Be Here Now

Back in the 70's, Ram Dass wrote a trippy book called, Be Here Now. It is essentially a spiritual book on living in the moment rather than in the past or future. When I am at work and daydreaming of places I might like to be instead of working, I think of that book. To be successful and effective when working with others, we need to find a way to savor each moment with that other human being. Those moments matter to the person you are supporting. And they matter for you, too.

Some of us get a little down while we are working. We think how sad it is that someone has to use a wheelchair. Or how awful it must be for someone with an intellectual disability who can't control their emotions. Or how frustrating it must be for someone who can't communicate effectively with others or can't take care of their own personal needs. But we can't let ourselves think that way; it does not help them or you.

What we have to do instead is Be Here Now. Everything is ok the way it is. We have to realize that we can't change their particular situation. We can only change how we impact the time we spend with them. That means we can make that eight hours awesome. We don't even have to do anything spectacular. Just be mindful of each moment spent in the presence of another. Spend those moments fully with them. Really get to know and listen to them. Just doing their hair, or playing a board game with them can make their day. Joke around with them and don't take things so seriously. Ask them about things you don't know about them - their family, upbringing, things they love, what was their favorite part of the day, anything.See what they want to do with their life and help them to do it.