Annotated Bibliography Report:

Spirituality & Relationships

Integral parts of emotional intelligence

 

By Sheree Robinson

Fall 2002¾Generation 17

Dr. Leon James, Instructor

Instructions for this report can be accessed here

 

 

 

Introduction: There are so many ways to express ourselves spiritually on an individual basis, but trying to implement spirituality into a relationship between a man and a woman can be more difficult. In the following bibliographies, I have attempted to explore the differences in men and women in several areas of the self—spiritually, emotionally, biologically and mentally—and how these differences can be overcome by finding a common ground through various forms of spirituality.

 

 

A.  Black and White – Love and Hate

How men and women differ in handling relationships

 

1.    Born This Way

2.    Gender Differences & Violence

3.    Mirror Image

4.    Opposites Attract

5.    Male Spirituality

6.    Female Spirituality

7.    Relationship Spirituality

 

B.  Road of Happy Destiny

Forms of Spirituality in society today

 

1.    EI or SI?

2.    Spiritual Exploitation

3.    Daily Spiritual Experience

4.    Higher Self

5.    The Process

6.    Choices

7.    Inner Sports

8.    Spiritual Samples

9.    Spiritual Psychology

10.Harmony in Sexuality

 

       Conclusion

       

   References

 

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A. Black and White – Love and Hate

How men and women differ in handling relationships

 

 

A1. Born This Way

 

The Brain Game-What’s Sex Got to Do With It? ABC NEWS.com. July 31, 2002.

 

Website: http://abcnews.go.com/onair/DailyNews/braingame020731.html

 

a) This article discusses the difference in the way men and women's brains are designed and the way they function. It points out behavioral differences in childhood through adulthood. Some variations are examined such as overall brain size, IQ, cerebral cortex and corpus callosum, spatial abilities, dispositions, academic abilities and psychological disorders. They give some theories through research to where these begin, the role environment plays, and how these differences affect choices.

“The reasons behind these differences have fueled arguments for generations and continue to do so today. Is it our biology, or our culture? Many scientists say it's all in our heads, or, more precisely, in the way men's and women's brains are designed and the way they function.”

b) Begins with good example: male/female differences in driving. If you have ever been in a relationship, you can relate to this one. Why do women always have to be the navigators? In addition, why do men insist they know the better route! This is some really good research information. The site even has link to a brain quiz that examines your brain’s gender.

I took this test and scored 100 points, which is in the women’s range. Men usually score between 1-50 points and women between 50-100 points. I am curious as to how they come up with their scoring system. Some of the questions are obvious differences but some I cannot see the correlation. An example of this was the question, “You hear an indistinct meow. Without looking around, how well can you place the cat?”

c) However, this is a good site and I would suggest others take the test. I agree with the statement they made that our gender role in each culture is a direct result of the way we make choices. One of the factors in decision-making is our brain and its differences.

I can tell you though that I was afraid that I would score a really male gender score in this test. However, I found myself disappointed that I scored such a feminine score. I do not like to think of myself as a “really girly girl.”

d) Found this article by using the words “male and female differences.” Was searching on AOL. Was not difficult to find. Back to top

 

 

A2. Gender Differences & Violence

 

Sugihara, Y. and Warner J. Dominance and Domestic Abuse Among Mexican Americans: Gender Differences in the Etiology of Violence in Intimate Relationships. Journal of Family Violence. 17(4): 315-340; Dec 2002

Website: http://www.kluweronline.com/issn/0885-7482

a) Research examines male/female differences in dominance and aggressive behavior in intimate relationships. Three hundred and sixteen Mexican American men and women took the Dominance Scale and the Conflict Tactics Scale 2 (CTS2). Excerpts from abstract:

“Results showed that power and possessiveness were associated with all types of aggressive behavior. Dominance was, however, expressed differently by men and women…Decision-making power was also associated with physical assault, and high devaluation with inflicting injury among men…

 

Among women, high power was only associated with physical assault, whereas possessiveness was associated with psychological aggression and physical assault. Devaluation was also high among women who inflicted injury on their male partners.”

b) First reaction was interest. Finding links to gender differences in domestic violence and aggressive behavior is important. After reading the article, I found that although this article concentrated on Mexican male and female relationships, any of these characteristics could be found in other ethnic groups.

In my opinion, any abusive relationship has the same characteristics. One of the first things an abused woman is made to understand when entering a battered women’s’ home is that their situation is not unique. The behaviors and comments directed towards them by an abuser are identical most of the time to other women’s abusive relationship. This is important because many women think if they just do something different the next time, he will change.

c) Topic needs much more investigation. Devaluation and its link to power is an issue spirituality might help resolve. One of the problems in an abusive relationship is both parties make their mate their higher power. Consequently, their expectations of this partner to fulfill their every need (such as a higher power would) cause them anger when the other half does not fulfill this role.

In addition, in abusive relationships the woman takes on the identity of the mans. When the relationship is threatened therefore, the woman feels as though she I losing her whole identity. These women need to build an identity of their own in order to not feel like a non-entity if the relationship ends. In this manner, the woman can see leaving as an option.

d) Found this article by using the words “gender differences.” Was searching on Hawaii State Library and AOL. Was difficult to find. Back to top

 

 

A3. Mirror Images

 

Harris, Bea. Creating Successful Relationships. Ethnos Channel.

 

Website: http://www.ethoschannel.com/personalgrowth/bea/1_b-harris.html

a) Ethos Channel featured presentation by Bea Harris discussing creating successful relationships. Discusses the fact that each relationship we have in this world either reflects a part of ourselves we like or dislike.

“So, if a behavior in someone annoys us, then we need to check our self to find out where that is in our self, where that shows up in ourselves. Is that a behavior that we ourselves exhibit? Is it something that we feel, but we do not think it would be accepted so we keep it in check? Is it something that we used to do and used to be our behavior and we've corrected it?”

b) When we say the word relationship, we usually exclude all relationships except romantic ones. All of the relationships we develop in this world have commonality. We interact much the same many relationships. This usually has to do with how we perceive the world, not how they perceive us.

It has been said that usually when we feel a disturbance in our serenity, there is something wrong with us. Some people might say “How can that be? He/she is the one with the worng behavior, its all their fault!” But once a person understands that they are powerless over other peoples’ actions and what decisions they make, they can accept better this idea.

c) This website is just an example of the authors work and very short, but it contains some good foundational  truths on relationships. There is also a short video included by Bea Harris on relationships.

 

I agree with her statement that we need to listen to what others are saying without having contempt prior to investigation. This is another tool one can use in order to accept anothers’ behavior. If we stay open-monded when listening to others’ point of view we can learn more about them and therefore be able to see them more as a fallable human being just like us all with good point and bad points.

 

 

d) I found this article by using the words “relationships + spirituality.” Searching on Google. Not difficult to find. Back to top

 

 

A4. Opposites Attract

 

Hoff, B. Intimacy and the Magic of Differences, An Interview with Jim Sniechowski and Judith Sherven. Men's Voices journal. Vol. 1 #2 (Spring 1998)

Website: http://www.vix.com/menmag/jimjudiv.htm

a) An interview with writers Jim Sniechowski and Judith Sherven. Has to do with couples appreciating their differences. Covers all aspects of the relationship including spirituality.

“Simply put, the spiritual dimension in relationship occurs when I get outside my self-centered reality and I include Jim's reality as being just as valuable as mine. Now I enter the world in a way that allows me to value more and more of what's here, that's beyond me. Then I can expand my appreciation beyond Jim, to include all of you and more and more elements of the world, and I live more in the spirit of being here, rather than just in my own small self.”

b) This couple gives a viewpoint on building relationships from a reference point of years of experience. I admire older couples that have stuck through the years of “riding the roller coaster” together. My own parents are celebrating their own 50th anniversary next year. I have seen them have times agreeing with one another and times of really disagreeing with one another. They even separated for a period.

However, I have also seen them work very hard to communicate and overcome these differences. Trying to find a new and foreign way to communicate after years of one way can be very difficult. Nevertheless, one has to weigh the bad and good in every relationship. If the good about a person far outweighs the bad, it is worth trying to overcome the impasses. Change is difficult for anyone, but if a relationship is truly worth saving, people should not just run away thinking they will find “the perfect person” out there for them. I think that is a myth. That person does not exist.

c) This website is very insightful and includes an upbeat sense of humor. I think when trying to make any relationship work, one has to have sense of humor about life in general to a certain extent.

Agree with the open-minded philosophies. It is difficult for most people to change their ideals to fit another’s, but this can be done with lots of hard work, commitment and responsibility. There are many factors to making a relationship work and no one should enter a long-term relationship with realizing that there will be ups and downs.

d) Found this article by using the words “relationships+spirituality.” Searching on AOL. Not difficult to find. Back to top

 

 

A5. Male Spirituality

 

Drury, K. Male spirituality. Money Sex and Spiritual Power.
Wesley Press. 1992.

 

Website: http://www.indwes.edu/tuesday/9male.htm

a) Discusses the difference in the nature of male and female spirituality. Claims churches cheat men spiritually and modern religion is feminized. Addresses many interesting questions.

          “Are women really more spiritual than men? Did God make men more evil? On the other hand, could men just think they are less spiritual? Could they be comparing themselves with a false picture of Jesus and losing out? Are they saying, "Nope, I'm not like Him... my wife's more like that." Are they measuring themselves against a feminized view of Jesus? Have they been permanently imprinted by the Sugar-Jesus of Sunday School? Do the "Snakes, and frogs, and puppy dog tails" in their own life constantly remind them that they aren't as "Christ-like" as their wife or girlfriend?”

b) Good descriptors of male spiritual characteristics. I think he brings up some valid points as to how men feel about the image of Christ they have been given as a child and how that fits into societies macho expectations of men. I am sure this can be really confusing and contradicting for men.

This article may be a little over the edge but asks some valid questions. Although women might be more in touch with their feelings, do they have more of an ability to be spiritual? Why is it the woman is usually the one dragging the man to find spirituality at church or wherever? Why is it so hard for men to talk about spirituality at times? I think these are interesting questions because men that do not see the necessity of spirituality in their lives as well as their relationships are losing out.

c) Some may find it a little extreme. Especially those that want to believe that teaching Christianity and other religions do not need to change with the times. However, this was written quite a few years ago, as acknowledged at the beginning of article.

But I don’t see too much of a difference in the way things are now and when this article was written thirty something years ago. I think churches and other religious institutions needed to address male issues and how it relates to their form of spirituality more specifically.

d) Article found by using the words “male spirituality.” Searching on AOL.

Not difficult to find. Back to top

 

 

       A6. Female Spirituality

 

Daly, Mary. “After the Death of God the Father.” Commonweal. Know, Inc. Pittsburgh. March 12, 1971. (Documents from the Women's Liberation Movement, An On-line Archival Collection. Special Collections Library, Duke University)

 

Website: http://womenshistory.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fscriptorium.lib.duke.edu%2Fwlm%2Fafter%2F

a) Article about women's liberation and the transformation of Christian consciousness. Rejects the roles of women in Western Christianity and its influence of society.

“The Judaic-Christian tradition has served to legitimate sexually imbalanced patriarchal society… Within this context a mystification of roles takes place: the husband dominating his wife represents God himself. What is happening, of course, is the familiar mechanism by which the images and values of a given society are projected into a realm of beliefs, which in turn justify the social infrastructure.

The belief system becomes hardened and objectified, seeming to have an unchangeable independent existence and validity of its own.”

b) This article was written during feminist movement. These views are also extreme views but relevant. Extremity seems to be a necessary part of change in thought and viewpoints of society. We do not seem to listen to people with new viewpoints, especially on religion and spirituality, unless they cause some disruption.

Society always gets so fearful when someone starts questioning religious standards. But in order for religion to become something all can embrace, there needs to be men and women out their who aren’t afraid they are going to hell if they say what so many of us thin about deep in our minds but afraid to admit. Open discussion about religion and spirituality is the only way more people are going to be able to find a God of their own understanding. Even if it is a doorknob.

c) This article calls for a change in the manner in which women are viewed in religious as well as social context. Invites women to reevaluate their spiritual beliefs about themselves and where/how they originated. Lots people do not even realize where most of the ideas in religious books and doctrine originated.

I think the average person would be shocked to discover that many of the ideas fed to them were not by their own prophets, but subtly changed and/or integrated into the religion by some person or persons looking for power, prestige and the almighty dollar. However, once again, we do not want to look at that.

d) Found this article by using the words “female+spirituality.” Searching on AOL. Difficult to find. Back to top

 

 

 

A7. Relationship Spirituality

 

Westley, J. Spirituality and Relationships. Sun Angel Innovations.

 

Website: http://sun-angel.com/articles/pw/pw894.html

 

a)     This article has to do with spirituality, relationships, and the ability to sustain a relationship though spiritual principles. Westely makes clear some pertinent ideas:

First, the way that we react to our partner in a relationship is from a reference of past history instead of staying in the present moment. Second, the act of giving our power away to another human being, disempowerment. Third, our need to receive acceptance leads to doing everything in our power to please our partner.

b) In order to work on this from a spiritual perspective we need to acknowledge absence of self-love and our yearning to find it. Through this acknowledgement, we find self-empowerment, which allows us to negotiate rather than manipulate.

 When we consider the life path we each follow to be one of spiritual development, and that everything contained in that experience to be a part of our spiritual development, then we must encounter the realization that our relationships too are a part of that development, whether or not we are aware of it, or acknowledge it.”

c) Agree with the idea that our relationships are an integral part of our spiritual growth. Believe our intimate relationships are one of the most intense places we find the pain and joy, trials and triumphs that make up our spiritual growth. Spirituality is a lifetime process and if we have a life partner we will have to grow spiritually together in order to survive.

The idea is difficult for two people to process together, but not impossible. My final opinion was this can be done¾ only if couples can overcome an underlying fear. If they break from their unhealthy way of communicating and change, they might not want to be together anymore.

d) Found this article by using the words relationships and spirituality. Was searching on AOL. Was not difficult to find. Back to top

 

 

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B. Road of Happy Destiny

Forms of Spirituality in society today

 

 

 

B1. EI vs. SI

             

Sichel, Mark, LCSW. What is Spiritual IQ?. Psybersquare.

 

Website: http://www.psybersquare.com/me/me_spiritual_iq.html

a) Attempts to show importance of spiritual intelligence with emotional and mental intelligence. Briefly explains emotional intelligence as per Goleman. Contains a personal story and one definition of spirituality. Defines “Spiritual Quotient” and presents the idea of having better problem-solving abilities because of a high spiritual IQ.

In my experience, a high SQ or "Spiritual Quotient" is the best predictor of happiness, serenity, good self-esteem, and harmonious and loving relationships. People who know how to translate life's problems and struggles into spiritual issues can often find more gratifying and rewarding solutions to these problems through their spiritual IQs.”

b)     I think this was a good comparison to EI. I feel that whether someone is intelligent emotionally or mentally, his or her spiritual intelligence is just as important o make a well-rounded person.

This article explains the problem of stagnation of spiritual life and it effects well. It has some important links such as, “Are you spiritual? How does your spirituality manifest itself? How has your spirituality improved your life? Share your experience with the Psybersquare community.

 

c)     This is only an introductory article for the homepage that leads to these other articles. Nevertheless, I think it brings up some foundational truths about being spiritually intelligent. I agree with his approach to spirituality.

This website also has links to the following issues: me, us, family, work, women, men, anxiety, depression, and recovery. These links lead one to see that the lack of spirituality has a direct link to problems in relationships and many depressive and mental disorders.

d) Found this article by using the word “spirituality.” Was searching on AOL. Was difficult to find. Back to top

 

                            

B2. Spiritual exploitation

 

Dr. Susan G. Shumsky. Divine Revelation- Spiritual Intuition, Meditation and Prayer.

 

Website: http://www.divinerevelation.org/

 

a)     This site has to do with spiritual self-help programs. It offers a myriad of wares including books, tapes, seminars, tours, retreats, artwork and much more to enhance intuition and spiritual development.

 

I am not sure what knid of doctor she is, I couldn’t find it on the website. But I wouldn’t be surprised if it was a doctorate in business. The foremost idea that came across to me in this website is that she is a good merchandiser. She seems to have written several books on “spiritual self-help”, jumping on the bandwagon of evangelist in the media.

 

b) This is a good example of spiritual exploitation. This individual is trying any way they can to exploit people’s desperation to find some path, any path. She is appealing to the emotions. Even has a quiz to find your “meditation IQ.” Note the careful use of emotionalism in the semantics:

“Learn to meditate and contact the divine presence within you. You can find solace and comfort within your own heart of hearts. The indwelling presence is your comforter and protector. Be at peace in divine love.”

b)     This woman is looking for anyway to make money off people’s spiritual desperation. I personally cannot stand it when someone tries to take advantage of people’s spiritual hunger for personal financial gain. I do not believe too much in “sin,” but if it existed, this would be it.

 

I think people should be very careful about their spiritual journey and not jut buy totally into one persons’ approach to spirituality before investigating others. But don’t worry, if you can’t speak English she has Spanish and German versions too.

 

d) Found this article by using the words “spirituality+meditation.”

Was searching on AltaVista. It was not difficult to find. Back to top

 

 

 

B3. Daily Spiritual Experience

 

Underwood, Lynn G; Teresi, Jeanne A. The Daily Spiritual Experience Scale: Development, theoretical description, reliability, exploratory factor analysis, and preliminary construct validity using health-related data. Annals of Behavioral Medicine. Special Issue: Spirituality, Religiousness, and Health: From Research to Clinical Practice. Vol 24(1), Win 2002, pp. 22-33

 

Website:http://libweb.hawaii.edu/uhmlib/databases/er_title.html#PSYCHOLOGY

 

 

a) 16-item Daily Spiritual Experience Scale, DSES developed in research done with four studies. Subjects claim to associate spiritual experiences with uplifting feelings and some sort of serenity.

“Studies using the DSES may identify ways in which this element of life may influence emotion, cognition and behavior, and health or ways in which this element may be treated as an outcome in itself a particular component of well-being.”

b)     A valid research on spirituality. This study presents the idea that certain connections are apparent with health and spirituality. I agree with the idea that having a healthy soul can benefit your physical health.

Several studies have been done on the connection between having a spiritual life and being healthy. This scale addresses reported ordinary experiences of spirituality such as awe, joy that lifts one out of the mundane, and a sense of deep innerpeace.

c)     More studies needed in future, but preliminary evidence showed that daily spiritual experience is related to decreased total alcohol intake, improved quality of life, and positive psychosocial status.

It has been seen in the lives of people for generations that a sense of innerpeace can lead to a happier, healthier life and better relations with others. Why should this be such a mystery today?

d) Found this article by using the words “spiritual experience.” Was searching on PsycINFO, CSA Internet Database. Was difficult to find. Back to top

 

 

B4. Higher Self

 

Who is the higher self?

 

Website: http://groups.google.com/groups?dq=&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&threadm=a30c0b10.0210030942.41a26934%40posting.google.com&prev=/groups%3Fhl%3Den%26lr%3D%26ie%3DUTF-8%26group%3Dalt.spiritual.enhancement

a) Forum discussion on Google in spiritual enhancement category. Focuses on exploring different concepts of a power greater than yourself.

“If our own brain is beyond our understanding, how much more mysterious and incredible is this strange being we call the "Higher Self". What can it be? What "self" can possibly be higher than the one you are already familiar with? If this "self" is truly higher than what we are normally aware of, how can it be truly called "self?””

b) Initial reaction was curiosity. Interesting to hear creative different perspectives on the subject. I do not think people think enough about the own concept of a higher power. They usually just believe what other people tell them to believe. Why do people feel so uncomfortable examining this vital part of our life?

On the other hand, maybe they just do not want to take time. It is hard to see how thinking about something so abstract might in the end be the most beneficial thing for one to do for him or herself, affecting all aspects of life.

c) I try not to over-analyze the subject myself, but for those who have no higher self-concept it is a good place to start. I had been told when I was searching to borrow someone else’s image of a higher power that you feel comfortable with until you create or develop your own.

Agree with one posting that your higher self is what connects you with the spiritual realms. We have spiritual realms touch our lives everyday but we have not developed the awareness sometimes to be in touch with those realms. I think people believe that the definition of a spiritual realm is something separates from our world. I believe this to be true. Once a person has developed a sufficient relationship with a higher power, they continue to grow in their awareness of the spiritual realm touching our world.

d) Found this article by using the word “spirituality.” Searching on Google. Not difficult to find. Back to top

 

 

B5. The Process

 

12 steps online workbook

 

Website: http://www.12stepsworkbook.com/

a) This website includes the 12-steps as used in many 12-step programs. Does a good job of explaining the 12-steps to reaching a spiritual awakening through the format of an online workbook.

Go over the steps and see how they apply to you and your life. I think everyone—whether they are addicted to something or not—can benefit from the 12-steps. They are plain and simply a formula for finding some kind of spiritual foundation for oneself…and we all need that.

b) My initial reaction to the website was skepticism because many sites on the steps (or spirituality in general for that matter) are neurotic. However, this is a good site. It explains the steps in a very articulate manner. It was very informative and easy to understand.

“Joseph Campbell analyzed myths throughout a multitude of cultures in human history. He found striking similarities among them. He pointed out that the "hero journey" of myth is symbolic of the process of personal growth. The Twelve Steps provide a path for such a journey.”

c) Agree with everything, would suggest to anyone. Originally was looking for articles on spirituality, but “relationships” have many links to “spirituality.” Site also provides links to co-dependency, the Serenity Prayer, explanation of the term “higher power,” the “12-step café” (forum/chat), counseling links and this link to “hero journey.”

 

There are other types of relationships- spiritual (your God), family, friends, co-workers, and schoolmates, even strangers. How well you are at handling intimate relationships probably parallels with how you deal with all relationships in your life. Site poses many questions that all people need to ask themselves.

 

d) Found this article by using the word “12-steps” Searching on MSN

Not difficult to find. Back to top

 

 

B6. Choices

 

Choices Magazine

 

Website: http://www.world-net.net/home/dakota/AARecoveryMagazine-ChoicesIndex.htm

a) Online magazine contains articles and links to concepts about spirituality and relationships. Contains an article called “Serenity” which describes and explains a concept of serenity. Comments on relationships with yourself and others.

This magazine is fashioned towards people who are familiar with or belong to a 12 step program, but anyone can benefit from the information on this website. In contrast to other forms of spirituality magazines, it does not give you the feeling like their shoving their beliefs down your throat.

b) Initial reaction to it was skepticism, the website design was very gaudy. First looks can be deceiving. After investigation, found the site contains some valid information and good links. Editor’s corner has a great excerpt from the book “Atlas Shrugged” by Ayn Rand. Has a section with some funny quotations,

If you get to thinking you're a person of some influence, try ordering somebody else's dog around.

c) My final opinion of it was that this is a nice website with some uplifting info on it. I do not agree with everything said in the letter to the editor, but we all have our own opinions.

The great thing about twelve step programs is that you allowed to create your own definition of a higher power. On the other side of the coin, you are expected to respect that everyone had their own definition of a higher power and not force your beliefs on some one else.

d) Found this article by using the word “12-steps.” Searching on MSN. Was not difficult to find. Back to top

 

B7. Inner Sports

Inner sports, the website of S.S.A.C.

Spiritualist Sports and Adventure Club

 

Website: http://www.innersports.org/

 

A) Club integrates sports, meditation and spirituality. Intention is connecting the mind, body and soul through the “inner sport.” Mission statement is as follows:

To inspire and provide opportunities for all people to participate in sport and adventure, regardless of nationality, age, race, economic or other considerations;

To encourage physical, mental and spiritual health and development, through exercise, sports and vegetarian diet;

To integrate the principles and practices of Tantra Yoga with sports and adventures, for the harmony of body, mind and spirit;

To oppose corruption, exploitation and elitism in the field of sport and setting a new standard of values by our own conduct;

To serve the less fortunate members of society

b) Initial reaction was curiosity, “What the heck is this?” Wanted to explore it further. Images of a person from India golfing in a red sari looked quite out of the ordinary. What caught my interest about it was the term “innersports” that was emphasized. Tried to get to the innersports definition link, but it was not up.

Site had many other links. One was “Spiritual Warrior” training. Spiritual warrior “has found their inner spirit or truth and understood that in order to be a human being one has to be attuned to it at all times. This means to struggle and fight against all kinds of inner and outer obstacles. Hence spiritual peace or bliss is a result of fight, personal vigor and application of will-power.” Spiritual warrior training workshops are held at the Quest Center in Pennsylvania.

“Fairway to Heaven” golf site. Fairway in Scotland instructs a spiritual approach to golfing. Site also has a calendar, which included Colorado rafting, and mountain climbing adventures.

c) Site was very disorganized, could not navigate easily. Club connects yoga disciplines, martial arts and nature excursions to train youth and adults in some sort of discipline of the mind body, and soul. Almost like a modernized boy and girl scouts. Agree with the main concepts of it, i.e. young people need some new sort of healthy “rite of passage” today which includes spiritual aspects and a concern for society. Clubs like this could be very useful and attractive to the young and “young at heart” in their search for a spiritual connection.

d) Found this article by using the words ”meditation+spirituality.” Searching on Google. Was not difficult to find. Back to top

 

B8. Spiritual Samples

Spiritcircle

 

Website: http://v.webring.com/hub?ring=spiritcircle

 

a) This website is part of WebRing- it provides concentrations of web sites and focused online communities. This webring has various forms of spirituality on it. Perfect description of site in side bar:

“A circle of online journals and sites that explore spirituality. All paths are represented - sometimes serious, sometimes light-hearted, always moving along the journey toward spirit.”

b) I like this website because you can go through and examine other peoples spiritual beliefs and pick your own personal favorites. A must visit if doing spiritual searching.

This website covers philosophical, psychological and social issues and their connection to spirituality. Some are very intellectual and some are in laymen’s terms. It is a good combination of a little of everything and if you do not find something there to fit your interests there has to be something wrong.

c) The unlimited and varied selection of links to spiritual websites include chat rooms and advice on specific subjects. Personal favorites:

Divine Lady: Spiritual Advice & Relationship Insights

Perceptions Unlimited

d) Found this article by using suggested web link www.larkfarm.com. Was searching on AOL. Was not difficult to find. Back to top

 

 

B9. Spiritual Psychology

 

Spiritual Psychology with Marilyn C. Barrick, Ph.D.

 

Website: http://www.spiritualpsychology.com/

a) Site includes links to counseling, books, articles, seminars, and Q & As by Marilyn C. Barrick. Initial reaction to it was this woman might be just trying to make money off people. Went into her links pertaining to her credentials and articles written. She seems to qualify herself. Personal statement:

“In her private psychotherapy practice, books and seminars, Marilyn C. Barrick, Ph.D., specializes in transformational work for the healing of soul and spirit. Her unique psycho-spiritual approach includes inner child work, dream analysis, spiritual practices, meditation, and EMDR trauma release therapy.

Her mission is to inspire, illumine, nurture, and empower her clients to claim their true identity and to aspire to psychological wholeness, spiritual integration, and the fulfillment of their divine purpose in life.”

b) Articles cover articles such as “10 secrets happy couples should know,” (i.e.1. Why You Should Never Pretend to be Someone You are Not to Please the Other Person) and “Soul Transformation through EMDR.”

Books on relationships sound interesting, including excerpts fromSacred Psych