Spirituality: Connection and Life
Read this article in Spanish.
A mother seagull keeps her chicks safe during a storm, showing how peace can exist even in the middle of chaos.
Once upon a time, a king offered a big reward to the artists in his kingdom. He wanted them to paint a picture of peace. With thousands of paintings created, he chose one that showed a huge storm at sea. There was lightning, heavy rain, strong winds, and giant waves crashing against a cliff. But in a small corner of the painting was a tiny hole. Inside of it, a mother seagull was calmly resting with her chicks.
This image of peace in the middle of a storm stays with me in my work as a clinical spiritual care provider. I walk alongside children with cancer and their families. When someone hears a diagnosis like that, it feels like a storm came out of nowhere. Suddenly, life is full of strange words, hospital visits, treatments, and medicine names that are hard to pronounce. The calm of everyday life is replaced with chaos.
It is in these moments of pain and confusion that we need to look for sacred spaces, places that connect us to something greater than ourselves. In the middle of the storm, spirituality can help us find peace and clarity.
A gentle hand reaches toward blooming flowers, reminding us to slow down, connect with nature, and care for our inner peace.
What is spirituality?
Spirituality is anything that gives meaning and purpose to our lives. For some people, it is connected to God or the sacred. For others, it is found in family, nature, or love. Everyone experiences it in their own way.
To me, spirituality is the ability to cry deeply for what we have lost and still love life with our whole heart. I learned this from modern thinkers who speak of grief to honor the beauty of life.
From this point of view, nourishing our spirituality is essential. We do this when we notice and love the things in our day, the things that give us strength to keep going. We also do this when we find little moments of peace during the storm.
Taking care of yourself is also spiritual
The first step to care for your spirit is to connect with yourself. As a parent or caregiver, it is normal to put your child’s needs first. But remember: You cannot take care of others well if you are running on empty.
Use little breaks to eat, rest, walk, meditate, read, have a coffee, or talk with a friend. These moments are not a luxury; they are a basic need. They will help you stay focused, make hard choices, and be there for your child during tough days.
Different people come together to offer care and comfort, reminding us we do not have to face challenges alone.
The power of a support network
Another source of spiritual support is the people who bring us peace just by being there. Sometimes they are family. Other times, they are friends, coworkers, or even kind strangers who show up in the hardest moments. What matters is that we feel less alone.
And do not forget the medical and support team. They have walked this road with many families like yours. With their experience, care, and presence, they can become a strong support network in your storm.
A relationship with the sacred
For many people, spirituality is deeply tied to God. Life’s storms often make us think about that relationship. Sometimes, in hard times, we feel closer to God. Other times, we may feel like God is far away. It is OK to feel sad, unsure, or angry.
Some people say, “If I had real faith, I wouldn’t feel scared or worried.” But these emotions are not signs of weakness. They are part of the spiritual journey.
During my hardest moments, I have found comfort in these wise words from a poet who once wrote:
At night, when the winds are cruel,
my faith shakes like the flame of a lamp.
Even so, I know You are near.
Practicing gratitude
We cannot control which way the wind blows, but we can look for moments of light, peace, and connection. One way to do this is by practicing gratitude.
Here is a weekly exercise you can try:
- Take 30 minutes to think of 3 things you are thankful for.
- Think about the people around you: Who made you feel good this week? How can you show them your gratitude?
- Remember small surprises: Did anything happen that made your day brighter?
- Write about what you felt: What emotions came up? Where did you feel them in your body?
My hope is that the blessings of life, health, and peace stay with you and your family until the storm passes and the sun shines again with its generous light of healing and abundance.
May it be so. Amen.
