In the rapidly evolving world of spirituality, millennials are leading the charge as “spiritual free agents” who are breaking away from traditional religious institutions in favor of a more personalized approach (Ekwonye & DeLauer, 2019). This new approach to spirituality is driven by access to information and diverse perspectives made possible by technology and the internet. It has the potential to create a more inclusive and accepting world. The trend toward individualized spirituality is characterized by the rise of mindfulness practices, the popularity of alternative spirituality and holistic health practices, and a growing number who identify as spiritual but not religious (Momennasab & Jaberi, 2021). Focusing on a personal connection to spirituality is not rejecting organized religion but rather a desire for a deeper, more meaningful connection. Self-reflection also plays a crucial role in spirituality and faith-based nursing. It allows nurses to examine their beliefs and values and understand how these impact their nursing practice (Momennasab & Jaberi, 2021). By engaging in self-reflection, faith-based nurses can better integrate their spirituality into their daily work and provide more holistic, compassionate care to their patients. Exploring unconventional and thought-provoking ideas, such as the notion that time is not a constant and can change based on perspective, is valuable for spiritual growth and self-reflection. These ideas challenge our traditional understanding of the world and encourage us to think more deeply about our beliefs and values.
The Rise of Millennial Spiritual Free Agents: A New Approach to Spirituality
The central thesis of the TEDx Talk “Millennials as Spiritual Free Agents” by Steve Miller is that millennials are breaking away from traditional religious institutions and instead seeking a more personal, individualized approach to spirituality (Miller, 2016). Miller argues that millennials act as “spiritual free agents,” looking for meaning and purpose in their unique ways rather than simply following the traditions and beliefs passed down to them by previous generations (Miller, 2016). This shift in spiritual beliefs and practices is due, in part, to the growing access to information and diverse perspectives made possible by technology and the internet. Miller believes that this new approach to spirituality can lead to a more inclusive and accepting world, as individuals can create their own spiritual beliefs and practices that are meaningful to them.
Throughout the talk, Miller highlights various aspects of this new approach to spirituality, such as the rise of mindfulness practices, the popularity of alternative spirituality and holistic health practices, and the increasing number of individuals who identify as spiritual but not religious. He also notes that while this shift away from traditional religious institutions may be seen as a rejection of organized religion, it signifies a growing desire for a more personal and meaningful connection to spirituality(Miller, 2016).
Personal Factors of Effective Self-Reflection: Mindfulness, Relationships, and Challenges
I am a firm believer in the importance of self-reflection, and there are a few key factors that I have found to be particularly helpful in this process. One factor is mindfulness. Practicing mindfulness and paying attention to my thoughts and emotions helps to promote self-reflection and self-awareness. This can involve simply being present at the moment and observing my thoughts and feelings, or it can involve more structured practices such as meditation or journaling. The other factor is a reflection through relationships. My interactions with others often serve as a mirror for my behaviors and thought patterns, leading to self-reflection. Engaging in meaningful conversations, seeking feedback from trusted individuals, or participating in group therapy sessions can be ways for me to gain insight into myself through reflection. The last factor is personal challenges. Experiencing challenging life events can often lead to self-reflection. This may involve examining my beliefs and values, re-evaluating my priorities, or reconsidering long-held assumptions (Kross et al., 2023). This type of reflection can be difficult and emotional, but it can also result in growth and personal development. By reflecting on these challenges, I can gain a deeper understanding of myself and make positive changes in my life.
The Importance of Self-Reflection in Faith-Based Nursing
Self-reflection is an essential aspect of faith-based nursing, as it allows nurses to consider their beliefs and values and how they impact their practice. By self-reflection, faith-based nurses can better understand their spiritual and religious beliefs and how they influence their interactions with patients, decision-making, and overall approach to care (Hartman, 2022). For example, self-reflection can help faith-based nurses identify areas where their beliefs may conflict with their professional responsibilities and develop strategies for addressing these conflicts respectfully and ethically. This can include considering the role of prayer, meditation, or other spiritual practices in patient care and exploring the impact of personal biases and prejudices on one’s nursing practice (Ekwonye & DeLauer, 2019). Additionally, self-reflection can help faith-based nurses develop a deeper understanding of their spirituality and find ways to integrate this into their daily practice. This can include seeking out opportunities for spiritual growth, participating in spiritual retreats or workshops, or connecting with others in the faith-based nursing community.
Unconventional and Thought-Provoking Ideas from TED Talks
The idea that I found surprising is that a man once tried to sue his parents for giving birth to him without his consent (Miller, 2016). This idea raises questions about personal responsibility and the concept of being born into circumstances beyond control. Another controversial idea from the talk is that time is not a constant but is relative and can change based on a person’s perspective. This concept challenges our traditional understanding of time and its role in the universe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, self-reflection is a valuable tool for faith-based nurses, as it enables them to consider their beliefs and values and understand how these impact their nursing practice. By engaging in self-reflection, faith-based nurses can better integrate their spirituality into their daily work and provide more holistic, compassionate care to their patients.
References
Ekwonye, A. U., & DeLauer, V. (2019). Exploring individual and interpersonal level factors associated with academic success of college students at a women’s, faith-based higher institution. Higher Education Studies, 9(1), 86. https://doi.org/10.5539/hes.v9n1p86
Hartman, S. (2022). A call for faith integration among graduate nursing students. Journal of Christian Nursing, 39(3), 179–185. https://doi.org/10.1097/cnj.0000000000000854
Kross, E., Ong, M., & Ayduk, O. (2023). Self-reflection at work: Why it matters and how to harness its potential and avoid its pitfalls. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 10(1), 441-464. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-orgpsych-031921-024406
Miller, S. (2016). Millennials as Spiritual Free Agents. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csiiHqB5wAA
Momennasab, M., & Jaberi, A. (2021). The process of promoting spiritual health in Iranian Muslim adults: A grounded theory. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research, 26(2), 104. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijnmr.ijnmr_92_19
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