The Metaphor of Experience and the Experience of Metaphor: Critical Reflection on a Contemplative Process toward Aliveness and Compassion
Karen L. Kuchan
Journal of Pastoral Care & Counseling September 1, 2009 DOI: 10.1177/154230500906300314 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Proposes that an inter-textual epistemological web offers a robust method for critically reflecting on and communicating how metaphors in contemplative healing prayer with a spiritual director may foster transformation toward aliveness and compassion, integrating Hebrew scripture, psychoanalytic theory, affective neuroscience, and contemplative thought. |
Abstract
An epistemological web invites critical reflection and the possibility of new ideas emerging in the space between experience and different ways of thinking. A web offers a postmodern method of a hermeneutic of experience and a way of knowing that creates space for a robust, flexible, dynamic process of critical reflection and discovery. The following article utilizes an inter-textual epistemological web (see Figure 1, p. 4) to answer the question, “Do metaphors of experience and experiences of metaphor during contemplative healing prayer with a spiritual director nurture a transformational process toward aliveness and compassion?” How can one discover and communicate this reality in dialog with Hebrew scripture, psychoanalytic theory, affective neuroscience and ways of thinking about contemplative transformation?