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Tuesday, 18 August 2009 23:59

What is spirituality

There is much controversy as to how to define spirituality. The dictionary defines it as "relating to or affecting the human spirit" and defines the human spirit as the "non-physical part of a person which is regarded as the seat of emotions and character."Some people like to think of spirituality as 'the quest for meaning in life.'Spirituality differs from religion, which can be defined as "the belief and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods."While spirituality lies at the heart of most religions, non-religious people can also be spiritual and everyone has spiritual needs.

Spirituality in Children's Palliative Care

Spiritual care is very much a part of holistic care and is outlined in the World Health Organization's definition of children's palliative care: 'Paediatric palliative care is the total active care of the child's body, mind and spirit.' 

Children are very spiritual beings and in many ways are more in touch with their spiritual side than adults because they have usually not succumbed to cynicism. They also find it easier to believe in a higher power.  When faced with a crises such as the diagnosis of a life-limiting illness, an older child may ask why this is happening to them, whether God is punishing them or what is going to happen to them after death.

 

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