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Autobiography as a spiritual practice.
1History and Psychology, Osher Institute for Lifelong Learning, San Diego State University, CA 92122, USA.
Journal of Gerontological Social Work
|September 21, 2005
Summary
Writing spiritual autobiography enhances self-understanding and spiritual growth. This article explores four methods, finding them useful for therapeutic applications, especially with older adults.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Spirituality Studies
- Gerontology
Background:
- Autobiography is defined as a self-dialogue for self-understanding.
- Spirituality encompasses connection to self, others, nature, and meaning, linked to creativity and wisdom.
- Spiritual autobiography is a genre that facilitates spiritual growth and therapeutic release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define spiritual autobiography.
- To explore its connection to spiritual growth and therapeutic benefits.
- To compare four distinct approaches to autobiographical writing.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on the history of spiritual autobiography.
- Comparative analysis of four autobiographical approaches: life review, guided autobiography, intensive journal workbook, and twelve-step program work.
- Discussion of the therapeutic and spiritual benefits of these methods.
Main Results:
- Writing and reflecting on one's autobiography enhances spiritual growth.
- These methods can be therapeutic, aiding in shedding old roles and self-perceptions.
- The discussed techniques are particularly beneficial when working with older individuals.
Conclusions:
- Spiritual autobiography is a valuable tool for self-understanding and personal development.
- The comparative analysis highlights the utility of various autobiographical methods.
- These approaches offer significant therapeutic potential, especially in gerontological contexts.