Spiritual+Development

Spiritual development can have multiple definitions to different people. Some believe spiritual development is the process of finding one’s true being or the nature of one’s self. “It is the nonphysical part of a person that is the seat of emotions and character/the soul” (Spirit). Others think it is having complete openness to different and new experiences in life. Some even define spiritual development as the belief of how the world came to be in its existence. Whatever the definition, it is important to understand how spiritual development affects children.



It is completely normal for children to ask questions about who they are as individuals. Who am I? Who do I want to be? How do I want to live my life? What is the difference between right and wrong? How did the world come to be? By asking these questions and by searching for answers, children begin to define who they are as individuals. They start to learn what they like and what they do not like about themselves, and thus try to improve these characteristics. They begin to develop opinions and judgments about the world and people around them (Randall & Ross).

Spiritual development is an ongoing process. There is no start or end. As educators, however, individuals must encourage children to be open to different experiences and to allow change throughout their entire lives. One aspect of spiritual development includes being in the moment. Many children, for example, have a specific career in mind or a specific age when they want to move out of their homes. By creating a plan for the future, children take themselves out of the present. They are not in the moment. Instead, they are focused on would could and should be. This is just one aspect of being poor in spirit. Those who are poor in spirit lack confidence in themselves, lack trust in other people, and lack understanding and respect for those around them.



Spiritual development is essential in an individual’s life. This development allows individuals to grow in trust with themselves and confidence. When the questions are answered and when individuals are completely happy with who they are as individuals, spirituality is obtained. Educators and parents/guardians are responsible to assist children in becoming individuals with a balanced spirit. Annie Bond (2002), an expert in non-toxic and green living, suggests six steps for children to develop spirituality and include the following: It is easy for an individual to let emotions and thoughts take over their minds. It is difficult to concentrate on one thought because our thoughts govern us. They are stronger than our minds. To gain spiritual development, it is important for children to concentrate on one thought at a time. Many individuals act upon what others want or need. Even if they do not agree, they will act simply to please others. Instead, it is essential to act upon only what he/she wants, neglecting any other external factor. Individuals need to listen to individuals. They should also try to understand where and why they feel the way they feel. Individuals learning spiritual development must learn to communicate properly with others. Learning to listen and communicate with others enables them to confront matters with an open heart and absolutely no judgment. Complete openness also allows individuals to have new experiences. Inner harmony simply means being at peace with oneself and loving oneself. It means being completely happy and proud of oneself without needing external factors.
 * ** Control of Thought **
 * ** Control of Our Actions **
 * ** Understand Other Individuals **
 * ** Complete Openness **
 * ** Inner Harmony **

Spiritual development is essential for children. Without questioning who they are as individuals, they will experience great confusion and frustration as adults. Educators and adults can only direct these children into complete openness and willingness for new experiences and change. By allowing them to explore, educators are helping these children find who they are and who they will become as individuals in our future society. Bond, Annie B. (2002, May 17). //Six Essential Keys to Spiritual Development.// Retrieved September 27, 2013, from []. Oswalt, Angela, Ph.D., Reiss, Natalie, Ph.D., and Dombeck, Mark, Ph.D. (2013). //Child Development and Parenting: Early Childhood.// Retrieved September 29, 2013, from []. Randall, Brandy., Thompson, Ross. //Children’s Spiritual Development.// [PDF File].Retrieved September 23, 2013 from []. // Spirit. // Retrieved October2, 2013 from []
 * Webliography **

Created by Spenser Artaiz on October 7, 2013