Triggers of Exceptional Experiences on the Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage

What is it about?

The study investigates triggers and transformative effects among Camino de Santiago pilgrims. Analysis of 32 travelogues reveals triggers like exposure to natural beauty and visits to sacred sites, leading to emotional shifts, heightened unity, and love. These experiences influence moral and cognitive frameworks, fostering spirituality, wisdom, and detachment. 'Experience of deep calm and reconciliation' improves relationships, 'Experience of interconnectedness' enhances intuition, and 'Cathartic experiences' encourage vulnerability expression. Surveying 501 pilgrims supports the frequency and transformative impact of these experiences. The study's implications extend to pilgrims, prospective pilgrims, and researchers, offering insights for personal growth, spiritual journeys, and exploration of transformative encounters in diverse contexts. The findings highlight the value of environments promoting self-reflection, nature connection, and engagement with sacred spaces beyond pilgrimage, emphasizing the profound impact of the Camino de Santiago on individuals and providing valuable insights for personal development and spiritual exploration.

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