After a gap of five and a half months, I go back to work in a couple of weeks. My work is fantastic. I am an Anaesthetist. (Anaesthesiologist for those in the USA). ‘Anaesthetist’ is officially the second most difficult word to pronounce after ‘Phenomenon’ in the English language – just a random fact. J

Work has been a major part of my life, partly because I was insanely competitive and ambitious at one time and partly because I love it. It is a source of great satisfaction for me. It is a perfect mix of art and science. I get to speak with people and make them feel better when they are feeling most vulnerable, just before having a surgical procedure. I have the responsibility of looking after them during and after their surgery. It is a privilege to have patients place their trust in you on a daily basis. I feel blessed to be in this position. I think of it as service. My work colleagues make it fun. The working day passes quicker because of them. But like any other job it is insufferable at times.

I look forward to having a structure to my days. In order to get my mind and body ready for being back in a routine I am spending some time at a very serene Yoga retreat. Here’s the routine:

6.30 am: Morning tea
7 am:       Morning Yoga session for 2 hours
9 am:       Breakfast
10am:      Nature walk ( challenging!)
11.30 am:Mid morning tea
1 pm:       Lunch
2-4 pm:   Me time
4 pm:       Evening tea
4.30 – 6.30 pm: Evening Yoga session
6.30 – 7 pm:       Watching the sunset
7 – 9.30 pm:      Dinner
9.30 pm:             Zzzzzz…….

The yoga asanas take my attention from my thoughts and emotions to the body and breath. It is a relief to be able to shift my focus. It is restful.

I feel stronger in my physical body and that makes me feel strong and calm in my mind.