Page 199 - Nursing: The Philosophy and Science of Caring

a d m i ni s t er ing s acr e d n u r s in g ac t s
• Sleep research is important for nursing and caring, in that altera-
tion in sleep patterns affects one’s being-in-the-world and one’s
ability to have biorhythmic balance, as well as the necessary res-
toration that comes from deep sleep.
• The Caring Science focus of nursing requires continual research
and development in this area; it requires utilization of available
knowledge related to this need while still fashioning the knowl-
edge to meet the needs of the individual person.
• Finally, in addition to attending to the original Carative Factor
9: assisting with human needs, this specific need is highly asso-
ciated with Carative Factor/Caritas Process 6: use of a creative
problem-solving caring process, and Caritas Process 8: creating a
healing environment for the physical and spiritual; preserving
human dignity.

Human need for sexuality/Creativity/intimaCy/loving

Holy flesh . . .
Sacrament of intimacy; honor the love, and passion that
Brought us all
Into the world
anonymous (in angeles arrien 2005:71)

This need is loaded with symbolic, emotional, spiritual, and cultural
sensitivity, yet it is one of the most beautifully expressed needs, in
that our sexuality defines our identity and is an expression of our very
being. Our sexuality represents raw energy and power; it reflects the
need for an intimate union with another person with whom we can
produce and sustain life. This need invites us to “align our sexuality
and sensuality with a deep commitment to vulnerability, intimacy, and
emotional integrity, so that we may fully express the love that is in our
hearts” (Arrien 2005:75).
In an archetypal energetic model, the sexuality need is considered
to be associated with the lower-energy pelvic region of our ancient
energy system. Within the ancient energy system model of the
body, this source of sexual energy is connected to the physical body
through sexual organs, the large intestine, lower vertebrae, pelvis,
hip area, appendix, and bladder. This level of archetypical energy is

171