Most people I meet at work are apprehensive and anxious. Not everyone, but most. They are after all at best committing their welfare to another or at worst, flirting with death. Toward the end of the pre-anaesthetic consultation I routinely ask the question: Are there any special worries or fears we haven't talked about?
Or something like that, depending on how it is going.
On Friday, I got an answer that was a first, delivered with considerable assurance.
"No. I have a peaceful mind."
"Meditation?"
"Not exactly. Years ago I decided to write down at the end of each day everything good or beautiful that happened during the day."
"Like an act of kindness, or lovely rose?"
"Yes, or a successful business outcome. The more I did this, the longer the list became till I had to stop* "
As things evolved, I was left with little doubt this was a mind at peace with itself and its situation and not some lolly-gobble-bliss-bomb state of denial.
*writing them down, not being aware
