“Mindfulness isn’t about pausing when you need to take action…
Mindfulness is having the sense to appreciate the miracle of the present moment.” ~ Crawford Coates
Working through some difficulties earlier this year, I stumbled upon Mindful Responder by Crawford Coates. Having dabbled in various forms of mindfulness to help with job-related stressors, I decided to give it a whirl. I’m glad I did.
With 25 years on the job in various locations and circumstances, I’ve faced a great many stressors, both personal and professional. I certainly wish this book had been around earlier in my career.
The author admits that he isn’t a first responder per se (this book is written for all who fit that category, by the way, not just EMS), but has immersed himself in the culture by proxy and the proof is evident in several examples throughout the book. Mingling science, physiology, psychology, and “street talk,” he gives real-world answers and applications of mindfulness that doesn’t speak down to the reader or appear “preachy.”
Coates also sprinkles in real-life, “do it now” practices that actually work (at least, they did for me). Some of them include walking (seriously), reciting a loving-kindness mantra (try it), breathing exercises (the most common form of mindful meditation), and others. He includes references to other books and resources to help first responders (and others) work their way through stressful events, and even uses language that’s more suitable for the squad room or apparatus floor – you know, “colorful metaphors.”
Mindful Responder is a book every public safety leader – from front line supervisor to Chief and beyond – should read and keep on their bookshelf. I would go so far as to include various chapters, at the very least the exercises, in continuing education or annual recurrent training sessions for public safety practitioners of all stripes.
It can be purchased via Amazon.
Jon David LeRoy 