Living a Spiritually and Materially Integrated Life

Abstract

The purpose of this research project was to explore the question, “How do Christian mystics who are active participants in the modern world successfully integrate their spiritual and material values?” The heuristics method and in-depth interviews were used. Twelve individuals were recruited to participate: 7 women and 5 men from 51 to 85 years old (mean age = 62). Participants resided in the United States: 75% lived in California and the other 25% were from North Carolina, New York, and New Mexico. Half of the participants were Caucasian; the other half included 1 Filipino woman, 1 Greek woman, 1 Irish man, 1 Irish and German man, 1 Italian man, and 1 Scottish woman. Common themes that emerged from the thematic analysis of the data included the following: a personal relationship with the Divine; spiritual ministry of service to God; valuing balance—physically, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually; seeing all aspects of materiality as a reflection of God; and preferring to live simply with little concern for the acquisition of material things. Most participants (67%) described feeling unique as children and sought out spirituality from an early age. All participants experienced one or more of the following: difficult, traumatic, or life-changing experiences; mystical experiences; or interactions with spiritual people, places, or things that had a profound affect on their growth and development in consciousness. Over half (75%) described their journey toward greater integration as a difficult but rewarding path. Conflict and struggling were accepted as part of the human condition, as opposed to being considered experiences to be avoided or transcended. The results from this project contribute to the field of transpersonal psychology, which concerns itself with the highest potentials of human growth and development. The study can be used by anyone interested in psychological or spiritual health and well-being, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, spiritual directors, pastors, or individuals seeking spiritual transformation.