A ride of passage: Connecting a spiritual journey to the works of Parker J. Palmer, Rachael Kessler and John P. Miller

摘要

This thesis explores the journals written by the author during a 16,000 km solo bicycle journey around the Unites States, seven years ago, upon his graduation from university. This was his attempt at a spiritual quest.In this thesis, upon revisiting his journals, he argues that the original framework he used for this quest was flawed, leading to unsatisfactory results. Seven years ago, he was convinced that self-discovery was best attained through solitude. Instead, a new reading of his journals demonstrated that he learnt and benefitted most in contexts of social engagement, meaningful relationships and mutual exploration, all major themes in the works of Parker J. Palmer, Rachael Kessler and John P. Miller. He then argues that had he been guided to follow the successive phases described in Kessler‘s structured rite of passage (preparation, severance, threshold and ordeal, and reincorporation) the intended and anticipated outcomes of the experience would have been more beneficial. He suggests that he was missing three of Kessler‘s essential phases during his ordeal (solo bicycle journey) he had planned for himself: preparation, severance, and reincorporation. The author concludes that it was possible to reflect anew on his experience by using Kessler‘s theory and this process provided a more accurate interpretation of his journey, allowing for spiritual development seven years later. This is encouraging for teachers lacking the opportunity to lead their students through a rite of passage in Kessler‘s prescribed manner. They can build upon ordeals students have experienced independently, to create anew conditions for reflection, revelation, learning and reintegration.