New Horizons in Education

Abstract

Background: The article provides a broad, concise overview with the intent to provoke scholarly argument and debate on an illusive, yet majestic, theme.

Purpose: In this article, the authors make the case for educational leaders who are spiritual.

Argument: The contemporary postmodern world society is very cosmopolitan and pluralistic. The complexities and confusion that result call for individuals in educational leadership roles, at all levels, to truly know themselves and to act out of sound beliefs and values. In human affairs, leadership need be moral, meditative, and enlightened with a clear vision of “the big picture” and the future. At one time relegated to lower levels of importance, a spiritual approach through service, tolerance, empathy, and empowering those being led has now gained top prominence in theory and practice and will surely continue to do so. Spirituality is deep, internal, and loving. And people of all specific religious persuasions are included, hopefully embracing common values as reflected in doing unto others as you would have them do unto you. A multidimensional, perhaps sometimes misdirected, world seemingly focused on materialism, characterized by the likes of stem call research. “intelligent design.” environmental concern, and quantum understanding creates a tall order for educational leaders. The article’s ideas are presented in narrative which is well known for being an effective means of expressing spiritual material. As all persons are searching and no one is always right, differing interpretations of terms and expressions and language looseness are expected. Although those who are enlightened have taken a leap of faith, spirituality for many calls for broaching it in incremental stages, all the while living with inconsecutiveness and contradiction.

Conclusion: Among those who truly appreciate these things and still have the courage to embrace and explore, it is known that ultimately it is only through a larger meaning of the spiritual way that effective leadership can be effected. This article emphasizes mindfulness meditation (within) and compassion for others (without) to achieve educational leadership in the spiritual way — casting things in a proper perspective of time, history, and what is known to be good and worthwhile.

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