Bringing spirituality and wisdom into practice

This chapter considers the way in which the split between “objective” reductionist approaches and a more “subjective” understanding of the human condition arose in the 17th century with spirituality associated with the subjective approach. The consequent difference between the biomedical and the broader biopsychosocial approaches to medicine is explored. The relationship between spirituality, religion, secularism and wisdom is explored. The concepts of a shared journey and of spiritually competent practice are used to explore how spirituality and wisdom can be integrated into truly holistic person-centred practice. Obstacles and facilitators to this kind of practice are considered including approaches to educating clinicians.