Living Now: Exploring spirituality
Spirituality is unique to each person. As you’ve gone through transplant and recovery, you may find that your spiritual wellness or inner belief system has changed. Some people describe their experience as giving their life new meaning. Others question and ask why. Still others reject that there is any meaning at all and prefer to just move on.
All of these feelings are normal. How you interpret your experience is personal and unique to you.
Wendy, a transplant recipient, shares her experience. “My faith carried me through. However, my faith and beliefs were challenged in ways I never thought they would be—not by others, just my own introspection. But my faith is now stronger because of that, so I am thankful for the struggle.”
Tips to explore your spiritual wellness
Caring for your spirit is important. You may find it helpful to explore your spiritual wellness as it relates to illness and recovery. There are many ways you can do so:
- Talk to others with similar beliefs and learn from one another
- Keep a journal and write down your thoughts and feelings
- Read inspiring stories, poetry or prayer books
- Talk with faith leaders in your community
- Participate in services or events at your place of worship
- Contact your hospital or health care team to find organizations that offer spiritual support for survivors
- Talking with family or friends
- Listening to music
- Deep breathing or mindfulness meditation
- Doing yoga
- Participating in cultural rituals
If you’re feeling strengthened by your spirituality, reflect on your spiritual practices, community and traditions. What about these gives you strength? Remembering these sources of strength may help you if you ever feel your spirituality is challenged in the future.
Here are some questions for reflection:
- Has your spiritual-self changed since your transplant? If so, how?
- What brings you peace?
- What are your sources of spiritual support?
- What brings you comfort?
If you are experiencing spiritual distress, it may make it harder for you to cope with your physical and emotional recovery after transplant. Spiritual distress can feel like:
- Grief
- Concern about death and afterlife
- Worry about your purpose or meaning in life
- Isolation from your spiritual or religious community
- Worry about your relationship with the divine
Consider talking with a health professional, hospital chaplain or experienced spiritual leader about your experience. Getting support from others may help you cope with your recovery.