Welcoming people with gracious space

I work at Harborview Medical Center as a patient service specialist. Working in the admitting department and at the front desk gives me the opportunity to help all kinds of people. At work I put up a sign that says “Gracious Space” to remind me to create Gracious Space and practice joy. Through laughter, or a simple smile, I can share joy with everyone, which is especially important when working in this environment. There are patients and families, students and doctors, people who are happy or sad, and they all want help. Helping is healing and I have the best job in the world because I can help and serve people everyday through Gracious Space.

After my first Gracious Space workshop in 2004 I learned that through Gracious Space I could live everyday with beauty, compassion, and caring. I have learned to listen more, to accept people as they are, and to enjoy the good things in life.

My coworkers and I always remind each other about Gracious Space because we know it is important to our work. Practicing Gracious Space is so simple, we just need someone to remind us. We talk about spirit and welcoming the stranger. We talk about how to speak kindly, and how to serve people without judgment. Gracious Space talks about love, forgiveness, sharing, giving, and how to value other people. I feel very blessed and lucky in my life to share these things with others.

Gracious Space has brought richness to my life. I now live for today and practice forgiveness and the ability to let go.