couple of years ago, I was giving a noontime lecture to a large group of medical students, residents and medical faculty. During these daily lectures, pharmaceutical companies or other sponsors often provide lunch to the attendees. About twenty minutes into my talk on shame and health, I started explaining the concept of critical awareness. Very quickly I noticed a swelling wave of lost faces. I looked out on the audience, almost all of whom were busy eating, and abruptly asked, “How’s the pizza?” Everyone stopped chewing, leaned forward in their chairs and stared back at me with blank
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