The Ubiquity of the Character Strengths in African Traditional Religion: A Thematic Analysis

August 30, 2012May 20, 2013 selvam Articles/Chapters

Selvam, S.G. & Collicutt, J. (2013), The ubiquity of the character strengths in African Traditional Religion: A thematic analysis. In Knoop, H.H. & Delle Fave, A. (Eds.), Well-Being and Cultures: A Positive Psychology Perspective (pp 83-102). Heidelberg: Springer.
Abstract

Positive psychology has relied on world philosophical and religious traditions for its understanding and classification of core virtues and character strengths and in demonstrating their ubiquity across cultures. However, in this endeavour, reference to African traditional religion (ATR) is minimal. The aim of the present qualitative study was to discern if the ubiquity of character strengths extends to ATR. The catalogue of Values in Action (VIA) was chosen as the coding template; some anthropological textual data on the life cycle of the individual, collected in Nairobi, Kenya, were used as the data set. Using a hybrid approach of deductive data analysis and inductive theme development, thematic equivalents were identified, and further validated with […]

My PhD dissertation: Character Strengths, Christian mindfulness & Recovery from Addiction

August 18, 2012May 7, 2014 selvam Articles/Chapters

Character strengths as mediators in a mindfulness based intervention for recovery from addictive behaviour: a study in psychology of religion and positive psychology
Sahaya G. Selvam, PhD (University of London)
<<Download dissertation in full>>
Abstract:
There is an increasing interest in studying the association between spirituality and recovery from addiction. A few studies have already explored the mediators of the association, but rarely have they attempted to elucidate the association within a viable theoretical framework. The present study attempted to address this need. Beginning with the conceptualization of religion and spirituality, the study considered the possibility of a construct called ‘religious spirituality’. Working within an epistemology of hermeneutical realism, this project in psychology of religion (PR) proposed positive psychology (PP) as a multidimensional theory, and opted for a mixed method approach integrating quantitative and qualitative data.
The literature review showed several parallels between the dimensions of spirituality as explored within PR and the list of character strengths as […]

Reflection on the Prodigal Son based on the painting by Rembrandt

August 13, 2012September 6, 2012 selvam Methods of Prayer

There are several books written on this theme. But the parable and the painting still speak more, hence the following reflection. This reflection has to be used together with the painting. The texts within brackets invite the reader to focus on details of particular parts of the painting. The following text is to be treated as an original writing of Sahaya G. Selvam, sdb. The copy of the painting is now in public domain, hence no copyright is required.
This is my story.
It is our story.
It is the story of how I negotiate with my self, my Father, and my brother.
It is the story of my life.
The story of my encounters with the self, God, and the other!

(The feet of the kneeling boy, the younger son, notice the torn […]

Sunday Mass in English in Rome: Santa Maria della Scala

July 22, 2012July 24, 2012 selvam Varia

There are many churches one could go to for the Sunday Eucharist in English while in Rome. What may be less known is the one held at the Church of Santa Maria della Scala. The mass begins at 10.30am. It is quiet and homely! The church is at the Piazza della Scala, and only 20 minutes walk from St. Peters – in the direction of Ponte Garibaldi. The church has always been, as it is now, under the care of the Discalced Carmelites. It is very convenient to participate in the Sunday Eucharist, and then walk up to St Peters to pray the Angelus with the Holy Father.
Additional features in this church include the relic (one foot) of St Theresa of Avila, which is venerated at a side chapel. You might want to reach the church a little early before […]

River Mee – Full Text

June 22, 2012November 29, 2022 selvam Varia

River Mee
Based on the book Landmarks by Margaret Silf
(London: DLT, 1998)
Elaborated and narrated by Sahaya G. Selvam, SDB
1. The origin
Every river has its origin. Often the origin of a river may be hidden and insignificant. Even a great mighty river begins with a small tiny stream. Often you go to a swampy area and people say here is where a big river is born. You see no river but only reeds. Yet the river is there.
The origin of the river of your life was also insignificant and hidden. It happened in the dark corner of the womb of your mother. Yet it was the greatest miracle that has ever happened in your life. What do you know about your own origins? Are you proud of your origin? May be there were certain painful events associated with your origin. Have you accepted the story of your origins? The flow of your […]