In the rush of your daily life, there are probably moments — even days and weeks — when you forget what’s truly important.
This ten letter alphabet list, developed by Dr. James R. Doty, Clinical Professor of Neurosurgery at Stanford, is a simple way to stay connected to what matters.
C for Compassion.
Open your heart for yourself and others.
D for Dignity.
Recognize the dignity of every human being.
E for Equanimity.
While acknowledging the ups and downs, try to find an even keel.
F for Forgiveness.
Seek forgiveness from those you have failed and those who have failed you.
G for Gratitude.
Keep in the front of your mind gratitude for all that you have.
H for Humility.
Remember that you are no better and no worse than others you encounter.
I for Integrity.
Value honesty and integrity and use it to guide your actions.
J for Justice.
Acknowledge your obligations in context of social justice.
K for Kindness.
Be kind to yourself and to others.
L for Love.
Let your heart be open to love from within yourself and from others.
I was fortunate to hear Dr. Doty share this alphabet list at the Nonprofit Management Institute conference, Pioneering Change in our Networked World. After a heart-warming talk, he offered this list in response to a question from an audience member about how he stays open-hearted even though he must be unemotional and detached as a surgeon. Note: I have paraphrased Dr. Doty’s comments in the sentence under each letter. They are not verbatim.
ThisRecite the Alphabet List C through L Every Day This Week
Try reciting this easy-to-remember list in the midst of your busy day as a way of triggering your more caring side.
Neurosurgeon, Dr. James Doty, often recites this list to himself to help integrate his highly disciplined and unemotional practice as a neurosurgeon with his humanity. Perhaps it can help you, too.
What simple methods do you use to connect to your heart? Share them in the comments.
Dr. Doty is a Clinical Professor of Neurosurgery and Director of the Center for the Study of Compassion and Altruism Research and Education. The website for Building a Culture of Empathy includes several videos from this remarkable man. You can also read his article The Science of Compassion in the Huffington Post.
Rather like Ten letters to live by.