Ask five people to define spirituality and you'll probably get five different answers. It isn't always a function of religion, as some people believe it to be. In my view, spirituality involves a deepening connection to oneself or to others, to God or a higher power, or to nature. It often produces a deep sense of peace and satisfaction that may facilitate physical healing. Spirituality may evolve over time, or it may come unexpectedly, triggered by a spectacular scene in nature, an intimate moment between a parent and child, a sudden and unexplained healing or a response to an outstanding artistic performance.
Spiritual experiences are unique and deeply personal.
For a physician in one of my support groups, spiritual growth occurred after being sued by a patient. Two weeks after the first lawsuit ended, he was sued again. He was seriously considering leaving medicine when, during an office visit, a patient expressed her profound appreciation for the care he provided to her during a difficult time. For him, this patient interaction, in its depth and timing, was spiritual. An antidote to burnout Deeply connecting with your peers and others can help you prevent the emotional isolation that causes many physicians to feel burned out.