Exploring Spirituality and Consciousness with an Expanded Science: Beyond the Ego with Empiricism, Phenomenology, and Contemplation

Abstract

Spirituality has been recognized as pivotal in health education and health promotion. Although spirituality is often discussed as a dimension of health, there is little evidence of integrating it into educational settings and health promotion programs. The difficulty in addressing the concept of spirituality is related to both its association with denominational religion and our cultural emphasis on the material realm. However, some scholars are now associating spirituality with the development of human consciousness beyond the ego level. It has been suggested that the scientific investigation of this development beyond the ego may be possible with empirical and phenomenological, as well as with traditional contemplative methods. Thus, investigation in the realms of consciousness beyond the ego can be addressed within theories of knowledge that are grounded in experience. An examination of the spirituality/consciousness relationship may be crucial for any profession that purports to address the health issues of the whole person. It may then be possible to more easily integrate spirituality into educational settings and health enhancement programs. If spirituality is part of human experience, then willingness to make forays into this dimension is fundamental to health.