Healing in the Midst of Scarcity Applied Spirituality in Humanitarian Aid

Abstract

Humanitarian crises increasingly emerge at the intersection of ecological degradation, natural resource scarcity, and conflict, creating conditions that threaten not only survival but also psychological and spiritual well-being. Traditional humanitarian frameworks, including Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), effectively address basic and psychological needs but often overlook the existential dimensions of recovery, meaning, hope, and connection. This thesis examines how applied spirituality, the intentional integration of spiritual practices, values, and inner development into humanitarian action, can enhance resilience, foster holistic healing, and promote sustainable natural resource stewardship. The study explores how spirituality functions as a transformative resource for both communities and aid workers in contexts of extreme scarcity. Focusing on four countries, Somalia, Yemen, Ethiopia and Haiti, it evaluates the potential of culturally grounded spiritual practices, such as mindfulness, energy work, breathwork, indigenous rituals, and collective reflection, to complement conventional humanitarian and MHPSS approaches. The findings aim to inform ethical frameworks and operational models for integrating spirituality into humanitarian systems, supporting both individual and ecological resilience in a rapidly destabilizing world.