Balancing Work and Compassion: Igor Turovets’ Tale of a Senior Scientist and Volunteer
Igor Turovets has been a dedicated employee at Nova for over 23 years, while also actively volunteering for an NGO that provides emotional and spiritual support to individuals facing challenging life circumstances.
What has been your experience working at Nova for over 23 years?
I've had the opportunity to work on various projects in different roles, beginning as an application specialist and progressing to become an Application Manager and a Senior Scientist on the CTO team. Each role has facilitated the development of new skills and provided me with fresh perspectives on the industry. It has been a continuous journey of learning and personal growth that I have truly
What has been the most fulfilling aspect of your daily life at Nova?
The continuous opportunities for learning and personal growth at Nova have been exceptionally fulfilling. I consistently discover new avenues to contribute to the company's development, whether it involves researching innovative ideas or taking on diverse roles. This ongoing process of exploration keeps me engaged and motivated. Being a part of Nova's development and growth throughout the years has been genuinely rewarding, and I eagerly look forward to what the future holds for the company.
You have a unique volunteering experience; could you share what inspired you to volunteer with an association that provides spiritual support for individuals facing challenging life circumstances?
Offering emotional and spiritual support to individuals navigating difficult life circumstances is a cause that resonates deeply with me. It is a privilege to be able to guide and uplift those who are going through challenging times, and to have the opportunity to make a positive impact in their lives. When the opportunity to work with the association "Shutafim Lamasa" (which translates to "Companions for The Journey" in Hebrew) presented itself, I recognized its potential for a meaningful and fulfilling volunteer experience.
What is the significance of the spiritual guidance you offer and how does it contribute to enhancing the quality of life for those you support?
The spiritual guidance provided by our association volunteers is rooted in the principles of Buddhism, which perceive life as a series of transitions, encompassing even the transition from life to death. This perspective serves to uplift and improve the quality of life for those we assist, including individuals who may not hold beliefs in an afterlife. It helps them to grasp the inherent value of life and discover meaning in the midst of challenging circumstances. This process necessitates patience, understanding, and compassion, and witnessing the positive impact it has on the individuals I support is truly rewarding.
What kind of activities do you engage in with the individuals you guide, and how do you support them in coping with their struggles?
The foremost priority is to be present for the person, providing a compassionate ear and a genuine understanding of their experiences. We engage in open and meaningful conversations about topics that are important to them. Additionally, if needed, we incorporate meditation and mindfulness exercises, utilizing simple and direct methods to enhance the quality of life for those we assist.
Emotional support and guidance are also fundamental aspects of our approach. We strive to help individuals comprehend the nature of their struggles and explore effective coping strategies. This approach demands empathy, understanding, and patience. Witnessing the positive impact it has on the individuals we guide is truly fulfilling and inspiring.
Could you please provide an example of how your guidance has made a meaningful impact on someone's life?
Certainly! I would like to share a fortunate case where the spiritual guidance I offered resulted in a positive outcome. One of the individuals I supported was a cancer patient who, thanks to modern medicine, managed to achieve a complete recovery from the disease. However, she faced the challenge of recovering from the lingering side effects of the illness and reintegrating into a vibrant and functional daily life. It was truly inspiring to witness how my guidance and support assisted her throughout this arduous journey, helping her successfully navigate the difficulties and regain her vitality.
Considering your understanding of the transition between life and death, do you have any advice for embracing a life lived to the fullest?
The true essence of life exists in the present moment, in the here and now. Yesterday is but a memory and tomorrow remains uncertain. One piece of advice I have is to openly express the positive feelings we hold for our loved ones. While we may harbor these emotions deep within our hearts, it is not always evident to them unless we actively convey them. The time to do so is today, without delay.
A poignant example shared by a member of our association comes from a woman whose son passed away at the tender age of 11. She revealed that the last year of his life was so abundant and meaningful that it might have encompassed a more profound life experience than many who live to be 80 years old. This is the ideal we should strive for each day – to infuse our lives with richness and purpose.
By contemplating the inevitability of death in this manner, the present moment takes on an entirely different significance. It serves as a reminder to cherish the time we share with our loved ones and to make the most of every precious moment we have together.
