There is a parable in the Christian New Testament telling the story of someone sowing seeds (see Matthew 13:1-9). Sowing is an agricultural term referring to the hand movement of liberally planting or spreading of seeds in anticipation of a crop or harvest of fruit. I found this to be a helpful metaphor, an invigorating […]

For some people, nature is a spiritual path. That is why retreat centers are often built in beautiful locations. Nature often lifts our spirits and provides inspiration, renewal, and experiences of awe. For some people, being in nature is a spiritual reward in itself. John Muir, the American naturalist and founder of the Sierra Club, […]

Visit the newly renovated meditation room, located to the right of the Information Desk in the main lobby at 505 Parnassus Avenue. The new meditation room features: prayer request book soothing light feature ritual objects sacred and inspirational texts Coming soon: sound system with meditative, spiritual and religious audio tracks

It is the honor and privilege of our Spiritual Care Services chaplains to support all members of the UCSF community during the holiday season.  Our chaplains are available 24 hours a day by pager (443-CARE) to provide you with emotional and spiritual support as well as rituals and ritual items to celebrate holidays that are meaningful to […]

Have you visited the Resources section of our website lately?  There are several PDF’s for download, including a brand new addition highlighting existing grief support at UCSF Medical Center for bereaved loved ones of deceased adult patients. The goal of this resource is to  promote support and healing for loved ones of deceased patients through cross-departmental and interdisciplinary […]

The ocean provides us with a beautiful image of personal growth and opening to new possibilities – the chambered nautilus. Initially, the nautilus occupies only the smallest chamber at the center of the spiral. That is the whole shell. Yet, from this core, as it grows, it adds new chambers as it needs more space. […]

Look around.  I invite you to consider gratitude today. It could be as simple as asking ourselves: What are we most grateful for? Most of the time, we are quick to think of the obvious things… my own health or family. Or perhaps our ability to work and the opportunity to have a consistent place to […]

At UCSF Medical Center we believe that “Caring comes first,” and we all do our best to embody that phrase in our work with patients. Yet caring isn’t always easy to do, especially when we see the suffering that many people have to endure as they deal with their illness and receive treatment. When we […]

  http://www.ucsf.edu/news/2012/10/12950/ucsfs-lgbtq-community-assures-teens-it-gets-better

Check out this clip featuring  Music is Good Medicine volunteer Michael Hamilton and Coordinator/Staff Chaplain Pegi Walker!  Spiritual Care Services is very proud of Pegi and her amazing volunteers and is honored to be able to offer this service for UCSF Medical Center and Benioff Children’s Hospital patients, their loved ones and staff. Lawyer Turns Musician For […]