Impact of philosophical & spiritual learning on social and emotional development of humans and the fine line between spirituality and philosophy.

1. Socio-Emotional Learning in
Philosophical and Spiritual Domain
By: Shailaja Raghavendra,
Special Educator, DPS International
school, Gurugram.

2. My understanding of Philosophy
and Spirituality
Philosophy is about how I think my way through
life; it deals with the mind and the intellect.
Spirituality is about how I feel my way through
life; it deals with the consciousness.

3. Spirituality and Religion
• Spirituality , philosophy and religion are often
used interchangeably, they also have their
distinction.
• Philosophy and Spirituality can easily be
associated with a specific religion, however,
they have independent meaning, purpose and
function.

4. The socio-emotional learning in philosophical and spiritual domain is the synthesis of
belief systems, social concept and emotional stability resulting in the demonstration of
a deeper reverence for life.
How do spiritual learning, emotional stability and social concepts relate?

5. • one’s own journey to discover things of importance in life as
well as one’s place among them. Helps us find the answer to
who we are and what we should be?
• Individuals who demonstrate spiritual development tend to be
more discerning regarding their personal thoughts, feelings and
opinions and other aspects of life. Their life choices are a
reflection of their spiritual learning.
• the main purpose is to find purpose and meaning in life.
• E.g.: group exploration and experiential practices on the topics
of meditation, prayer, forgiveness, personal values, purpose in
life, the role of self-esteem, coping skills, healthy relationships,
developing an authentic relationship etc.

6. The socio-emotional learning in
philosophical and spiritual domain
Social –Emotional -Belief
• the ability to identify and understand one’s
feelings,
• accurately read and comprehend emotional
states in others,
• manage strong emotions and their expression,
• regulate one’s behaviour,
• develop empathy for others,
• establish and sustain relationships.

7. Spiritual development is a synthesis of belief systems,
social concepts and emotional stability. It is considered to
be a primary coping mechanism during their emotional
struggle.

8. A smile or a cry of a child is an example for socio-emotional learning ;
an evidence of experiencing and expressing emotions.
This occurs even before the child learns to speak or eat food.
Has the child received any lesson in socio-emotional learning?
The child can feel our love; which is a prominent evidence of socio-
emotional learning from spiritual/philosophical domain.

9. Spiritual needs and wellbeing
The findings by - Howard John Cinebell
• Love
• Faith
• Belief
• Hope
• Integrity
• Trust
• Self-esteem
• Hope
• Joy and love of life
• Losses
• Tragedies
• Failures
• Grief
• Guilt
• Resentment
• Unforgiveness
• Self-rejection
• Shame

10. • All the approaches and methodologies have a
pluralist perspective.
• The actual measurements of social-emotional
development / learning are empirical and arguably
lack a grander vision.
• People’s ideas of their own wellbeing change
throughout the lifecycle.
• Social-emotional evaluations are in turn affected by
how people conceive of time.

11. Ask yourself:
• How accurately can we measure the social-
emotional learning /development in children?
• What is the concept of ‘a whole child’?
• How do we know the type of society a child
might optimally live in order to teach him/her
the skills required to develop social-emotional
competences?
• How do we know what is a ‘good life’ or ‘good
society’?

12. Conclusion
Human well-being involves much more than
physical fitness and absence of disease; it
includes the mental and emotional aspects of
knowing and feeling. This stems from the very
essence of being, the learning from
philosophical and spiritual dimensions.

13. Thank you