Suchen und Gestalten

Overview & Synopsis

Contemporary spiritual practices, such as various forms of meditation and yoga, spiritual teachings as well as alternative energy-based healing methods, became increasingly popular in Lebanon’s capital Beirut. In particular, well-educated women from the urban middle class participate in respective public courses and private circles. Johanna Kühn analyses the social and religious influence of these leisure activities. She shows that in the context of spiritual practices participating women cultivate new understandings of the female self and their gender-specific social positions as well as alternative perspectives on Islam and Christianity. Thus, contemporary spiritual practices have an empowering effect on the women and their goal of individually shaping one’s life.