Abstract
Orientation
In this study I aimed to share and develop mindfulness as a philosophy and a practice
by combining narrative and theory to produce a practical mindfulness model that would
support a spiritual approach to personal leadership.
Relevance and significance of the study
This study was an exploration and operationalisation of mindfulness. As mindfulness
is a complex construct, the research aimed to integrate a broad range of mindfulness
interpretations which was further deepened through an evocative autoethnographic
lens. The spiritual dimension of leadership was, thus, addressed with an innovative
model supporting mindfulness practices and ideas. I first engaged with the concept of
mindfulness in 2010 as I began my journey of transformation and I have studied and
taught extensively in this field. Ever since, I have been entranced by the concept and
this research reflected my growing engagement with mindfulness and personal
development.
Research question
The research questions that framed the study sought to establish how mindfulness
may be explored through an evocative narrative and the integration of definitions to
develop a model for spiritual leadership.
Research approach
This research used a qualitative, postmodernist research approach to develop a
spiritual model. This unconventional qualitative methodology allowed me to blend an
evocative and analytical approach to my life’s journey. I revealed the wisdom and
knowledge I gained coping with traumatic events that transformed me from a ‘worrier’
to a ‘warrior’ of the mind, terms I use that have come to define the work I do. Combining
first-order constructs derived from the narrative, together with abstract constructs of...
Ph.D.