#53: Lessons from "The Star Thrower" by Loren Eiseley

In the episode we discuss the essay "The Star Thrower" from Loren's Book The Unexpected Universe. It is a beautiful piece about making a difference even when it seems futile. And for many of us, working in healthcare can seem futile at times. But Eiseley's essay describes the beauty, the strength, and the importance of being the anti-chaos in a world of chaos. 

Colin Beavan, PhD has some suggestions for when things seem futile. Here are a few of our favorites:

• realize there is a difference between the world not changing fast enough and you being useless
• instead of focusing on how bad the problem is, focus on how amazing your allies are
• realize that anger, fear, frustration will burn you out
• take care of yourself
• count your blessings
• create boundaries
• accept that it is appropriate to feel sad and frustrated

His biggest takeaway is to limit your concern to your sphere of influence.

And remember you're not seeing the full results of your work. Studies show that a single act of kindness can affect up to 125 people. That's a difference that you may never see but exists nonetheless.

What the world needs is not for you to burn out, but to pour from a cup that is overfilled. There will always be more "starfish" but there is only one you.

If you missed our on how to work in the dumpster fire of healthcare without getting burned. You can access the replay here.

Referenced articles/songs/resources:

 https://www.amazon.com/Unexpected-Universe-Loren-Eiseley/dp/0156928507

 https://colinbeavan.com/ten-ways-overcome-futility-life-climate-anything-else/

 https://colinbeavan.com/feel-like-make-difference/

 https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.0913149107 

 https://drdavidhamilton.com/if-you-ever-feel-like-you-dont-make-a-difference/ 

Jason Mraz "Look for the Good"

The Good News Network

 

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