Inner Peace Culprits: 9 Inner Peace Strategies When Waiting for Hours in the Doctor’s Office

It has happened to you, right? Hours upon hours lost, wasted, G - O - N - E, while waiting in a doctor's office. It can be annoying enough to drive your blood pressure up, up, up!! Sometimes the waiting happens in the waiting room, where there are televisions and magazines galore to entertain you -- along with a room full of other nice people waiting for the same doctor. Other times, you get to wait hours in the examination room. Often, while wearing only a gown with ties that don't match up in a way make sense - OR cover you up. So, what is one to do? Well, one option is to maximize your stress and frustration! Surprised?! You have to admit, this IS one of your options. Let me remind you how this is done. Simply RESIST the experience with every cell of your body. Step into victim mode. After all, it IS as though you're being raped of your time. Focus on how disrespectful the doctor and staff are by having you painfully wait, wait, wait. Focus on the precious time wasted...poof! Focus on the money you could've been making or all the brilliant tasks you could've accomplished if it weren't for this inefficient doctor. If you want to maximize STRESS, fight the waiting. After all, you shouldn't HAVE to wait, right? Tip: Use the most dramatic language you can muster up. Word like rape, devastating and excruciating can amplify these efforts. And...resist, resist, resist! Unfortunately, as common as this option is -- this is a self-abusive practice. YOU can only torture you from the inside out. Since this is a blog about Everyday Inner Peace, here are six strategies for maximizing inner peace while waiting at the doctor's office -- even if it is for hours and hours and hours.

Strategies for Inner Peace:

1. Embrace Reality. The single biggest key to inner peace in ANY moment is simply to ALIGN with reality, NOT fight it. It's a well-known fact, the vast majority of doctors run late, sometimes VERY, VERY late. Sometimes we get lucky if we're a first time patient, but it often worsens from there. We can HOPE to "get in and out quickly" or apply "law of attraction," but reality is what it is. If we recognize tardiness as part of the "reality" or experience of visiting a physician, we can set ourselves up for maximum inner peace. 2. Let go of your story about how things SHOULD be. The more SHOULDS you have in your life, the less inner peace you'll have. "Shoulds" argue with reality. Here are a few shoulds to consider releasing as it relates to visiting the doctor: * I shouldn't have to wait this long. (Or I shouldn't have to wait more than 30 minutes). * The doctor should be on time. * The staff should be more friendly and efficient. * Once I get in the examining room, I shouldn't have to wait. * The doctors should not quadruple schedule patients simultaneously. How do we know what SHOULD be happening? We simply notice what IS happening. For the vast majority of us, it's a fantasy to expect to get in and out of many doctor's office efficiently. Remember, it's self-abusive to fight reality. (And, if you get lucky with no wait or a short wait, simply be grateful.) 3. Create Space. If you expect the appointment to take 15 minutes, multiply that number by eight and allocate two hours (just like you would for a lengthy spa appointment). Being unrealistic with time is an easy way to throw inner peace out the door. We all know people who constantly over-schedule, and they typically aren't our most peaceful friends or colleagues. Giving yourself a time buffer allows inner peace to thrive. Set yourself up for maximum inner peace. 4. Make it a game of inner peace. Decide up front you're going to expand your sense of peace during these two plus hours. Imagine there is a game show, and you'll be awarded $100,000 cash (tax-free) if you can maintain the highest state of inner peace - from the time you leave for your appointment until you return home. Could you do it? Of course you could. Simply apply one or more of these simple principles. As goofy as it sounds, if you made "inner peace" a game -- you could find a way to align with the reality. 5. Make the MOST of your time. If you had an undisturbed hour or two on an airplane, how would you use it? Would you read a book or report? Set some goals? Prioritize your day? Write a letter? Listen to your iPod? Meditate? An engaging book is an easy way for me to enjoy my inner peace while waiting, waiting, waiting. I've also been know to bring my notebook, and focus on my objectives for the day or set some fresh goals. But remember, it's all about dancing with reality. You may get 15 minutes of delicious space for planning or up to 75 minutes. Be open to either one. Flexibility is key. 6. Twitter. Twitter is a popular social media site where people share "what they are up to", post quotes, links to blog articles, and exchange ideas. They'll even empathize with you while you're waiting in the doctor's office. If you have an iPhone or another cell phone to interface with Twitter, you're in luck! I use the application Twitterffic with my iPhone. Waiting rooms are a fabulous time to read and sending "tweets" to others on Twitter a fantastic way to let time fly in the doctor's office. All the exchanges on Twitter are done using 140 characters per message, aka "tweets." This means you can read many, many tweets -- whether you have 8 minutes or 48 minutes to wait. (To learn more about Twitter, download The Twitter Handbook for free. You can follow me HERE. Right now, there are 3 million people on Twitter to keep you company at the doctor's office.) 7. Practice Stillness. Allow time in the waiting room or examination room to be an opportunity to connect with your inner self. Bask in the peace. Most people complain they don't have enough "stillness" or silence in their lives. Waiting for doctor's appointments is a wonderful opportunity to build and practice stillness. One of my Facebook friends decided to take on this inner peace practice, and now looks forward to visiting the doctor because she knows she'll also be enjoying sweet stillness. 8. Call ahead. Here's a practical tip, if you simply prefer not to wait in offices. Another Facebook colleague calls before she heads over to the doctor and asks how far behind they are running for her appointment. She doesn't arrive until then. 9. Consciously choose. Not all physicians are horrendously tardy. Exercise your freedom to choose another physician who manages their schedule more efficiently. Most of all, remember inner peace is a choice. Stop the self-abuse, and align with reality. It'll give you a healthier blood pressure reading too. I'd love to hear your tips and strategies for maximizing your inner peace while waiting in a doctor's office...what do you do? Filed under Inner Peace Culprits, Inner Peace Practices, Inner Peace Strategies | Comment (0)

Inner Peace Quote: Steven K. Scott

This quote captures the essence of what this blog, "Everyday Inner Peace" is all about.  What is that magical force really?

"It doesn’t take genius, it doesn’t take courage, it doesn’t take inspiration or revelation. All it takes is a specific technique that magically turns it from an irritating and destructive force, into a powerful ally and positive force into our life."

-- Steven K. Scott

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Inner Peace Moment: Sack Lunches

On Friday, I'm leaving for Texas to visit my brother Bill and his family. My brother is a Major in the US Army, and heading back to Iraq for his second tour in January. When I read this...I immediately wanted to share it here. I don't know who wrote this...but, perhaps it will stir some inner peace for you. Enjoy. Sack Lunches I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. "I'm glad I have a good book to read. Perhaps I will get a short nap," I thought. Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation. 'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to me. "Great Lakes Air Base. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Iraq." After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached Chicago , and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time. As I reached for my wallet, I overheard the soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch. "No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to Chicago." His friend agreed. I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill. "Take a lunch to all those soldiers." She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. "My son was a soldier in Iraq; it's almost like you are doing it for him." Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, "Which do you like best - beef or chicken?" "Chicken," I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to the front of the plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class. "This is your thanks." After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. "I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this." He handed me twenty-five dollars. Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand, and said, "I want to shake your hand." Quickly unfastening my seat belt I stood and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, "I was a soldier and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot." I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers. Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm. When we landed in Chicago, I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars! Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. "It will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You." Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals. It seemed so little... "A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America for an amount 'up to and including my life'. That is HONOR, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it." Filed under Inner Peace Moments | Comments (5)

Inner Peace: My Favorite!

When I attended Byron Katie's School years ago, I was introduced to the following piece. It's still helpful in creating little "inner peace moments." Hearing this read out loud created quite an impact. However, I'm trusting you'll get the point as poignantly as I did. READ S-L-O-W-L-Y. Below are two excerpts. On from the "life of a dog," and one from a "life of a cat."

Excerpts from a Dog's Diary

Day Number 180 8:00am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE! 9:30am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE! 9:40am - OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE! 10:30am - OH BOY! CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE! 11:30am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE! 12:00 noon - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE! 1:00pm - OH BOY! THE YARD! MY FAVORITE! 4:00pm - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE! 5:00pm - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE! 5:30pm - OH BOY! MOM! MY FAVORITE!

Day Number 181 8:00am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE! 9:30am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE! 9:40am - OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE! 10:30am - OH BOY! CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE! 11:30am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE! 12:00 noon - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE! 1:00pm - OH BOY! THE YARD! MY FAVORITE! 4:00pm - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE! 5:00pm - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE! 5:30pm - OH BOY! MOM! MY FAVORITE!

Day Number 182 8:00am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE! 9:30am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE! 9:40am - OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE! 10:30am - OH BOY! CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE! 11:30am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE! 12:00 noon - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE! 1:00pm - OH BOY! THE YARD! MY FAVORITE! 1:30pm - oooooooooo, bath. bummer. 4:00pm - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE! 5:00pm - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE! 5:30pm - OH BOY! MOM! MY FAVORITE!

Excerpts from a Cat's Diary

Day Number 752 My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am forced to eat dry cereal. The only thing that keeps me from going insane is the hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction I get from ruining the occasional piece of furniture. Tomorrow I may eat another houseplant.

Day Number 761 Today my attempt to kill my captors by weaving around their feet while they were walking almost succeeded, must try this at the top of the stairs. In an attempt to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors, I once again induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair...must try this on their bed.

Day Number 765 Decapitated a mouse and brought them the headless body, in attempt to make them aware of what I'm capable of, and to strike fear into their hearts. They only cooed and condescended about what a good little cat I was......Hmmmmm. Not working according to plan.

Day Number 768

I am finally aware of how sadistic they are. For no good reason I was chosen for the water torture. This time however it included a burning foamy chemical called "shampoo". What sick minds could invent such a liquid. my only consolation is the piece of thumb still stuck between my teeth.

Day Number 771 There was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was placed in solitary throughout the event. However, I could hear the noise and smell the foul odor of the glass tubes they call "beer". More importantly, I overheard that my confinement was due to MY power of "allergies". Must learn what this is and how to use it to my advantage.

Day Number 774 I am convinced the other captives are flunkies and maybe snitches. The dog is routinely released and seems more than happy to return. He is obviously a half-wit. The bird on the other hand has got to be an informant, and speaks with them regularly. I am certain he reports my every move. Due to his current placement in the metal room his safety is assured.

But, I can wait -- it is only a matter of time...

Mary's AFTERTHOUGHTS - Does your perspective on life mirror the life of the dog -- or the cat? Interesting how similar events can be comprehended in different ways. It's all a matter of perspective and choice. Imagine embracing each moment, event and person in your life - as "my favorite." It sure beats the internal suffering of the cat's life.

As I was introduced to this at the Byron Katie School for the Work, it became a "favorite" saying...to add "MY FAVORITE" after the tiniest of pleasures. It's also fun to add "MY FAVORITE" to things that aren't necessarily "pleasurable," but happen to be a part of your reality in the moment. These simple two little words bring more joy to what you already love, lighten the everyday occurrence and bring humor to less preferred gifts of life.

A New Blog Post - MY FAVORITE! Hot Tea - MY FAVORITE! Traffic - MY FAVORITE! A Hug - MY FAVORITE! A Phone Call - MY FAVORITE! More Email - Uh...MY FAVORITE! A Personal Tweet - MY SUPER FAVORITE! Yoga - MY FAVORITE! Blue Sky - MY FAVORITE! Lawn Maintenance Noise - MY FAVORITE! (not!) Red Zinfandel with my Vinturi aerator - MY FAVORITE! Anything on the Grill - MY FAVORITE! Clouds - MY FAVORITE Rain - MY FAVORITE! Virus on computer - ooooooh. bummer. Comments on a blog post - MY FAVORITE! An unexpected check in the mail - MY FAVORITE! Blockbuster Online - MY FAVORITE! Snuggling on the couch - MY FAVORITE!

You get the idea...

Have fun with this. It's definitely one of MY FAVORITES!!!

What is among your favorites? Would love to hear your version of "My Favorite."

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