Travel as a Transformational Spiritual Event

Abstract

There is a philosophical connection between elements of travel and elements of spirituality. Nurses can develop spiritual intelligence, hone transcultural skills, and develop cultural humility through travel. Concepts of spiritual intelligence are incorporated to distinguish spirituality from religion. This discussion is to describe the spiritual attributes of travel through exploration of unique cultural sameness and differences, stepping out of one's routine, experiences of solitude, and the application to nursing. Venues such as study abroad, mission trips, cultural exchange opportunities, and service learning projects all can provide meaningful times of transformation, spiritual growth, learning new ways of doing things, and of being in the world. Nurses who integrate these practices into the care they provide daily will be enriched personally and rewarded with improved outcomes.

Spirituality in nursing: A concept analysis

“…18 Travelling is a living experience or a spiritual feeling, an epiphany of the heart when you do not expect it. 57 –60…”

“…For example, this could occur during a moment of crisis, as an illness, a mourning or a death. 36,60…”

“…This constitutes an addition to the understanding of oneself in one’s ‘inner space’, as the basis of the human being who is part of the whole: in conjunction with oneself, with others, with a higher being, with nature and with animals, which leads to expressing one’s own spiritual experience, not necessarily linked to a religious system. 4,15,19,29,36,59 –62…”

“…Natural development and conscious aspect, 60,63 comfort and upholding the principles of life and well-being complete the list of attributes. 19,41…”

“…43 They have different definitions, although both involve a focus on what is held sacred to the individual. Terms as religiosity, 8,15,18,21,38 mysticism 14,32,41,60 and sacred 36,38,41 are often used to express the same or similar processes. Caring and spirituality are perceived as having no difference in meaning.…”