What Really Matters?

     "transcendence, enhanced meaning, hope, and a sense of being connected to something greater and more enduring than the self may significantly influence quality of life (QOL) by lifting one above despair and reducing, or even completely eliminating, one's suffering. Conversely, uncertainty, fear, and an experience of loss of control may amplify suffering even in the absence of physical distress. If we are body, mind, and spirit (however understood), these elements are both inseparable and interdependent, and their mix of influences consistently modifies all experience of health and illness. Nevertheless, such issues are largely ignored in the current science-based, disease-oriented paradigm."
       Mount B. Healing, quality of life, and the need for a paradigm shift in health care. J Palliat Care 2013; 29(1): 45-8.

     Normal human maturation naturally leads towards wisdom, and thus to experiencing transcendence, meaning, & a profound sense of connectedness or unity. However, this healthy developmental trajectory is easily arrested or derailed by existential angst, and it's manifestations: materialism, cynicism, workaholism, etc.
     Our personal, our families', as well as our patients' QOL would all greatly benefit if we more carefully nurtured our personal maturation.

Martha on her path