When soul enters the classroom, masks drop away. Students dare to share the joy and talents they have feared would provoke jealousy, even in their best friends. They risk exposing the pain or shame that might be judged as weakness. Students discover compassion and learn about forgiveness. With everyone sitting in a circle where all can see and be seen, the Council process allows each person to speak without interruption or immediate response.
Students learn to listen deeply and discover what it feels like to be truly heard.
To achieve the safety and openness required for meaningful exploration of spiritual development, I work carefully with my students for weeks and months. I remind my students that only when each of us honors these groundrules or agreements can our classroom become a safe place. In addition, games help students focus, relax, and become a team through laughter and cooperation. Symbols allow students to speak indirectly about feelings and thoughts that are awkward to address head-on. With everyone sitting in a circle where all can see and be seen, the Council process allows each person to speak without interruption or immediate response.