When doing a talk or having a meeting, seems helpful to me to have some kind of structure, a way of starting & a way of ending. And maybe a sense of key points to cover. But in the middle- a significant amount of space to let things unfold & see what comes up between people.

Bedtime chat with the 9yo--

We were talking about how when someone's kind to you, it makes you want to be kind to someone else, & so kindness spreads around.

'Like a kindness train' he said.

I love this😍

There are actually loads of people quietly getting on, making a difference, doing what we can, with no need to shout about it or take any credit. It's about being led by our hearts & thoughtfulness- it's about moral courage- when the context drives anxiety, numbing, & exhaustion.

I hear so many examples of trust breaking down in healthcare. We need to recognise this & face how important this is.
We're not just 'delivering' widgets of treatment, our relationships matter hugely- listening, being open, doing what we say, & being honest about what's going on.

This crazy way of living where we make ourselves ill, & also seek detoxes & wellbeing fixes. We're constantly driven to pack more in, to consume more & more.
Omg the relief, & actual resistance, of getting space from this nonsense & just being a person with simple natural needs.

In the last few years, it's been a welcome shift from pathologising individual NHS workers who burn out, to looking at how systemic factors cause moral injury. We need this same shift to a more systemic framing in wider society, & to understand how our society makes us sick.

After all we've been through, hope continues to come from people who care, despite all the stuckness & fatigue & complexity- people quietly making the effort just to be there, with a supportive ear or just a simple sense of 'I get you & I'm here with you'. Sound, honest people.

Of course there can be value in models to help us guide relationships, collaboration etc. But- important to recognise it's far easier to operate in that conceptual space. It's when we come into the realness- with our diverse experiences & feelings, this is when we get somewhere.

Beautiful early sunshine here, & the birds are singing away. Only takes a few moments to come into being present, to notice & appreciate what matters, to set an intention for the day ahead...

What matters in our team is being free to be thoughtful & flexible to work with people & meet needs where possible.

What causes us stress is having to use cumbersome systems that obstruct this freedom. Skilled admin colleagues can help mitigate this but they're so stretched now.

When we get 'under the surface' of what's going on & how we're feeling about it; when we bring tensions, dilemmas, mixed views & feelings out into the open- new insights become possible. It's not necessarily comfortable, & it might feel risky, & a foundation of trust helps a lot.

Had a spontaneous team lunch today sat out in the sun. How lush was that- a proper catch up about what's going on with everyone. And to see so many people out doing the same, it was hopeful to see- a warm vibe. Taking time together like this feels healthy- the busyness can wait..

We dont need more 'evidence' for the importance of relationships, listening & belonging.

We all know it

If we want a more relational culture how can we prioritise & BE these things as often as possible, & notice how we get pulled away into mindless performance, doing, busyness?

'Authenticity' is an over-used word. I'd say it actually gives me a slight cringe reaction to hear it. Authenticity doesnt need to be pointed out or paraded, it's more of a quiet, 'felt sense' that words are coming from a genuine place, & that actions are aligned with words.

I've felt inspired today, & it was all simply about feeling connection- feeling in touch with people. In some ways just a sharing of ordinary things- how we're feeling & experiencing things. But when you feel that sharing & sense of 'getting' each other, it's a brilliant energy.

Hey UK clinical psychologists-

Have you seen this?

sciananetwork.org/join-us

Looks like a brilliant opportunity to get our skills out there into 'systems' thinking.

Wouldnt it be great to have a clinical psychologist or two on this programme...

Who could do with some encouragement today?

We all could

Let's take the extra moment today to hear where someone's at, to care & encourage in the form of listening & noticing each other. It won't make everything better obviously, but it is something- maybe more than we realise.

Thinking of where we're at in the NHS, the big picture of damage, the state of morale, & the need for hope & direction.

But working with good people & getting to spend time alongside 'patients' as we make sense of what's happening, continues to feel important & meaningful to me.

The effects of moral injury & grief in NHS are ongoing- there's a heaviness, frustration & exhaustion under the surface. It's complex & there arent any clever wellbeing fixes to sort it & move on. I think it matters to acknowledge this & the ongoing need to make sense of it all.

We all know the importance of listening, relationships, 'civility' in healthcare. So why isnt this standard across the system? The fact these things are so often under strain isnt because we dont know they are important. It's because the context overwhelmingly works against them.