<PART II : LANGUAGE, LEARNING AND IDENTITY>Spiritual Health Education : Joy of Being through Restoration of Connectedness with the Transcendent

Abstract

The purpose of this research and practice is to teach students about spiritual health through regular college courses. In this study spiritual health is defined as joy of being through awareness of connectedness with others, with nature, and with the transcendent. First, I discussed the problems of spirituality as a psychological variable in a secular educational environment. Second, I proposed a curriculum to foster spiritual health. Third, using the curriculum I taught, observed, and evaluated courses in several universities. Finally, based on my analysis of classroom practices, I constructed a model and theory of spiritual health realization. The students showed joy of being through their improved awareness of connectedness, with gratitude and their sense of responsibility in participating in the world. The results suggest the possibility of cultivating spiritual health, joy of being through restoration of connectedness with the transcendent in regular secular college courses.