Date of Award
2016
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Education (MEd)
Department
Interdisciplinary
First Advisor
Robert J. Nash
Abstract
This thesis examines how different types of connection – intimacy, community, and compassion – can positively impact the cultivation of well-being and ways of knowing. Using Scholarly Personal Narrative methodology (narrative storytelling supported by scholarship) I describe my journey from the 15-years I lived as a monastic yogic nun, followed by a period of heartbreak, to my recent experience as a tip-toeing Buddhist and mid-life graduate student who yearned for community, a place to belong, and an opportunity to be heard, seen and valued. I explore how the pain and suffering of loneliness, grief, loss, and change, when met by presence, patience, awareness, care and flexibility, can help to strengthen one's relationships with the self, others and surrounding environment. I close by outlining how contemplative pedagogy (learner-oriented, introspective and experiential learning) can help to create new ways of knowing, improve cognitive functioning and well-being, and cultivate compassion. I demonstrate how these three connections can transform the higher education learning experience from an abstract, impersonal view of reality to an authentic, interconnected, and intimate one that help students develop long-lasting and meaningful relationships well beyond the classroom walls.
Language
en
Number of Pages
83 p.
Recommended Citation
Hamel, Krista, "Cultivating Well-Being and Contemplative Ways of Knowing through Connection: One Woman's Journey from Monastic Living to Mainstream Academia" (2016). Graduate College Dissertations and Theses. 555.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/graddis/555
Included in
Educational Methods Commons, Epistemology Commons, Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons