Spiritual Community

Spiritual community is a term used to embrace belonging to a group of people who can share connection with divinity, higher power or inner wisdom, creating support through meaningful spiritual practice. Having a spiritual belief system or practice can be a part of a religion, but does not have to be. Addressing spirituality has been found to reduce surgical complications, pain, length of hospital stay, and to improve physical functioning, quality of life, and psychological well-being. Spiritual struggles are related to poorer well-being, difficulties in making goals of care decisions, as well as increased anxiety, depression, feelings of separation and hopelessness. Creating spiritual community either within or outside of a religious context can generate a sense of purpose and meaning and improves quality of life and survivors.

You may want to create your own or join an existing group within a chosen place of worship, prayer circles, or meditation group. You can use Social Media to find existing groups in your area for cancer patients.

Spiritual Care Professionals

For some, it might help to work with a spiritual care professional. This may be good for those who have spiritual struggles, as well as for those who wish to explore these ideas more deeply.

There are different names for people whose jobs are to give spiritual care. A few examples include:

Clergy are leaders you'll find in many faiths.
Chaplains have special training to help people in many settings. They are usually non-denominational and work in hospitals and schools, as well as in prisons and the military. Learn more about chaplains in health care.
Spiritual directors work to help people form spiritual beliefs. They also help you live more spiritual lives. Learn more about spiritual direction and companions.