Nurturing the Vision of Human Wholeness: Using Contemplative Photography for Seeing With Wonder and Curiosity

• In Event: Love, Compassion, and Mindfulness: The Heart of Holistic Education

Abstract

Through holistic education, every child is respected, valued, and connected as a community of learners. Such community provides the social, moral, spiritual, and intellectual support necessary to challenge the values and ethos of contemporary culture (Shapiro, 2006), accomplished through respect for one another and genuineness in conveying feelings. Contemplative practices have a focus on community, reflection, and mindfulness (Kroll, 2010). This qualitative study examines the holistic child as a naturalist and awakener of learning through the lens of contemplative photography. The study summarizes children’s perceptions and stories of photographs taken by preschool children using iPads while exploring nature. From expressions of awe of the natural world to expressing compassion, the holistic child has much to offer the world (Yust, 2003).

Author

• Kathleen I. Harris, Seton Hill University