“On Bypass”

There’s this period during an open heart surgery, where life is literally suspended.  The patient is on the table, chest cracked wide open, and the heart is stopped in it’s beating tracks.  Blood is oxygenated and routed to the organs via a cardiac bypass machine and the goal for the surgical team - to get the heart beating back stronger than before.  This period is referred to as time “On Bypass”

A few years back, during a full moon and amidst the comforting rhythm of the shower—where creativity often strikes—I was struck by this metaphor. Amidst the bustling currents of daily life, juggling work, relationships, and the necessary fuel of caffeine to offset the occasional indulgence, I came to realize the value of finding peace through rest and pause.

In today's fast-paced society, we're wired to keep pushing forward relentlessly, often at a pace that's unsustainable. For me, this drive has led to emotional suppression and reliance on coping mechanisms like alcohol, nicotine, or other distractions, resulting in a pervasive sense of tension and burnout. My life expanded when I learned to slow down and prioritize self-care.  Therapy, meditation, sound healing, breathwork, travel, time in nature, non-linear movement, connection, and meaningful conversation—the list of modalities that have impacted me is endless.  I’m excited to share all of these with you.

In the healthcare realm, we witness illness, death, and suffering regularly. We maintain professionalism and provide comfort to patients and families, all while knowing that the demands of our work continue without pause. I believe the greatest gift we can give ourselves as caregivers is the opportunity to debrief and connect. Let's engage in meaningful conversations, integrate tools into our lives, and learn to regulate our nervous systems—ultimately nurturing our innate capacity to care for others.

My name is Drew Rambo; I’m a Nurse Anesthetist and I’ve worked in healthcare for over 15 years.  My mission is caring for others, and I am constantly seeking ways to regulate my nervous system and then share those gifts with the world.  This is my offering to you:  to build a community focused on celebrating pause, carving out time to slow down, reflect, and share; to breathe, move with purpose, and find wonder and inspiration in different corners of the world.