Re-imagining inclusive, existential approaches to spirituality in therapeutic recreation

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn this conceptual paper we make a case for frameworks of spirituality and spiritual practice in Therapeutic Recreation (TR) to be broadened in order to be supportive and inclusive of all forms of beliefs and practice. While acknowledging contributions that Christian-Judeo models have made to spiritual practice in TR settings, our paper illuminates a need for grounding approaches to discussing, exploring, and fostering spirituality in the context of TR, particularly to address diversity through a framework that is complementary of individuals with an array of spiritual beliefs and practices. This critique is primarily an effort to re-shape TR landscapes, beyond Christian-Judeo frameworks that dominate spirituality literature in TR, to address spiritual diversity and accessibility for individuals who embrace non-dominant spiritual practices. In this paper, Purdy and Dupey’s (2005) Holistic Flow Model and Howe-Murphy and Murphy’s (1997) Consciousness Paradigm are synthesized to reflect an umbrella under which diverse spiritual approaches can flourish in TR contexts where traditional, dominant TR practices keep spirituality at the periphery. We advocate for an existential framework to ground this understanding of spirituality in settings where TR is practiced to inform a holistic leisure practice between individuals and with TR partners in care. To support these aims for an existentially grounded, spirituality-driven approach in TR, we describe how care partners can support spiritual explorations with others for all involved in the process through authenticity and equanimity in care practice. We believe TR partners in care are integral to reconstructions of TR practices and expanding possibilities for spirituality in contexts of TR.