Spiritual Support
veterans
Through our relationships and affiliation with the The American Legion Ronald Reagan Palisades Post 283, Revive LA is developing a spiritual support program as a viable option for veterans seeking relief, help, redemption, restoration, inspiration and more.
What Is Spirituality?
According to the Veterans Administration, spirituality is a personal experience with many definitions. Spirituality might be defined as "an inner belief system providing an individual with meaning and purpose in life, a sense of the sacredness of life, and a vision for the betterment of the world." Other definitions emphasize "a connection to that which transcends the self." The connection might be to God, a higher power, a universal energy, the sacred, or to nature. Researchers in the field of spirituality have suggested three useful dimensions for thinking about one's spirituality:
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Beliefs
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Spiritual practices
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Spiritual experiences
Spiritual Support
According to the Veterans Administration, suggestions have been made about the pathways by which spirituality might affect the recovery trajectory for survivors of traumatic events. Spirituality may improve post-trauma outcomes through: (1) reduction of behavioral risks through healthy religious lifestyles (e.g., less drinking or smoking), (2) expanded social support through involvement in spiritual communities, (3) enhancement of coping skills and helpful ways of understanding trauma that result in meaning-making, and (4) physiological mechanisms such as activation of the "relaxation response" through prayer or meditation (6). Feelings of isolation, loneliness, and depression related to grief and loss may be lessened by the social support of a spiritual community. Being part of a spiritual community places survivors among caring individuals who may provide encouragement and emotional support.
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