I. Course Description

TLDR: The first area of emphasis is called "Having the Conversation" as discussed by the authors, which is to have the conversation with people about the role that spirituality may or may not play in their lives as well as the role it could possibly play.

Abstract: Some view the spiritual path as a journey that involves coming to terms with the meaning of life and the universe. Others think of spirituality in terms of their relationship to the divine. This relationship is explored in many ways and involves unseen elements beyond our day-to-day reality such as: transcendent purpose, universal force, God, field of love or creative spirit. For others, wonder is central to their spirituality; First Nation’s People speak about “The Great Mystery.” Still others emphasize the emptiness of the concepts that are used to describe the transcendent; words and concepts are depicted as fingers pointing to the moon but not the moon itself. We are diverse in our spiritual orientations and some of us have a well-defined story about what spirituality is; some of us do not. Some receive guidance from a particular spiritual perspective and may be pretty clear about the importance of God or Jesus in their lives, and some of us are scared by these very words themselves. There is a structure to the course that will guide us as we explore and learn together. The first area of emphasis is called: Having the Conversation. Many people we work with find that spirituality is a great source of strength, hope, healing, inner peace and life wisdom. On the macro level, spirituality may be a primary force in the forging of community action or the development of services. As responsible social workers, we need to have the conversation with people about the role that spirituality may or may not be playing in their lives as well as the role that it could possibly play. This conversation is scary for many of us and we have probably received little preparation to engage in this way. Some of us are alienated from our parents’ spiritual traditions. This alienation perhaps stems from religious rituals that seemed empty. Some of us are deeply spiritual and religious and we are afraid of imposing our beliefs – so we keep our mouths shut about anything spiritual. Some of us are of a minority religious tradition and feel too ignorant or intimidated to engage with someone who, for example, may be Christian. Some of us may be comfortable and effective with the whole matter and those classmates can lead us.