The Making of a Meaningful Moment

"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. One factor that 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."

"Setting an intention is not the same as setting a goal. It is not so much a to-do list as a to-be list. It is a decision about the kind of human being we want to be today, the values we want to remind ourselves we hold, and an awareness of how we want to show up for those we love or work with."

"The University of Utah School of Medicine uses intention-setting as part of their pausing practice program designed to enhance wellness, noting that our expectations often shape our reality. Once we prime ourselves to expect a certain experience, we become more likely to recognize and embrace it."

Sacred moments are brief, meaningful connections between people that occur frequently in professional and personal relationships. Research shows over two-thirds of physicians experience such moments with patients. These experiences can be intentionally cultivated through mindfulness—staying present to notice small gestures, meaningful looks, and significant pauses that signal deeper connection. Setting intentions, distinct from goal-setting, involves deciding what values and presence to embody daily. Intentions prime expectations, which shape reality and increase likelihood of recognizing sacred moments. Reflective practices and openness help individuals notice and embrace these meaningful connections when they occur.

Read at Psychology Today