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| News & Events |
| October 20, 2009
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| SPIRITUALITY IS ALIVE AND WELL |
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 Even though it may sometimes seem that faith is falling by the wayside in our society, the truth is that spirituality becomes an important part of the equation when we face life challenges - especially at end of life. Often, it becomes important not only for the individual in crisis, but for their family and friends as well.
October 25 – 31 is National Pastoral Care Week, presenting an opportunity to recognize the spiritual caregivers in our midst and the ministry they provide. As Director of Spiritual Care at Niagara Hospice, I can attest to the fact that spiritual care is truly embraced by our organization.
My personal experience has shown me that although an individual may not subscribe to traditional forms of worship or institutional attendance, a good portion of our society still tends to rely on traditional understandings of religious beliefs. I hear more and more comments like; “I believe, but I haven’t been to church in a long time.”
Definitions can sometimes be obscure when speaking about spirituality and what people perceive to be spirituality. Webster’s defines it as: the quality or fact of being spiritual. Being spiritual can mean many different things. So the key becomes what spirituality means to that particular person or family member. If that understanding is one in the traditional sense, then care should be rendered in a traditional fashion. The challenge comes when we as caregivers encounter someone who has spiritual beliefs that fall outside our scope of understanding or training. Although there are some extremes when this happens, most of the time it comes down to simple understanding and caring. As spiritual care counselors, if we can allow ourselves to be non-partial and simply care for someone who is hurting, we usually can be an effective support for them.
Some may think that you have to somehow compromise your own values to give spiritual support to those who have a different belief system. In fact, I have never encountered such a dilemma.
Yes, spirituality is alive and well especially in end of life care. If we can allow ourselves to tune in to the human condition and plight of those who are facing such unfortunate circumstances, we can be effective caregivers and make a difference at such a sacred time.
This week, remember to embrace any opportunity to recognize the important, often unrecognized work and gifts of your pastoral care giver, whoever that may be. |
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