Caring Science
Since 2021, Boulder Community Health (BCH) has been proud to be recognized as a National Caring Science Affiliate System of The Watson Caring Science Institute (WCSI). To become a National Caring Science Affiliate System means that BCH has demonstrated an authentically, deep-rooted and sustainable commitment to integrating Caring Science to transform and broaden whole person health and healing for our staff, patients, families and the surrounding community. By embedding these principles into education, policies, and practices, BCH is fostering an environment that supports both emotional and physical healing. Providing ongoing staff training through WCSI further strengthens their commitment to maintaining these values. It’s a model that not only improves patient care but also contributes to a more supportive and positive workplace culture.
Caring Science is founded on the belief that authentic human connection creates a strong, patient-centered approach to caring that supports both patients and caregivers. Built upon 10 Caritas Processes®, Caring Science shows us of the benefits and breadth of caring moments. The 10 Caritas Processes® provide a framework for this approach, guiding healthcare professionals to incorporate elements such as kindness, empathy, and mindfulness into their interactions. By focusing on these principles, Caring Science encourages health care providers to go beyond clinical treatments. This not only improves patient outcomes but also nurtures caregivers, fostering resilience and a deeper sense of purpose in their work.
10 Caritas Processes®
1.
Embrace
(Loving-Kindness) - Sustaining humanistic-altruistic values by practice
of loving-kindness, compassion and equanimity with self/others.
2.
Inspire(Faith-Hope): Being authentically present, enabling faith/hope/belief system;
honoring subjective inner, life-world of self/others.
3.
Trust (Transpersonal): Being sensitive to self and others by cultivating own
spiritual practices; beyond ego-self to transpersonal presence.
4.
Nurture (Relationship): Developing and sustaining loving, trusting-caring relationships.
5.
Forgive (Holding Space): Allowing for expression of positive and negative feelings
— authentically listening to another person's story.
6.
Deepen (Creative Self): Creatively problem-solving-'solution-seeking' through
caring process; full use of self and artistry of caring-healing practices
via use of all ways of knowing/being/doing/becoming.
7.
Balance (Learning): Engaging in transpersonal teaching and learning within the
context of caring relationship; staying within other's frame of reference;
shift toward coaching model for expanded health/wellness.
8.
Co-create ( Caritas Field): Creating a healing environment at all levels; subtle
environment for energetic authentic caring presence.
9.
Minister (Humanity): Reverentially assisting with basic needs as sacred acts, touching
mind-body-spirit of spirit of other; sustaining human dignity.
10.
Open (Infinity): Opening to spiritual, mystery, unknowns — allowing for miracles.
The following video is one patient’s story of her experience of caring moments at BCH.
"Maybe this one moment, with this one person, is the very reason we’re here on Earth at this time." - Dr. Jean Watson, Founder & Director of the Watson Caring Science Institute
Self-Care Ideas and Resources
Caring Science teaches self-care as the basis for all caring. Small actions to focus the mind and calm the body create opportunity for authentic connection and communication. These caring moments can look different for each person. Honoring our differences and how we perceive and respond to kindness is Caring Science. Patients, family, and staff may benefit from or enjoy the following:
Breathing – There are many breathing techniques that have been shown to calm the nervous system, focus the mind and support growth and healing. In a calm state, patients and caregivers are better supported to have open communication and develop trusting relationships. Patients may feel less anxiety and pain after practicing a breathing technique.
One simple breath technique is a 4-4-4 breathing meditation. This can be done as a quick pause in a conversation, while waiting for an appointment, or before entering or leaving a room. The 4-4-4 meditation involves inhaling for a count of 4, holding one’s breath for a count of 4 and exhaling for a count of 4. Tapping your thumb to each of your four fingers while you breath can be a good way to keep the 4 count. You can do this once or as many times as you like.
Creative Art – The act of creating an aesthetic, or piece of art, may help express ideas and feelings that are difficult to put into words. The process of creating art is healing and calming. Some people create art to keep, display or gift, while others simply create art because they enjoy the process. No special skill, tools, or talent is needed to find the benefit in creating art. Coloring supplies are available for patients and visitors.
Journal – Journal writing is a reflective practice. Journal entries should be honest, from your heart and soul, as well as your head. When journaling, try to write without the constraints of grammar or punctuation but allow your thoughts to flow freely. Journal entries may be saved and can be looked back on to spark memory or track time and events, however journaling can simply be an outlet for thoughts and feelings and the entries discarded once completed.
Labyrinth – A labyrinth is a walking meditation that provides a single circuitous path to the center. Labyrinths are used to quiet the mind and may be used to restore internal balance. BCH has a labyrinth in the courtyard. Visitors and staff are invited to walk the labyrinth at the pace and frequency that is right for you.
Meditation –Meditation can take many forms, but can simply be finding physical and mental stillness, for a brief or extended period.
To try meditation, begin by taking a comfortable, seated position in a place where you feel safe and can be undisturbed for the duration of your meditation. If you’re comfortable, close your eyes and shift your focus to your breathing. Allow your breaths to become deep and gentle, breathing into all areas of your body. Allow your body to relax. Spend time focusing on the sensations in your body: Where is there tension? Where are you supported? Can you release the tension? Can you send clean energy from your breath to different part of your body? Spend time focusing on your breathing: Can you make your breath deeper? Can your inhale and exhale be the same length? Perhaps inhale for a count (4 or 6 or longer), then exhale for the same count.
Nature – Spending time in nature can create space and opportunity for peace and self-reflection. Observing natural processes, such as the movement of clouds or a bird building a nest, can help us feel connected and at peace. Large windows in every patient room, balconies on the nursing units and the Caritas Garden are all ways that BCH patients and their visitors can experience nature during their time in hospital.
Touchstones – A touchstone can be any object that represents someone or something special, or a significant memory or event. Holding, rubbing or viewing your touchstone can help ground you or bring back positive emotions, allowing you to be more open to authentic connection and caring moments.
Reiki – Reiki is based on the belief of a universal life force energy and the channeling or movement of energy through the body for relaxation and healing. Reiki can be done by a trained practitioner. BCH offers reiki for patients through the Center for Mind Body Medicine. Reiki self-treatment can be practiced by anyone at any time. A self-reiki practice is outlined below:
