In this episode, Melany a clinical psychologist, guides listeners through a meditation exercise known as "leaves on a stream." This practice focuses on cognitive diffusion, helping individuals learn to detach from their thoughts and experiences by observing them rather than getting caught up in them. Dr. McKenna encourages listeners to find a comfortable position, close their eyes, and visualize a gently flowing stream where they can place their thoughts, feelings, and sensations on leaves, allowing them to float by. Throughout the meditation, she emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and observing each experience without judgment, gently bringing the mind back to the stream whenever it wanders.

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The meditation exercise focuses on cognitive diffusion, which helps individuals detach from their thoughts and experiences, allowing them to observe rather than engage with them.
• Participants are guided to visualize a gently flowing stream and leave floating on it, representing their thoughts, feelings, and sensations. This imagery aids in the practice of letting go.
• The exercise encourages a non-judgmental approach to thoughts and feelings, suggesting that both positive and negative experiences should be placed on leaves and allowed to float by without resistance.
• It is normal for the mind to wander during the exercise. When this happens, individuals are reminded to gently bring their focus back to the visualization of the leaves on the stream.
• At the end of the meditation, participants are guided to gradually return to their surroundings, encouraging awareness of their physical sensations and the environment around them.

 

BEST MOMENTS

"This is a great exercise for practicing cognitive diffusion, which essentially means learning to detach from our thoughts and experiences and become an observer of them."

"Each time you notice a thought or a feeling or sensation, imagine placing it on a leaf letting it float down the stream."

"It is normal and natural to lose track of this exercise; your mind will wander."

"If a leaf gets stuck or won't go away, let it hang around for a little while, just observing the experience."

"When you notice yourself losing track, just gently bring yourself back to watching the leaves on the stream."

 

HOST BIO

Mariam is a GP trainee in Wales passionate about improving our healthcare colleagues' wellbeing. She has experience on the Schwartz Round Steering group and as a facilitator for her health board, and she created and led the Balint Group Programme for Foundation Doctors in her hospital. These are regular spaces for healthcare professionals to speak about real issues that affect their well-being amongst colleagues to improve mutual support and camaraderie in the workplace. She also holds qualifications in Life Coaching and healthcare leadership and management. Whatever your reason for joining us on this podcast, we are glad you have taken the time. 

Dr Melany McKenna is a Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Analytic Therapy practitioner, and Executive Coach. With a specialist interest in staff wellbeing, and supporting NHS professionals, Dr McKenna offers psychologically informed reflections, prompting us to consider staff wellbeing from a systemic perspective.

If you are having stressful days at work, leaving you feeling demotivated, and depleted, I'm hoping I can help here.

 

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

SafeSpace is a new grounding and respite podcast aimed at Healthcare Professionals focused on staff wellbeing in the healthcare work environment, a grossly overlooked issue and yet, the cornerstone of the healthcare system which is why it is crumbling. There are 3 components to the podcast:  

- Candid interviews with healthcare leaders, and a wide variety of passionate healthcare professionals about their own experiences and struggles with their well-being as they have progressed through their careers  

- Reflective discussions with a clinical psychologist, my co-host, regarding key topics that have arisen such as coping with bullying, depression, burnout, grief, menopause, etc  

- Guided meditations specific to the healthcare worker getting ready for the day ahead, pausing during, winding down, and accepting following the working day.  

This podcast is not a panacea or substitute for a formal management plan, but a motivating, and catharsis tool to help during a stressful day.