Entheogenic and nature-oriented transpersonal experiences, inspirations and challenges of ecological engagement, and attitudes toward sociopolitical activism: Applying participatory research, heuristic inquiry, and thematic analysis to empower activists.

Abstract

In original research on empowering adult North Americans who aspire to address the ecological crisis (N = 21), heuristic inquiry, participatory action research, and thematic analysis were applied to examining the challenges and inspirations to coresearchers' broadly defined activism. The following themes emerged: Entheogenic and nature-oriented transpersonal and awe-evoking experiences; identifying origins of the ecological crisis; high and low political efficacy—inspired activism; relations with nature increased wellbeing; psychospiritual development and activism were mutually stimulating; challenges to activism and nurturing self-growth to overcome challenges; individuation needs inspired and were a challenge to activism; ecologically conscious collaboration and lifestyle transformation fostered psychospiritual growth. Many coresearchers expressed negative attitudes toward sociopolitical activism, suggesting a need for psychospiritual supports to evoke collaborative sociopolitical transformation.