Silence and Emptiness in the Service of Healing: Lessons from Meditation

Monte, Michael Del

doi:10.1111/j.1752-0118.1995.tb00742.x

Cited by 7 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…As in previous research on meditative techniques, the construct of silence was operationalized based on the extent to which it, or similar terms (e.g., tranquility, vacuity, emptiness, stillness, peace, absence of noise/chaos, calmness; Cambridge Dictionary, 2019 ; Encyclopedia Treccani, 2019 ; Merriam-Webster Thesaurus, 2019 ), was referenced in the reports of practitioners. The concepts of “absence of thoughts and/or disturbing emotions” and “still mind” ( Del Monte, 1995 ; Dawson, 2003 ; Manocha et al, 2007 , 2010 , 2011 ; Manocha, 2011 ; Vago and Zeidan, 2016 ) were also included in this context.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dynamics of the Sphere Model of Consciousness: Silence, Space, and Self

Pintimalli

Giuseppe²,

Serantoni³

et al. 2020

Front. Psychol.

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The Sphere Model of Consciousness (SMC) delineates a sphere-shaped matrix that aims to describe subjective experiences using geometric coordinates, in accordance with a neurophenomenological perspective. According to the SMC, an experience of overcoming the habitual self and the conditioning of memories could be placed at the center of the matrix, which can then be called the Place of Pre-Existence (PPE). The PPE is causally associated with self-determination. In this context, we suggest that silence could be considered an intentional inner environment enabling self-perception to focus on the "here and now," which in turn improves perception of one's own body in space. To investigate the hypotheses grounded in the model, the current preliminary study examined the Place of Pre-Existence Technique (PPEt), in which practitioners are guided to focus on a self-defined aim, reach a state of detachment from the habitual self, and envision the future. Four-hundred eighty-one volunteer PPEt practitioners completed self-report questionnaires before and after an intensive 3-day meditative training. We analyzed potential relationships between subjective experiences related to physical, emotional, mental, temporal, and spatial components, as well as selfdetermination and silence, before and after training. The results indicated a transition from a prevailing influence of mental dimension on the other aspects of experience, to a prevailing influence of the spatial dimension. Silence was reported more often following the training and was predominantly related to mental and emotional experiences. The results are discussed in the framework of the SMC, as compared to other models, and in relation to the shift from Narrative to Minimal Self and to increased balance among the considered dimensions.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dynamics of the Sphere Model of Consciousness: Silence, Space, and Self

Pintimalli

Giuseppe²,

Serantoni³

et al. 2020

Front. Psychol.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…This lack of scientific scrutiny makes psychotherapy open to the charge of being 'like a religion', 1 an accusation with which I am not entirely uncomfortable. 6 Who has not heard patients make claims of beneficial emotional transformations based on their personal experiences with faith and spirituality? Such anecdotal claims have received empirical support.…”

Section: Training In Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: Quo Vadis?mentioning

confidence: 99%