As a Punjabi Sikh, I was raised with the values of chardi kala (high spirits) and seva (selfless service), which have become foundational to my work as a Substance Use Navigator. These values shape my approach to patient care and guide me in supporting individuals through the complexities of substance use recovery.
When engaging with patients facing substance use challenges, I draw inspiration from chardi kala, a concept that encourages perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. Substance use recovery is often marked by ups and downs, and it is essential to foster an environment of high spirits, where patients feel empowered to stay motivated and not give up. A strong treatment plan, along with a supportive community, are crucial in maintaining this positive mindset. I understand that my patients will inevitably encounter setbacks during their recovery journey, and I make it a priority to equip them with tools for positive self-talk, self-compassion, and grace. Chardi kala is about meeting patients where they are and helping them move forward with hope and determination, knowing they do not have to do it alone. Community support plays a critical role in sustaining recovery, and I am continually inspired by how members of my Punjabi Sikh community uplift each other in the face of social injustice and discrimination. I have heard many patients express that they have “hit rock bottom,” and in those moments, chardi kala is what helps lift them out of despair, often with a combination of compassionate care, regular follow-ups, and thoughtful transitions to long-term care.
The value of seva compels me to go above and beyond for my patients, striving to serve them holistically and without expectation of personal gain. Seva teaches that service is an act of love and devotion, meant to uplift individuals and communities. For me, this means ensuring that my patients have access to harm reduction supplies, like Narcan, especially when they are experiencing homelessness or facing crisis. When treatment plans fail, I don’t give up on my patients. Instead, I ask critical questions, seek to understand the underlying barriers, and collaborate with them to develop more sustainable and effective strategies for recovery.
The work of a Substance Use Navigator is emotionally and mentally taxing. We give our hearts to this work, often with limited visible success. Yet, those rare success stories remind us of the profound impact we can have, preparing us to continue engaging with and supporting patients in need. It is the values of chardi kala and seva that allow me to hold the emotional weight of my patients' struggles and keep working toward their well-being, one day at a time. Together, we make each day a little lighter until they are able to regain a better quality of life and become a source of hope for others. Chardi kala and seva are the guiding principles that drive me as a Substance Use Navigator, and they are the seeds from which my work grows.
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