Dr. James Doty, a neurosurgeon and founder/former director of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) at Stanford University, had humble beginnings. He had a challenging and often stressful childhood where he felt invisible and disconnected. That all changed when he stepped into the local magic shop in his California desert community. He learned more than the technical aspects of a magician; he also learned about matters of the heart. It took him many years to incorporate the true lessons he learned, but with wisdom and contemplation, he felt a shift in his life. I won’t spoil the plot by sharing too much, but as a palliative care community specialist, the story resonated with me.
The “magic shop” represents all that is intangible and mystical about our lives as human beings. We can either walk through life feeling that we are victims, or we can embrace each challenge as an opportunity for humility and growth. Sometimes we learn the hard way, going through pain and suffering, to get to the liminal space where psychological growth can occur. If we are moving through life with our eyes open, we can see the lessons and the teachers that will fill our minds and spirits. The world is filled with wonder if we are open to seeing beauty even in the darkest places.
In palliative care, we spend a great deal of time in those liminal spaces, where people are at the threshold of change and transition. Although we are trained to “do the things” that alleviate suffering and distress, it is easy to forget about leading with the heart. The most powerful magic we have in palliative care is loving kindness and focusing on the person in front of us. Listening carefully, letting the rest of the world vanish during the time we spend with the person living with serious illness, is an incredible gift. As we move into a new year, I encourage you to open your minds and hearts to others, especially those who need a little magic in their lives.
If you would like to read “Into the Magic Shop”, here is a link to learn more:
For more information on Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) at Stanford University:
The Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE)
To learn more about James Doty and his life work at Stanford University and beyond:
In Memoriam: Dr. James Doty (1955-2025) | Neurosurgery | Stanford Medicine
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