An East-West Doctoral Dissertation Defense
Aging in the Lives of Contemplatives: A Narrative Inquiry into the Meaning and Purpose of Aging Through the Stories of Two Contemplatives, One a Southern Buddhist and One an Ignatian Practitioner.
By John (Connors) McConville
Abstract:
Aging is a distinct experience that carries with it the potential for dynamic growth and a richer and fuller understanding of what it means to be human. This research is a narrative inquiry, using a holistic-content perspective methodology, to explore how contemplative practitioners experience aging by asking the question, “What meaning and purpose do contemplative practitioners attribute to their aging?” This study merges the academic and wisdom teachings from the disciplines of developmental psychology and spirituality by asking two contemplatives, one a Southern Buddhist and one an Ignatian practitioner, to tell their stories of aging and what they understand, through their experience, as the meaning and purpose of aging. After an analysis of the stories and other relevant data, this research brings the interpretation into dialogue with two specific areas of studies, the first being the respective spiritual teachings of the participants, especially in regard to the experience of aging and the second is with C. G. Jung’s theory of individuation and Erik Erikson’s 8th stage of psychosocial development. The goal is to further the ever growing and lively discussions on aging, not only to support and affirm the aging process but also to establish a working body of information that can serve as a resource for seminars and workshops on aging.
California Institute of Integral Studies
October 19, 2023
31 окт 2023
