Come to the Banquet
Banquet
It is a human desire and longing to be wanted and seen. I might even say it is a basic need for us. It has long been known that feeling seen, acknowledged, and valued is important from birth to death. This begs the question, why does it appear that the culture at large, and currently in healthcare, it doesn’t? I would like to propose that it is happening on a very deep level by some very special healthcare practitioners, and it is making a profound difference in the lives of individuals, communities, and around the globe.
Who are these very special practitioners? Holistic Practitioners! Whether it is the licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, advanced practice nurse, or our colleagues, physicians, these are the individuals creating the wave of future encounters with clients, families, and communities. How is this encounter different?
Beginning with the mindful approach to every situation whether in personal or professional life, the holistic practitioner, considers every dimension and facet of the individual in communion with others and themselves. As defined in the Holistic Nursing Scope of Practice 3rd ed.,
“Holistic nursing embraces all nursing that has the enhancement of healing the whole person from birth to death-and all age groups from infant to elder-as its goal. This means viewing the whole person and his/her needs in their integrated entirety.”
When I began approaching clients, families, and my other colleagues more holistically, we often had epiphanies and shared them, which I find one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey alongside them. I am continually inspired and uplifted by my colleagues who are discovering, sometimes for the first time, what, how, and why being a Holistic Practitioner is so life changing and paradigm shifting!
Why equate it with a banquet? The answer? There are so many similarities between going to a banquet, being there, and engaging in the environment!
First there is the call or the invitation to attend.
Inviting versus being summoned to the encounter is key to responding to the client and ourselves’ needs and desires. When I get a phone call from my primary care physician or advanced practice nurse’s office scheduling an appointment, I may not feel invited, but when I receive a message from my Nurse Coach, asking when a convenient day or time for me is to schedule a session, I respond differently! I’m being invited to enter the sacred space together.
Inviting ourselves and others to the banquet table is the first step in creating long lasting change.
Insiders vs. Outsiders
The intentional, created space I might encounter with my holistic practitioner is usually different from the space at the typical primary care office. I know when I enter the “office” of my physician or nurse practitioner, unless they are holistically minded, I will see a very different environment. When we are invited to a space that has been intentionally created, like a dinner party, we feel a part of the experience.
Those who know vs. Those who don’t
Clients working alongside holistically minded practitioners are often surprised during the encounter by the expectations of health responsibility versus the “I will tell you what you should be doing.” Have you ever attended a dinner party or banquet and felt uncomfortable selecting your place at the table? It is challenging to ask others if you can sit down with them.
Telling vs. Asking
Those working with holistic providers can expect to be asked what they are interested in working on related to their health and wellbeing. Like a breath of fresh air, it can be uncomfortable sometimes to realize you are responsible for change and adaptation. I always feel some trepidation when I enter a banquet and begin to search for a place to sit, so I am excited when someone has saved a space for me.
Accepted vs. Expecting
Holistically minded practitioners embrace a non-judgmental, label free, neutral, mindset, knowing that everyone has their own story, experiences, and journey. While a practitioner may experience emotions and feelings related to each client, one is also mindful of how these emotions and feelings may be openings for growth within themselves. I love it when I enter gracefully into the dinner party knowing I am accepted by the host for my presence with no expectations in return for a quid pro quo.
According to the Scope and Standards of Holistic Nursing 3rd ed.,
“Philosophically, holistic nursing is a worldview-a way of being in the world, not merely the use of modalities.” It also includes complementary and integrative interventions and therapies to bring about healing within the person, families, and communities.
I can’t think of any other banquet I’d rather be invited to. I’d love to have you join me!
Hayre-Kwan, S., Quinn, B., Chu, T., Orr, P., & Snoke, J. (2021). Nursing and Maslow's Hierarchy: A Health Care Pyramid Approach to Safety and Security During a Global Pandemic. Nurse leader, 19(6), 590–595. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mnl.2021.08.013
McLeod, S. A. (2018, May 21). Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Retrieved from https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.htm
Southard, M.E, .Dossey, B., Bark, L.. & Schaub, B. G., (2020). The Art and Science of Nurse Coaching: The Provider’s Guide to Coaching Scope and Competencies, (3rd Ed.). Nursesbooks.org: Silver Springs: MD.