Meditation and Wellbeing (DS3620C)

Content

This unit investigates the idea of wellbeing presented by the Christian tradition, noting how it compares with other presentations of wellbeing. It examines the power of words to achieve fulfilment, particularly by means of Lectio Divina and its capacity to enlighten and transform. The unit explores the nature of spirituality by seeing its interface with psychology. It will analyse methods of approaching guilt, loss and psychological distress. It will examine those Christian rituals and meditation techniques which enhance wellbeing and health, including the healing of memory, and which can enrich the lives of such persons as the frail, the house-bound, and those in need of palliative care.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

Prerequisite: 36 points in Spirituality (DS) and/or Systematic Theology (CT), or equivalent.

Pedagogy

Lectures and tutorial engagement help the students appreciate the many aspects of the complex subject and develop their ability to reflect and critique.

Indicative Bibliography

• Altman, Donald. The Mindfulness Toolbox: 50 Practical Mindfulness Tips, Tools, and Handouts for Anxiety, Depression, Stress and Pain. Eau Claire, WI: PESI, 2014.
• Casey, Michael. Sacred Reading: The Ancient Art of Lectio Divina. Liguori, MO: Liguori/Triumph, 1996.
• Clément, Olivier. On Human Being - A Spiritual Anthropology. New York: New City, 2000.
• Dupuche, John. Jesus, the Mantra of God: An Exploration of Mantra Meditation. Melbourne: David Lovell, 2005.
• Kabat-Zinn, Jon. Full Catastrophe Living: How to Cope with Stress, Pain and Illness Using Mindfulness Meditation. London: Piatkus, 2013.
• Keator, Mary. Lectio Divina as Contemplative Pedagogy: Re-appropriating Monastic Practice for the Humanities. Abingdon: Routledge, 2018.
• Longaker, Christine. Facing Death and Finding Hope: A Guide to the Emotional and Spiritual Care of the Dying. New York: Doubleday, 1997.
• May, G. The Dark Night of the Soul: A Psychiatrist Explores the Connection Between Darkness and Spiritual Growth. New York: HarperCollins, 2004.
• Ryan, Thomas, ed. Reclaiming the Body in Christian Spirituality. New York: Paulist, 2004.
• Treleaven, David A. Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness: Practices for Safe and Transformative Healing. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2018.

Assessment