The Human Side of Dr. Philip W. Faler ND
Video Transcription
Dave: Dr. Faler, people will soon learn that you’re not just a doctor. You’re a musician, a parent, a yogi. How does your passion outside the clinic make you a better healer inside your clinic?
Dr. Faler: You know, it’s a long day seeing patients. Being of service to other people, it’s a long day and I love it, but doing those other things, playing guitar, playing piano, I love to fish, doing yoga. I like Kundalini yoga is my favorite. All of those things, they keep me grounded. They keep my head fresh. They keep me in a really positive mindset. When you’re listening to people’s problems all day, you’ve got to have a reset place, and those are all my reset places that keep me balanced and keep me happy. Earlier, we talked about stress and joy and fending off stress by doing things that bring you joy. Those are all the things that settle me in and bring me joy.
Parenting, I mean, raising my two kids has been my favorite thing I’ve ever done. Nothing I’ve ever enjoyed more, and then now they’re pretty big. I’ve delved more into music in the last two years than in the last 10, and I’ve gotten really into piano and really so much fun. Then, that brings joy to other people around me, too, which I love.
Dave: A ripple effect.
Dr. Faler: Yeah.
Dave: Yeah. There’s a grounded balance that you have when you can unplug, reconnect with other areas, and then come back to your practice-
Dr. Faler: And then come back.
Dave: … refreshed.
Dr. Faler: Then, I’m more present for my patient and I’m ready to serve.
Dave: Is there something that helps you connect with your patients or they see that in you and there’s a closer connection because they can relate to it maybe?
Dr. Faler: Sometimes. Sometimes. You know, I have a lot of patients who really enjoy music or who play music. Of course, parenting is always a shared counterpoint. Understanding the stresses of parenting and also the joys of parenting and the marathon that parenting is, and just knowing where patients are at with that and relating and saying, “Yeah, I’ve got a 17-year-old, I get it.” It’s a long road and it’s fun and it’s hard and it’s joyful and it’s stressful all at the same time.
Dave: I can see that if a patient sits across from you, they recognize that you have more depth than just advice. You have life experience and other interests.
Dr. Faler: Yeah, absolutely.
Dave: What advice do you give patients for finding their own balance in life?
Dr. Faler: You know, happiness comes from outside. Joy comes from within, and there are things that we all can find in life that bring us joy. They’re usually free or not very expensive, and they’re sort of self-sustaining, and I’m always encouraging patients to. If you haven’t found that or if you found it, but you’re not engaging it right now in your life, that’s where it’s at. That’s where it’s at, and that promotes health as much as exercise. They say laughter’s the best medicine. There’s truth in that. It releases endorphins and reduces stress. Finding what brings you joy and investing some time in that every day, every week, worthwhile, very worthwhile.
Dave: If you want to work with a doctor who understands balance in health and life, connect with Dr. Faler right now at antiagingnorthwest.com. There’s also a direct link below this video.