Living in this world is a lot. Almost every Â鶹AV student I talk to feels the effects of global issues in their lives on top of all the concerns closer to home. Our globally interconnected lives mean that every day, we are aware of distressing issues such as wars, natural disasters, diseases and injustices that may be happening far away yet the impacts of which are profoundly felt right here. When we have personal connections to places and people affected by such adversity can make it particularly challenging to cope, both in our personal lives and in academics. The grief, stress and burdens we bear take their toll on our well-being. Seeking support–whether emotional, spiritual, physical or social–is never a selfish act.
It shouldn’t be a lonely one either. In this darkness, we find sources of light through friends, family, community connections and our own faith and spirituality. Just as each person’s story is different, so are our needs. If you are looking for spaces, social connection and community, please know that MORSL is here to help. Our beautiful, shared meditation room welcomes all students who wish to pray or reflect. The MORSL team can also refer you to other suitable spaces to meet your needs. We have ideas to help you set aside sacred spaces in at home as well.
We’re here to listen and support. You can come chat with us in our drop-in lounge from 10 AM - 4 PM on weekdays (feel free to bring friends and chat with them too), or book a one-on-one consultation. We can also help connect you with members of our multi-faith team of faith leaders who offer a rich diversity of spiritual perspectives. In addition, our team can help you access services at the Student Wellness Hub should you wish to speak with a trauma-informed counsellor of a particular background (e.g. a person with the same faith or ethno-religious identity as you, a counsellor who is a person of colour, or who is queer, etc.). The Hub also sometimes offers .
The reality of our interdependence makes us feel each other’s pain more deeply, while also connecting us together in communities of compassion. Compassion makes our relationships with others better and healthier, and with ourselves too. May we cultivate kindness and caring as a spiritual value that we can all share together.
