Soulagogy: a new educational approach

Soulagogy is a new educational approach based on Amos Bronson Alcott quotation: "Education is that process by which thought is opened out of the soul, and, associated with outward . . . things, is reflected back upon itself, and thus made conscious of its reality and shape." Soulagogy is a combination of two words: 1. Soul or psyche (Greek: "psyühē", of "psychein", "to breathe") are the mental abilities of a living being. 2. Agogy (Greek: ἄγω ágō, "I lead") to lead.

Soulagogy: to lead the soul, means- Educating the soul. “It is Self-Realization. As a means, therefore, of educating the soul out of itself, and mirroring forth its ideas, the external world offers the materials." / Amos Bronson Alcott.

All learners have spiritual needs. The main aim of Soulagogy is to help the learner improve the ability to psychologically equip his/her mind and have a sense of meaning and purpose to face and meet challenges within all aspects of your life, and to build his/her spiritual resilience: Self-identify, Meaning, Uniqueness and Belief.

Spiritual needs usually relate to what we call the "big" questions of life. These questions can include:

·        Why is this happening? Why is it happening to me?

·        What does it all mean?

·        How do I make sense of everything?

·        How do I feel about changes in my life?

·        What gives me comfort and hope?

·        What do I call "good" in my life? What do I call "bad"?

·        What am I grateful for?

·        What do I trust? Who do I trust?

·        Who is my "beloved community" -- who loves me and is loved by me, no matter what?

·        What or who -- beyond myself -- do I believe is important in my life?

Dealing with these questions helps the learner to identify his/her spiritual needs and sources, while the educator offers spiritual tools to strengthen his/her spiritual identity.

Pedagogy, Andragogy, Heutagogy, Soulagogy compared:

Soulagogy is to lead the soul of the learner, educating his soul. 

"A language is to be instituted between [the child’s] spirit and the surrounding scene of things in which he dwells. . .  He who is seeking to know himself, should be ever seeking himself in external things, and by so doing will he be best able to find, and explore his inmost light.” / Amos Bronson Alcott.