FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The following is generously contributed by Education For Life based, Living Wisdom School in Portland, Oregon. This is one of our sister schools and is in alignment with our philosophy at Wisdom for life School.

QUESTION:
You make reference to "universal spirituality." What does that mean and how is it expressed in the classroom?

ANSWER:
Most children instinctively know that they are part of a greater reality. At Living Wisdom School, we simply support and encourage this natural awareness.

Spirituality to us is an inner reality first, and only secondarily the specific form through which it is expressed. We see the various religious traditions as individual branches of the same great tree. Spirituality is the foundation of life, the essence of who we are and of everyone who shares this planet with us. It's not as much a subject we study, as the way we live, the values and attitudes expressed in what we do.

We help the children cultivate a conscious, inner relationship with God. We pray to "Heavenly Father, Divine Mother, and/or Infinite Spirit within me." We celebrate through many different traditions as examples of how people through the ages have experienced and given form to the inner reality we all share.

Morning circle may include prayer, healing prayers for those in need, and quiet time that helps children experience what would otherwise just be intellectual concepts. Stories, affirmation, music, and yoga may be parts of the opening circle as well.

Spirituality, however, is not limited to circle time. All through the day, we'll make reference to spiritual principles as a way of dealing with whatever comes up, whether it's a conflict with another child, or learning how to do your best on a times test in math. We help the children learn how to look within for clarity, calmness, and an intuitive understanding of what to do.

They learn to ask for God's help as easily and naturally as they ask a teacher to guide them. Instead of thinking that they are all alone in this world and have to solve every problem by themselves, they gradually learn that God is their Divine Friend, always there to help them.

An open attitude toward the spiritual side of life makes it easier to talk about the big questions, too, like death, disappointment, the apparent inequality of the world, right attitudes, the need to strive for excellence, kindness, secrets of happiness.

In classrooms we have altars that display symbols from various of the world's religions. The children learn that there have been many great spiritual figures through the ages, whose inspirations from God have evolved into different religious traditions.

The altar is an active part of the classroom, and the children may add to it whatever items they, too, consider sacred, drawing on the tradition of their families, or their personal inspiration. Contributions range from an antique rosary, to a rock, to a picture of Grandma. Everything in its own way can be a source of inspiration.

The children are encouraged to respect these symbols, but not to be intimidated by them. Objects move on and off the altar all the time. The children incorporate them in their creative work and in their play. It's not uncommon to see a block structure in the kindergarten topped with a statue of Buddha or a picture of the Virgin Mary, or maybe both together.

Our parents tell us that the spirituality their children express is entirely their own. It comes from a wellspring of understanding deep within themselves. It's encouraged by their experiences at Living Wisdom School, but what they end up with is entirely and uniquely their own.