Transpersonal Psychology

transpersonal psychology

Transpersonal Psychology (TPP) is the study of those experiences in which we move beyond the personal in our life. This means experiences such as caring for others and the earth, being moved by a sunset or music, and spiritual, mystical or religious experiences.

Transpersonal Psychology is beautifully described on the British Psychological Society’s Transpersonal Psychology Section website in the following way:

“It refers to experiences in which there is an expansion beyond our ordinary sense of self and a feeling of connection to a larger, more meaningful reality”.

So, the transpersonal refers to our sense of purpose and meaning in life, and to the deeper moments when we let go of our attachment to self and selfish needs and connect to something more true and valuable, more profound and moving.

It also refers to the concept of being totally present in the moment, with the IS-ness and the fullness of LIFE in all its guises, painful and pleasurable. Consider those moments that move us to tears, such as at weddings, Christenings, Bar Mitzvahs, seeing your child on stage for the first time, facing a challenge with courage, or being moved by natural beauty. These are the moments we connect to what is TRUE and REAL and MEANINGFUL for us, and for some people, they point the way towards the reality of the Divine – both within the self and in the wider universe.

TPP is also concerned with;

Exploring mystical, transcendental, meditative and peak experiences; and the psychological factors that may contribute to these experiences.
Enhancement of human potential and psychological wellbeing.
The role of meditation in self-exploration and self-development.
The psychology and philosophy of religion and spirituality – (this does not relate to any dogma, rules or adherence to any one belief system, but with an attitude of openness to the value of all and respect for all beliefs).
Eastern and Western psycho-spiritual traditions.

Transpersonal Psychology can offer transformational practices, tools, knowledge and theory that improve WELLBEING. These are gathered from many Wisdom Traditions, spiritual and secular alike, including spiritual practices from the Hindu (such as Yoga), Buddhist (such as Loving kindness meditation and the idea of impermanence), Christian (forgiveness, compassion), Kabbalistic, Shamanic and Pagan Traditions and secular practices based on Psychosynthesis, Human Givens Theory, Logotherapy, Gestalt, Cognitive Behavioural Theory, Psychotherapy, Person Centred Counselling, Emotional Intelligence, Systems Theory, Authentic Power and healing.

2009 © Hara Willow - used with kind permission

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Hara Willow

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