1. Chapter 7: Stress and Human Spirituality The winds of grace are blowing perpetually. We only need raise our sails. - Sri Ramakrishna - Sri Ramakrishna

2. Defining spirituality The concept of spirituality has no agreed upon definition; however, it seems to include aspects of: The concept of spirituality has no agreed upon definition; however, it seems to include aspects of: – higher consciousness- faith – transcendence- enlightenment – self-reliance- mysticism – self- efficacy- self-assertiveness – self-actualization - community – love- bonding

3. Defining spirituality n Viktor Frankl: –“Spirituality does not have a religious connotation, but refers specifically to the human dimension.”

4. Theories of human spirituality n the path of Carl Jung – access your divine unconscious n the path of M. Scott Peck – follow the road to spiritual growth n the path of Hildegard von Bingen – life is a mystery to embrace n the path of Black Elk – embrace Mother Earth spirituality

5. Jung’s view of the mind Conscious mind Unconscious mind Collective unconscious

6. Jung n Mystical studies –Intuition –Dreams –Clairvoyance n Transpersonal / Psychospiritual n Synchronicity n Archetypes n The Shadow

7. Peck’s concept of spirituality Stage 1 Chaotic, antisocial individual Stage 2 Formal institutional individual Stage 4 Mystic-communal individual Stage 3 Skeptic individual

8. Path of Hildegard of Bingen n Visionary, poet, composer, healer, artist, saint (1098-1179) n Soul is boundless and contains dreams, hopes, wishes, desires. n Soul is not found in the body; rather, the body resides in the soul.

9. Native American Medicine Wheel Path of Quiet mental health through the lines of nature Path of Sun respectful of self, all people, and environment Path of Introspection soul searching to find balance Path of Peace youth and wonder

10. Theories of human spirituality n the path of Matthew Fox - creation spirituality n the path of Deepak Chopra – honor the seven universal laws of spirituality n the path of Joan Borysenko – employ spiritual optimism n the path of Lao Tsu – find balance and harmony in life

11. Fox’s creation spirituality Via positiva Awe and wonder, appreciation of all Via negativa Emptying of thoughts, feelings, etc that smother Via transformativa Struggle, compassion, celebration Via creativa Breakthrough of enlightenment

12. Personal Cosmology (relationship to the divine) n Cultivate relationship: –What poets do you read? –What music moves you? –What acts of creation are you involved with? –What social issues are your passion? –What work do you most love doing? –What pain is in your emptiness? –When do you feel a connection to the universe?

13. Path of Borysenko n Mind and Spirit play crucial roles in health and healing. n Shame, guilt, expectations of who we SHOULD be rather than who we really ARE – cause stress. n Stress is a lack of connectedness. n Guilt is one of the largest obstacles to spiritual growth.

14. Path of Deepak Chopra n The Law of Pure Potentiality n The Law of Giving n The Law of Karma (or cause and effect) n The Law of Least Effort n The Law of Intention and Desire n The Law of Detachment n The Law of Dharma or Life Purpose

15. Four principles of Taoism Principle of dynamic balance yin and yang Principle of harmonious action Harmony = moderation, wu wei = wait for right moment Principle of cyclical growth recognize & appreciate cycles Principle of oneness part of the whole

16. Theories of human spirituality n the path of Jesus of Nazareth – practice unconditional love n the path of Joseph Campbell –myths - literature of the spirit n the path of Einstein – all life is energy, with a divine purpose

17. Path of Jesus n Through love, all things are possible. n No conditions or expectations placed on the expression of love. n Forgiveness is a crucial element.

18. Path of Joseph Campbell n Myths, legends, stories from all cultures contain many parallels n Hero’s journey –Departure –Initiation –Return

19. Einstein and Others n All matter composed of energy n Time and space are NOT two separate continuums n Consciousness is a form of energy surrounding, permeating, connecting all living objects. n Thoughts are energy: negative thoughts expressed by electrons; positive thoughts through photons n Nonlocal mind: thoughts are not bound by time or space

20. Common themes of spirituality Centering Emptying Grounding Connecting

21. A model of spirituality n relationships – insightful internal relationship – divine personifications – external relationships n personal value system n meaningful purpose in life

22. A model of spirituality n spiritual potential (human traits such as creativity, intuition, patience, courage, love, optimism) n spiritual health (emotional responses and behaviors that expand limits of human potential) n roadblocks (laziness, greed, despair, anger, fear, low self-esteem, addictions) n Interventions (meditation – increased self-awareness) n utilizing our inner resources