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A Vision for the Farther Reaches of Spirituality:
A Phenomenologically Based Model of Spiritual
Development and Growth
Ofra Mayseless and Pninit Russo-Netzer
University of Haifa
We present a phenomenologically based model of spiritual development and growth.
The model heuristically suggests three “spatial” facets—(a) deep within, (b) up and
beyond, and (c) sideways and interconnected—assuming them to be related and yet
distinct realms of spiritual development. The model further underscores the importance
of alignment and harmony among the three facets of development, as well as the
centrality of expressing spirituality in one’s way of living and the importance of
sustaining an intrinsic and intentional mindset. The model further notes that the
developmental process is nonlinear and endless in nature, involves both conscious
decisions and less conscious intentional actions, and might be better described as a
process of “becoming.” This developmental process is assumed to contribute to the
development of inner personal wholeness, which is a quality not fully achievable. Such
wholeness involves a sense of inner peace, integrity, and harmony; closeness to one’s
authentic self; a sense of “being held”; gratitude; a compassionate and caring stance;
and a sense of meaning and purpose in life. We conclude by presenting a vision that
inner and personal wholeness may lead to outer wholeness, among individuals and
among social groups. Three facilitating aspects are suggested to create such a bridge
between inner wholeness and outer wholeness: (a) values of respect, caring, and
service; (b) a less exclusive circle of care; and (c) humility and pluralistic spirituality.
Keywords: caring, model of spiritual growth, spiritual development, wellbeing, wholeness
This paper introduces a phenomenologically
based conceptual model of spiritual develop-
ment and growth and discusses its culmination
in benevolent outcomes and inner wholeness. In
addition, the paper presents a vision that inner
wholeness can also create wholeness among
individuals and among groups of people and
discusses facilitators of such process.
The paper opens with a brief discussion of
spirituality and spiritual development and pres-
ents common definitions of these notions. It
then presents the phenomenologically based
model of spiritual development and growth by
first discussing general characteristics of such
developmental process (“how spirituality
grows”) and then discussing “what grows” by
referring to three spatial facets of spiritual de-
velopment and three general qualities of spiri-
tual development and growth. We then discuss
outcomes of spiritual development and growth
by referring to inner personal wholeness as a
comprehensive term and then present a vision
for how inner personal wholeness can culminate
in outer wholeness among individuals and
among social groups, underscoring facilitating
aspects in this process. We end with our hope
that what starts as a personal search for the
sacred may serve as a beacon to foster peace
and wholeness in societies at large.
Spirituality and Spiritual Development
Definition of Spirituality
Spirituality is multifaceted and holistic. It
refers to experiences, cognitions (beliefs, atti-
tudes), feelings and emotions, worldviews, and
Ofra Mayseless and Pninit Russo-Netzer, Department of
Counseling and Human Development, Faculty of Education,
University of Haifa.
Correspondence concerning this article should be ad-
dressed to Ofra Mayseless, Department of Counseling and
Human Development, Faculty of Education, University of
Haifa, Haifa, Israel. E-mail: ofram@edu.haifa.ac.il
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Spirituality in Clinical Practice © 2017 American Psychological Association
2017, Vol. 4, No. 3, 176–192 2326-4500/17/$12.00 http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/scp0000147
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