For this interview, I chose Nisha. Nisha is a 36-year-old female. She is a case worker. She has been working in this industry for over 15 years. Recently, she has expressed herself as not feeling fulfilled. She is tired daily and burned out. Since entering her career, she has gained about 70 lbs. Her stress levels are high. She wants to live with her purpose as she heads into her next decade. Right now, she is unsure of what that is, but she knows she cannot remain stagnant.

         I asked Nisha ten questions so that we could work together to generate a spiritual wellness plan. Below are the responses that she gave followed by the goals that we have set to keep her moving in the right direction. I also explained why I asked each question and how it was beneficial to the plan. I used motivational interviewing so that I could receive more in-depth answers and not just yes or no responses.

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What is your definition of spirituality? (This is important because everyone has their definition and perception of spirituality. Spirituality is not just a religious belief, but it is your connection to something higher than yourself. (Scott, 2020)

When I think of spirituality I think of my connection with God. It is the fact that I have someone that I can go to when I have exhausted all my limits. There is a higher power that I can go to. I do not have to feel like I am doing everything on my own.

 

How would you describe your previous and current journey of spirituality? (This is important because no journey is a straight line. There may be times when we have more faith or less faith. However, studies have shown that having some form of spiritual belief provides comfort and relief. (Scott, 2020)

Twenty years ago, I was only doing what I was taught. But life has allowed me to know God for myself. I was able to strengthen my faith through secular therapy. But now I have learned God for myself because of the hardship of life.

 

What is your current physical, mental, and emotional routine? (This is key because we are multi-dimensional beings and there are seven dimensions of wellness. This includes physical, emotional, intellectual, social, environmental, occupational, and spiritual (Grand Rapids Community College, 2022)

My focus is spiritual wellness. I come home and turn on the music. I do not watch television. I just read a scripture or two to give me peace. As far as physical and mental routine is concerned, that is something that I need to work on.

 

 

Have you ever heard of the Law of Intention and Desire? (If so, how do you practice it? If not, I will explain. (This question will help us segway into mediation/prayer practice. There must be a stillness to achieve your desires. This is the surrender that needs to happen many times before you receive what you are looking for. Chopra Center, 2018)

I do believe that it works though. I am a firm believer that you cannot carry everything. This recently happened to me. There was something that I was obsessing over. So, I just surrendered it. I turned my phone on which blocked Unknown callers, and it was the call for which I was waiting.

 

Please describe your workplace environment. (This is important because Nisha expressed feeling burned out. Sometimes workplace stress can be the cause of psychological issues. One study showed a connection between a sense of job insecurity and psychological issues (Lata & Chaudhary, 2021)

My workplace is incredibly stressful, from the moment you clock in at 7:30 am it is stressful. Your team is always going off and there are so many emails. My job does not prioritize mental health at all. Even on our one mental health day, they tell us how to spend it. Our last mental health day was at the fair and it was 95 degrees and that was stressful to me. I’d rather they gave us that day for rest and to spend it how we want to.

 

How do you deal with mistakes? What is your process? (Everyone makes mistakes but how we deal with them is very telling. Some boast that they are overthinkers. What could happen is rumination which can also lead to further mental health challenges, (Boyce, 2019)

Whenever I make a mistake, it becomes stressful. I own up to it. It becomes like an obsession until I fix it in my mind. If I am given a quality audit, I will obsess over it all day and fix it the same day, while others may fix it a few days later. This is something on which I am working.

 

If you find yourself ruminating, what are your triggers? (We need to know the root causes so that we can break negative thinking patterns, (Boyce, 2019)

Being uncertain about how things will turn out. I do not trust anyone to do my job or to help me. When I feel out of control I ruminate.

 

Have you noticed any health issues due to stress? (This is important because stress can contribute to blood pressure issues and other physical health problems, (Ponte et al, 2019)

I noticed weight gain. I started eating food to soothe myself. I would eat badly until my stomach would hurt. Recently I have changed my eating habits and now I am a few pounds down. I am working on getting 20lbs off through diet.

 

 

What are your thoughts on meditation? Have you ever practiced? (Meditation can reduce stress, give you a new perspective, and help you sleep (Mayo Clinic, 2022)

To me, it means putting on soft soothing music and focusing on my breath. The music calms me, and I can shut out everything and just breathe.

 

What are your thoughts on Science and Spirituality? Do you think they can coexist? (This is important to know before suggesting a solution. Science objectively can help you to see life and spirituality can help you implement changes that you need to make. Combining them can help you make balanced decisions, Kollam, 2019)

I think they can coexist. Science is going to bring you the facts and spirituality is going to help you to determine what to do with the facts. They can coexist. I plan to implement more practice on my spirituality between now and the next few weeks.

 

As a health practitioner, these questions can be used to assess my client’s current state and help me to provide a solid plan for Nisha to move forward. I advised her to implement more walking meditation on her lunch breaks since her job is very stressful. I also encouraged her that it was fine to look for other jobs or career opportunities. I suggested she give herself a 3–6-month window to find something new if she wants to. I reminded her that she always has options. Mediation and prayer can help lead her to the correct place. I also encouraged her to embrace a path to spiritual renewal. That can include learning a new skill or renewing a spiritual practice that she may have let go of due to stress.

Ethical Issues

Nisha is my friend. So, there may be a conflict of interest. Although I did learn so much about her through this interview. If she felt uncomfortable and not entirely free with me as her provider, I would be happy to make recommendations. Also, religion could be an ethical issue. Some who are brought up in certain religions may not be open to suggestions such as meditation. They may not believe that science and spirituality mix either. This is why I asked her what her thoughts were on this subject. At the end of our assessment, the question that I may ask is if she has any questions for me, and how we can work together to ensure that we reach her spiritual goals.

Summary

Overall, what Nisha is experiencing is the reality of many. Sometimes, you may need to gain a new skill and challenge yourself in a career field. You also may need to move on from that organization if it genuinely does not bring fulfillment. The most important thing is using techniques such as meditation/prayer and even journaling while you are in a storm or battle. As long as she stays positive, she will find herself right where she is supposed to be.

 

 

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References

Boyes, A. (2019). How to stop obsessing over your mistakes. https://hbr.org/2019/02/how-to-stop-obsessing-over-your-mistakes

 

Chopra Center. (2018). Mastering the 7 spiritual laws of success. https://chopra.com/blogs/meditation/mastering-the-7-spiritual-laws-of-success

 

Grand Rapids Community College. (2022). Seven dimensions of wellness. https://www.grcc.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/professional-development/employee-wellness/seven-dimensions-wellness

 

Kollam, P. (2019). Why science and spirituality should go hand-in-hand? https://www.livinginwellbeing.org/why-science-and-spirituality-should-go-hand-in-hand

 

Lata, M., & Chaudhary, R. (2021). Workplace spirituality and experienced incivility at work: Modeling dark triad as a moderator. Journal of Business Ethics, 174(3), 645–667.

 

 

Mayo Clinic. (2022). Meditation: A simple, fast way to reduce stress. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/meditation/in-depth/meditation/art-20045858