Deathworlds to Lifeworlds

Lifeworlds, originally discussed by Husserl and developed by Schutz, are the whole grounds of our ways of sustaining life in communities. Intensified loss of Lifeworlds has lead to Deathworlds Researchers from three universities engaged 78 participants from 14 countries in phenomenological writing to expand their awareness of experiences of significance in their lives. They connected via face-to-face communication and computer platforms. Recognizing and sharing emotional challenges, participants revealed Deathworlds within their Lifeworlds (traumatic echoes of war, genocide, oppression), and practices that contribute to illness, community decline, and climate change. Participants and researchers collaborated on chapters including: grief, death, addiction, environmental devastations, suicidal veterans, impacts of disasters, homelessness and Deathworld politics. The participants developed reflective qualities of being such as open-mindedness, sense of "wonder" and embodied awareness. These are among the Ten Qualities of Phenomenologists discovered from prior research. Deathworlds to Lifeworlds will appeal to those looking for practical ways to expand consciousness, and promote collaboration for social and environmental justice.