_edited.png)
As nurses, we are deeply attuned to the well-being of others. We check vital signs, assess symptoms, and monitor progress—but how often do we pause to check on our own souls? There are no MRIs or lab tests for the soul, yet its needs are just as real. Could our bodies be speaking to us about the state of our souls? And if we listen closely, might our souls also have something to say?
In recent years, discussions on wellness have increasingly included the soul, with varied definitions. For this conversation, we will consider the soul as the immaterial essence of our being—the energy and presence we recognize so profoundly when we witness a patient's passing.
Many thought leaders have explored the concept of soul care. In The Body Keeps the Score, psychiatrist Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk highlights how our bodies hold onto trauma and stress, providing insight into the connection between body and soul. Over 3,000 years ago, a poet and king of Israel spoke to his soul in moments of distress, writing, "O my soul, why are you in turmoil within me? My soul thirsts, my soul pants, I pour out my soul… O my soul, return to your rest."
Modern writers also reflect on the nature of the soul. Parker Palmer likens it to a wild animal, saying:
“The soul is like a wild animal—tough, resilient, savvy, self-sufficient and yet exceedingly shy. If we want to see a wild animal, the last thing we should do is to go crashing through the woods, shouting for the creature to come out. But if we are willing to walk quietly into the woods and sit silently for an hour or two at the base of a tree, the creature we are waiting for may well emerge, and out of the corner of an eye we will catch a glimpse of the precious wildness we seek.”
Similarly, Dr. Curt Thompson explores the intersection of neuroscience and soul care in Anatomy of the Soul, revealing how spiritual practices can transform our lives and relationships—although he cautions against reading it after a 12-hour shift!
What the Soul Needs: A Story of Nurse Well-Being
We believe the soul needs four essential things —Quiet Moments, Gratitude, Giving Back, and A Future Hope. Just like food and water, they sustain us. Here are a few examples from my own life. Maybe they will resonate with you.
After finishing a 12-hour shift, physically exhausted and emotionally drained, I sink into my car seat, gripping the steering wheel, the weight of the day still heavy. But what if, in that moment, I allowed myself a few deep breaths? What if I sat in silence for just a minute before driving home? That, right there, is Quiet Moments—an invitation for my soul to speak.
For me, these quiet moments came in unexpected places. I remember taking my lunch or supper breaks outside at a picnic table while working in a teen psychiatric unit. Stepping out of the three locked doors into the fresh air gave me a sense of freedom, allowing me to reset emotionally. The outside world calmed me, much like how a baby stops crying when gently rocked. Whether I focused on music, a reflection app, or simply breathed while eating, this moment of pause created space for renewal.
On another morning, I find myself rushing to get ready, sipping my coffee mindlessly. But what if, instead, I pause, hold the warm cup in both hands and whisper a thought of Gratitude? I am here. I have a purpose. Today, I will make a difference. Those small shifts anchor my soul amidst the chaos.
Later that week, a colleague is struggling. They’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and on the verge of breaking. Instead of brushing past, I stop, ask how they’re really doing, and listen. Truly listen. That act of Giving Back—not just as a nurse but as a human—nourishes not only them but also me.
And then, there’s the anticipation of something good. Maybe I have a weekend off, a long-overdue dinner with a friend, or even just the promise of curling up with a book. Looking forward to something, no matter how small, is A Future Hope—offering my soul light at the end of the tunnel.
These simple, everyday moments—Quiet Moments, Gratitude, Giving Back, and A Future Hope—are not luxuries. They are essentials. They sustain us.
Creating a Plan for Soul Care and Nurse Well-Being
Jot down one or two ways you want to integrate these practices into your daily routine. Maybe it’s stepping outside for a breath of fresh air, starting a gratitude journal, or setting aside a moment to truly connect with a colleague. Then, over the following 3-5 days, try them out and observe their impact. At the end of the week, take a quiet moment to ask your soul:
Did you receive nourishment and care?
What else do you need?
How did focusing on my soul impact my body, mind, and emotional health?
Join Us for a Soul Care Gathering
We invite you to this time of reflection, connection, and renewal. Let’s come together to share insights, support one another, and find strength in community. Your soul deserves the same care and attention you so freely give to others. We will be reflecting on questions like:
What does the soul need?
How can we create space for soul care in our daily lives as nurses?
What practices can nourish our souls amid our demanding schedules?
Join us:
Date: February 13, 2025
Duration: 45 minutes
Location: Zoom (link to be provided upon registration)
Sign up today and take the first step toward caring for your own heart and soul through meaningful nurse well-being and soul care practices.
Yorumlar