2 Traditions and Practices
Where I come from we say that rhythm is the soul of life,
because the whole universe revolves around rhythm,
and when we get out of rhythm, that’s when we get into trouble.
– Nigerian drummer, Babatunde Olatunji
A labyrinth at Prairie View Chapel & Crematorium, Saskatoon, Canada. The labyrinth is an ancient metaphor for the spiritual journey that has been found in various traditions. This rhythmic walking practice has reemerged today as a powerful tool for healing and transformation.
The Labyrinth Society
This chapter focuses on two central and deeply interconnected aspects of spirituality: the traditions that shape its expression and the contemplative practices that nurture it. Traditions and practices span and intermingle with a vast array of spiritual, religious, cultural or healing perspectives (Scott Barss et al, 2019). Therefore, the intent of this chapter is to support individuals’ attentiveness to the unique experiences and choices around traditions and practices that may influence their health and that of others.
Understanding the influence of individuals’ traditions and practices on personal well-being is central to holistic, person-centered health promotion and restoration. Recognizing the interplay between one’s traditions and practices is also essential. Our experiences with various traditions not only influence the practices to which each of us are drawn, but can have a significant impact on their effectiveness. In fact, contemplative practices which resonate with one’s spiritual and/or religious convictions are associated with greater psychological and physical health benefits (Koenig, 2012; Plante, 2010). Similarly, we know that traditions and practices which are imposed or at odds with one’s convictions are not only ineffective, but may be potentially traumatizing (Fortney, 2023). As such, it is vital that we find ways to explore and mobilize these two powerful catalysts for healing in ways that are life-giving and safe.
Traditions
The growing number and diversity of traditions amongst us in Canada offers rich opportunities to learn much from one another … to honour both the unique and the universal in support of our individual and collective well-being (Scott Barss, 2012).
The below summary from Stats Canada offers a glimpse of our increasingly diverse traditions. Unfortunately, these statistics are the latest official Canadian ones available, as parallel data was not collected in the most recent census/household survey. Therefore, you are encouraged to reflect on your related observations and experiences as to how these demographics have changed since this data was collected:
You may also wish to download this more recent U.S. information from The Fetzer Institute:
Sharing Spiritual Heritage Report | The Fetzer Institute
Below are some very introductory resources in relation to various traditions and worldviews. Of course, such broad resources can only offer general insights into the kinds of information that needs to be shared/inquired about if a given individual is to receive relevant health care, particularly as relates to its spiritual dimension. You may wish to seek out similar resources more relevant to your locale and demographics.
Faiths and Patient-Family-Centered Care (2nd ed.).
Health Care and Religious Beliefs Booklet (albertahealthservices.ca)
Indigenous spiritual practices | Ontario Human Rights Commission (ohrc.on.ca)
What is Humanism? – Humanist Canada
Practices
Whatever role spiritual traditions or worldviews play, the regular practices that tend to our spirits are, undoubtedly, as individual as the individual. In the interests of clarity and inclusivity, they are often collectively referred to as ‘spiritual practices’ or ‘contemplative practices’. This handbook will primarily use the latter term as it appears the most consistently in contemporary literature. Whatever language one uses to describe them, such practices “involve a process of quieting the mind to attain a state of calm centeredness and receptive awareness which nurtures the spirit and deepens insight, attention and compassion for oneself and others” (Association for Contemplative Mind in Society, 2020 & Quinn, 2018 in Scott Barss, 2020, p. 125). The following websites can assist in exploring the huge diversity of practices that may enrich your current ones and/or help you establish or resume a regular practice.
Note: Each website below has an abundance of resources that can support spiritual care of self and/or others. Careful assessment and discernment in relation to each specific practice is vital in honouring whether it is a fit for an individual at a given time.
If you/another are experiencing a time of vulnerability, practices that emphasize self-compassion and movement are recommended, as is seeking out support from a trusted qualified teacher, mentor, coach, &/or counselor.
Contemplative Life – Body of Practice
Guided Imagery – Healing Works Foundation
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: The Ultimate MBSR Guide (positivepsychology.com)
How to Practice Self-Compassion: 8 Techniques and Tips (positivepsychology.com)
Practice With Us — Center for Action and Contemplation (cac.org)
What Are Spiritual Practices?| Spirituality & Practice (spiritualityandpractice.com)
Contemplation & Community: Traditions & Practices
Nehiyawak (Cree) scholar and Elder Willie Ermine has contributed much in relation to the idea of ‘ethical space’ – that safe space where we can best engage in contemplative conversation with others to nurture well-being. He shares related reflections in these two short clips:
Willie Ermine: What is Ethical Space? (youtube.com)
Willie Ermine: Ethical Space in Action (youtube.com)
What did you hear that most resonated with you? What came up for you ? (See ECCs, Chapter 1)
What are your strengths and challenges in co-creating ethical space with others?
What are the implications for your spiritual exploration? Your life and/or work?
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Is there anything about your spiritual, religious, cultural, and/or healing traditions/practices/experiences you would like to explore at this time? With who?
What practices, activities, or issues are you inspired by/passionate about? How can these be integrated into your healing? What new practices, activities, or issues might you like to explore?
Do you have affiliation with particular spiritual, religious, cultural, and/or healing tradition(s) If so, . .
Do you see it/them as a current source of strength? Of distress? How so? Are there aspects of/experiences with your tradition(s) that you feel contribute to your well-being? Compromise or threaten your well-being? What related discernment and action is needed?
What do/does your tradition(s) say about the nature of suffering? How do you feel about that? What traditions and practices offer you solace in the midst of suffering?
What gives you hope? What traditions and practices can help you connect to your sources of hope?
How are you creative in your daily life? Your coping? How can this creativity be applied to any current challenges you are having? To your life in general? To your selected contemplative practices?
What contemplative practice(s) do you wish to weave into your daily rhythm at this time? Weekly? Monthly? What supports and resources do you need to do so?
(Sample questions adapted from Scott Barss, 2012)
We will continue our exploration by focusing on ‘Reconciliation’ in Chapter 3.
