Listening like a PA; Creating Like an Artist
Hey Friend,
I hope this blog post finds you well and healthy. We are already at the end of August which is completely so hard to believe!!!! Did you do anything fun this summer? I went to San Diego, CA. It was my first time to visit there and was it ever fun!!!! My grandson graduated from Marine boot camp which was the occasion for the trip but we took extra time to enjoy the area and see the sights. I had a plate of pesto at a restaurant called Mimmos. It was the most delicious pesto I have ever had. I've been trying to replicate it but haven't quite figured it out yet.
As most of you know, I am a Physician Assistant and have been for 22 years now. I have always taken pride in being able to really listen to my patients. I have worked for organizations before that take away that option because they want you to see so many people in such a small amount of time and that really affected me. I know how I feel when I go to the doctor. I want to be heard and not dismissed and told that my symptoms are because I'm "just getting old!" So being a good listener was very important to me.
“What I’ve realized is that listening isn’t just part of my work as a PA—it’s also part of my work as an artist.”
When I’m painting, I start with an idea or even just a color, but the canvas doesn’t always cooperate with my plan. Just like a patient tells their own story if you’re willing to hear it, a painting speaks too. Sometimes it says, ‘this direction isn’t working, try again.’ Other times it whispers, ‘add light here’ or ‘let this space breathe.’
If I push ahead without listening—to my patients or to my paintings—I miss the truth of what’s really going on. But when I pause, pay attention, and give space, the result is always deeper, more honest, and more beautiful.
That’s why I think medicine and art actually have a lot in common: both are about listening. One is listening to people, the other is listening to the Spirit and the work unfolding before me.
“Maybe you’re not a PA or an artist, but I think this applies to all of us. Where in your life do you need to pause and really listen? To your body, to God, to your family, or maybe to yourself?” Let's have a conversation about this topic. I would love to hear from you. Just hit reply to this email and tell me how you feel about the art of listening.
This piece was that way. It was not speaking to me at all. It needed something! Something different. So I added these cute little ducks. I'm still not finished. I think some flowers would be nice. What do you think?
