It feels as if it was only yesterday that we were thinking about 2015 and what we wanted to achieve. The time seems to have flashed past and as we reach the end of this year we reflect on what has happened to us and to others in the past months. For many it has been an extremely difficult year with conflict and displacement; with change and confusion; loss and bereavement and other things which challenge our resilience and sense of hope.
But this is a time of light and expectation; of looking forward and to harnessing our strengths to meet the challenges of the next year. Which will, no doubt, pass just as quickly as previous ones or perhaps this is a phenomenon that comes to us as we grow older.
It is a time to refresh our spirit which draws together the things which matter most to us; which give us a sense of meaning and purpose and the way in which we view the world. For FiOP spirituality, however we define it for ourselves, is the glue which binds us and gives us a connection with the wider world.
We want to make sure that this element of our lives is reflected in the way services and policies are developed; the way in which we treat each other; how we empower those who are more vulnerable and how we enhance a sense of well-being. Never shy of a challenge we know there is much to do as we progress work on dementia friendly faith communities; consider how spiritual care can be enhanced in continuing care unit; how we encourage people to consider that understanding their own spirituality can enhance the way they treat other people.
As we approach the New Year suggestions stimulated by Edward Hays as to how we might travel have resonance:
- face the unknown and see it as an adventure
- travel simply and take joy and hardship as they come
- open our ears, eyes and minds and heart to new experiences
All our good wishes for Christmas and for a peaceful, fruitful and fulfilling 2016.
Maureen O’Neill
Director
December 2015