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Abstract

This paper explores how meditative inquiry can contribute to philosophical counselling, and how these two perspectives together can inform the work of holistic and contemplative educators and practitioners. After outlining the definition, goals, and practices related to meditative inquiry and pointing to its transformative potential, the author draws attention to how meditative inquiry and philosophical counselling share similar goals, such as engagement in authentic inner exploration of questions of deep existential significance, and highlights the benefits of processes related to meditative inquiry, such as developing attentive listening and observation, engaging in creative and aesthetic exploration, and connecting with nature. Rather than medicalizing and pathologizing personal and relational conflicts, meditative inquiry and philosophical counselling encourage us to delve deeper into them through critical thinking, self-reflection, and dialogue, and embrace authentic transformation. Given their emphasis on holistic understanding and transformation, the author believes that philosophical counselling and meditative inquiry can provide theoretical and practical support to holistic and contemplative educators and practitioners, including schoolteachers, university professors, mindfulness practitioners, and counsellors.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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