Operate with Zen

This episode focuses on concepts of bad behaviors and attempts to understand why our colleagues, our institutions, and us as individuals may behave poorly.  Understanding negative thinking is the first step in addressing and improving individual behaviors and institutional cultures and, in general, taking better care of each other.  Reading and References: Think Like a Monk, Energy Leadership, The Truth of Yoga, Mindfulness for Beginners. 

Understanding personality provides insight into how to best enhance your strengths and complement your weaknesses.  While personality is more static, energy levels can fluctuate - negative energy can be catabolic and positive energy can help you and others grow.  Reading and references: Predictably Irrational, Atomic Habits, Energy Leadership, Think Like a Monk. 

The sense of self is one of the most powerful sources of human strength and angst.  This episode provides a framework for cultivating one's sense of self and purpose.  Concepts of dharma, as well as psychological and scientific constructs of self are discussed.  References: Think Like A Monk, Altered Traits, Navigating Organized Urology, Peak Performance, Man's Search for Meaning. 

The Self dimension can be thought of as physical and the mental/emotional self.  Concepts covered include play and achieving mindfulness through physical activity and experiences.  Yoga presented as an example of transcendence through physical activity.  Reading and references: History of Yoga, Peak Performance, Essentialism, The Body Keeps the Score. 

Sleep science and sleep hygiene are discussed to optimize routine, brain and body recovery.  Reading and References: Peak Performance, Essentialism, Think Like a Monk.

The principles of routine and efficiency are grounded in the science of brain power including decision fatigue, unconscious and subconscious modes of thought.  Reading and References: Peak Performance, Essentialism, The Warrior's Meditation, Think Like a Monk. 

Concepts of time management from the previous podcast coupled with concepts of creating efficient working spaces unleashes the strength of routine to shape an efficient and competent surgical practice.  Routine allows us condition ourselves toward desired behaviors and consistency in routine allows us to be creative in unexpected ways.  Reading and References: Think Like a Monk, Peak Performance, The Last Dance, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. 

In the first episode, listeners are introduced to Buddhist concepts of the "enlightened" and how these translate into surgery in 2021. Frameworks for work-life balance are introduced and discussed.  Understanding and intentionally managing our "dimensions" can improve efficiency and create time to maintain wellness.  Tips and tricks about time management, and both conceptual frameworks and tips to maximize time efficiency are discussed.  Reading and References: Think Like a Monk, Essentialism, Peak Performance.

Why is a urologic surgeon talking about mindfulness?  The background story of OWZ and rationale for recording this podcast.  Disclaimer: This is not designed to be a "self-help" podcast, but to catalog concepts of mindfulness in surgery and refine a framework how incorporate well-being into surgery.  Hopefully you find it interesting!