Page 78 - Nursing: The Philosophy and Science of Caring

f r o m ca ra t Iv e f a c to r 1 t o C a r it a s P roC e s s 1
ration for Caritas Consciousness: the Practice of Gratitude, Surrender,
and Forgiveness. We can extend this same exercise to cultivation of a
sense of gratitude and forgiveness of all, opening again to breathing,
quieting down, and connecting with the infinite Source and that still
point inside, the space between the in breath and the out breath.
As you continue to breathe, become once again gently aware of
the impermanence of everything, the expanding and contracting of
the breath, connecting with the rhythm of the universe. Rising up and
falling away.
In this quiet place, from this still point deep inside, just appreci-
ate yourself: all of your hard work, your efforts, dreams, challenges,
hopes, frustrations, failures, disappointments, losses, and suffering—
all of it. Just appreciate what all has brought you to this moment in
time. Just appreciate yourself and who you are.
From this quiet place, ask yourself if there is any situation, thing,
or person, including yourself, you need to forgive; then do it now, in
the quiet space within—allowing yourself to forgive, bless, surrender,
and release it to the universe so you are free of the hurt and pain of
holding those feelings.
Continue to breathe.
Then, with your mind’s eye, allow yourself to send out loving grat-
itude and forgiveness to others: family, other loved ones, colleagues,
patients, any others in your field of awareness who need love and for-
giveness—shower them with loving blessings.
Offer gratitude for all that is, all of your life and your lessons and
blessings, feeling a sense of deep trust and inner peace from within
that quiet place inside. Then, when you feel a sense of completion and
when you are ready, send loving energy and kindness to all humans
and all of life—from this deeper place of forgiveness, gratitude, sur-
render, and love. Radiate your inner peace and Caritas Consciousness to
all those in your field and to the broader universe. Finally, when you
are ready, return to this space more open, present, alert, and centered
to continue what is in front of you to do.
These exercises serve as both a practice guide and an invitation
to cultivate and prepare self for the deep nature of authentic caring
and healing that is fueled by a deep, abiding love of self and other

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