Education of the Heart, Soul, and Mind

Education of the Heart, Soul, And Mind

This paper explores the personal meaning of an education of the heart, mind, and soul.

An Education of the Heart, Mind, and Soul: Personal Meaning true education is so much more than simply learning certain facts and figures. While such rote information is useful and has its place, a true education is enriching for the entire person. All five senses are engaged and enlivened, the mind is opened up to a universe of ideas and possibilities, and the emotions are touched in many subtle, magic ways. A true education is not one of merely learning, but one of enrichment for the heart, mind, and soul. When an educational experience engages and uplifts the heart, mind, and soul, it affects the whole person in ways limited only by the imagination.

Music, art, and drama need to be included in this type of whole-person education. These are things that have traditionally spoken to the hearts and minds of human beings, and each person is affected by these things in different ways. Some people are inspired to do great things based on the music, art, and drama they are exposed to, while others find that their imaginations are enlivened by the feelings evoked by these things, prompting them to go out and create magnificent things of their own. Any true educational experience must include exposure to all types of music, painting, sculpture, architecture, and theater. Not only should there be exposure to these things in this sort of education, the student should also be encouraged to try these things for him or herself, to find out how producing them affects his or her own heart and mind.

A true education for the heart, soul, and mind is not merely physical; it is not limited by the things we can hear, see, and touch. A true education also encompasses more esoteric, spiritual things. People need to be exposed to the idea that there is something greater than us in the universe, and that greatness is all around us. Being exposed to the various spiritual and philosophical traditions of the world is an important way to ensure that students have their deeper thoughts and emotions engaged on this level. A well-rounded student realizes that there is more to life than just him or herself.

The emotions and spiritual qualities of a person can also be engaged through exposure to nature. Simply by sitting outside in nature and observing things, feeling things, and hearing things, a student can become more aware of the idea that there is something great at work in the universe. By cultivating an appreciation for nature in the student, it is also possible to create a sense of compassion and responsibility for nature in that student. One who is exposed to nature in such a way will not be quick to contribute to its destruction.