Learning Through Spiritual Encounters
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Authors
Laing, Barbara
Date
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Adult spirituality , Spirituality and learning , Adult education , Spiritual autobiography and memoir
Alternative Title
Abstract
This qualitative study built upon prior research on spirituality in higher education and was informed by my own interests in spiritual memoir. The study used heuristic phenomenology and narrative research methodologies to explore how attentiveness, willingness, and responsiveness are present when learning takes place through spiritual encounters. In Phase 1, 140 Canadian adults responded to a survey asking whether respondents had a self-identified spiritual encounter that taught them something. The questionnaire also included questions about the nature of the learning, spiritual identity, comfort levels discussing spirituality, and the impact of COVID-19. In Phase 2, 10 participants from Phase 1 were interviewed, resulting in first-person narratives co-created by myself and the participants. A multi-layered process of coding was undertaken on the full data set, which included the questionnaire responses and the narratives. Twelve themes emerged, suggesting that learning from spiritual encounters often happened at times of death and dying, involved a voice or a presence, took place in the natural world, and/or involved a heightened awareness of the body, senses, and emotions. Participants were often willing to ask questions or to take leaps of courage. In response to a spiritual encounter, participants reported making lifestyle or identity changes. The study suggested that spiritual encounters are not ineffable; many participants were precise with language and thoughtful in their descriptions. Other factors, such as fear of ridicule or judgement, respect for their own boundaries, or another’s capacity to receive their story with care, influenced their decision to share. This research suggested that the conceptual framework of attentiveness, willingness, and responsiveness, related to Quaker processes of spiritual discernment, may be a useful reflexive tool in approaching learning through spiritual encounters. Implications for professionals working in education, healthcare, wellness settings, ministry, and sustainability were explored. New reflections on work cited in the literature were also discussed, including implications for graduate courses on spirituality in adult education, spiritual autobiography, and future research.
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Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
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Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.