Studying effects of sacred moments on people’s lives could serve to add understanding and knowledge for practical ways to increase well-being while providing a possible therapeutic alternative to treating stress. A serious need exists for programs that promote well-being in both psychologically healthy and unhealthy individuals. It is important to understand whether aspects of sacred moments can be cultivated as a therapeutic intervention and consequently whether their cultivation can contribute to a reduction in rising medical costs associated with stress. Current research is quick to point out that rising amount of stress in western society is due to increasing complexity of responsibilities and events (i.e., 9/11). Stress is a precursor to anxiety, and approximately 19 million Americans are afflicted with some type of anxiety disorder today. Furthermore, disorders such as anxiety critically impact quality of life and well-being. Although current research is working towards discovering factors that influence well-being, there is still a pattern of sidestepping qualities of sacred moments in reference to mental health and well-being. With field’s persistent emphasis on techniques toward mental health that do not explicitly involve sacred and transcendent, it seems critical to continue to tap this area for its value to psychology.

Psychology is becoming more interested in those moments that transcend and include ego, are non-ordinary, and are personal. Arthur Hastings, a leading Transpersonal Psychologist points out: "These experiences are usually defined as going beyond ordinary sense of identity or personality to encompass wider dimensions of psyche and cosmos. This can include experiences of intense love, enhanced perception, a sense of merging into a more comprehensive identity, spiritual and religious experiences, psychic awareness. . . . Other definitions suggest that transpersonal means optimal health and well-being, holistic development of self and psychology of transformation."

Both sacred moments and well-being are suggested in Hasting’s description of transpersonal psychology. A study of sacred moments could aspire to bring transpersonal psychology out into mainstream of psychology and bring mainstream thought into transpersonal realm.

Questions

1. What effects does cultivation of sacred moments have on subjective well-being, psychological well-being, and stress.

2. What are participants’ experiences of having sacred moments? What helps cultivation of these moments and what hinders cultivation of these moments in daily life? The recent surge of interest in well-being has brought a serious need for interventive strategies.

*** There is currently a study that is about to begin that explores affects on sacred moments on daily life.

IF you are interested in learning how to potentially cultivate more of these moments in your life, please check out

http://sacredmomentstudy.blogspot.com

Getting well is not simply restoration of functioning. Ideally, our repaired body parts should move and function again with ease and grace. {The same is true with unused or underused talents even more so; like ESP and meditative attunements or empathy.} Bridging gap between walking stiffly and moving with natural ease is crucial. This may not always be possible, of course, as when a body part has been damaged beyond repair or lost, but closer we can move toward this goal, better we will feel. Being well means we are able to use our repaired body as naturally and gracefully as possible given our circumstances {With a happy outlook borne of ‘no fear’ and knowledge you are a good person doing what really counts.}. Oliver Sacks, whose leg had been so badly injured, found himself walking in a stiff and awkward fashion when he got out of his cast. This condition persisted for some time until he was persuaded by a consultant to do an activity he loved: swimming. By performing actions that felt natural to him in water, he discovered I that his natural grace carried over to moving fluently on land as well. He was once again able to walk with ease. Whether we dance or paint pictures, performing activities we love may help us make final step to wellness.

Anger is a major problem for people {We are never angry at others; just angry at our own shortcomings in dealing with a situation.} who have been injured, along with depression. We must let go of our anger to get well. Hand therapist Marilyn Armbruster explained, 'Many patients get stuck in anger and don't get better. They tell me how long they waited in emergency room and what doctor did wrong. They go over this every time I see them. These patients often don't improve.’" (29)