Search Results (752)

Pediatric palliative care (PPC) aims to enhance the quality of life of children with life-limiting conditions and their families through individualized, interdisciplinary support. Among this population, children with neurological diseases represent a substantial and growing group, often facing prolonged disease courses, cognitive impairment, and high prognostic uncertainty. Effective communication is central to PPC; however, it remains deeply influenced by cultural, religious, and spiritual frameworks that shape family perceptions of illness, suffering, and decision-making. This narrative review explores communication strategies in PPC, with a specific focus on children with neurological conditions, highlighting conceptual foundations, cross-cultural variations, and emerging best practices. Key findings highlight the importance of culturally humble approaches, family-centered communication models, and structured tools, such as co-designed advance care planning and dignity therapy, to enhance communication. Additionally, the review highlights the presence of ethical and interdisciplinary challenges, particularly in neonatal and neurology settings, where misaligned team messaging and institutional hesitancy may compromise trust and timely referral to palliative care. Future research, policy, and clinical education priorities should advocate for models that are inclusive, ethically grounded, and tailored to the unique trajectories of neurologically ill children. Integrating cultural competence, team alignment, and family voices is essential for delivering equitable and compassionate PPC across diverse care settings. Full article

Where we find and form identity and belonging, meaning and purpose, is often entangled in the dynamics that play out between people and place, and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, the legacy and ongoing experience of invasion and colonisation. Place-based understandings of identity and its importance in shaping young people’s experience of what is possible and probable in their futures might be critical to framing cross-cultural work with young people impacted by violence and trauma. This paper draws on practitioner reflections of work with young Aboriginal women both on, and off Country, highlighting common and distinct themes related to identity formation and migration in navigating new futures. These include connection to Country and spiritual connection, family and kinship relationships, Women’s Business and felt cultural safety. The findings illustrate a meaningful parallel instructive to practice; for both young women and practitioners, access to cultural knowledge and connection is strengthened by endorsement and in turn strengthens understanding and experienced safety. This work emphasises the importance of creating culturally connected opportunities, sensitive to dynamics of place, to support positive identity expression and wellbeing. Full article

This paper investigates the cultural, spiritual, and ecological use and value of fish by-products in the material practices of Alaska Native (Indigenous Peoples are the descendants of the populations who inhabited a geographical region at the time of colonisation and who retain some or all of their own social, economic, cultural, and political institutions. In this paper, I use the terms “Indigenous” and “Native” interchangeably. In some countries, one of these terms may be favoured over the other.) and Greenlandic Inuit women. It aims to uncover how fish remnants—skins, bones, bladders, vertebrae, and otoliths—were transformed through tanning, dyeing, and sewing into garments, containers, tools, oils, glues, and adornments, reflecting sustainable systems of knowledge production rooted in Arctic Indigenous lifeways. Drawing on interdisciplinary methods combining Indigenist research, ethnographic records, and sustainability studies, the research contextualises these practices within broader environmental, spiritual, and social frameworks. The findings demonstrate that fish-based technologies were not merely utilitarian but also carried symbolic meanings, linking wearers to ancestral spirits, animal kin, and the marine environment. These traditions persisted even after European contact and the introduction of glass trade beads, reflecting continuity and cultural adaptability. The paper contributes to academic discourse on Indigenous innovation and environmental humanities by offering a culturally grounded model of zero-waste practice and reciprocal ecology. It argues that such ancestral technologies are directly relevant to contemporary sustainability debates in fashion and material design. By documenting these underexamined histories, the study provides valuable insight into Indigenous resilience and offers a critical framework for integrating Indigenous knowledge systems into current sustainability practices. Full article

The present study aimed to provide Congolese refugee women with an opportunity to narrate firsthand experiences coping with resettlement challenges in the United States. Translator-assisted, face-to-face semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with newly resettled Congolese refugee women (n = 20) aged 18 and older who arrived in the United States between 2011 and 2018. All participants were receiving assistance from a resettlement agency, located in the Midwestern US, at the time of the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive coding and thematic analysis. Three overarching themes were developed, indicating that Congolese refugee women adopt three main coping mechanisms to deal with challenges they face after resettling in the United States: (1) use of social support, (2) acceptance of the situation, and (3) spirituality. Resettlement support services, such as those provided by resettlement agencies, mental health providers, and community-based organizations, should integrate both economic and cultural dimensions into their services to address the complex physiological, mental, and emotional impacts of resettlement. These services should prioritize culturally and spiritually sensitive techniques that are linguistically accessible. Full article

This article presents a theological framework of a Theology of Living, which seeks to reimagine the task of theology as a lived, communal and practical enterprise. Departing from purely systematic or disembodied approaches, this theology emphasises the relational and contextual dimensions of Christian faith. The embedded nature of theology acknowledges that theological reflection is always situated within particular histories, cultures and communities. The deliberative dimension foregrounds the necessity of intentional, dialogical discernment in response to complex moral and spiritual challenges. The embodied aspect affirms that theology is not merely spoken or written, but enacted through the rhythms of everyday life, worship and service. Drawing upon pastoral experience, biblical reflection and theological discourse, this article proposes that such an integrated approach to theology not only bridges the gap between doctrine and practice but also reclaims theology’s vocational role in forming individuals and communities shaped by love, justice and hope. Full article

In the Chan Buddhism koan (gong’an 公案) tradition, the act of “slaying the snake” functions as a signature gesture imbued with complex, historically layered cultural meanings. Rather than merely examining its motivations, this paper emphasizes tracing the semantic transformations that this motif has undergone across different historical contexts. It argues that “snake-slaying” operated variously as an imperial narrative strategy reinforcing ruling class ideology; as a form of popular resistance by commoners against flood-related disasters; as a dietary practice among aristocrats and literati seeking danyao (elixirs) 丹藥 for reclusion and transcendence; and ultimately, within the Chan tradition, as a method of spiritual cultivation whereby masters sever desires rooted in attachment to both selfhood and the Dharma. More specifically, first, as an imperial narrative logic, snake-slaying embodied exemplary power: both Liu Bang 劉邦 and Guizong 歸宗 enacted this discursive strategy, with Guizong’s legitimacy in slaying the snake deriving from the precedent set by Liu Bang. Second, as a folk strategy of demystification, snake-slaying acquired a moral aura—since the snake was perceived as malevolent force, their slaying appeared righteous and heroic. Finally, as a mode of self-cultivation among the aristocracy, snake-slaying laid the groundwork for its later internalization. In Daoism, slaying the snake was a means of cultivating the body; in Chan Buddhism, the act is elevated to a higher plane—becoming a way of cultivating the mind. This transformation unfolded naturally, as if predestined. In all cases, the internalization of the snake-slaying motif was not an overnight development: the cultural genes that preceded its appearance in the Chan tradition provided the fertile ground for its karmic maturation and discursive proliferation. Full article

Spiritual intelligence (SI) is defined as a unique form of hermeneutic–relational intelligence that enables individuals to integrate cognitive, emotional, and symbolic dimensions to guide their thoughts and actions with reflection, aiming for existential coherence rooted in a transcendent system of meaning. It functions as a metacognitive framework that unites affective, cognitive, and symbolic levels in dialog with a sense of meaning that is considered sacred or transcendent, where “sacred,” in this context, refers inclusively to any symbolic reference or value that a person or culture perceives as inviolable, fundamental, or orienting. It can derive from religious traditions but also from ethical, philosophical, or civil visions. It functions as a horizon of meaning from which to draw coherence and guidance and which orients the understanding of oneself, the world, and action. SI appears as the ability to interpret one’s experiences through the lens of values and principles, maintaining a sense of continuity in meaning even during times of ambiguity, conflict, or discontinuity. It therefore functions as a metacognitive ability that brings together various mental functions into a cohesive view of reality, rooted in a dynamic dialog between the self and a value system seen as sacred. Full article

The teaching of the Bible emphasizes the importance of prayer for Christians’ faith and spiritual growth, particularly during times of trial and difficulty. Through prayers, Christians enable their spiritual experience of continuous transformation. This study tries to investigate the effects of the organised prayer movement by Jireh Fund Prayer Movement (JFPM) in Hong Kong on Christians who follow the movement. This study explores the effects of participating in the JFPM on Christians’ development of faith, spiritual wellness, resilience and love. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted in 2024, with more than 500 Christians from 67 churches responding to a questionnaire developed for the study to measure the various effects on Christians after they participated in the movement. The questionnaire was developed to measure Christians’ participation in the movement, their spiritual development of faith with hope, spiritual wellness, love, and resilience in the face of stress experienced. The findings are that the organised prayer movements provided by the Jireh Fund have a profound influence on Christians’ development of faith, spiritual wellness, and love. Through shared experiences in participating in prayer group movements, individuals strengthen their faith, enhance their spiritual development, experience divine love, and reduce stress in their daily lives. The sense of community and support found in these movements enhances spiritual wellness, while the focus on collective prayer fosters a culture of love and compassion. Through prayer, believers are empowered to grow in their relationship with God and to extend His love to others, demonstrating the transformative power of organised prayer movements in the lives of Christians. Full article

This study examines the complex process of Islam’s localization in Sudan, focusing on how hospitality, Sufi dhikr, and Mawlid celebrations integrate with Islamic practices. Drawing on three years of qualitative fieldwork, it demonstrates how Sudan’s geography, ethnic diversity, and historical heritage enable the blending of core religious principles with local customs. Sufi brotherhoods—particularly Qādiriyya, Tījāniyya, Shādhiliyya, and Khatmiyya—play a pivotal role in local culture by incorporating traditional musical, choreographic, and narrative art forms into their rituals, resulting in highly dynamic worship and social interaction. In Sudan, hospitality emerges as a near-sovereign social norm, reflecting the Islamic ethics of charity and mutual assistance while remaining deeply intertwined with local traditions. Islam’s adaptability toward local customs is further illustrated by the vibrant drumming, chanting, and dancing that enhance large-scale Mawlid al-Nabi celebrations, uniting Muslims under a religious identity that goes beyond dogmatic definitions. Beyond their spiritual meanings, these Sufi practices and networks also serve as tools for social cohesion, often functioning as support systems in regions with minimal state presence. They help prevent disputes and foster unity, demonstrating the positive impact of a flexible Islam—one that draws on both scripture and local traditions—on peacebuilding in Sudan. While highlighting the country’s social realities, this study offers insights into how Islam can function as a transformative force within society. Full article

The Mutanchis, known by their derogatory exonymic term ‘Lepcha’, are autochthonous to Sikkim, India. The name ‘Mutanchi’ derives from the phrase ‘Mutanchi Rumkup Rongkup’, eliciting the response ‘Achulay’, meaning ‘Beloved children of It-bu-mu, who have come from the snowy peaks’. The nomenclature prompts an ontological understanding rooted in the community’s eco-geographical context. Despite possessing a well-developed script categorised within the Tibeto-Burman language family, the Mutanchis remain a largely oral community. Their diminishing, scarcely documented repository of Mutanchi clan narratives underscores this orality. As a Mutanchi, I recognise these narratives as a medium for expressing Indigenous value systems upheld by my community and specific villages. Mutanchi clan narratives embody spiritual and cultural significance, yet their fantastic rationale reveals complex epistemological tensions. Ideally, each Mutanchi clan reveres a chyu (peak), lhep (cave), and doh (lake), which are propitiated annually and on specific occasions. The transmigration of an apil (soul) is tied to these three sacred spatial geographies, unique to each clan. Additionally, clan etiological explanations, situated within natural or supernatural habitats, manifest beliefs, values, and norms rooted in a deep ecology. This article presents an ecosophical study of selected Mutanchi clan narratives from Dzongu, North Sikkim—a region that partially lies within the UNESCO Khangchendzonga Man-Biosphere Reserve. Conducted in close consultation with clan members and in adherence to the ethical protocols, this study examines clans in Dzongu governed by Indigenous knowledge systems embedded in their narratives, highlighting biocentric perspectives that shape Mutanchi lifeways. Full article

The Bignoniaceae family encompasses numerous species of ecological, medicinal, and cultural significance, yet its ethnobotanical value remains underexplored in many regions of Thailand. This study investigates the diversity, phenology, cultural relevance, and traditional uses of Bignoniaceae species in Maha Sarakham Province, Northeastern Thailand. Through semi-structured interviews with 260 local informants across 13 districts—alongside field observations and herbarium voucher collections—we documented 27 species across 21 genera. These integrated methods enabled the identification of key culturally significant species and provided insights into their traditional uses. Phenological data revealed clear seasonal patterns in flowering and fruiting, aligned with the regional climatic cycle. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices—including Species Use Value (SUV), Genera Use Value (GUV), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Cultural Importance Index (CI), and Cultural Food Significance Index (CFSI)—were employed to evaluate species significance. Results indicate that species such as Dolichandrone serrulata, D. spathacea, and Oroxylum indicum hold high cultural and practical value, particularly in traditional medicine, spiritual practices, and local landscaping. These findings underscore the critical role of Bignoniaceae in sustaining biocultural diversity and emphasize the urgency of preserving traditional botanical knowledge amid environmental and socio-economic change. Moreover, the insights contribute to broader efforts in cultural heritage preservation and biodiversity conservation across tropical and subtropical regions. Full article

Templestay programs in South Korea represent a unique convergence of Buddhist ritual, cultural immersion, and wellness tourism. While often treated as niche cultural experiences, their broader significance within sustainable wellness tourism remains underexplored. This study examines participant reflections from the Beomeosa Templestay program through thematic analysis of over 600 reviews sourced from TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, and handwritten guestbooks. Using a triangulated framework combining Grounded Theory, Symbolic Interactionism, and the Wellness Tourism Model, the research identifies four recurring experiential themes: spiritual development, emotional healing, cultural immersion, and conscious consumption. Findings reveal cross-cultural variations: non-Korean participants emphasized spiritual exploration and cultural learning, while Korean participants prioritized emotional renewal and reconnection with heritage. Yet, across all groups, participants reported transformative outcomes, including heightened clarity, inner calm, and enhanced self-awareness. These results suggest that Templestays serve as accessible, culturally grounded wellness retreats that align with rising global demand for intentional, mindful travel. This study contributes to sustainable tourism scholarship by framing Templestays as low-impact, spiritually resonant alternatives to commercialized wellness retreats. Practical recommendations are offered to expand participation while maintaining program authenticity and safeguarding the spiritual and cultural integrity of monastic hosts in an increasingly globalized wellness landscape. Full article

Why have thinkers like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Zhuang Zi, across different cultures, sought something beyond the self? Whether through God, nature, or abstract ideals, the longing for transcendence has been a recurring theme across philosophical and religious traditions. This impulse reflects what Aldous Huxley termed the “perennial philosophy”—the idea that all spiritual traditions share a common metaphysical core. Within this framework, Emerson and Zhuang Zi offer remarkably similar insights into the transformative power of silence and stillness. For Emerson, these quiet states connect the individual with the Over-Soul, a universal spirit that transcends the ego. For Zhuang Zi, they enable alignment with the Dao, the natural flow of the universe. In both philosophies, silence and stillness serve as transformative practices that dissolve the boundaries of the self and open it to a deeper, more unified reality. By comparing Emerson’s Over-Soul and Zhuang Zi’s Dao, this essay shows how both thinkers suggest that true peace arises not from striving but from surrendering to the quiet depths of being. Their shared emphasis on contemplative stillness reveals its enduring value as a spiritual practice across diverse philosophical landscapes. Full article

Wetlands in northeastern Algeria’s Numidia region provide vital ecosystem services, yet their cultural and intangible values (e.g., spiritual or aesthetic benefits) remain under-recognized in policy and practice. This study explores how gender, education, occupation, and wetland protection status influence local perceptions of provisioning, regulating, and cultural ecosystem services. Based on surveys (n = 552) across 12 wetland communities, results show that women place greater importance on cultural services, while those with higher education display more ecological awareness but less connection to traditional practices. Occupation and residence in protected areas also significantly shape valuation. These findings highlight the need for inclusive conservation strategies that integrate gender perspectives and local knowledge, promoting community-driven stewardship. This research supports more equitable and resilient environmental governance. Full article

This study explores how Black student leaders (BSLs) at public historically white institutions (HWIs) in Florida and Georgia navigate racial battle fatigue (RBF) in the context of anti-DEI legislation. Amid rising political hostility toward diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, this research examines the lived experiences of 11 BSLs as they respond to racialized campus climates that are increasingly ambiguous and unsupportive. Using a critical qualitative approach, data were collected through two in-depth interviews per participant and analyzed using inductive and deductive coding. Four major findings emerged: (1) BSLs experience heightened psychological, physiological, and emotional forms if stress linked to their identity and leadership roles; (2) anti-DEI policies contribute to institutional erasure and confusion; (3) students express emotional withdrawal, hypervigilance, and disillusionment with performative leadership; (4) students employ culturally grounded coping strategies centered on self-care, spirituality, and community. This study underscores that BSLs are both empowered and burdened by their leadership, especially under politically restrictive conditions. The findings call for student affairs educators to prioritize engagement and belonging and offer identity-affirming support. Further, scholars with academic freedom are urged to continue documenting racialized student experiences. These insights are critical to protecting Black student leadership and equity-centered educational transformation. Full article