New Awareness for Business and Media

Many Americans favor business and media that support global awakening and spiritual awareness in contexts that are not religious. Assuming the products or services are what they want, 62% of all interviewees report they would prefer to purchase from businesses that support global awakening.

An overwhelming majority (90%) of respondents wish there were more uplifting news stories. Just slightly fewer (87%) feel there are too many negative or "dark" themes on television shows. Most (86%) say they prefer watching television programs or films that have positive or "uplifting" themes. Over half (57%) say that they would like to see creatively produced 30-second television messages (which are not connected to any religious institution) on themes associated with spiritual awareness, such as forgiveness and connection to all life.

Lifestyles and Personal Activities

Most people (90%) report that they like to spend time in nature. Respondents' favorite non-sedentary activities are running, jogging, walking, and bicycling. Favored sedentary activities are reading a good book, quiet contemplation, or going for a drive. While many (77%) prefer activities that are done around their homes, a slightly higher percentage (79%) also enjoy socializing away from home. Most (65%) report that over the past two years they did not travel abroad, and only about a third (35%) of respondents say they traveled outside the U.S. and Canada for pleasure.

The survey analysis also demonstrates that respondents who are disengaged from social concerns and have a more negative perspective on life are least likely to spend time reading a good book, whereas those who are seeking community transformation are most likely to do so. The latter group is also more likely to want to spend time in nature, whereas the most cautious and conservative type is not as interested. These examples suggest ways in which the types derived from this study offer dimensions of understanding and value to the research beyond simple, single- item response percentages.

Alternatives to Conventional Healthcare

Americans are turning increasingly to alternative therapies to meet their healthcare needs. Researchers define alternative health care as medical interventions not widely taught at U.S. medical schools or generally available at U.S. hospitals. These interventions include homeopathy,