What Does It Mean to Live a Fully Embodied Spiritual Life?
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies January 1, 2008 DOI: 10.24972/ijts.2008.27.1.1 via OpenAlex
Summary
Embodied spirituality integrates all human attributes, including the body and sexuality, in contrast to the disembodied spirituality based on dissociation or sublimation that has prevailed in religious history. Approaching the body as a living partner with which to co-create one's spiritual life is described. Ten features of a fully embodied spirituality are outlined, followed by reflections on the past, present, and potential future of embodied spirituality.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Embodied cognition Spirituality Human sexuality Aesthetics Sublimation psychology |
| Citations | 46 |
| Key finding | Embodied spirituality integrates all human attributes, including the body and sexuality, contrasting with the disembodied spirituality based on dissociation or sublimation that has prevailed in religious history. |
Abstract
This essay discusses the meaning of embodied spirituality—based on the integration of all\nhuman attributes, including the body and sexuality—and contrasts it with the disembodied\nspirituality—based on dissociation and/or sublimation—prevailing in human religious\nhistory. It then describes what it means to approach the body as a living partner with which\nto co-create one’s spiritual life, and outlines ten features of a fully embodied spirituality.\nThe article concludes with some reflections about the past, present, and potential future of\nembodied spirituality.