Spiritual Experiences
Richard Phinney

The purpose of this study was to explore spiritual experiences in the older adult from earliest memories to views on afterlife. This descriptive study was conducted with six women and four men, aged 54 to 92, who were living in their homes. Open-ended interviews was the method of data collection. The research approach was qualitative and used phenomenology as its methodological base. The data were transcribed from the taped interviews and the characteristics of spiritual experiences were classified into ten categories, as well as patterns, symbols, and themes. Continuous, interrupted, spatial, and directional spiritual patterns were found. The symbols of light, seed, and path offered special spiritual meaning. The prevailing theme concerned life events which connect with or disrupt the feeling of spiritual unity. Nursing was seen as one of the links for assisting the client in reconnecting with his or her spiritual lines.