Zingeving en nataliteit in humanistische geestelijke verzorging

Abstract

This article explores how an Arendtian perspective on natality contributes to transcendence within a humanistic meaning-making framework in the practice of spiritual care. Through such a framework, individuals attribute meaning to the world around them. In this context, meaningfulness is understood as an orientation process within a meaning framework that provides direction towards 'the good'. For Hannah Arendt, natality refers to the capacity to do the unexpected, initiate something new, take action, and 'become someone'. This act of initiating something new can be preceded by significant moments of reflection or entering a moral space. Spiritual counsellors can support individuals in this moral orientation process towards the good. A meaning framework is part of a larger entity, referred to as the epistemic structure of our society, which traditionally focuses on mortality. This conventional understanding of death is crucial for reconciling with life. In contrast, the meaning of natality emphasizes the future, hope, and change through the initiation of new actions. Thus, the concept of natality has the potential to broaden our contemporary epistemic structure of meaning-making. Achieving this, however, requires study, deconstruction, and intentional change.