Q: During our Conversation last November, you mentioned something about "sacred time.” I made a notation in my journal to ask you about it but forgot to. Could you give me the jest of how you see 'sacred time'?
A: It’s time reserved for a specific purpose that is off limits to other pursuits by you or others. For example, I reserve the first 10 minutes of the day for studying the Bible. Dinner is always sacred time at our house. No television or other distractions.
It would be wise to reserve certain times in your practice as being sacred. I can think of three possibilities. Consultations, report of findings and adjusting times. The office team would know that interruptions during those times, short of fire, eminent death or something similar, are not tolerated.
The reverse is true as well. During those times, you’d want to practice the discipline of being 100% present, avoiding the temptation of eavesdropping in on conversations at the front desk, surfing the internet or taking telephone calls. The exceptions would be the aforementioned fire or death issues!)
Which begs the question, “What should you be doing when there’s a lull during adjusting times?” This is the most common way sacred time is defiled. Use those rhythm-breaking opportunities to work “on” your business. If you need some ideas, consider the purchase of 101 Things to Do Between Patients.