Abstract

After a comprehensive analysis of the literature dealing with spirituality, its involvement in the healing process, and its role in illness, I describe how the promotion of spiritual wellness can be easily integrated into traditional clinical healthcare settings. In this introductory resource for health practitioners, I define spirituality as connectedness: connectedness to the self; to others; to the environment; and to an expanded sense of Self, a universal "superconsciousness". ;This feeling of connectedness fosters a sense of wholeness and consequently stimulates the body's natural propensity to self-heal. I believe that if obstacles and imbalances are not present to disrupt this essential sense of connectedness, robust wellness is the natural state of being and that the human system inherently strives for wholeness. ;This natural striving for wellness is called the "inner healer" and functions efficiently when spiritual connectedness is enjoyed. Therefore healing should also focus on reconnecting the individual to the community, to nature, and to her/his Source, and may be better facilitated by practices that contribute to an enhanced sense of wholeness, than by more impersonalized traditional interventions. ;Because modern healthcare practices generally neither acknowledge nor promote spiritual wellness, they are limited in their capacity to promote healing. Another limiting factor is the level of spiritual wellness personally experienced by the healthcare practitioner. Specific recommendations are made to begin the healing process for the "healer" so that spiritual wellness can be modeled by the practitioner. Prayer and other efficacious spiritual interventions are discussed and encouraged. Additionally, 28 prescriptions designed to facilitate spiritual connectedness, such as: walking in nature; fostering nurturing relationships; meditating; relaxing; journaling; playing; and engaging in various joyful activities, are described