Content area
Full Text
Abstract: This study examined the subjective daily experiences of motherhood as potential opportunities for spiritual awareness and personal transformation. It explored how an enduring commitment to fostering a child through adoption, marriage or conception may lead mothers to embrace a broadened perspective in life that mirrors the core spiritual values of world religions and perennial wisdom traditions. A qualitative analysis of 22 interviews revealed 6 overlapping and interrelated themes: (a) unconditional love and interdependence (b) transcending ego or self-centeredness (c) compassion and empathy, (d) mindfulness and heightened awareness, (e) meaning and purpose in life (f) faith and a higher power.
Keywords: Motherhood, Spirituality, Parenthood
In the last decade there has been a renewed interest in the conceptualization of spirituality with increasing consensus on its definition. Researchers attempting to locate it within a multidimensional framework have identified the following common and interrelated components: self-transcendence, interconnection with people and nature, meaning and purpose, unfolding process of discovery, heightened awareness and senses, enhancement of inner resources, experiences of the sacred or mystery, unconditional love, and ability to manage cognitive complexity such as paradox and ambiguity (DeHoff, 1998; Dyson, 1997; Epple, 2003; Hamilton & Jackson, 1998; LaPierre, 1994; Lines, 2002; McSherry & Cash, 2004; McSherry, Cash, & Ross, 2004; L. Miller & Kelley, 2005; W.R. Miller & Thoresen, 2003; Rose, 2001; Tanyi; 2003; Wink & Dillon, 2002).
In addition, there is increasing empirical support for the positive impact of spirituality on the adaptive functioning of individuals across the lifespan for coping and health (Gall, Charbonneau, Clarke, Grant & Shouldice, 2005; Hill & Pargament, 2003; Koenig 2001; L. Miller, Davies, & Greenwald, 2000; L. Miller, 2006; Powell, Shahabi, & Thorsesn, 2003; Seeman, Dubin & Seeman, 2003; Wong, Rew, & Slaikey, 2006). Studies have shown that spirituality can catalyze an affirmative change in interpersonal goals, foster a sense of self-perceived healing, ameliorate anxiety and depression, decrease effects of negative life events, and reduce addictions and compulsions (Hamilton, 1998; Kendler, Gardner & Prescott; 1997; Koenig, McCullough, & Larson, 2001; Powell et ah, 2003; Regnerus, Smith & Fritsch, 2003). Some scholars have gone as far as naming spirituality the best organizing principle in existence, a powerful transformative dynamic that unifies inner fragmentation and promotes self-actualization (Emmons, 2003, Epple, 2003, Goddard, 1995,...