Motherhood as Opportunity to Learn Spiritual Values: Experiences and Insights of New Mothers

This study examined the subjective daily experiences of motherhood as potential opportunities for spiritual awareness and personal transformation. It explored how an enduring commitment to fostering a child through adoption, marriage or conception may lead mothers to embrace a broadened perspective in life that mirrors the core spiritual values of world religions and perennial wisdom traditions. A qualitative analysis of 22 interviews revealed 6 overlapping and interrelated themes: (a) unconditional love and interdependence (b) transcending ego or self-centeredness (c) compassion and empathy, (d) mindfulness and heightened awareness, (e) meaning and purpose in life (f) faith and a higher power.