Mysticism and mental health in the work of Marion Milner
This article explores the relationship between mysticism and psychological well-being in Marion Milner's personal diaries and clinical papers. Three themes in her diaries are discussed as they pertain to mystical experience: letting go of self, emptiness, and an 'inner voice' or '...
| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
2001
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| In: |
Mental health, religion & culture
Year: 2001, Volume: 4, Issue: 2, Pages: 193-208 |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) |
| Summary: | This article explores the relationship between mysticism and psychological well-being in Marion Milner's personal diaries and clinical papers. Three themes in her diaries are discussed as they pertain to mystical experience: letting go of self, emptiness, and an 'inner voice' or 'Answering Activity'. Following, the question of whether mysticism can promote mental health is raised. Milner's lengthy analysis with Susan, a schizophrenic patient, suggests that mystical experiences can be psychologically transformative, however, prerequisite is a healthy sense of self - a core 'I'. It is suggested that for Milner, a state of paradox - an affirmation of both 'I' and 'not-I', self and no-self - lies at the core of mystical experience and that this state of 'reverie' can indeed foster a greater sense of wholeness and well-being in the world. |
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| ISSN: | 1469-9737 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: Mental health, religion & culture
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| Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.1080/713685625 |