| This dissertation explored the quality of presence practiced by Christian spiritual directors. Contemplative presence was defined as an inner orientation toward the mystery of God's presence in the moment, within and beyond all experience. The hermeneutic research method of intuitive inquiry was used. The researcher began by using self-reflection and a literature review to articulate her preliminary understandings, or lenses. These lenses were then modified and developed through engagement with 2 sets of data: the writings of 4 selected Christian mystics (anonymous author of The Cloud of Unknowing, St. Teresa of Avila, Jean-Pierre De Caussade, and Evelyn Underhill), and transcripts from interviews with 12 nominated Christian spiritual directors with at least 10 years of experience (7 women and 5 men, 44 to 75 years of age; 9 (75%) from California, 2 (17%) from other states, and 1 (8%) from Australia). Findings included summaries of the mystics' contributions to the topic, summary portraits for each participant, and 11 final lenses. The central interpretation was that contemplative presence is an ongoing, committed, conscious practice leading to transformation and not simply an attitude to be applied in spiritual direction. Other lenses included (a) presence as an act of will, (b) attentiveness to God in and for the directee, (c) presence as more important than any experience that arises, (d) presence in service of the directee's contemplative stance, (e) embrace of paradox, (f) faith in God's presence, (g) detachment from self-will, (h) inspiration from the Spirit, (i) ritual and other aids, and (j) presence as a constantly renewing moment-by-moment choice. These lenses were integrated with literature, and a comparison between presence in spiritual direction and presence in transpersonal psychotherapy was included. The researcher concluded that the study of contemplative presence illuminates a way of being that is relevant to all modes of human service. |
