The question of one's existence rises to the forefront in the event of a spinal cord injury (SCI). At one moment, life is typical; and in a split second of circumstance, that life is forever changed. After that life-changing event, persons with SCI need to begin to heal physically, but they also are forced to reexamine the purpose of their life. Recovery, therefore, becomes more than just physical healing. It becomes a spiritual journey-one that is necessary to heal the whole person. When recognized and embraced, spirituality can indeed have a profound effect in healing the whole person. However, in the rush to help people heal physically, health care providers often forget to nurture the more subtle, yet equally important, parts of a person that can enhance recovery and improve the quality of life. Provided that the medical field can be open to the concept of spirituality as a component of the process of life and healing, they can provide assistance to those with a newly acquired spinal injury to heal and adjust to a new way of life.

inner healing, rehabilitation, spirituality
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