Routledge The Soul of Learning: rituals of awakening, magnetic pedagogy, and living justice

The Soul of Learning is a groundbreaking book that bridges together cultural work, contemplative practices, and ancient scriptures. Inside each chapter, readers are challenged and inspired to come face-to-face with themselves as they encounter teachers in all forms―from spiritual sages to critical theorists, from prophets to poets, from hip-hop rappers to reggae artists. This book is multifaceted and multidisciplinary. It models the essence of education by offering multiple entry points into holistic learning: somatic, aesthetic, emotional, intellectual, ethical, relational, and spiritual. The Soul of Learning embodies a pedagogical disruption in pursuit of personal sovereignty. What process must we go through to reimagine ourselves in relation to each other and the world around us? This bookoffers a semblance of an answer. As a way to bring the sacred into schooling, Keator and Watson courageously connect spirituality, activism, and education through curated readings, guided activities, and intentional exercises. It’s a ready-to-go syllabus and hands-on workbook all in one! Altogether this book is revelatory and provides innovative ways to teach and learn, lead and live. The Soul of Learning documents a transformative journey, through the interiority of our being into a revolutionary call for collective belonging. Review The Soul of Learning is a beautifully conceived project that rightfully urges educators to consider matters beyond that of the mind and intellect to ways of being and knowing that give meaning and importance to students' spirits and the wisdom of their ancestors' spiritual communities. While putting their work in conversation with relevant educational research, Keator and Watson masterfully integrate the words and sentiments from a truly diverse set of spiritual intellectuals and leaders into their analysis ranging from Rumi to June Jordan to Kahlil Gibran to Tupac. The book is made even more impactful by the practical activities that Keator and Watson integrate into each chapter to bring key concepts like silence, healing, and sovereignty to life. This book is essential for educators looking to meaningfully cultivate the spiritual lives and capabilities of their students.Dr. Daren Graves, Associate Professor of Education and Social Work, Simmons UniversityCo-author of Schooling for Critical Consciousness (Harvard Ed Press), www.darengraves.com We are often telling educators to find time to care for themselves; however, we seldom offer them tools. Soul of Learning captures what our teacher, Dr. Chelsea Jackson Roberts, always reminds us to do: Drink as we pour. This meditation invites us into the other side of justice and equity work―self-love and unapologetic self-care that is essential when doing the heavy lifting of this work. Educators, please keep this book close to you at all times." Maisha & Lawrence Winn, Co-Founders and Co-Directors, Transformative Justice in Education (TJE) Center, School of Education, University of California, DavisOur hunt for perfection consists of a deep instinct to discover eternal truth, the desire to manifest the fullness of our hidden potentialities and a longing for unending freedom. These are examples of humanity’s inevitable search for meaning. Without a higher consciousness, life will forever remain imperfect and incomplete. Without knowing who I really am and what my aim in this vast existence is, everything that I yearn, learn or earn will be unfulfilling and futile. The Soul of Learning takes us into the heart of this learning. People tend to evaluate personalities based on outward accomplishments, but those shallow triumphs could never add glow to one’s disposition. What we radiate comes from within and from knowing what we truly are – the path that this book is talking about! Dr. Keator and Dr. Watson offers us a way to hone in on our individual light as a way to shine brighter together.Dr. Chinmay Pandya, BSc, MBBS, PGDipl, MRCPs