Gentleness—Dr. Fran Fasching
I went grocery shopping the other day and accidentally left a bag of eggs and bread at the register. I didn’t realize it until two days went by and we ran out of eggs. In my frustration, I explained to my ten- year old son this example of the mistakes made when you’re rushing around and not paying attention. His response to me was that maybe the person behind me in line needed the eggs and bread more than we.
I’m unsure if this response would’ve been the same before the pandemic. Typically, this time of year, the obsession over Halloween costumes, too much homework, and weekend plans with friends might crowd out the kind thoughts of others. The path of least resistance is to follow negative thoughts and anxiety about daily tasks, time constraints, and the future. It’s just as easy to reframe our thoughts into kindness and invoke gentleness.
In our new learning environment at DeSales, gentleness resonates in our concern for the well-being of each other and in providing the absolute best experience for our students. Gentleness requires strength—both physical and mental—to maintain interest and rigor and to foster trusting relationships and continue personal growth.
I’m amazed at the ability of humans to adapt. It’s what inspired me in nursing practice and now, as I teach future nurses and nurse practitioners. In my nursing career, I’ve seen this over and over: the human body and mind adapting to change and creating a new and acceptable environment. Maybe this alteration in our lifestyle has a Salesian benefit or two.
We are witnessing people stretch themselves in ways that are strange and unfamiliar. We are working and learning differently. We’ve slowed down, spent more time with family, and discovered the best of each other. Because of shared stress, our impact on each other is greater. In general, we are living differently: taking the time to acknowledge what others might need and deciding to help in any way we can is powerful. Sometimes, a perceived failure is unintentional gentleness for another. I hope someone who needed my eggs and bread is enjoying a delicious breakfast.
Fran Fasching, DNP, RN, FNP- BC, is an assistant professor of nursing.