Stepping Back and Looking Ahead.

Abstract

Today’s world is increasingly complex and, in many ways, has proven quite stressful for a large number of people. International and political climates are much more present in people’s lives via the news and social media, often creating or exacerbating distress. Pastoral and Spiritual care professionals often focus on identifying the whole picture as they care for others. Context, history, and present become important components in the care of those seeking help. In a recent Boston Globe article, Is the world really falling apart, or does it just feel that way? (13 July 2022), author Mark Fisher of The New York Times steps back from such experiences to consider increasing global trends. He concludes that current media’s focus on troubling events belies the fact that research reveals worldwide generational changes in war reduction, instances of famine, population education, and other shifts. The research finds that, globally, people now report greater optimism, hope, and economic stability than ever before. Fisher’s observations are not pollyannish; they simply provide a broader perspective that is frequently unnoticed or overlooked. Individuals seeking pastoral and spiritual care and support sometimes do not notice or overlook the broader, sometimes more positive, contexts of their lives. They are often focused narrowly on the specific concerns and struggles they face. For them, their world frequently feels as if it is “falling apart”, or, at least, in disarray, and it becomes difficult to find any relief from the consequent stress or pain. Pastoral and spiritual care providers frequently offer a wider conceptualization to the stressors in people’s lives, often helping them to glimpse at positive aspects of their lives and personal contexts, thereby helping them to reduce some of the stress they experience. Several articles in this issue describe aspects of the benefit of these broader contexts and offer ways to address and reduce stressors both for the pastoral/spiritual care providers as well as those for whom they care. Even amid feelings of disarray during these stressful times, for care providers as well as those that seek help and support, it is possible to find release. From that perspective, hope becomes possible. Recognizing positive personal and contextual dimensions even in the throws of suffering, pain, and feelings of anomie, can help allay some of the burdens imposed by unidentified stressors. Pastoral and spiritual care providers are trained to consider the broader holistic contexts of those in their care. Stepping back in order to look ahead can provide a pathway to relief and the potential for regenerating comfort and hope. Editorial