The Practice of Loving Kindness Through Self-Care

Watson’s work on Unitary Caring Science has evolved over 4 decades. Still one of the most important Caritas Processes^TM is the Practice of Loving Kindness. This practice is defined as: sustaining humanistic-altruistic values by practice of loving-kindness, compassion and equanimity with self and others (Watson, 2018). While supporting human values, being unselfish and demonstrating concern for self and others while holding self in a positive light even under stress. This practice focuses on care for self-first in order be centered before being able to be able to become authentically present to care for others. Caring for self creates an authentic caring healing perspective. Nurses do a terrible job of self-care. Juggling priorities each day are constant and nurses do not have time to become resilient or identify activities they could do while on the job to center themselves. It is imperative that nurses find strategies to renew or refresh in order to have a better work life balance and then can effectively become the caring healing environment with others.

The Caritas in Action Committee decided they wanted to provide an evidence-based program for nurses and other healthcare workers a gift. This gift would become a “Spa Day” where they would experiences self-care practices that could be done during the workday to revitalize and rejuvenate themselves. These practices shared are as follows: dance, music and aromatherapy, HeartMath, hand massage, hydration and refreshment station, coloring, and honoring others. Each of the members of the committee reviewed the literature to examine benefits of these practices. Stations were developed in 15-minute increments where the staff could experience each practice and understand the benefits for each practice. Two of our committee members was a Hula Dancers and shared the art of dance, while other members of our hospital played the ukulele. The essential oils in lavender were shared with each participant and they received several springs to enjoy the scent. HeartMath Quick Coherence technique was demonstrated with a card given to the participants as a tool to practice at home and work. Hand massages were provided. At the hydration station, participants took a moment to explore their senses and be authentically present when experiencing infused water and fruited Popsicles. Sensations experienced were smell, feel, and taste. Benefits of coloring practices were shared with allowing the participants to experience coloring. “Honoring Others” was a metaphor representing surrendering either a negative experience/s or honoring someone who passed or admired. Two committee members created origami butterflies. These butterflies could be marked up and set on a bush as a symbolic way to heal self or honoring others. This was a very powerful activity, where heartfelt stories were shared about their experiences or one it loved.

For this session, 160 staff participated. To evaluate the session, we had each participant reflect by identifying with one word how they felt coming into the session and how they felt when they left. Both set of responses were very similar. Coming into the session they were unsure of what to expect feeling rushed, tired, or stressed. When they completed the session, they felt refreshed, calm, and happy. The practice of loving- kindness for self was demonstrated and shared with our staff at all levels. This “Spa Day” was a success with those who attended and the Caritas in Action Committee received so many compliments about the event. Not only did the staff feel appreciated, but also the Caritas In Action Committees received so many compliments for a wonderful session. These activities demonstrated a true caring healing environment at its best!