Resources For Grief Blog
Welcome to this online journal for caregivers to the dying or bereaved—important and challenging work, for sure! My goal is to support you by providing inspirational thoughts, pertinent resources, and suggestions for self-care. With appreciation for all you do!
- Rebecca Hauder
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Petition a Higher Power
May 6, 2018
"Prayer begins where human capacity ends." ~Marian Anderson
Last month I shared about the importance of keeping some emotional space between yourself and those to whom you provide care. I suggested talking with a trusted friend or counselor if you're bringing a patient's problems home with you. This month I'm offering another approach for creating some emotional space when concern for the other weighs heavy on your mind and your capacity to deal with it is dwindling. That is, try giving that person and situation over to a higher power through prayer or meditation.
A simple prayer or mantra I often use, while modifying the words to fit the situation is: "May God dwell in their heart; May they be free from suffering; May they be healed; may they be at peace." As I'm saying this prayer, I like to visualize the person at peace and in the presence of the Divine.
Sometimes I also repeat the Serenity Prayer to remind me of my limitations and to help me keep perspective: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference."
My mother's oft quoted scripture verse remains with me to this day:"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and mind..."
May peace be with you this day,
Rebecca Hauder, RN, LCPC
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