THOMAS MCCABE
Registered Nurse
The path Thomas McCabe followed on
his way to becoming a Registered Nurse
in 2013 had many interesting stops: music
therapist, certified dietitian, Reiki instructor
and meditation practitioner/teacher. He
is a new resident in Building One and is
quite enthusiastic about living in such a
“luxurious hotel.” The amenities like the
gym, pool, lectures and clubs were drawing
cards for him.
BY FRED CHERNOW
Photo courtesy of Thomas McCabe
WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
I was born in Flushing, and grew up in
College Point, Queens. My nuclear family was
small, but I had many aunts, uncles and cousins
all over Queens and Nassau County. Many
of them were nurses. I graduated high school
from Monsignor McClancy in East Elmhurst.
I then earned a degree in Music Therapy from
Queensborough Community College. In 2001,
I auditioned and was accepted to the Julliard
School at Lincoln Center for two years of
independent study. I graduated from Queens
College with a Baccalaureate in Nutrition &
Exercise Sciences, while holding the title of
President of the Queens College Chapter Phi
Upsilon Omicron national honor society in
that field. In 2013, I graduated on the Dean’s
list from the Saint Paul’s School of Nursing.
Two years later, I graduated Summa Cum
Laude from Kaplan University with a BA in
Nursing, making that my second baccalaureate.
WHERE HAVE YOU WORKED?
I spent nine years as a Clinical Nutritionist at
North Shore Hospital, and then as a Registered
Nurse at Woodhull Hospital in Bushwick,
Standing in the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Brooklyn. There, I specialized in treating childhood
asthma, a major problem in Bushwick
and neighboring Bedford-Stuyvesant. I am
now with Fidelis, a major insurance company
which provides affordable health insurance
to nearly two million children and adults in
New York State. I’m an intake specialist who
evaluates applicants, performing extensive
initial assessments.
YOU ARE LISTED AS AN AUTHORIZED
INSTRUCTOR IN “REIKI.” WHAT IS THAT?
Authentic Reiki is an ancient energy science
rediscovered by Dr. Mikao Usui. It gives the
recipient direct access to inner energy. Mental
stress, emotional blockages, depression, anger,
concentration and weight stabilization, are but
a few areas where this science can be applied
effectively. As an authorized instructor, I teach
people how to access and continuously amplify
this energy within themselves.
WHAT ARE TIBETAN SINGING BOWLS?
These metal bowls have been used for centuries
for healing and meditation purposes. They
create a range of sounds to restore the normal
vibratory frequencies of out-of-harmony parts
of the body and mind. They have been successful
in lowering blood pressure, providing
deep relaxation and pain relief, and reducing
stress and anxiety. They don’t “sing,” but emit
a range of sounds when struck with a wooden
mallet or striker. These bowls are also used
in yoga and Chakra. I’ve owned an authentic
Tibetan Singing Bowl for several years and
have utilized its healing vibrations in several
meditations, both privately and in meditation
classes I’ve taught; I still use it to this day.
In 2000, I visited a Tibetan Freedom Festival
in Washington, D.C. The Dalai Lama was
rumored to be attending. Ten years earlier he
was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his
work in advocating kindness worldwide. Two
of his famous quotes are: “Be kind whenever
possible. It is always possible” and “…actively
promoting the positive inner qualities of our
human heart will be appreciated by all.”
There were many displays and exhibits set
up in tents on the Washington Mall. At one
point, I wondered into a large tent where a
monk was leading a meditation group. I spent
the rest of my day as part of the audience in
mediation being led by this monk who sat on
a small, raised platform. Only later was I told
that the meditation leader was His Holiness
The Dalai Lama. I have never looked at meditation,
kindness or joy in the same way again.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR OTHER
INTERESTS?
I love music and live concerts. I also study
and collect gems, minerals and crystals from
various places around the world. Some are
show pieces and some are incorporated into
daily meditation. As a history buff, I enjoy visiting
presidential libraries around the country.
The photo on this page shows me standing
in the Clinton Presidential Library in Little
Rock, Arkansas. It’s an exact replica of the
Oval Office in the White House. (See photo)
I’m looking forward to meeting some of
the other new residents who have moved in
recently. Many seem to be my age. I also am
looking forward to joining the Men’s Club,
where I’d be happy to demonstrate meditation
techniques.
With best friend, Katie Agresta
4 NORTH SHORE TOWERS COURIER ¢ December 2018