This semester I’m enrolled in a class on Spirituality and Wellness as part of my graduate school program at Lesley University. This, in combination with my internship at Emmanuel Church, has made me very aware of the topic of late. Previously, I would categorize my relationship with spirituality as somewhat passive. Gratitude plays a significant role in my personal sense of spirituality. My quest in seeking a personal sense of peace and open-mindedness within myself are my philosophy and I’m motivated to treat people and care for others as I wish to be treated. I find that the meditation as required by this Spirituality and Wellness class of as little as five minutes a day for at least five days a week to help me stay focused and maintain a healthy outlook. I believe that improves my relationships in the community.

What I have witnessed these past few months at Emmanuel Church is the act of spirituality is practiced frequently in providing fulfillment for others. I see this most often in the common art program where small acts of kindness toward each other are a common occurrence amongst the participants. The environment at both the common art program and the Spirituality and Wellness program seem to encourage such acts of thoughtfulness.

As an art therapist in training we learn that the very act of creating art can result in a meditative state that may contribute to this phenomena, but I also believe the prayers conducted both at the beginning and end of each session are important aspects in setting the tone. For example in the prison when we gather for the closing circle, the ladies almost always choose to hold hands while each participant states who she made a greeting card for that evening. This strikes me as another level of spiritual connectedness for which we are privileged to be a part .
What are the simple rituals of spirituality and wellness in your daily life?

–Brianna Babick