What Is A Chaplain?

Chaplain journey #1

I want to welcome you to my Blog. Many of you know of my story through my Memoir “My Billion Year Contract”. My journey has continued. I want to share with you my experiences as I go through the process of becoming a Certified Chaplain.

What is a Chaplain?

The Association of Professional Chaplains website defines Chaplaincy as a multifaith organization of chaplaincy care providers endorsed by faith groups to serve persons in need, respecting their individual cultures and beliefs, in diverse settings throughout the world.

My attraction to this profession is multilayered. I love that a Chaplain is non-denominational. Chaplains meet people where they are. A Chaplain can meet and offer healing presence to peoples from all backgrounds, spiritual beliefs, religious affiliation, or individuals with none. Chaplains are often present during times of crisis, transition, or even times of great blessings.

A Chaplain is a “Healing Presence”.
“Healing presence is the condition of being consciously and compassionately in the present moment with another or with others.When you are completely present, you stay awake to each unfolding moment. You give yourself fuly to the present instant, letting go of what was, and choosing not to anticipate what will be”

While this may seem so simple, it takes practice.

I’m sure many of you have felt the comfort of a friend or stranger who is simply there with you.

I know this has happened to me in many ways, sometimes from the stranger sitting beside me on an airplane. Sometimes a smile from the checker at the grocery counter at a moment that you needed that more than the checker could have ever known.

“Healing Presence” is what Chaplaincy is all about. This is the practice I will be concentrating on as I move through the clinical training of the coming year.

I welcome you to my current stage of my life journey. I hope to share what I am learning as well as learn from all of you.

I think the most important thing that we, as humans, have to give to one another is “healing presence”.