Contemplative practice, acceptance, and healing in moral injury.
Journal of Health Care Chaplaincy January 1, 2022 Sara Jo Emmerich
Moral injury in veterans involves regret, shame, and internal division from morally injurious events. Centering Prayer, a contemplative practice with Judeo-Christian roots, helps veterans heal by fostering acceptance of difficult emotions and refocusing on personal values. At the Loveland VA, veterans follow Contemplative Outreach guidelines for Centering Prayer, with feedback from in-person and online groups. The practice is encouraged individually and in groups to deepen inter-relational healing and trust. Peer supports connect veterans to Contemplative Prayer and AA groups. As a mindfulness-based spiritual discipline, Centering Prayer complements chaplaincy programs for whole health growth.