Auras of the Big Sky

Spirituality encompasses diverse beliefs and practices that help individuals develop meaning and connection in their lives. As participation in organized religion declines, spiritual practices are growing in popularity. I aim to analyze the core values of spirituality and how they are expressed in the state of Montana. In order to accomplish this analysis, I am conducting ten interviews with spiritual practitioners across the state. I developed a standardized set of interview questions to ensure consistency across all participants. Interviewees are chosen based on their spiritual practice, location within Montana, and the level of experience they have in their field. Each interview is recorded and posted to public platforms. Once the data collection is complete, I will analyze key themes emerging from each discussion, common phrases and words across the interviewees. As I continue through the collection period, I anticipate that the core values of spirituality will center around holistic wellbeing, deeper connections with the world, and cultivating mindfulness and intentional living. By sharing these findings, I hope to deepen the understanding of spirituality and support individuals across Montana in integrating these values into their lives.