Inre dimensioners upplevda betydelse för hållbart beteende : En kvalitativ intervjustudie med yogalärare

Sammanfattning

The sustainable development goals from Agenda 2030 includes ecological, economic and social sustainability. With only 18% of the goals currently on track, researchers have increasingly argued that external and technical solutions alone are insufficient to address today’s complex sustainability challenges. A lack of the inner capacities needed to engage with these issues has therefore shifted sustainability research toward human inner dimensions and inner transformation. Previous studies suggest that mindfulness can positively influence both well-being and pro-environmental behaviors. The aim of the present study was to explore whether there is a perceived connection between inner dimensions and sustainable behavior. This was examined through a qualitative interview study in which eight yoga teachers shared what they believe has influenced their inner dimensions and what impact they perceive that these have had on their sustainable behaviors. A reflexive thematic analysis with an inductive approach generated six themes whereas two themes: Time perspective and Yoga as a tool and guide overarched the remaining four: Personal development; Personal sustainability; Going against the norm and We are all interconnected. The overall conclusion of the study was that yoga was perceived to have positive effects on the participants and that all felt that the practices contributed to developing their inner dimensions. In line with previous research, the participants experienced greater well-being and significant inner development. Participants described gaining new perspectives on the world, relating to others across time and space, and challenging societal norms. Overall, the participants felt that these factors had led to more sustainable behavior.