Acknowledgements

I give thanks that this offering came to life on Treaty 6 Territory, traditional homeland of the Cree, Dene, Lakota, Nakota, Dakota, Salteaux and Métis people. In this place, I have been blessed to live and to continually learn from many dear health care students, colleagues, and consumers.  May our sacred connection to the land and to one another foster wholeness and health for All.  And may this book contribute to a deepened honouring of the spiritual dimension of health care and life.

I also wish to gratefully acknowledge the funding provided by the Government of Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Advanced Education in support of teaching release time to work on this publication. I am also deeply grateful to the Saskatchewan Polytechnic library team who administered the funding and supported me in a multitude of ways with this project and many others throughout my career.  I especially want to thank librarian Donna Cook-Thiessen, whose Open Education Resource (OER) and copyright expertise has been pivotal in the completion of this book, as has her flexibility and support.  I also want to thank members of the leadership team at Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Saskatoon Campus of the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (SCBScN) program: Chris Barlow, Robyn Kobussen, Jennifer Dupuis, and Dana Bouskill.  I will always remember your support for my involvement in writing this handbook and sharing my passion for holistic care. Eternal gratitude to Marian Morrisey for her inspired leadership in actively supporting my related work throughout the years. Special thanks to gifted graphic artist Alexis Watt for her work on the TRUST image and to contemplative photographer, Moira Theede, whose beautiful images grace each chapter.

Deepest gratitude to visionary holistic nurse leader, Sherry Hole, whose national and international collaborations have innovatively advanced holism within health care education, and whose foreword graces this handbook. Endless appreciation for the thoroughness, insight, and expertise of all who kindly reviewed this resource (See listing on the next page). Your vital feedback has contributed immeasurably to the evolution of this publication.

To my husband, Barry … I could never thank you enough for the ways your steady, strong Spirit nurtures mine in everything I do (as did your generous servings of food and encouragement on the ‘home-stretch’ of writing).

*****

This book is dedicated to my precious granddaughter whose delightfully loving vitality 

further inspires me to honour our Spirits in every part of our living.  

Shine on, Brielle.