| This study evaluated the inspiration of transpersonal awareness of spiritual freedom through an imaginal response to selected mystical poetry. The imaginal was viewed as a bridge between spirit and cognition. The experience of transpersonal awareness of spiritual freedom was defined as recognition for that which extends infinitely beyond one's personal boundaries (including oneself, others, the visible and the invisible, known and unknown); a participatory, cocreative experience---intentionally enacted, cultivated, and lived. Intuitive inquiry---a hermeneutical method---relied on the researcher's intuition, conceptualization, and imagination. Participants, ages 30 to 80 (20 women and 4 men from 4 cultural backgrounds---6 from minority cultures), took part in 1 of 5 group sessions. They responded to mystical poetry recitation through a process I called imaginal resonance---a series of imaginal processes, such as mental imaging and creative art expression. Additional data was gathered via 2 follow-up questionnaires, after 1 week and 1 month, regarding shifts in habitual patterns and interpersonal relationships. Analysis included observation of phenomenological qualities in mental imaging oral and written reports, hermeneutical analysis, and creative synthesis through the researcher's own imaginal resonance with the data. Hermeneutical analysis uncovered symbolic expression of intentions for awakening and development; imaginal directions, such as introversion and expansion; and depiction of actions, like connection and liberation. Participants' reception of the mystical poems and imaginal experience varied (e.g., rationalization and self-judgment; degree of recollection and integration). The presence of transpersonal symbols within the participants' images did not always translate into transpersonal action. Whereas, imaginal resonance with mystical poetry provided inspiration for transpersonal awareness of spiritual freedom---creative, post-experience reengagement with the images increased degree of integration. Future research might consider influences of group dynamics, as well as the value of ongoing practice of imaginal resonance as a vehicle of transpersonal development. |
