By Tina Daniele RN BSN

Heart –n- Soul, not just a Favorite County and Western oldie, rather a hot topic in the healing realm. The concept of mind-body-spirit commercialism is displayed in everything from food to finance to health care. With the dawning of the New Millenium, comes a divine awareness. This awareness comes from growth, in us, as health care consumers. This shared awareness is encouraging us to understand and incorporate our spirituality in all aspects of our health. So where is the "Heart-n-Soul" in this resurgent awareness?

A recent conference "Psychology of Health, Immunity and Disease" brought together many experts in the field of mind-body medicine. These leaders presented an abundance of clinical outcomes based on spirituality. They explored many facets to understanding the significance of spirituality and medicine. The impact being researched throughout many disciplines of medicine includes the National Institute of Health. A survey from 1996, released in USA Weekend reports 79% Americans believe spiritual growth can help recover from illness or injury. That was a survey from five years ago. Perhaps a recent survey would reflect a significant increase. So with all this focus on spirituality, what is it to healing; is it religious belief, practice, faith, prayer or meditation? It is whatever is relevant to the individual.

As I try to answer these questions, I am led to understand simply; the heart and soul of healing is in loving and forgiveness. No matter what one’s faith, religion, or beliefs are, love and forgiveness are key principles to spiritual healing. A foundation of forgiveness and loving oneself and others is reflected in most religions and faiths.

Forgiveness is a process or a journey. It is meant to release or decrease anger, displeasure or other negative felt feelings. Forgiving can be a means of releasing past judgements or perceptions of oneself and others. Through release and a willingness to free the hurt from past disturbances, one forgives. It is apparent in programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous’ twelve-step recovery, that forgiveness of self and others is crucial to healing.

The nursing profession is contributing to developing theories of forgiveness. In the "Journal of Holistic Nursing", a concept analysis is reviewed. As mentioned above the process of forgiveness needs to recognize a thoughts or problem first. Then there must be a willingness to redirect or give up these negative energies. The belief in healing from forgiveness comes from spiritual freedom.

The National Foundation for Alternative Medicine published an editorial titled "Love is Good Medicine." Several clinics throughout the world were presented. The patients treated in these clinics were not only treated for a physical illness. Rather they were treated as a mind-body-soul. The primary constituent is "love" for the individual. A different prophylactic to quantify, it is considered the principal force in healing at these centers. For more information this foundation can be reached at 1-202-463-4900.

As a nurse and a student, I have witnessed the anecdotal evidence in spiritual growth and healing. We all hear, witness and read the stories. A terminally ill person is "healed", not "cured". Through the loving for oneself and others, for forgiving oneself and others, open the dimensions of spiritual healing. For more information on spirituality and healing, try _{www.health.net/wellness/spirituality or www.spiritualityandhealth.com or www.ahha.org.}

Wisdom and compassion are important links to love and forgiveness. To bring balance into our lives, it is important to understand and include these concepts into our healing process. Carlos Warter recognizes spirituality as the core of our identity. He believes it is as important for the clinician as well as the patient to incorporate a synergy of spiritual wellness. One should identify their Sacred Self as the central pivot in spiritual growth.

Dr. Warter developed a Pyramid of Healing to guide the patient and clinician in the healing process. This tool (shown in the figure below) displays levels of growth and potential. The third level is "heart medicine". At this level the patient understands the impact love, compassion and forgiveness have in their healing process. Despite the problem, at this level negativity, guilt, shame or blame is transformed into forgiveness and love. When the top level "sacred self" of the pyramid is reached, it is a level of self-love, gratitude towards all life and one with their belief in the divine. The healing modalities at this level include all with the understanding of self-empowerment, that we are responsible for our own healing. For more information on Carlos Wartner and his work in spiritual healing, you can visit his site _{www.carloswarter.com.}

Love and forgiveness is a concept that has always been a part of our humanity. With this brief introduction, perhaps we can begin to see our own healing process differently. Maybe we need to connect with our spiritual heritage. There are many paths and ways to spiritual growth. To search for meanings and ways to love and forgive, often requires guidance and understanding. In searching for our heart and soul in our healing, we need to find a source of trust. A good beginning could be a clergy member, or a health care professional.