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SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES IN ÁDVENTURE THERAPY
Independent
During hill tour | During cave tour
Sample Test: Hill
vs. weekdays vs. weekdays
vs. Cave tour
t df Sig. Ît df Sig. It df |Sig.
personal relationship with the
2.094] 95] .039| -1.000| 72| .321| -1.072] 23] .295
Divine/God
worship of the Creator 1.026] 95] .308] -3.087| 72] .003] -2.304] 23] .031
oneness with God 1.412] 95] .161| -2.484| 72] .015| -1.446] 23] .162
peace with God 1.269] 94] .208] -4.392] 71] .000} -1.072] 23] .295
prayer and presence of God 1.829] 95] .071] -2.592| 72| .012| -2.584| 23] .017
After analysing questionnaire scores, we examined the free drawings.
The figures below are drawings based on the experiences ofthe participants
done immediately at the end of the tours. The first two drawings symbolize
paths toward the inner world in accordance with the Jungian archetypic
perspective of Schroeder.*® These qualitative data suggest that the tendency
toward contacting the inner Self is supported by the natural setting.
On the third drawing, the colourful butterfly symbolizes transformation
of the Self, as well as identification with a small and beautiful natural
creature. The fourth drawing shows opening towards Nature, a higher reality
(identification with the blossoming colourful flower, suggesting an experience
similar to that found in mystical poems as mentioned by Spurgeon.)*’ The fifth
drawing expresses a symbolic figure in contact with Nature, a higher entity,
suggesting feelings of awe and transcendence. Finally, in the last drawing
there is a symbolic expression of a group of people heading toward the sun, in
contact and union with the light, suggesting a deep experience of insight.
?° Herbert W. Schroeder, The spiritual aspect of nature: A perspective from depth psychology.
In: Proceedings of the 1991 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium 1992, 25-30.
Spurgeon, Mysticism, 9-14.
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