Balance of what we allow ourselves to take in

I have a patient who has a very demanding and stressful job. He deals with illness, disease, medical emergencies, pathology, and death each day. He initially came to therapy presenting with signs/symptoms of depression and anxiety.

I began to see that he was "out of balance" (my terminology) with what he allows into his conscious and subconscious mind each day. When he came home from work he would watch violent television shows, watch the news each night, and dread the next day at work. I suggested to him that he bring more beauty and kindness into his life each day to balance and counteract the amount of negativity he was exposed to on a daily basis. We researched what it is that brings joy and gentleness to his life that he had been neglecting. He stated that he loved watching animal shows on television, reading novels, and being in nature. We set up the mutual goal of him bringing these beautiful things into his life on a regular basis.

The results were absolutely amazing! He almost completely gave up the habit of watching the news each night and took walks with his wife and read each day. His depression lifted and he enjoyed a better relationship with his wife, children, and no longer dreaded going to work each day.

I always say it's about balance. To me, life can be painful and difficult on its own. We do not have to introduce additional pain and negativity into our lives. We control the scales.

I have utilized this truth about balance in my own life. For quite a number of years in my professional life I worked with patients that were dying or very ill on both hospice and home care programs. I began to feel sad often due to my being out of balance to what I was exposing myself to. I began to look inside and realize just what it is that I needed. I began to listen to classical music, jazz, and watch television shows depicting the more beautiful and joyous things life has to offer. I received a lifting of my sadness and an improvement in all areas of my life. Even now, I am aware to look inside and see what exactly I need to bring balance back to my mind. Each day, I deal with anger, rage, depression, anxiety, pathology, and dysfunction in my practice. When I am balanced, I am a more effective psychotherapist, trainer, and hypnotherapist. I am more available to whom I need to be giving my undivided attention to at that moment.