February is associated with Valentine’s Day and with being the shortest month of the year. However, for healthcare workers the days can be long and thankless. Sometimes the heaviness of the work can leave many feeling hopeless and like they are not doing enough for the people they serve. As a healthcare professional myself, I know it’s common for staff to work through their lunch breaks to do the behind the scenes tasks, with little time to take a breath. So it was only fitting to facilitate the Affirmation Hearts workshop for healthcare staff during their lunch hour.

The space welcomed participants with soft, calming music. Participants were offered time to slow down during the busy workday and create positive, affirming messages for themselves and each other. As participants created you could feel the energy change from frenzy to calm as they immersed themselves in creating their hearts. Witnessing the change in the room reminded me how much our physical environment can impede healing even in the spaces people come to find healing. 

The group was small but it was still meaningful to have an open space for staff to relax and create. After the workshop, participants commented that they “loved the opportunity to be in this activity, getting some relaxation” and that it provided a “nice break from the workday.”  It was an honor to facilitate a space for my work family with this workshop. I look forward to continuing to hold space for healthcare workers to find the respite they so often give to others, but don’t get to experience for themselves.