ABSTRACT
Critical reflection, which shares theoretical foundations with narrative therapy, can assist people in being able to articulate what gives them the greatest sense of meaning and purpose. As spirituality is often partially defined as that which gives people a sense of meaning and purpose, the author explores how critical reflection shares commonalities with Christian contemplative practices and Buddhist mindfulness, allowing for an examination of a practitioner's past and current professional practices, underlying assumptions, and an expanding array of future possibilities. A distinction is provided between the church fathers and organized religion, and the tradition which has flowed from the desert mothers and fathers down through monasteries, contributing to contemplative and centering prayer. The author discusses how she has been engaging in practices of critical reflection and contemplation which have shaped her approach to the study of the soul.
