Spirituality Groups
Additional Information
Meeting as a group can add a wonderful dynamic especially when discussing matters of the spirit. Each person brings knowledge and wisdom that can aid others better understand themselves. Whenever we interact with one another there is not only a transfer of words, body language, and empirical content, but also a transfer of immaterial energy. This is called intersubjectivity and simply being aware of it can help reduce stress and anxiousness in everyday life.
Group Examples:
Spirituality 101: Spirituality and religion are two oft confused ideas that can be difficult to define because of the varying opinions, literature, and thoughts that pervade the cultural landscape. Though slowly declining, 89% of Americans still have belief in God or a universal spirit (Wormald, 2015) and 40% of those that are unaffiliated with any organized religion such as agnostics and atheists have “regular feelings of spiritual peace and wellbeing” (Maski and Lipka, 2016).
Intentions:
• Participants will learn about the differences between spirituality and religion.
• Participants will be encouraged to broaden and deepen their spiritual perspective.
• Participants will assess their individual spiritual health.
Spiritual Distress: Spirituality and religion can offer protective factors that help individuals resiliently bounce back from life’s traumas. Spiritual pain however can be and often is a symptom of physical and psychological pain. Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, shame, and depression are common to those suffering from real or perceived loss. This can occur when a person’s beliefs/worldview are in conflict with actual reality (O'Neill and Mako, 2011). Research suggests people with a more realistic worldview/belief system who take into account both beauty and suffering may lead lives that are more meaningful and peaceful (Drescher and Foy, 1995).
Intentions:
• Participants will learn about and discuss the big questions that predominate life.
• Participants will learn how various cultures and spiritual traditions manage life’s difficult questions.
• Participants will assess their belief system/worldview and develop ways to strengthen it.
References:
Drescher, K. D., & Foy, D. W. (1995). Spirituality and trauma treatment: Suggestions for including spirituality as a coping resource. National Center for PTSD Clinical Quarterly, 5 (1), 4-5.
Masci, David, and Michael Lipka. "Americans May Be Getting Less Religious, but Feelings of Spirituality Are on the Rise." Pew Research Center. N.p., 21 Jan. 2016. Web. 10 July 2017.
O'Neill, Mary T, DMin, BCC, & Mako, Caterina,ThM., B.C.C. (2011). Addressing spiritual pain. HealthProgress, 92 (1), 42-5.
Wormald, Benjamin. "U.S. Public Becoming Less Religious." Pew Research Center's Religion & Public Life Project. 02 Nov. 2015. Web. 07 July 2017.