Everyday mysticism: Spiritual development in later adulthood |
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Authors: | Robert C Atchley |
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Institution: | (1) Scripps Gerontology Center, Miami University, 45056 Oxford, Ohio |
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Abstract: | Most cultures contain a belief that aging, with its long span of life experience, can lead to spiritual growth or development.
Theories of spiritual development have focused primarily on stages of spiritual growth, with less attention to its relation
to the cultural life course. This paper posits that contemplative, mystical experience is the primary psychological dynamic
that enables the qualitative change in life perspective that we associate with spiritual growth. While theoretically possible
at any adult age, this shift in perspective is correlated with physical and psychological aging, with the relaxation of social
demands that typifies the life stages of later adulthood, and with the simple, close-to-home lives led by many individuals
after age 75. |
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Keywords: | spiritual development spirituality adult development |
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