Transpersonal Dimensions In Islamic Spirituality,
2019
Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi Society, Mill Valley, CA, USA
Transpersonal Dimensions In Islamic Spirituality, Nikos Yiangou
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies
The Sufi tradition that arose within Islam describes a compelling and varied map of the self and its transformations. Over the span of a millennium of practice and discourse, Sufis have explored and detailed the stages of the journey of selftransformation towards their ultimate aim of union with the One. Their models of the spiritual journey and of the emergent transpersonal self, extensively contextualized in phenomenology, epistemology, theology and ontology, offer singular insights into a richly detailed holistic psychology of self-realization and the making of the complete human.
Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy For Existential Suffering: Facilitating Self-Transcendence At The End-Of-Life,
2019
Concordia University of Edmonton, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy For Existential Suffering: Facilitating Self-Transcendence At The End-Of-Life, Kevin O. St. Arnaud
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies
Although existential suffering is amongst the most devastating forms of distress experienced by many patients nearing the end-of-life, it is often unsatisfactorily addressed due to a paucity of effective interventions. However, both historic and recent studies of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy have reported marked alleviation of this suffering. As such, this article seeks to advance the rationale for the use of psychedelic substances in the provision of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for patients nearing the end-of-life. It begins with an overview of the classic psychedelics and their application in psychotherapy, highlighting recent studies. This is followed with a conceptual overview of existential suffering at …
Spiritual Emergence(Y), Psychosis, And Personality: Investigating The Role Of Schizotypy,
2019
School of Psychology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
Spiritual Emergence(Y), Psychosis, And Personality: Investigating The Role Of Schizotypy, Kylie P. Harris, Adam J. Rock, Gavin C. Clark
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies
Spiritual emergency (SEY) refers to a process of spiritual emergence (SE) or awakening that becomes traumatic for an individual, leading to a state of psychological crisis. There is evidence that SE(Y) is associated with both psychotic symptomatology and personality traits. This study examined the relationship between SE(Y), psychotic symptoms, and schizotypy, a construct that addresses psychotic-like personality traits in the general population. A total of 250 participants completed an anonymous online questionnaire. Results showed that SE(Y) was positively correlated with positive symptoms of psychosis and schizotypy, but demonstrated only very weak to no correlations with negative symptoms of psychosis and …
Promoting Spiritual Wellness On A College Campus Through Community Based Participatory Research,
2019
University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
Promoting Spiritual Wellness On A College Campus Through Community Based Participatory Research, Regina Idoate, Melissa Tibbits, Mark Gilbert, Michele Marie Desmarais, Christopher M. Fisher, Alicia Bower, Daniel J. Shipp, Joe Kaminski
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies
This case study describes an initiative to promote spiritual wellness on a public state college campus and demonstrates evidence of the effectiveness of taking a community-based approach. We employed the community readiness model to develop an initiative to promote spiritual wellness in a Midwestern state university. We recruited informants through purposeful sampling and conducted interviews, both pre- and post-initiative launch. Baseline data was used to inform initiative efforts. The community’s level of readiness to promote spiritual wellness increased from stage three, vague awareness, at baseline to stage six, initiation, at follow up. Although these findings are specific to our community, …
Entheogenic And Nature-Oriented Transpersonal Experiences, And Inspirations And Challenges Of Ecological And Sociopolitical Activism: Applying Participatory Action Research, Heuristic Inquiry, And Thematic Analysis To Empower Activists,
2019
Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, Palo Alto, CA, USA
Entheogenic And Nature-Oriented Transpersonal Experiences, And Inspirations And Challenges Of Ecological And Sociopolitical Activism: Applying Participatory Action Research, Heuristic Inquiry, And Thematic Analysis To Empower Activists, Heather L. Walker
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies
In original research on empowering adult North Americans who aspire to address the ecological crisis (N = 21), heuristic inquiry, participatory action research, and thematic analysis were applied to examining the challenges and inspirations to coresearchers' broadly defined activism. The following themes emerged: Entheogenic and nature-oriented transpersonal and awe-evoking experiences; identifying origins of the ecological crisis; high and low political efficacy—inspired activism; relations with nature increased wellbeing; psychospiritual development and activism were mutually stimulating; challenges to activism and nurturing selfgrowth to overcome challenges; individuation needs inspired and were a challenge to activism; ecologically conscious collaboration and lifestyle transformation fostered psychospiritual …
An Embodied Spiritual Inquiry Into The Nature Of Human Boundaries: Outcomes Of A Participatory Approach To Transpersonal Education And Research,
2019
California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco, CA, USA
An Embodied Spiritual Inquiry Into The Nature Of Human Boundaries: Outcomes Of A Participatory Approach To Transpersonal Education And Research, Olga R. Sohmer, Ross C. Baumann, Jorge N. Ferrer
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies
Embodied spiritual inquiry (ESI) is a radical approach to integral and transpersonal education and research offered as a graduate course at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS). Inspired by elements of participatory research and cooperative inquiry, ESI applies interactive embodied meditations to access multiple ways of knowing (e.g., somatic, vital, emotional, mental, contemplative) and mindfully inquire into collaboratively decided questions. This article presents the learning outcomes of an inquiry into the nature of human boundaries within and between co-inquirers, providing an example of how ESI is implemented in the classroom and can be used to study transpersonal subject matter. …
Relational Inquiry: Seven-Years Practicing Seven Relationships,
2019
The Centre of Relational Inquiry, Byron Bay, NSW, Australia
Relational Inquiry: Seven-Years Practicing Seven Relationships, Gregg Lahood
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies
Greetings from Byron Bay—what follows is a postcard version of a seven-year cycle of relational inquiry retrospectively nicknamed The Rainbow of Desire. I outline our practices, explore five basic fields in our approach to new paradigm research, and present an updated version of my seven relationships model as a heuristic for understanding and participating in relational inquiry. As a contemporary spiritual expression, with roots in the Greek-Socratic tradition of research, and informed by Gestalt practice (not psychotherapy), this account may also be of value for persons interested in further Gestalt-transpersonal inquiry, research, and learning.
An Illustration Of Cooperative Inquiry Design: Finding Our Way To Precious Knowledge, Together,
2019
San Jose State University, San Jose, CA, USA
An Illustration Of Cooperative Inquiry Design: Finding Our Way To Precious Knowledge, Together, Susan L. Ross
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies
Although transpersonal psychology and practices are inherently holistic, vitally informed by an ontology of interconnectedness, and fundamentally open to practices that challenge hegemonic norms in research practices, the use of participatory methods that implement these ideals, remains scarce. The purpose of this paper is to reveal the details of the transpersonal research I co-conducted, which used Cooperative Inquiry to analyze the transpersonal phenomenon of psychospiritual transformation, for researchers and practitioners who seek an example to guide their investigations. My intent is to stimulate enthusiasm for this method by providing an overview of cooperative inquiry followed by a detailed account of …
The Mushroom, The Frog, And The Rainbow Of Desire: A Participatory-Psychedelic Spiritual Emergence,
2019
The Centre of Relational Inquiry, Byron Bay, NSW, Australia
The Mushroom, The Frog, And The Rainbow Of Desire: A Participatory-Psychedelic Spiritual Emergence, Gregg Lahood
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies
This article will explore a spiritual emergency through a myth or fairy tale that emerged at the same time I had a frightening brush with death. Two days before the accident I had ingested psilocybin mushrooms. Michael Washburn, among other transpersonal theorists, will be used to interpret, amplify and re-frame this potential ‘psychotic episode’ with ‘borderline features’ into something more, perhaps, on the threshold of a shamanic initiation in a liminal state. The mythic sequence in my story anticipates the death-rebirth (perinatal pattern) and evolution of consciousness in the LSD research of Stanislav Grof; an evolution given epic participatory elucidation …
An Interview With John Heron: Exploring The Interface Between Cooperative Inquiry And Transpersonal Studies,
2019
South Pacific Centre for Human Inquiry, Orewa, New Zealand
An Interview With John Heron: Exploring The Interface Between Cooperative Inquiry And Transpersonal Studies, John Heron, Olga R. Sohmer
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies
In this interview, John Heron—the founder of cooperative inquiry (CI; Heron, 1996, 1998)—discusses this experiential, participatory approach to research and learning with participatory research special issue guest editor Olga Sohmer. After presenting a summary of cooperative inquiry, Heron and Sohmer discuss CI in the context of transpersonal studies, including past and prospective future applications. Questioning the emphasis on “trans” in transpersonal, Heron unfolds the three dimensions of human spirituality that CI engages and offers a vision for transpersonal studies in light of CI ideals. Additional themes that are explored include cultivating authentic relationships in CI, the role of the nonhuman …
Assessing The Effectiveness Of Core-Shamanism On A Group Of Westerners: A Brief Research Report,
2019
University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
Assessing The Effectiveness Of Core-Shamanism On A Group Of Westerners: A Brief Research Report, Joanic Masson, Yannick Gounden, Charlemagne Simplice Moukouta, Amal Bernoussi, Antoine Saurat
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies
A study was conducted on Western adults who participated in a group undergoing initiation into therapeutic shamanism. It investigated how shamanic work could be a factor triggering changes in persons who never had been previously immersed in such a tradition. Five groups, each composed of six people for a total of 30 participants, met eight times over a period of four months. Analyzing questions asked of the 27 who completed the program resulted in the following identified themes: experiences of the group, trust in the shamanic practitioner, raised awareness of their feeling states, experiences of the shamanic journeys, understanding of …
05. Leadership And Communication,
2018
Illinois Math and Science Academy
05. Leadership And Communication, Illinois Mathematics And Science Academy
CORE
This module covers several topics in communication beyond public speaking. It emphasizes the importance of communication in general and how it relates to leadership. First, students will explore the ideas and applications of negotiation in leadership. To give students the skills to effectively speak and negotiate, the module also allows students to practice concepts of nonverbal communication such as subconscious body language. The module also demonstrates how a leader can use manipulation and persuasion, as well as the distinction between the two topics. Finally, the module has students critically analyze the ethics and necessity of political correctness.
Never Again! Surviving Liberalized Prostitution In Germany,
2018
Psychologische Psychotherapeutin
Never Again! Surviving Liberalized Prostitution In Germany, Sandra Norak, Ingeborg Kraus
Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence
This article, co-authored by a six-year survivor of the sex trade industry in Germany (Sandra Norak) and a psychologist and trauma therapist (Ingeborg Kraus), provides perspectives on the difficulty of withstanding the coercion of traffickers and the difficulties of exiting prostitution in a country in which prostitution has been legalized, normalized and made “a job like any other.” This normalization persuades survivors to believe their traffickers that it is a legitimate occupation and encourages them to endure the violence. Liberalization also has prevented the development of needed trauma services to those seeking to exit the sex trade industry.
After Awakening, The Laundry: Is Nonduality A Spiritual Experience?,
2018
California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco, California, USA
After Awakening, The Laundry: Is Nonduality A Spiritual Experience?, Jenny Wade
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies
Historically the exclusive purview of contemplative religious paths, awakening into nonduality was considered the pinnacle of human attainment, even if, in some traditions, it proved to be the threshold to even more sublime states. Awakening was traditionally available only to dedicated elite seekers, usually renunciates who practiced for years in monastic communities, their progress directed by the authorities of their lineage. Today technologies for creating the electroencephalographic signatures of advanced meditators are available for purchase, and esoteric religious practices like Zen meditation and asana yoga have been secularized as stress-reduction techniques and physical exercise, respectively. Increased numbers of teachers of …
Table Of Contents—Masthead,
2018
California Institute of Integral Studies
Does Spiritual Awakening Exist? Critical Considerations In The Study Of Transformative Postconventional Development,
2018
California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco, California, USA
Does Spiritual Awakening Exist? Critical Considerations In The Study Of Transformative Postconventional Development, Glenn Hartelius
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies
N/A
Transcendence From Below: The Embodied Feminine Mysticism Of Marion Woodman,
2018
California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco, California, USA
Transcendence From Below: The Embodied Feminine Mysticism Of Marion Woodman, Lora L. Menter
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies
This article outlines the mystical path followed by Jungian analyst and author Marion Woodman. It unpacks the mystical aspects of Jungian psychology and uses Woodman’s life as a lens to view how the practice of mysticism can operate within alternative psycho-religious belief systems. Woodman deeply embraces mysticism as a transformative, feminist practice by focusing her work on healing the psycho-spiritual effects of patriarchy and the associated repression of women and the body. This paper also discusses how Woodman’s mystical revelations have begun to affect the epistemological foundation of Jungian psychology in a way that echoes the embodied and enactive perspective …
Joy, Not Elsewhere Classified—Towards A Contemporary Psychological Understanding Of Spiritual (And Secular) Awakening,
2018
St. Paul University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Joy, Not Elsewhere Classified—Towards A Contemporary Psychological Understanding Of Spiritual (And Secular) Awakening, Kelly Kilrea
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies
N/A
An Explication Of All Cogent Scientific Conceptualizations Regarding The Non-Dual: Finding Nothing To Write,
2018
University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
An Explication Of All Cogent Scientific Conceptualizations Regarding The Non-Dual: Finding Nothing To Write, Harris L. Friedman
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies
Sometimes more is less, even within scholarly writing, known for its all too frequent verbosity. This paper follows approaches that sparingly used words, even to the point of using no words at all. One example of this strategy is a renowned psychology article describing its author’s unsuccessful self-treatment of his own writer’s block, which led to a blank paper (Upper, 1974). Another, in the area of interventions, which are commonly seen as demanding empirical support to evaluate risk-benefit analyses, involved a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of parachutes in preventing deaths. This research was presented, but never conducted—as no controlled trials …
A Neurotheological Approach To Spiritual Awakening,
2018
Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
A Neurotheological Approach To Spiritual Awakening, Andrew B. Newberg, Mark R. Waldman
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies
A neurotheological approach suggests an analysis of spiritual awakening experiences by combining phenomenological data with neuroscience. This paper presents a synthesis combining information on the thoughts, feelings, and experiences associated with spiritual awakening experiences and neurophysiological data, primarily from neuroimaging studies, to help assess which brain structures might be associated with these experiences. Brain structures involved with emotions correlate with emotional responses while areas of the brain associated with the sense of self appear to correlate with the key feature of these experiences in which an individual loses the sense of self and feels intimately connected with God, universal consciousness, …
