Thoughts on detachment, solitude and apathy

My quit smoking work at the hospital sees me fully immersed in a bureaucratic world again after a lengthy absence. It is astonishing how quickly I have got drawn into the dysfunction, become obsessed with details. It takes a third 'D' word for me to stay calm: detachment. The job is an excellent chance to practice detachment. Details won't matter next month, next year...

The busy hospital world also sees me craving solitude. I have been blessed with many years of personal space. I spent a great deal of time alone, and have needed every minute of it for reflection, writing, meditation. Now I can see why: without regular solitude there is no divine connection. No divine connection means depression and stress. Make time often to be alone.

My NIA campaign (see previous blog) is not happening, yet. So many people have congratulated me on the newspaper column about zero child murders in New Zealand by 2012 - they have agreed with every word - but not one single person has said: 'What can I do to help?' And it is that apathy that causes bad situations to continue. Action is needed now to save children's lives.

Zero child murders in New Zealand by 2012

I am setting up a national campaign with a goal of zero child murders in NZ by 2012. It is called NIA: N o more child murders...I t's up to you...A ct immediately when you see child abuse. The campaign is in memory of murdered 3 year old Nia Glassie, a beautiful little girl.

I ask you to support the campaign, tell everyone, write letters to politicians. We have a brand-new goverment: we must urge them to act immediately and put early intervention programmes into all hospitals to identify babies at risk of violence. Please help....