| Abstract | This dissertation explores theological anthropology through an interdisciplinary, critical-correlational conversation using a qualitative approach. In so doing, it asks how new lenses and layers of human identity and relationality might shape one's sense of self, sense of relationality, care of self, and capacity to care for others. Furthermore, it argues that one's capacity for empathy, compassion, and connection in (inter)relationships is directly tied to one's own attunement and connection with the various aspects of one's embodied self - (intra)relationship. However, often times pastors/pastoral caregivers do not recognize, listen to, nor care for one's whole (intra/inter-relational) self and negate the relationality with oneself and with others. Additionally, this study examines neuroplasticity within the embodied brain ecosystem and one's performative ability to "story" oneself holistically through the use of practices of wellness - attunement, nourishment, movement, rest and renewal, and relationships - as an intentional use of motor learning, motor training, and procedural memory. The research suggests that such practices have the potential to impact one's sense of self, relationality with others and God, and one's ability to care for others - and may induce neuroplasticity. Ultimately, this project presents four organizing categories, or constellation of lenses, for rethinking the human person consisting of: (1) multilayered, embodied ontology, (2) intra/inter-connected relationality, (3) performative and transformative capacity, and (4) prophetic teleology each of which mutually inform and reform one another in ongoing, dynamic ways. Taken together, this understanding challenges pastoral theologians and caregivers to ask how we might continue to develop our capacity to image Christ and provide care as we strive to love God, love our neighbor, and love ourselves in all our particularities. |
