Definitions of Sprituality

Definitions of Sprituality Finding a universal definition of spirituality is challenging and problematic. According to Maher and Hunt (1993): â€Å"what makes the process of defining spirituality so elusive is the nature of the term itself. It is value laden and seemingly so cultural, religiously and ethnically bound, that any meaningful definition appears to be an exercise in futility (p.22)†. Nevertheless, the challenges associated with defining spirituality have not prevented an explosion in the development of (supposedly) spirituality measures. Hill and Hood (1999) carried out an extensive review of spirituality measures and found more than 120 definitions of spirituality. Yet, how these researchers define spirituality is a question that still needs to be answered. Unruh et al. (2002) carried out another review of the literature to look into different meanings of spirituality and religiosity and identified seven themes highlighting how spirituality is defined in health literature including: (1) tran scendence or connectedness to a belief or higher being; (2) existential, not of the material world; (3) relationship to God, a spiritual being, a higher power, or a reality greater than oneself; (4) not of the self; (5) a life force of the person, integrating aspect of the person; (6) meaning and purpose in life; and (7) summative, including definitions that included many of the abovementioned themes, as well as values and motivations. Furthermore, McSherry and Cash (2004) also carried out another review to look into the different definitions of spirituality and concluded that it would appear that there is no such thing as a universal definition of spirituality and the theoretical probability of creating one is virtually impossible. Given that Unruh et al. (2002) and McSherry and Cash (2004) carried out an exhaustive review of the available definitions of spirituality, it is not relevant to undertake another review of how spirituality is defined in my study. However, for the purpose of this thesis three principles for considering an appropriate definition of spirituality have been adopted. These principles were originally identified by Spilka (1993) and allow for an individual, multidimensional and subjective operationalization of spirituality. Hill et al. (2000) summarized these principles as follows: (1) spirituality as grounded in a belief in a higher being (i.e. God), which considers spirituality to be relevant to the thoughts and practices that underpin theologies either broadly or narrowly defined; (2) spirituality as grounded in self-fulfilment, a conceptualization of spirituality that focuses on human achievement or potential; and (3) spirituality as grounded in the connecting of oneself to a larger â₠¬Ëœsystem’, which focuses on one’s relationships with the broader reference group, nature or ecology. Although these are not definitions of spirituality per se, each of them offer a contemporary understanding of spirituality. In my thesis, a number of definitions of spirituality were identified and evaluated according to Spilka’s (1993) three principles. Considering the first principle, Pargament (1999a) describes spirituality as, â€Å"a search for the sacred (p.12)† whereas religion is â€Å"a search for significance in ways related to the sacred (p.12)†. According to Hill et al. (2000) the ‘sacred’ is an entity (e.g. God or Ultimate Being), object, principle or concept that transcends the self, that is, set apart from the ordinary and is worthy of worship. Operationalizing this definition, Pargament suggests that the self transcends through searching for the sacred. Hence, search for the sacred may not include an intermediate ‘sacred’ acts such as the pursuit of academic excellence, or the like as worthy of worship, or self-fulfillment and personal satisfaction (Pargament, 1999b). In this definition, Pargament suggests that spirituality is placed within the broader domain of religion suggesting that it can be influenced by the beliefs, values and principles of a specific religion. However, t his is challenging and asserts the difficulty in determining a universal definition of spirituality considering that there is no one universal religion practices throughout the world. The fact that different religious doctrines have adopted diverse and often competing religiosities may therefore render a universal definition of spirituality (Moberg, 2002). Moreover, placing spirituality within the domain of religion restricts research to a narrower and more traditional conceptualization of God (Stifoss-Hansen, 1999). Taking into consideration that there are various types of religions and that although the majority of UK’s population follow a more traditional Anglo-Celtic (e.g. Catholic) religious beliefs and practices (59% of the UK population is reported as being Christian) (UK Census, 2011), there are many who follow other religious beliefs and practices. Pargament’s definition of spirituality might not therefore be applicable to peoples following Islam, or peoples of a Dharmic (e.g. Buddhism) origins, for instance (McSherry and Cash, 2004). Hence, the ongoing use of Pargament’s definition of spirituality could be argued to be limited. Considering the second principle, Stifoss-Hansen (1999) provided a different definition of spirituality to that of Pargament. Stifoss-Hansen (1999) proposes that spirituality includesdifferent characteristics that are not in line with Pargament’s definition of spirituality. These characteristics include connectedness, authenticity, existentialism, meaning if life, holism and self and community, which are considered as aspects of an individual’s spirituality indicating that spirituality must be considered a broader, not a narrower, concept to religion. According to Stifoss-Hansen, â€Å"spirituality is people’s search for meaning, in relation to the big existential questions (p.28)†. Operationalizing this definition, it seems broader than that provided by Pargament and goes beyond the possibly narrow limitations of traditional religion. Yet, there remains a question whether searching for existentialism can result in one living a spiritual life. Pargament (1999a) debates that it may might and also it may not. For Pargament, finding meaning in life, which might be considered as part of existentialism, is not spiritual in nature or complexity. Further consideration of Stifoss-Hansen’s definition of existentialist spirituality suggests that one seeks to know the self, free from beliefs, feelings and identities or labels created upon fear of losing one’s physical and psychological identities (Ho and Ho, 2007). Seeking the self has a higher degree of complexity and may therefore require a lifetime dedication and self-discipline to master (if mastering the pursuit is, truly, possible) (Hamel et al., 2003). Hill et al. (2000) offered another definition of spirituality adopting Pargament’s definition as a foundation. Hill and his colleagues stated that spirituality is â€Å"thoughts, feelings and behaviours that arise from a search for the sacred (p.66)†. They even developed a criterion for considering Pargament’s definition of spirituality. According to Hill et al., â€Å"the term ‘search’ refers to the attempts to identify, articulate, maintain, or transform while the term ‘sacred’ refers to the divine being, divine object, Ultimate Reality, or Ultimate Truth as perceived by the individual (p.66)†. Opposing to Pargament’s definition, Hill et al. suggest that even though an individual’s spirituality can be expressed through religion, it does not essentially need the institution of religion. In this definition, Hill et al. (2000) consider the role of a Being or Purpose that is superior to the individual; namely the Trans cendent which might or might not involve God as the Higher Being. One’s Higher Being or Purpose may be placed within or beyond the individual, or that the transcendent may be external to the individual, a recognition of something more superior to the individual (Mahoney and Pargament, 2004). With regards to the third principle identified by Spilka (1993): spirituality as grounded in the connecting of oneself to a larger ‘system’, Reed (1992) offered a definition of spirituality that focuses more on the individual relationships with self, others, nature and a power greater than the self. According to Reed: ‘‘Specifically spirituality refers to the propensity to make meaning through a sense relatedness to dimensions that transcend the self in such a way that empowers and does not devalue the individual. This relatedness may be experienced intrapersonally (as a connectedness within oneself), interpersonally (in the context of others and the natural environment) and transpersonally (referring to a sense of relatedness to the unseen, God, or power greater than the self and ordinary source (p.350)†. In this definition it appears that spirituality is firmly centered on interpersonal relationships and the community; where nature or the environment has a central role in one’s experience of spirituality. Contrary to some other definitions of spirituality offered, the one offered by Reed suggests that one can only know who they are after they have achieved connectedness with others, not independence (Tacey, 2003; Hamel et al., 2003). Considering Reed’s definition of spirituality further, by its very nature, it appears to be holistic. It demonstrates that spirituality means an awareness of oneself and our relationships with everything that is not the self (Meehan, 2002). It highlights that individuals seeking spirituality must identify, understand and value the essential socio-spiritual fabric connecting them with all others and nature (Fraser and Grootenboer, 2004). Such a definition of spirituality implicitly takes into account a level of awareness that is post-convent ional in orientation. Reviewing each definition of spirituality presented so far, if spirituality is considered as a universal phenomenon relevant to all persons (Helminiak, 2008), then it is critical that research arrives at a universal definition of spirituality. However, it appears that there are different perspectives to what spirituality ‘is’ and, thus, in my thesis I adopted the definition that was developed during the European Association for Palliative Care Congress in Vienna with the aim of identifying one definition of spirituality in Europe. According to Nolan et al. (2011): â€Å"Spirituality is the dynamic dimension of human life that relates to the way persons (individual and community) experience, express and/or seek meaning, purpose and transcendence, and the way they connect to the moment, to self, to others, to nature, to the significant and/or the sacred (p.88)†. This definition of spirituality agrees with the three principles highlighted by Spilka (1993) and are in line -in part- with the other definitions; however it is more comprehensive. This definition is also in line with the spiritual well-being framework identified by Fisher (1998) which states that spiritual well-being is not limited to only religious or spiritual behaviours (e.g. belief in God, reading the Bible, church attendance, or praying) and experiences, but extends to the affirmation of life in relationships with oneself (personal), others (communal), nature (environment), and God (transcendental others). Given that it could be argued that while no one definition of spirituality is possible, Nolan et al.’s (2011) definition of spirituality is used as a working definition of spirituality in my study to find out whether the definitions of spirituality offered by participants fits with this definition and to find out how participants in my study viewed spirituality and how it links to their well-being. The next section now moves on to present the literature review aims and questions.

Decision Making for Behemoth Motors Corp

Business management has become one of the most popular jobs in the world . Wally Wizard, as GSPN manager, needs a keen eye to ensure that the business is running with no hitches, no obstacles to success and no decrease in revenues. First, it is important to define what Wally Wizard’s problem is. Superficially, Mr. Wizard has no problem with the outfit, because statistics show that only 2% of their products fail quality control. However, upon closer inspection, Mr. Wizard does have a problem: the direct materials that they utilize are acquired pursuant to monthly contracts.Even though there are no future obligations under the contracts, BMC is still vulnerable to his suppliers’ whims: sudden increase in rates or the possible non-renewal of their contracts the following month. Now that the problem has been identified, what alternatives do Mr. Wizard have? A perfect opportunity in an offer made by Far East Enterprises, Ltd. comes along. Although production costs are a frac tion higher than BMC/GSPN’s current operations, FEE offers a two-year contract that would presumably contain less risk than the current system.However, if Mr. Wizard opts for the outsourcing, what to do with their 100 strong employees? Mr. Wizard already has the relevant information he needs so that he can make a viable, intelligent and profitable decision. Behemoth Motors Corp. 2 (1) FEE assures the same quality as the current BMC/GSNP quality. (2) The FEE outsourcing is covered by a contract. (3) The factory floor space vacated by the business operations can be a source of savings. (4) FEE’s delivery schedule is as reliable as BMC’s. (5) BMC’s supervisors can be absorbed by other BMC units.Therefore, the only problem is the laying off of 100 laborers. The solution to this would be intense collective bargaining agreements with the union. The FEE contract will commence on July yet, buying time for the company to make negotiations. Labor standards and regu lations do not enjoin employers from discharging or laying off employees (Kim 2003). The employees may be given three months’notices of their discharge. In lieu, Mr. Wizard can monetize the three months notice, which will provide ample support and time for the employees to gain employment.Unions are amenable to notices specially if the workforce to be discharged is paid off. This is an opportunity cost for BMC/GSPN, wherein Mr. Wizard quantifies the cost of sacrificing his workforce, in favor of obtaining the benefits of the FEE contract (Jay 2004). Mr. Wizard will wake a sound managerial decision by opting for the FEE Behemoth Motors Corp. 3 Contract. Why? Most of the qualitative factors in making decisions are soundly met (Relevant Costs): (a) Quality is assured; (b) Delivery schedules will be met;(c) FEE is a reputable outsourcing company which will in turn uphold the reputation of BMC/GSPN; and (d) As result, customer opinion will be high and their satisfaction guaranteed . To conclude, studies have shown that outsourcing benefits include better planning, higher points of operational consistency, and faster implementation of new techniques and strategies (Ferrell 2003). Behemoth Motors Corp. 4 References Relevant Costs for Decision Making, Retrieved May 27, 2008 from: http://www. mhhe. com/business/accounting/garrison/Student/olc/garrison9emgracct_s/chapterindex13.htm Jay, B. (2004). Relevant costs for decision-making, Retrieved May 27, 2008 from: http://www. accademy. com/students/publications/student_accountant/archive/2004/47/1163453 Ferrell, Keith. Outsourcing Benefits May Be More Than Monetary, Retrieved May 27, 2008 from: http://www. informationweek. com/news/services/showArticle. jhtml? articleID=15200441 Kim, Wang Bae. Economic crisis, downsizing and â€Å"layoff survivor’s syndrome†. Journal of Contemporary Asia, 2003. Retrieved May 27, 2008 from: http://findarticles. com/p/articles/mi_go2234/is_200310/ai_n9366529

Popper

â€Å"The greatest disease in the West today is not Tuberculosis or leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for. We can cure physical diseases with medicine, but the only cure for loneliness, despair, and hopelessness is love. † This quote, spoken by Mother Teresa, describes why I aspire to be a nurse. The technology and medicine we have in the world today is extremely advanced. However, this advanced technology and medicine would be worthless without the compassion and quality care given by trained nurses.I remember when my mom got the phone call that my grandfather had stopped breathing and that he only had a few hours to live. My grandparents live in Florida, however; they were driving to New York for a wedding. After they drove through the Lincoln Tunnel, my grandparents' next direction was to make their first right. Instead, my grandfather proceeded to make the first left. My grandmother said, † No, you turned the wrong way! † My grandfather repli ed, † But the hospital is this way. † My mom told me that his heart had stopped. My grandfather has a long history of earth problems and has had many surgeries.He resuscitated by the Meet's and was put into the Intensive Care Unit. My father drove my mother and aunt to New York so they could have the opportunity to see my grandfather still alive since he was not expected to live more than a few hours. With modern medicine and lots of prayer, he was able to make a full recovery. This incident made me want to learn more about how the body and the heart works. Ever since then, I've wanted to be a cardiovascular nurse. To me, being a nurse is far more than a Job or career. It is a continuous learning recess that I look forward to every day.I love the thought that I can wake up every day and help people. In order to be a great nurse, you must have many qualities that enable you to be a leader, an advocate, and a friend. It is a necessity to give quality care. Nurses have to h ave compassion. Compassion is not a single trait. Compassion means you care, you are loyal, devoted, honest, and hardworking. It means you are willing to do more for others than for yourself. Now I am in my senior year of high school and I am still working towards my dream of becoming a cardiovascular nurse.I am in the nursing program at Hartford Tech and I am currently participating in clinical at Lories Nursing Home. After I complete 40 hours of hands-on experience at Lories and pass a state skills and written test, I will become a Certified Nursing Assistant and a Geriatric Nursing Assistant. I plan on attending Hartford Community College in the fall of 2014. I hope to get into the nursing program there and receive my associates degree. After receiving my associates degree, I plan to continue on to a university and earn my masters degree.

Influence Of Mass Media Essay - 1178 Words

How big of a role does mass media play on societies everyday lives? Communities often conform to one another and follow in the path of their peers. Media affects this by revealing new trends and showing a better way to perform at certain tasks. From the way consumers shop to the new style or fad going around media affects it all. Mass media especially affects the youth and teen because, their minds are much more vulnerable to what the see on TV, social media, and magazine. Media will even degrade women in advertisements. Media has a strong influence over society and how everyday lives are lived. The article â€Å"Mass Media and its influence on society† By M. A Mughal is about how influential the media can be to the society. The article makes†¦show more content†¦With news updates and social media simply at the fingertips of almost every American. It has become very simple to receive news updates by the second. Social media is constantly blowing up with new stories an d the latest breaking news. These sites are discretely inputting a state of mind for Americans to follow and influence their minds. Even as someone who does not constantly view the news and follow each and every update. Their minds are still influenced by what they hear from their friends and family. After their friends and family hear about it. They share the news they read or heard and tell the people who do not keep up to date with the news. This trickles down and continues to their friends and family too. The best way to not be overcome by the media and too influenced is to review different sources and look at different approaches from other news sites or channels. Media uses the vulnerable minds of the youth to their advantage. Kids and teenagers often find themselves spending a lot of time in front of a TV and on their phones. 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