Page 107 - Nursing: The Philosophy and Science of Caring

t heoret ica l Fra m ew or k F or C ar it as/car i ng rel at i on s h i p
the transpersonal dimensions discussed earlier, in that the unitary field
of infinity is the context, transcending any given separate event and
connecting all the parts to the whole. Her exploration of caring within
this broader unitary field resulted in the identification and description
of five constituents of caring:

1. Manifesting intention
2. Appreciating pattern
3. Attuning to dynamic flow
4. Experiencing the infinite
5. Inviting creative emergence.

Basically, Smith’s analysis revealed shared themes across the dif-
ferent theoretical-philosophical writings on caring in nursing. When
caring literature was explored within the unitary field of science, these
were prominent features. They transcended the different authors and
theories when lifted to a higher/deeper order of examination.
These dimensions and ways of seeing some of the universals of
what manifests in a given caring moment can be considered transper-
sonal; that is, the concepts of manifesting intentions, appreciating
pattern, attuning to dynamic flow (in the moment), inviting creative
emergence, and experiencing the infinite are all operating as part of
the holographic notions experienced in Caritas Consciousness and a
Transpersonal Caring moment.
Notions of intentionality and its manifestation refer to a deep
focus on a specific mental object of attention and awareness. Smith
defined manifesting (caring) intentions as creating, holding, and
expressing thoughts, images, feelings, beliefs, desires, will (purpose),
and actions that affirm possibilities for human betterment or well-
being (1992:14–28). Within the Caritas context, expressions of caring
intentions could further include centering on the person in-the-now-
moment; holding loving consciousness for preserving the person’s
wholeness, dignity, integrity; having reverence for what is emerg-
ing from the subjective inner processes; and approaching others
with authentic presence, open to creative participation with infinity
(Watson 2005).

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