ABSTRACT
The deep caring, compassion, and love shown by health and social care practitioners towards their clients and the interprofessional team have a profound influence on healing, health, and wellbeing. Yet, every practitioner finds it challenging to notice that they like or care for some of their clients and colleagues. It is essential that practitioners offer respect towards clients and team members despite any negative feelings that may be triggered in these professional relationships – universal respect is the base from which every practitioner must operate.
The more practitioners are aware of individual, population, and community narratives, including complex racial and sociocultural influences, it is clear that people have done their best and deserve respect. Listening to narratives through the lens of racial and cultural awareness engenders not only respect but can also unfold love, compassion, and caring. Inviting others to share their stories is facilitated by asking close-ended questions when necessary, and open-ended questions that balance attention between what was or is going well and what was or is challenging. Sometimes, a playful or light-hearted approach to sharing difficult life stories can create safety for sharing experiences. Practice in sharing narratives with peers is an important vehicle for developing one’s capacity to listen with awareness and compassion.
