Phenomenological and neurophysiologic investigation into contemplatingumoya(Spirit) and its psychological applications

Abstract

This study explored subjective and objective perspectives on uMoya, Spirit consciousness and/or spirituality, from a heuristic phenomenological and neurophysiologic perspective. Contemplative reflective data on uMoya and its neurophysiologic correlates were gathered from a culturally diverse group of eight researcher-participants aged 32 to 63 years. The data were analyzed using exploratory, integrative, thematic and small sample statistical approaches. Thematic analysis revealed evidence for uMoya contemplation descriptions encompassing spiritual traditions, human spirituality and ancestral consciousness. The neurophysiologic correlates indicated significant decreases in respiration, delta activity and beta activity as well as associated patterns of a coherent, relaxed and alert state of waking consciousness, suggesting direct experiencing after contemplation. Findings supported an integral contemplative approach to uMoya with the potential for psychotherapeutic applications.

The role of rural universities in developing psychology in South Africa

“…The neurophysiologic correlates indicated significant decreases in respiration, delta activity, and beta activity as well as associated patterns of a coherent, relaxed, and alert state of waking consciousness suggesting direct experiencing. Findings supported an integral contemplative approach to uMoya with encouraging potential for psychotherapeutic application (Edwards et al, 2014). Central to uMoya psychology is ancestral consciousness and related beliefs and practices, which have provided community homeostasis in perennial, ancient African psychology that predates the pyramids.…”

Integral approach to South African psychology with special reference to indigenous knowledge

“…Community psychology may be broadly defined as commitment to prevent and/or heal all forms of violence, injustice, human rights abuses, oppression, poverty, crime and other forms of illness (Edwards, 2010a). In rural regions of South Africa most everyday community psychology is typically practised by traditional healers from non-local realms of consciousness and/or (uMoya) spirit (Edwards et al, 2014;Sodi & Bojuwoye, 2011). In urban contexts, community psychology may be defined as a modem academic and professional sub-discipline of psychology with a special interdisciplinary social action and research focus.…”