by Dace Starr
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I enter the spacious room with its soft lighting
And even softer music drifting gently in the air.
A tall fig tree reaches out from a sunny corner
Complementing the flowering orchids and bromeliads.
Pale blue, stuffed armchairs surround a polished
Oak coffee table.
On it is a lacquer tray with two porcelain cups
And a steaming teapot filling the air with the scent of jasmine.
My doctor welcomes me with a smile and invites me to settle into a chair.
As she pours the tea for us
She looks deeply into my eyes and says,
“Tell me what brings you here today.”
She listens carefully, occasionally making a note.
She waits patiently as I stumble with my words and hold back tears of worry and frustration.
And gently, she asks me questions.
“When did these symptoms start?
What else is happening in your life that is worrying you?
How are you sleeping?
What are you doing to be kind to yourself?”
And now we are on our second cup of tea
And she tells me what might be causing my illness.
She speaks slowly, shows me diagrams of the body.
She stops to ask if I understand. Do I have any questions.
She tells me what would be a good way to proceed,
Then checks my chart to see if I might have reactions to the medication she is suggesting.
She places the prescription into a folder with my name on it.
I glance in it and see a list of music, a list of humorous and “feel good” movies,
Inspiring quotes, copies of poems and a list of books that will soothe and inspire me.
Finally, she gives me her card with a phone number,
“Call me if you have more questions. I will call you in a few days to see how you are.”
She looks again into my eyes and says, “We will figure this out and you will be alright.
You are a courageous, resilient person and have always been diligent in taking care of yourself.”
I breathe, smile and glance at my watch as she bids me farewell.
The hour has slipped by quickly.
Dace Starr participated in the Callanish retreat in November 2014 and continues to benefit from the wisdom and kindness of others who attend Callanish gatherings. She has worked for 37 years in libraries across the country, and lived in 21 different locations. She now lives more simply and peacefully - meditating, reading, writing, singing and occasionally cooking with her son.