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Sacred moments can be described as brief meaningful connections between human beings.

Our expectations of certain situations often predict reality.

Setting intentions can be a way of setting our expectations and making sacred moments more likely to occur.

Reflective writing can cultivate the openness needed to recognize and embrace sacred moments.

Recently the Journal of the American Medical Association published a study by Jessica Ameling and Sanjay Saint out of the University of Michigan called “Sacred Moment Experiences Among Internal Medicine Physicians”. In it, over 600 doctors were asked if and how frequently they experienced brief periods of meaningful connection with their patients. More than two-thirds of those surveyed reported experiencing such a moment.

It got me wondering what goes into the making of such a moment, not just with patients, but also with colleagues, family, or friends. One factor I think might be important to the development of these experiences is mindfulness: staying in the moment. Being mindful allows us to be aware of small occurrences that might otherwise slip by us. A tiny gesture. A meaningful look. A weighty pause. Any one of these could signal something bigger or deeper is going on than might be obvious at first blush. Exploring them could pave........

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