CHAPLAINCY WELLNESS AND CARE
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up in how we perform or our socio-economic status . It is a privilege to affirm people for who they are rather than what they produce , it is a privilege to celebrate great joys in life and the diversity of community , and it is a privilege to walk through the burdens of life with another . It is important to name the joys of the role while also recognizing the challenges chaplains face . Naming something does not make it go away , but it invites the individual or group to a heightened sense of awareness around an issue that may otherwise fester beneath the surface and cause further challenges . It also allows for people to hold two truths in tension with one another at the same time . A chaplain can rejoice in the wonderful conversation they had with the student about their college applications while also lamenting the
“ It is a privilege to affirm people for who they are rather than what they produce , it is a privilege to celebrate great joys in life and the diversity of community , and it is a privilege to walk through the burdens of life with another . It is important to name the joys of the role while also recognizing the challenges chaplains face .” fact they do not have another chaplain colleague at their institute with whom to debrief and reflect on the interaction . Acknowledging and affirming all facets of this role allows for a holistic awareness of this position .
Second , chaplains should look to their religious or ideological tradition for support . Rooting their practice in their worldview and turning to this when in need allows the chaplain to be connected to a greater source of knowledge and support than simply trying to persevere alone . This creates a foundation for the chaplain to build off — to both make sense of how they experience a situation and the individuals they care for . Recognizing that new relationships and trust take time to form , a new chaplain who is seeking to connect with students may find comfort in praying for the development of these relationships or in scriptures that encourage perseverance when serving others . Rooting their practice in their tradition also provides the chaplain with further reinforcement of why they have chosen this particular field , reaffirming their call in times of joy or adding motivation when things are difficult .
Third , chaplains should foster relationships with individuals who have comparable positions at other schools . Finding support in others who serve in similar roles allows chaplains to learn , grow , and support one another as they seek to serve their respective communities . One way to do this is join The Center for Spiritual and Ethical Education monthly call for school chaplains . Oftentimes , these meetings will have a theme , allowing chaplains to
Page 8 Spring 2023 CSEE Connections