Search results for: mindfulness in All Content

Is communication really food?

Is communication really food?

Author(s): Sandra Veinberg / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2015

Keywords: Media effects; Communication; Toxic Communication; Social Media; Bakhtin; Thich Nhat Hanh;

This paper examines a new doctrine for communication. It argues that effective communications are as important to our well being and happiness as the food we put into our bodies. ‘It can either be healthy (and nourishing) or toxic (and destructive),’ notes the Zen master and Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh. To examine this theory I decided to test my students. Use was made of a non-proportional stratified sample of younger adults, a total of 200 students who were involved in the survey study. Research is also based on an analysis of a qualitative research programme (a qualitative study) which involved 200 questionnaire texts that were set using two methods: critical discourse analysis and context. The results of my research show that students stressed that they were not using traditional forms of media, that the younger reader wants dialogue with the author or journalist, and that they tend to favour relationship-based communications which are offered by social media. My conclusions show that social media is regarded as ‘an anti-loneliness tool‘, and that it encourages a dialogue between the transmitter and the reader and allows a dialogue between them both. Language acts here as a relationship-building resource and shows a level of interaction between text and participants. This shows that, via social media, the internet provides a special form of communication which compensates the audience as might a gourmet restaurant.

The ecovillage experience as an evidence base for national wellbeing strategies

The ecovillage experience as an evidence base for national wellbeing strategies

Author(s): Robert Hall / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2015

Keywords: Wellbeing; Ecovillages; Quality of life; Flourishing; Happiness; Sustainable development;

Overarching policy objectives for national wellbeing are currently being developed by national governments, replacing the objective of economic growth. Maximising the quality of people’s lives, their happiness or subjective wellbeing has, however, been the conscious strategy of ecovillages.With up to a half-century of empirical experimentation, ecovillages offer an evidence base that can be utilised to benefit the wider society. In order to facilitate the research needed for appropriate government policies to deliver a high level of national wellbeing, this paper attempts to shed light on some twenty different elements—the common attitudes and practices of ecovillages—which have allowed them to succeed in this endeavour. Further research on the wellbeing of ecovillages is suggested to enable the wider society to focus on the process of achieving a higher level of wellbeing for sustainable development.

Conference Report on the EAWOP Small Group Meeting on Work without boundaries, 16th – 18th September 2015, Vienna

Conference Report on the EAWOP Small Group Meeting on Work without boundaries, 16th – 18th September 2015, Vienna

Author(s): Lucia Ištoňová / Language(s): English / Issue: 4/2015

Conference Report on the EAWOP Small Group Meeting on Work without boundaries, 16th – 18th September 2015, Vienna

THE INFLUENCE OF THE INTERNET ON CHILDREN’S VACCINATION: APPLYING INTERCULTURAL THEORIES TO ANALYZE PARENTAL DECISION-MAKING

THE INFLUENCE OF THE INTERNET ON CHILDREN’S VACCINATION: APPLYING INTERCULTURAL THEORIES TO ANALYZE PARENTAL DECISION-MAKING

Author(s): Melissa Fryer / Language(s): English / Issue: 8/2016

Keywords: immunization; influence; Internet; intercultural communication; discourse analysis; decision making;

Immunization is one of the greatest medical breakthroughs of modern history, reducing dozens of deadly diseases to preventable ones – even eradicating some entirely - yet parents are choosing to forgo vaccination for their children. Many of these parents are educated and affluent, with timely access to information on immunization's risks and benefits. How they use this information – to inform decision making on vaccination – is the subject of this research. Data for this study was gathered through semi-structured interviews with a small sample of six parents who researched vaccination on the Internet. Transcriptions were coded using Fairclough's framework for discourse analysis and analysis applied Gudykunst’s theory of anxiety uncertainty management. Research reveals parents seek information to support preconceived bias toward vaccination as well as reduce anxiety and uncertainty in decision making. This research adds to the understanding of how online information influences parental decision-making in regards to immunization of their children

Ecological responsibility of Benedictine monasteries: a study of three cases (Plankstetten, Andechs and Gut Aich)

Ecological responsibility of Benedictine monasteries: a study of three cases (Plankstetten, Andechs and Gut Aich)

Author(s): Bernard Sawicki / Language(s): English / Issue: 3/2017

Keywords: Benedictines; ecology; economy; energy; spirituality

This paper presents the practical contribution of three Benedictine monasteries to an integrated ecology, strongly recommended in pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato si’. Based mainly on the materials inserted on the websites of these monasteries, a particular and important connection is observed between modern, ecological solutions and pastoral activities. Everything arises from the balanced Benedictine spirituality, where liturgy and communal life are integrated through personal prayer and reading of the Bible. After considering the motivations presented by these three monasteries for their ecological accomplishments, the specific domains are examined, such as self-sufficiency, energy and gardens.

Spirituality and business: An interdisciplinary overview

Spirituality and business: An interdisciplinary overview

Author(s): Luk Bouckaert,László Zsolnai / Language(s): English / Issue: 3/2012

Keywords: religion and spirituality; spiritually inspired economics; spiritually-based leadership; business ethics; post-materialistic management; economic wisdom;

The paper gives an interdisciplinary overview of the emerging field of spirituality and business. It uses insights from business ethics, theology, neuroscience, psychology, gender studies, and philosophy to economics, management, organizational science, and banking and refers to different religious convictions including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, the Baha’i faith, and the North-American aboriginal worldview. The authors argue that the materialistic management paradigm has failed. They explore new values for post-materialistic management: frugality, deep ecology, trust, reciprocity, responsibility for future generations, and authenticity. Within this framework profit and growth are no longer ultimate aims but elements in a wider set of values. Similarly, cost-benefit calculations are no longer the essence of management but are part of a broader concept of wisdom in leadership. Spirit-driven businesses require intrinsic motivation for serving the common good and using holistic evaluation schemes for measuring success. The Palgrave Handbook of Business and Spirituality, edited by the authors, is a response to developments that simultaneously challenge the “business as usual” mindset.

Happiness and economics: A Buddhist perspective

Happiness and economics: A Buddhist perspective

Author(s): Colin Ash / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2007

Keywords: income; happiness; Buddhism;

Economics and particularly economic policy often seems to focus almost exclusively on the growth of income and creation of wealth. Consumer spending, the provision of public services, investment by private and public sectors, and international trade undoubtedly contribute to well-being. However economists have always viewed Gross National Product (GNP) as an imperfect measure of human welfare. One’s personal values and philosophy of life also matter, as do strategies and techniques for mood control and raising each individual’s baseline or set-point level of happiness.This paper briefly summarises the research findings which have led to this gradual and ongoing shift of focus. Then we take a Buddhist perspective on happiness and economics. Many of the recent research findings are consistent with Buddhist analysis, particularly its analysis of the conditioning process leading to unhappiness. Furthermore, Buddhist practices provide skilful means for the mind to control the mood. The paper ends, however, on a cautionary note: in what sense, if any, is the “greatest happiness” the Buddhist goal?

TRANSLATORS AND INTERPRETERS FACING TRANSITION. PATTERNS AND CHALLENGES OF GLOBALISATION

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Author(s): Adina Cornea / Language(s): English / Issue: 02/2018

Keywords: translator; conference interpreter; globalisation; transition; challenge;

In the present context of globalisation and information technology, it has become almost impossible to perceive the world as being a body of disparate units. On the contrary, not only do these units coexist, but they interact and merge with other realities. Nowadays, translators and conference interpreters play an important role worldwide. Their job has become more and more challenging because of the IT tools and strong competition in the field. It is worth noticing that there have been many changes during the transition period from communism to capitalism and, particularly, after Romania’s accession to the European Union in 2007. Translators and interpreters have to face the challenges of quality, efficiency, deadlines, proficiency, and ethics. This article aims at emphasizing the place occupied by these two professional categories in Europe and, particularly, in Romania.

The Development of a Stigma Support Intervention to improve the Mental Health of Family Carers of Autistic Children

The Development of a Stigma Support Intervention to improve the Mental Health of Family Carers of Autistic Children

Author(s): Annemarie Lodder,Chris Papadopoulos,Gurch RANDHAWA / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2019

Keywords: parental mental health; stigma; autism; intervention;support;

Parents and family carers of autistic children report poorer mental health than any other parents.Stigma surrounding autism plays a significant role in the mental health of family carers of autisticchildren, often leaving families feeling isolated. Yet there are currently no interventions availableto support families with stigma. In order to guide the design and development of an interventionto improve the psychological well-being of parents and carers of autistic children by addressingthe stigma they may experience, we surveyed the autism community (n = 112) about their viewsand suggestions to make such intervention more successful. The thematic analysis of the qualitativeresponses revealed that respondents wished for public awareness to be raised and suggestedthat education would be the key to this. Respondents also – recommended that parental self-esteemand self-compassion skills should be increased and that they would benefit from ‘ready-made’phrases or information available to react to instances of stigma from the public, other family members,and professionals. The autism community provided valuable suggestions to be incorporatedin the design of a stigma support intervention for parents of autistic children, in order to improvetheir mental health and caregiving abilities.

New Paradigms in the Actor’s Training – Awareness

New Paradigms in the Actor’s Training – Awareness

Author(s): Cosmin Matei / Language(s): English / Issue: 26/2018

Keywords: awareness; HeartMath; coherence; trainin; actor;

The present paper describes the process of going through a pilot research phase, intuitive and scientific, from the desire to know what do we express in our corporality when we feel, empathize or play with the imaginary, especially in vocational area of actor’s training. This was done by working with the actor and Professor PhD András Hatházi, within a theatrical laboratory attended by the actor-students of the Hungarian Department, 2016-2019 promotion from the Babes-Bolyai University, Faculty of Theatre and Film, Cluj-Napoca. The objective of this research was given by the axiology emotion/feelings of emotion; heart/emotional system and brain/mind. Because the social, political, anthropological, and sentimental dimension of the human body has increased, so have the demands on the actors. As practitioners, we felt it necessary for the contemporary actor’s training to benefit from recent scientific observations about the bio-psycho-neuro-physiological processes of the living body, that is why the research has also evolved towards developing exercises to add new information to potentiate acting skills, at an imaginary-corporal level, as well as to achieve balanced parameters in terms of mental, emotional and physical health and integrity, especially post-acting.

THERAPEUTIC ASPECTS OF SUFISM - LITERATURE REVIEW

TERAPIJSKI ASPEKTI SUFIZMA

Author(s): Ljiljana Božović,Olivera Ćirković,Sanela Selmanović Podrug / Language(s): Bosnian / Issue: 6/2019

Keywords: sufizam; psihoterapija; duhovnost; meditacija

Ovaj rad predstavlja inicijaciju procesa povezivanja sufijskog i terapijskog uticajana čovjeka koji će se nastaviti istraživati u skorije vrijeme. Sufizam se bavi proučavanjem duše i čišćenjem srca. Često se opisuje kao put koji se u isto vrijeme odnosi na izvori odredište. Cilj sufizma je uklanjanje svih prepreka koje stoje između čovjeka i Boga.Na ovom putu čovjek doživljava istinsku realnost i stiče znanje o tome. Kada govorimo oterapijskim aspektima sufizma ovaj rad posmatra proces osvještavanja kroz prakticiranjesufijskih rituala kao i kroz meditaciju. Također, ovaj rad se uglavnom oslanja na principeterapije koje možemo prepoznati i u sufijskoj filozofiji. Humanistička egzistencijalističkaterapija, govori da se resursi čovjeka manifestiraju u kontaktu sa drugom osobom gdjese također doživljava istinska realnost kojoj opet osoba daje značenje. Cilj rada je predstaviti terapijske aspekte sufizma. Metod rada je analiza naučne i stručne literature kao iintervjuiranje osoba koje su na većim razinama svijesti u sufizmu.

Attachment and Emotion Regulation, the Implications for Psychotherapy

Vztahová vazba a regulace emocí, implikace pro psychoterapii

Author(s): Milan Drozd,Kristýna Drozdová / Language(s): Czech / Issue: 2/2015

Keywords: attachment; neuroscience; emotion regulation; implicit processing;

Some mental disorders can be conceptualised as different forms of emotion regulation impairment. The structures responsible for the emotion regulation evolve during early development in relationship with primary caregiver. Severe attachment disturbances lead to implicit emotion regulation impairment and consequently to serious mental disorders. Emotion dysregulation at the same time can disrupt the interpersonal relationships including psychotherapeutic relationship. This paper presents an interconnection of attachment and emotion dysregulation as well as various means of psychotherapy in dealing with both of them.

Integrative Body-Psychotherapy I.: Theoretical Base

Integrativní body-psychoterapie I.: teoretická východiska

Author(s): Filip Abramčuk / Language(s): Czech / Issue: 3/2014

Keywords: integrative body-psychotherapy; body-oriented psychotherapy; mindfulness; bioenergetic analysis; character analysis;

Working with the body in psychotherapy has roots coming up from W. Reich. Today a great variability among different schools and approaches is typical for it. The Integrative body-psychotherapy is presented in its theoretical base. Its origin is quite recent. The main pillars are A. Lowen’s bioenergetics; S. Johnson´s synthesis of character analysis, psychoanalytical object relations theory and body approaches, R. Kurtz’s mindfulness based approach, and also influences from D. Boadella’s biosynthesis and S. Keleman’s formative psychology. Shortly described is the concept of personality of Lowen, the concept of energy in the body, releasing it through impulses from the self and impacts of holding it in the form of blocks in the body. It is explained the concept of character structure and the development of it in general and concrete way. Finally it is introduced the use of mindfulness in the way of improvised experiments and so called probes.

Can Yoga Be an “Art of Living”? A Review of Research on Yoga as a Social Phenomenon

Czy joga może być „sztuką życia”? Przegląd badań na temat jogi jako zjawiska społecznego

Author(s): Agata Stasińska / Language(s): Polish / Issue: 4/2020

Keywords: yoga; interpersonal relations;critical yoga studies; yoga as a social phenomenon; sociology of family; sociology of intimacy;psychological well-being

Yoga practice is an increasingly popular form of physical activity both in Poland and in the world. It has a positive effect on health, but it is also an element of personal development as well as, quite often, a spiritual practice. However, research on yoga practice is dominated by health sciences, while in social sciences it exists mainly through psychological research based on quantitative techniques, which often finds it difficult to grasp the nuanced mind-body relationship present in the experience of yoga practice. It is rare that attempts are made to examine the relationship between yoga practice and building social relationships by an individual. This article aims at familiarizing Polish readers with those research fields where yoga practice is being investigated as a social phenomenon. I consider yoga as a historical and social phenomenon. Most of all, however, I recognize research on the impact of yoga practice on an individual as well as that which offers a critical analysis of yoga communities. I then conclude with studies on the relationship between yoga practice and interpersonal relations. To complete my review, I also present recommendations for future research on yoga practice. The article might be an inspiration for future researchers interested in the practice of yoga as a social phenomenon, e.g. sociologists representing various fields of sociology, such as the sociology of family, intimacy and couples, as well as sports, medicine, and religion.

Editorial:

Editorial:

Author(s): Anja Pabel / Language(s): English / Issue: 3/2019

Dawning of Buddhism in the West: Modern and Postmodern Buddhism

Budizm’in Batı’dan Doğuşu: Modern ve Postmodern Budizm

Author(s): Hesna Serra Aksel / Language(s): Turkish / Issue: 54/2020

Keywords: History of Religions; Buddhism; Modern Buddhism; Postmodern Buddhism; Buddhism in the West;

Number of those in the West who relate with Buddhist theories and practices in various ways without adapting Buddhism as a religion are rapidly rising. In this research, in order to contribute to a better comprehension of the place Buddhism occupies in the West, we aim to shed lights on the background of the contemporary situation by examining the adaptation periods of Buddhism since it was introduced to the West in the 19th century. First, we discuss reading of Buddhism as a ‘rational’ and ‘scientific’ tradition when the modernism had a high prestige and the conditions which caused these modernist readings. Then, we look into the cultural situations both in the West and Asia by pointing out some important people who were effective in this period. The last point we pay attention is new turns since the 1960s and the ‘pragmatic’ Buddhism as the result of these new turns. As a result, we argue that Buddhism which has been adopted to modern values of the West and pragmatic purposes of post-modern life style easily fit into various life and belief systems.

Effects of Breast Cancer on Women's Psychological Health: A Review of Self-Compassion-Based Interventions in Body Image

Meme Kanserinin Kadınların Psikolojik Sağlığına Etkileri: Beden İmgesinde Öz-şefkate Dayalı Müdahalelerin Gözden Geçirilmesi

Author(s): Nur Başakhan Uzun,Ayla Hocaoğlu / Language(s): Turkish / Issue: 22/2021

Keywords: Self-compassion; breast cancer survivors; interventions for self-compassion; body image;

Research on how breast cancer and its treatment affect women's psychological health is increasing day by day. There is information that the psychological health of women is affected not only in the treatment, but also during the period from cancer diagnosis to the beginning of cancer treatment. In recent years, pre-rehabilitation intervention, which is an up-to-date approach that recommends intervention in this process, comes to the fore. The problems women experience with their body images have an important place in the effects of breast cancer and its treatment on women's psychological health. Body image is defined as a conceptualized state of the emotions, thoughts and behaviors that a person feels about their physical characteristics. In recent years, interventions aimed at reducing body image problems in women with breast cancer have been increasing. Self-compassion is defined as an individual's approach to their flaws with a sincere, caring and warm attitude. The emphasis on the role of selfcompassion in reducing the problems that women with breast cancer experience with body images is increasing day by day. Based on this information, in this study, the literature on the problems faced by women with breast cancer with their body image and the role of self-compassion in reducing these problems is reviewed and discussed within the scope of pre-rehabilitation intervention.

Flâneur from South Moravia: An Appendix to ESPES 10(2)

Flâneur from South Moravia: An Appendix to ESPES 10(2)

Author(s): Lenka Lee / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2022

Keywords: Flâneur; Flânerie; Brno; Štatlař; Everyday Life; Mindfulness

The following text is inspired by a special issue of the journal ESPES vol. 10, no. 2 (2021) entitled Everyday Aesthetics: European Perspectives and returns to the theme of flâneurie. It focuses on the Czech environment and, after a brief outline of the artistic flâneurism associated mainly with Prague, it moves on to the specific phenomenon of the Brno štatl and štatlaři, which are to some extent related to flâneurism. The štatl community followed the tradition of the plotna, a more closed group of socially weaker inhabitants of the city in the first half of the twentieth century, whose features included a special dialect – hantec. Štatlaři recruited more from the milieu of the educated people, bohemians, and artists, adopted, and transformed. The aim of the study is to show which characteristics flâneurism and “štatlař-ism” have in common and in what ways they differ. Furthermore, we will address the question of how knowledge of the phenomenon of štatlaři can influence the perception of flaneurs when they are walking around the city of Brno.

Сompassion for others and for oneself – implications for well-being

Сompassion for others and for oneself – implications for well-being

Author(s): Irina Zinovieva,Maria P. Vassileva / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2022

Keywords: compassion; self-compassion; well-being; prosocial behavior; happiness; life satisfaction

Suffering is experienced differently by each person. Compassion for others and for oneself is important for coping with suffering and for individual well-being. This article is an overview of aspects of well-being and their interrelationships with compassion for others and for the self. Relationships between empathy and life satisfaction, positive and negative affect, and new research illuminating the dark side of empathy are discussed. It is demonstrated that both receiving and granting sympathy are associated with increases in subjective and objective well-being. The article also presents an overview of self-compassion and its relationship to well-being, the potential to reduce depression, anxiety, self-criticism, and to promote optimism and happiness. These findings have important implications for many are-as of life, including quality of social relationships, team cohesion in the workplace, parenting, and therapy.

Self-Compassion-Focused Writing Practices: A Systematic Review

Self-Compassion-Focused Writing Practices: A Systematic Review

Author(s): Burcu Ebru Aydoğdu,Gülay Dirik / Language(s): English / Issue: 4/2022

Keywords: Written emotional disclosure paradigm; self-compassion-focused writing; systematic review;

In the current systematic review study, it is focused on examining the interventions of ‘self-compassion-focused writing’, which is a method that combines the concept of self-compassion, which has gained attention in the psychology literature in recent years, and the Written Emotional Disclosure Paradigm which is based on expressing emotions by writing. For this purpose, ScienceDirect, PsycINFO, Web of Science, PubMed, EbscoHost and DergiPark databases were searched through various keywords. Considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study, 31 studies determined to be fit for purpose were examined in terms of sample characteristics, methodology and results. It was observed that the studies were generally conducted with college students and predominantly female, the results were compared with the active intervention groups, random assignment was made to the groups, and repeated measurements were taken. Generally, it has been determined that self-compassion-focused writing provides positive changes on psychological (depression, positive/negative affect), body-related (body satisfaction, body image) and physical (pain) variables. In the reviewed studies, it was concluded that self-compassion-focused writing generally tended to produce stronger positive results compared to active control groups (traditional writing, self-esteem-based writing). Besides, it was observed that the positive changes obtained in studies that carried out follow-up evaluations tended to continue partially. The results show that self-compassion-focused writing is a promising method.