ABSTRACT
Separation, loss, confinement, and change have been imposed on entire populations du-ring the Covid-19 pandemic in the form of lockdowns aimed at limiting the spread of the virus. They are also central to Evagrian asceticism, where they establish the conditions for the change at which the monastic life aims, namely to begin to reverse the effects of the fall by restoring the soul to health. This paper examines how they do so in order to gain an understanding of their ascetic function. Following the Introduction, it outlines Evagrius' anthropology in order to lay the groundwork for its main theme, the healing of pathos through the practical life. Separation, loss, and confinement are each considered in turn by referencing Evagrius' descriptions of their ascetic function and his own experience of them. Next, the change at which they aim is described, again drawing upon a range of Evagrian material. The final section of the paper considers how Evagrius can speak to the experience of lockdown by endowing separation, loss, confinement with meaning and purpose in relation to spiritual awakening and growth, highlighting our freedom to choose our attitude to them, and acting as both our guide and our companion. © 2022, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
The world is in crisis! While we are writing this introduction, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to hold many countries in its tight grip. Countries have gone into lock-down over the Omicron variant. People have lost their jobs. Above all, the current pandemic highlights the underlying long-term crises of racism and social inequality, whereas for example communities of color and individuals with lower socio-economic status are impacted disproportionally by the pandemic. The articles in this special issue reflect the new meaning of meaning. We discuss multidisciplinary perspectives on how meaning is experienced in different contexts and crises. Together, these articles show the personal and societal power of meaning, and stand for meaning in our globalized society. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
The unprecedented changes in our society because of COVID-19 and the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) shows that our healthcare system and the medical approach to psychotherapy can no longer meet the mental health needs of society. This paper first described the negative impact of COVID-19 and 4IR on our mental health. Then, following a brief critique of the medical model, this paper proposes that the future of psychotherapy needs to be based on the more inclusive and integrative framework of existential positive psychology (PP 2.0), which emphasizes flourishing through suffering. Finally, the paper emphasizes Viktor Frankl's cure and Wong's integrative meaning therapy. It concludes that integrative meaning therapy represents the future of psychotherapy, because it is situated in the area of interactions of at least three traditions: Clinical psychology, existential psychology, and positive psychology. This integrative model is holistic, recognising humans as bio-psycho-social-spiritual beings and considers several theoretical perspectives in both diagnosis and treatment.