Type of Work
Research Paper - Limited Access
Publication Date
2018
Description
This study dissects the influence of groups and individual settings amongst different places on people’s contemplative practices, mainly yoga and meditation. Through interviews, we found that these factors play a converging role. We propose 4 key patterns: 1. Practicing in a group has the benefit of community, motivation, and a spiritual energy from other practitioners; however, it can yield to undesired competition and social comparison. 2. The place of the yoga studio can influence people’s experience. People connected the place to who was there. 3. Practicing alone is less competitive and more focused on personal needs. However, the lack of structure can make people feel disorganized. 4. Places for individual practice were often specific, conditioned places filled with meaningful and sacred objects. To conclude, we address possible implications of our study and suggestions for future research.
Hamilton Areas of Study
Sociology
Hamilton Sponsoring Organization
Levitt Public Affairs Center
Hamilton Scholarship Series
Levitt Summer Research Fellowship
Hamilton Faculty Advisor
Jaime Kucinskas