be transformative and healing. Arleen invites listeners to build into their daily routine ways to promote love wherever you go.  Arleen educates on the importance of using a trauma-informed care approach in caring for yourself and your patients. Sharing research and findings from the article “Using a Trauma-Informed Approach to Address Burnout in Nursing” from C. Dawson-Rose, et. al. from Medscape.com and discusses the six principles of trauma-informed approach, we must promote sharing love especially in healthcare settings. Arleen reminds us that we can show acts of loving kindness towards each other through our words, body language and our actions, taking into account the cultural aspects and differences in each other. Finally, Arleen shares the power of love from the research experience in Masuro Emoto’s book, The Message from Water and why we must be mindful of how we express love towards one another.

In this podcast, Arleen reminds healthcare workers to take back what is rightfully yours–the opportunity to live your best life ever. You deserve it! You are a healthcare worker, but if you don't find ways to heal your hearts daily from all your experiences you might find yourself stuck and unable to move forward.  Arleen shares impactful and meaningful reflections from the book The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch, Ph.D., a Computer Science Engineer and professor at Carnegie Mellon University. When faced with terminal cancer, Randy was inspired to share important life lessons to his students by preparing his last lecture on life and learnings. These life lessons included the importance of building relationships and building in time to imagine, wonder and dream about all of the things you want to accomplish in life.  Arleen also shares how as humans, we can find ourselves in the “Stuck-State Cycle” from the book, Wake Up Calls by Eric Allenbaugh, Ph.D. Arleen shares how our old behaviors can surface and we can find ourselves re-creating our past in our present. It is only when you reflect on your history and identify things you should do differently that you are in the best position to change the way you respond. Arleen also shares how writing poetry can be a source of healing. In the book Poetic Medicine by John Fox, Arleen shares that giving yourself permission to be wild and magnificent and exploring the things around you in nature as inspiration is the first step in writing poetry. Arleen ends the podcast reminding healthcare workers that you must take advantage of all the opportunities to become the best version of you! You can do it when you take time to heal your heart from your experiences.

In this podcast, Arleen co-hosts with Nicole Braveman to educate healthcare workers on the power of practicing meditation and mindful moments to help heal your heart from the work that you do every day, and to help the best parts of you shine through in all aspects of your life and into patient care.  Nicole shares her personal healing experiences using meditation and yoga therapy to heal chronic physical and emotional pain. She also shares the power of setting intentions, particularly as you move between each segment within your day and before providing care, as a way to embody compassionate care in every situation.   Nicole reminds listeners that as you take moments throughout your day to breathe, set intentions or meditate, you set the foundation for a healthier mind and body, while allowing you to provide a higher level of care to patients. Feel rejuvenated, relaxed and inspired after you experience the 8 simple steps to meditation along with a mini guided visualization incorporating mindfulness moments within your day.   To learn more about Nicole and how she can help you and your loved ones navigate healing and feel more empowered during unpredictable times, visit her website at www.nicolebraveman.com

In this podcast, Arleen reminds healthcare workers that they have greatness inside of them and must learn how to activate it. Arleen shares reflections from the book Man’s Search For Meaning, and Victor Frankl’s theory of Logotherapy, that he discovered after surviving a concentration camp. Logotherapy is the primary motivation of human beings to search for meaning and purpose in their life. Finding meaning is the key to your mental health and well being. Arleen also reads the poem “Heartsongs” from Mattie J.T. Stepanek’s book, reminding healthcare workers that each one of us has an inner heart song that is waiting to be heard by the world. Arleen discusses the different challenges healthcare workers face everyday and when you don’t take time out to heal your heart from your experiences at work and throughout life, it can be difficult for you to spot the greatness awaiting inside of you.  Arleen reminds healthcare workers to slow down their pace, use deep breathing, find solace in nature and allow feelings of love to overcome your spirit. Through storytelling and using a metaphorical example, Arleen shares how the pain and suffering we experience in life and at work can fill our spirits with lots of excess garbage. Living with garbage inside makes it difficult to search for and find those precious things inside of you that are destined for greatness. When you have the courage to activate the greatness inside of you, everyone in the world benefits from it! 

In this podcast, Arleen discusses why as healthcare workers you must find moments of joy throughout your day to heal your heart of what you experience each day. Arleen reminds us that the effects of not allowing yourself to experience joy, absolutely impacts the way healing occurs for you and your patients. Finding the opportunities and allowing yourself the freedom to experience joy is 100% attainable. Arleen reminds healthcare workers to be intentional, channel the tiny moments of joy, and allow yourself to experience the feelings while providing care delivery.  Arleen reminds us what we allow into our hearts, absolutely impacts our ability to experience joy. Arleen shares when we do not allow ourselves those moments to experience joy while providing care, it can lead to burnout. We are reminded that even in nature change is happening around us and challenges listeners to recognize that there is a time and season for joy, happiness, sadness, pain and suffering. Arleen reminds us that unless we slow down our pace we may miss the opportunities to experience joy. Arleen shares reflections from the book by Dottie Billington, Ph.D. Life is an Attitude: How to Grow Forever Better and the importance of seeking out those magic moments each day.   Arleen reviews the psychological theory of Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and explains as humans how we are motivated and the different ways you can achieve fulfillment while in life school. Arleen shares relevant examples of how healthcare workers must search inward to understand the level you are currently at in order to move forward and live a self-fulfilled life. Arleen reminds listeners that focusing on your personal development, allows you to reach your full potential and become the best version of oneself.     

In this podcast, Arleen interviews Dianik Chesney, a certified nursing assistant on practices that she uses to achieve healing by focusing on the power of love and personal connections. Dianik shares her personal experience of contracting Covid-19 early in the pandemic and her return to the workforce when so many others were fleeing. Dianik shares her firsthand accounts in caring for the most vulnerable population.   Dianik shares her passion for caring for people and how important it is to work together in healthcare to support one another. Dianik shares in vulnerability several stories from her 30 years in healthcare to inspire others to keep pushing forward. She reminds all of us as healthcare workers, to take time out to heal your heart daily from what you experience at work. Dianik reminds healthcare workers to take time during work to recharge your batteries, find happiness, seek counsel from a higher source and enjoy those personal interactions with the patients you provide care to. She reminds healthcare workers, that whatever is happening to you in your personal life, when you come to work you must put aside any frustration or anger and find the quiet still silence and channel the power of love, personal connection and encouraging words. She reminds us that you make a choice every day to be great on purpose and change the world with your care and compassion.

In this podcast, Arleen shares the importance of understanding how self-worth and self-confidence play a role in healing your heart. Arleen shares the book Worthy by Jamie Kern Lima, self-made entrepreneur, founder and CEO of IT Cosmetics. Jamie’s story of how she refused to give up her convictions despite years of rejection, led to the launch of her billion dollar company. When we understand how the words we use to describe the way we feel feeds into our self-worth, we can learn strategies to evaluate situations in a different way. As healthcare workers, everyday experiences with co-workers, patients and families can have a negative influence on your sense of self-worth. If you are not careful, you can find yourself listening to those negative words which will impact your ability to grow to your highest potential. You can believe those experiences.  Arleen shares how our experiences from our childhood can directly influence your self-worth. By sharing her own personal experience of being raised in a religious cult, and breaking free, finding freedom was part of her destiny, but our childhood experiences can affect the way we see the world. Arleen also shares the “Four R’s” from Jamie’s book to help you to look at rejection from a different perspective. So that you can continue to show up every day, push those thoughts aside and continue to do the great work you were designed to do–caring for others.  Learn Jamie’s inspirational story by visiting her website at www.jamiekernlima.com or by purchasing her book Worthy on Amazon.

In this podcast, Arleen shares the power and importance of deep listening and how it relates to healing of your heart and healing others. In a world that is full of distractions, as healthcare workers, our ability to listen to ourselves and what is going on inside of us or those patients we serve is critical. Listening is a core skill for healthcare workers especially since we are moving at such a high-speed in providing care delivery. Arleen challenges you to think about how the ability to listen affects healing of your patients and yourself.  Arleen reminds us as caregivers we need to create a sacred space for listening to occur. If you are rushing by the opportunities you will miss the mark. It takes discipline and practice and you must be willing to improve your own listening skills. Being present, slowing things down, listening and connecting with people is part of healing. Learn simple strategies to create natural pauses so that you can listen to what is happening around you at work and home and allow healing to occur. 

In this podcast, Katie O’Shea, PT, DPT, MBA, GCS, CDP, CCRP joins Arleen as a guest podcaster on how healthcare workers can achieve healing through understanding the practice of reiki. As a doctor of physical therapy and reiki master, Katie shares how she listened to the whisper of reiki and how you can experience healing from this ancient practice of energy healing. As humans there is an energetic presence around each of us, and understanding how to use energy as a way of healing will only benefit you. Katie demystifies some of the myths related to reiki and how you can tap into one of the seven chakras in your body and achieve healing. She discusses the power of meditation and setting an intention towards healing.   Arleen shares how the environment is essential when it comes to healing our patients, but also for ourselves. By slowing down, we can ensure we do not miss the moments as to how healing can occur. Understanding the benefits of reiki which include seeking help with relaxation and anxiety and finding ways to release those intrusive thoughts that prevent you from achieving rest and recovery. Katie shares how you can use a visualization practice of energy blocking which prevents any negative energy from co-workers, patients and family members from robbing you of your energy. You can learn more about Katie by emailing her at [email protected]. LinkedIn: Dr. Katie O’Shea. Instagram: @dr.katie.oshea

In this podcast, Arleen shares the work of John Bickart, Ph.D., Educator, Consultant and author of four books. Together we discuss and explore the teachings in the book 20 Opportunities to Transform Yourself While Teaching. John reminds us that for healing to occur and to change our mindset, we must first think with our heart. John shares that because our lives are full of distractions and the need for instant gratification we can miss the moments where we can look at our challenges differently. John teaches us a 3-step process he uses with educators called “Wish, Wait, Whatever” which should first be used before we try to find solutions to our challenges. John shares his 3 rules about belief: (1) Make a detailed wish on how something can be; (2) Ask yourself if it is even possible; and (3) Allow the possibility for whatever to occur.  Through storytelling John shares how using simple, one-minute daily exercises, you can find new possibilities when you change the thoughts in your mind into thoughts from your heart. Arleen shares John’s creative interpretation of an ancient Cherokee legend called “Two Wolves.” John shares a beautiful story about his grandson waiting for his birthday cake and how important it is to have people in our lives to support us. If you can hold onto the possibility that things could be better, you can access this child-like spirit and find beauty in the world. John invites all of us to focus on our “heart thoughts” which are our greatest opportunity to find healing.  You can access John’s book on Amazon and related tools/resources at https://www.bickart.org/

In this podcast, Arleen reminds healthcare workers that their superpower in healing others. We do this with our words, thoughts and actions. Not only is healing others what you are designed to do, but the people you serve desperately need you. Even when you experience day-to-day challenges, Arleen reminds us to use our superpower of compassion, empathy and teamwork in every situation. The way you interact with patients and families absolutely affects the well-being of those we serve. Arleen reminds us that those who need healing, are not always operating at their personal best, which is why empathy and compassion are integral to care delivery. This is especially true for people who live with both chronic and acute medical conditions. Arleen reminds us when we are kind to ourselves, and show love regardless of what is happening around you, will receive personal and professional satisfaction. When you learn to show compassion, empathy and create stillness, you are in the best position to ensure healing occurs. Arleen shares a passage from the book American Ramble: A Walk of Memory and Renewal by Neil King Jr., to remind healthcare workers of the importance of seeking stillness throughout your day and shifting from a mindset of transactional care to one where the person is the center of the care you deliver. By not missing any opportunities to be in stillness and silence, you can shift from transactional to person-centered care.  Not only will your patients and family members appreciate you, but you will feel better in the way you deliver care. You will be filled up inside which will remind you why you do this important work. 

In this podcast, Arleen shares the work of authors, Keith Yamashita and Sandra Spataro from the book Unstuck. As healthcare workers, part of your healing journey is to recognize when you are stuck, especially if you find yourself just going through the motions. If you are not feeling a strong connection to your passion and purpose then it might be time for you to self-reflect and realize you might simply be stuck. You will learn why you must first admit that you are stuck and learn the three symptoms you might be feeling as a result. Arleen shares the importance of receiving a proper diagnosis and the importance of using one of the greatest root cause analysis methods known as “The Five Whys” tool to drill down and identify the real root cause that is keeping you there. Once you realize you are stuck, it is time to learn through a simple exercise to begin by reimagining the life you want to live every day as a healer of people. Let’s face it, you were designed to provide compassionate care to those who need it. You must learn the strategies needed to continue to grow, learn and be challenged to move forward so that you can achieve your highest potential. 

In this podcast, Arleen reminds us that it is within your capability to recreate the future you want. She shares the secrets for healthcare workers to heal your heart. It is not about running away from the painful experiences but learning how to use our minds to create new experiences. When you remember the reasons that drew you into the field of healthcare, you can reconnect your passion to your purpose. You can find happiness as a healer–it is all within your reach. Arleen shares the great work of Rick Hanson, Ph.D., Psychologist, Teacher and Author of Hardwiring Happiness on ways to engage your mind in an intentional and useful way using 3 simple strategies. Learn how you can design your future self by using examples from Kathleen Adam’s book Journal to Self to help you create a future you deserve–because you are a healer. You deserve happiness because you provide care from a spirit of love, compassion and empathy. Arleen speaks about the importance of creating daily, weekly and monthly habits to heal yourself and grant yourself permission to find happiness so that you can live your best life.

In this podcast, Arleen discusses how healthcare workers can quickly slip into compassion fatigue. Managing the constant demands, internal and external stressors, and dealing with the trauma from serving during the pandemic can be overwhelming and exhausting. Compassion fatigue, a condition related to the emotional and physical exhaustion by healthcare workers must be identified and managed effectively. During the pandemic, healthcare workers were forced to experience pain and suffering firsthand.  Those feelings and experiences can replay over and over in your mind, or worse yet, settle deep within your heart. When compassion fatigue goes untreated, it can lead to apathy or feeling disconnected from the patients you serve. It can prevent you from using your greatest superpower--healing others. The secret in preventing compassion fatigue is spotting the experiences that affect your ability to deliver care as it is intended--with empathy and compassion. Learn strategies to identify the cardinal signs that you are heading down the path of compassion fatigue. Create and develop a plan to manage through these feelings. It is 100% possible when you know what to look for.  

In this podcast, Veronica Barber, EdD joins Arleen to help healthcare workers understand how recognizing emotions and feelings is necessary in providing compassionate care. We will discuss how internal and external stressors and influences affect our emotional response. You will learn the neuroscience behind how our brains form new neural pathways and how our emotional responses can affect our ability to see things from a different lens.   As healthcare workers, the work we do every day is soul-filling purposeful work which should leave you feeling fulfilled and satisfied. Forming the habit of being attuned to our emotions while building in moments of stillness, quiet reflection, and creating pauses benefits you and your patients.  You will learn about the six-second window and what happens inside our bodies when emotions begin to surface. You will understand the importance of hitting the pause button once you feel the emotions bubbling up and evaluate those feelings by blending your cognitive abilities with your emotional sensing. When we unleash emotional intelligence, it has a profound effect on our ability to heal others.

In this podcast episode, Noreen O'Sullivan, an animal-assisted teacher and author, joins Arleen to share her transformative model, Look, Listen, Love. Noreen advocates that self-awareness is essential to enable thoughtful responses over impulsive reactions in stressful situations. She explains that we always have a choice between two feelings in every situation: feelings that have love or feelings that need love.  By taking a moment to look at your feelings in triggering moments and listening to where you feel it in your body, you can replace them with loving feelings. This helps you respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively. We delve into how the Look, Listen, Love  model can be particularly beneficial for healthcare workers. This useful tool helps them recognize when others need love during direct care, allowing them to play a crucial role in promoting healing for everyone involved. Visit Noreen's website to receive a PDF copy of the Look, Listen, Love model. www.noreenosullivan.com

In this podcast we explore how setting your intentions towards the positive will help you to search for those moments where you can experience love, joy and peace again. In a world where negativity is everywhere, as healthcare workers you are in the best position to channel positivity in your words and actions. It’s about setting your intentions and making a conscious choice to seek positivity, to improve the way care is delivered. It is about taking a stand to eliminate negativity from our workplace. You will learn to slow down your response and to look around you for the things that are going well and to celebrate these moments instead. 

In this podcast, Rashidah Cartwright, Ed.M, LCADC, CCS, Autism for Badass Moms podcast host and Licensed Clinical Drug and Alcohol Counselor and Mental Health Therapist joins Arleen to discuss the burdens that many healthcare workers continue to live with from experiencing pain and suffering of serving in the pandemic. This call to action is for all of us as caregivers to invite the support of mental health services that are available so that you can begin to heal your heart. To remove the emotional feelings associated with “The Great Sadness” you must grant yourself permission to release it through daily simple practices for self-care. We cannot bury the feelings we had, rather we must bring them forward to evaluate them so that we can move forward and be the best version of ourselves.

This podcast explains why it is essential to forgive yourself from your past experiences in order to heal your heart from “The Great Sadness.” You were designed to heal others, but every day you are exposed to pain and suffering which affects your ability to press forward and heal others. You will be inspired to take steps to release the pain and suffering of what you experienced as a front-line healthcare worker during the global pandemic so you can make room in your heart again for love, laughter, joy and compassion.   You will learn that true forgiveness, although difficult for many, is a conscious choice that is essential in managing your internal emotions. You will imagine through a visualization exercise, what your loved ones would say at your life celebration. We will learn from two authors. Tyler Perry, in his book Higher is Waiting about the power of writing a letter of forgiveness to your younger self and we will explore how simply using the words “I forgive myself” from The Shack by William P. Young will help you to release the burden of suffering from your heart and mind.  

In this podcast, I am joined by Laurie Smith, founder of the 28-day Flow Challenge and author of Leap with Me: A Creative Path to Finding and Following Your True Voice. Laurie is an expert on the flow state and shows us how even just five minutes a day spent doing activities we love can improve our overall well being. Finding opportunities to escape and exist in the flow state is one of the fastest ways to promote healing your heart. She offers tips for getting into flow such as setting strong boundaries, connecting with joy, experimenting with the power of softness and so much more. To connect with Laurie and learn more about how the flow habit can change your life, check out her website at www.LaurieSmith.com

One of the secrets to healing your heart from The Great Sadness, lies in self-exploration and self-discovery of searching inside yourself. In this episode we will dive into the transformative practices of slowing down your pace in order to discover healing, growth and inner peace  In a world consumed by external distractions, this podcast will explore the ancient art of kintsugi and how and why we must reframe our broken spirit. You will learn from Arthur C. Brooks, Social Scientist and Harvard Professor as to why must be careful of being caught up in “arrival fallacy” instead of living in a state of happiness. We will explore a poem from Yung Pueblo to help you to visualize releasing the burdens you might be carrying around with you. You will understand why as healthcare workers we must experience “moments of sabbath” to allow our body to rest and heal from the book Sabbath by Wayne Mueller. Finally, we will end learning from Chade-Meng Tan, Googler, Engineer and author of Search Inside Yourself as to why and how to implement the practice of mindfulness in 2 minutes every day. 

As a healthcare worker what you do is soul-filling, purposeful work. You were designed to care for others, but the global pandemic changed everything. It had you rethinking about whether or not you have what it takes to continue to press on. What you witnessed, firsthand, had a profound effect on your heart and mind. Over time, you were left to feel like the layers of your heart were slowly being peeled away, and in it's place "The Great Sadness" was left to reside. You can't imagine how to step forward and reclaim love, laughter, joy and hope. Because it has been 4 years and you are still dealing with its effects. What it if could be different? What if you could replace "The Great Sadness" by learning from the those who came before you. Consider this your call to action--to heal your heart and see the beauty that awaits. Because you are a healer--and it's time to heal your own heart!