UCLA Journal of Radiation Oncology SUMMER 2024 - Flipbook - Page 37
UCLA RADIATION ONCOLOGY JOURNAL
the department is very active in Equity,
Diversity, and Inclusion which I am also
looking forward to participating in.
it allows a form of self-expression while
being meditative in a way. It can also be a
great way to foster social connection.
One of my other passions is teaching/
outreach, especially regarding medical
education. I am hoping to investigate
and possibly create teaching tools for
residents and medical students. Also,
I hope to be able to educate those who
are younger about opportunities within
the medical field and particularly what
a job in oncology, specifically Radiation
Oncology, may entail. Luckily at UCLA,
we receive encouragement and support
from our department to pursue whatever
dreams we may have.
Personally, I feel that many people
can benefit from incorporation of
neuroaesthetics into their lives. One of
my favorite ways to de-stress is by either
playing calming music or listening to
nature sounds--bonus points if I add yoga.
Though I don’t do it as much anymore,
I used to paint landscapes, which was
mesmerizing. Now that I don’t paint
as much, I try to surround myself with
artwork, color schemes, and other visual
stimuli that bring me happiness. One of
my happiest places is being surrounded
by nature’s aesthetics--not only the
E: This issue is steeped in
breathtaking scenery but also the serene
Neuroaesthetics. Is there a role for
sounds of birds, ocean waves, and leaves
Neuroaesthetics in cancer care? How do
rustling in the breeze. I make an effort to
you incorporate Neuroaesthetics into
enjoy a weekly long walk, and view it as a
your own life?
reward for my brain. For me, one of the
M: Neuroaesthetics is a fascinating field.
biggest benefits of neuroaesthetics is that
I think that neuroaesthetics can play a
it allows you to be mindful of the present
very meaningful role in the lives of people moment; in our fast-paced lives, it can be
who have cancer. From the perspective
difficult to stop worrying about the future
of a healthcare provider, it is helpful to
or ruminating on the past. Accepting and
be mindful of how our brains process
engaging with the present can help us to
the stimuli around us and, in turn, evoke
fully appreciate our life experiences so
certain emotions. Calming visual stimuli
that we can be active participants instead
with pleasant colors and artwork can help of passive observers. This intersects well
reduce stress. Calming auditory stimuli
with the principles of neuroaesthetics, so
(even a soothing voice) can help to do the we can understand how to use art, music,
same. From an individual perspective,
nature, and other beauty to improve our
engaging in a creative activity such as
well-being and mindfulness. ☐
arts/crafts, music, etc. can be therapeutic;
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