A Search for Meaning and Purpose

Meaning and Purpose
Many of us sense that there is more to us than our body and mind. Sometimes, there is a vibration or a stirring deep within which might reflect a feeling, an emotion, or a sensation that is tied to something we are thinking about. This is part of what is often called our “soul” or “inner voice.” In The Soul of Education (Kessler, 2000), the seven gateways to the soul are introduced. Each gateway begins with a yearning--which when acknowledged can nourish the inner lives of our children, enhance learning, and cultivate resilience.

As children grow and develop, a deep sense of curiosity emerges as they begin questioning their relationship to the world and the mystery of the cosmos around them. By the time they are in the fifth and sixth grades, the search for purpose and meaning to their lives surfaces. “What do I really want to be?” “Do things happen for a reason?” “Who is God?” this search reflects a longing in the soul to connect to something larger than themselves. Often, when students have no meaning in their lives, they also show a lack of motivation to learn. Sometimes attractive promises from the commercial media offer empty meaning and fulfillment, leaving our youth even more disconnected from their soul.

In Education on the Edge of Possibility, Renate and Geoffrey Caine write, “Deep meanings are the source of most intrinsic motivation. They are the source of our reasons to keep going even when we do not understand.”

How Can We Help?
There are many children and youth who have found meaning in their lives. One of the simplest ways we can continue to encourage and develop this is by helping them discover their GIFTS and to use these gifts to help others. Another way is to awaken our youth to asking big questions about life and validating their quest. The key here is to create a safe environment at home or school for these questions to arise free from judgments. In addition, allowing our students to contribute their time and energy through service learning and community service projects, not out of obligation but for a sense of connection, can be empowering. This “turns purpose into action.” (Kessler, 2000). Through compassionate actions, we as human beings are able to give meaning and purpose to our lives.

“Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves...” - Rainer Marie Rilke

Shirley Rivera
* CE: grades 3-5 * Counseling: PS - Gr. 5
* srivera@midpac.edu *441-3839

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