When I was reflecting (for my annual appraisal) the other day, I got to wondering again about just how we understand what a doctor does.
Then I stumbled upon the Greek origin of the word therapy – therapeuein……which means to pay attention or to listen to.
That’s it!
That’s what I do – I pay attention.
That’s what I hear is most appreciated – patients tell me they appreciate having the chance to express themselves, to tell their story, and for that story to be listened to, attentively and without judgement. But paying attention isn’t just about listening, it’s looking out for patterns, seeking out connections, creating meaning and sense by weaving it all together.
Paying attention is therapeutic.
And that got me thinking…..isn’t that how I try to go through life…..paying attention? So is that therapeutic? For Life? For Nature? For the world? For me?
Heroes Not Zombies 
Fantastic! Thank you Bob for this insight and all the others. Margaret Reid
What a wonderful job description! I’ve learned that so much inner calm can be achieved from paying attention to what’s going on in the moment, even if to practise it is hard. I think many of us are hard-wired to constant activity, especially mental. Perhaps even noticing that you’re not paying attention or are averting from the present moment is worthwhile.