Attaining Composure Through Breath-Awareness - Resubmitted Version May 2020.pdf (227.34 kB)
Attaining composure through breath-awareness: a phenomenological account of the use of the breath in social work
This article is the first to address breathing in social work directly. It sits within the phenomenological tradition and as such provides accounts from social work education and practice as a means of recognizing a commonality of experience. The article argues for a considered, conscious use of the breath in order for the social worker to gain a state of calm or composure and also to be able to foster composure in others – the so called “circle of breath”. The focus is on the skills of the worker but also on the meanings of the choices they make. A phenomenological approach to the topic of composure is contrasted with a psychotherapeutic approach. No particular method is advocated although several exercises designed to aid breath awareness are suggested. A discussion is threaded throughout on the relationship between the breath and spirituality in social work, also considered in phenomenological terms.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
Journal of Religion and Spirituality in Social WorkISSN
1542-6432Publisher
Taylor & FrancisExternal DOI
Issue
1Volume
40Page range
3-18Department affiliated with
- Social Work and Social Care Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2020-11-11First Open Access (FOA) Date
2021-09-08First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2020-11-11Usage metrics
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