Igniting Brilliance

This book was conceived in a vision that ensued quite vividly during the Integral Education Seminar in 2007. Igniting Brilliance: Integral Education for the 21st Century is an anthology comprising chapters by educators, ranging from elementary teachers to university professors, who exemplify the integral approach. The emerging field of integral education is a holistic, multidimensional approach with a basis in Ken Wilber's all-quadrant, all-level framework. This book offers a snapshot of the field through a series of light, nonacademic memoirs. It is designed to inspire teachers to personalize the lessons and methods for adopting an integral approach.

This book, split across two volumes, is a follow-up and companion to Metatheory for the Twenty-First Century (Routledge, 2016). All three of these volumes are the dialogical outcome of a multi-year symposia series wherein critical realists and integral theorists deeply engaged each other and their distinct but complementary approaches to integrative metatheory. Whereas Metatheory for the Twenty-First Century is primarily theoretical in its focus, Big Picture Perspectives for Planetary Flourishing: Metatheory for the Anthropocene aims to more concretely and practically address the complex planetary crises of a new era that many scholars now refer to as ‘the Anthropocene.’ In this first of two new volumes, participants of the symposia series articulate a variety of ‘big picture perspectives’ and transformative interventions in the domains of society and economics, social psychology, and education. Together, these chapters demonstrate how integrative metatheory and its application can make powerful contributions to planetary flourishing in the Anthropocene. With one of the defining characteristics of the Anthropocene being the sheer complexity and multi-valent nature of our interconnected global challenges, these volumes crucially present new forms of scholarship that can adequately weave together insights from multiple disciplines into new forms of metapraxis. As such, this book will be of interest to students, scholars, and practitioners in the areas of philosophy, social theory, critical realism, integral studies, metamodernism, and current affairs generally.

Theories and Practices of Integral Education and Integral Drama Based Pedagogy presents studies exploring the deep connections among theories and practices of integral education; and it introduces Integral Drama Based Pedagogy, a new integration of educational, therapeutic, artistic, and social theories and practices. An international group of scholars, teachers, professors, and practitioners have contributed studies that draw upon theories of integral education from various times and cultures as well as practices that exemplify and encourage fresh integrations. The essays are especially relevant because of the current global evolution of education at all levels, from primary school to the university and into the community. This evolution has been inspiring teachers and professors to move beyond their traditional disciplinary boundaries, to engage in transdisciplinary educational models that embody multiple ways of knowing, and to recognize the student as a whole person. Integral Education is not limited to a particular theory or practice: it is expansive. It integrates many models of teaching and learning, for example, Integral Drama Based Pedagogy integrates drama and other expressive arts. It also includes multiple ways of knowing; it embodies teaching and learning through action; and it values the intellectual, physical, and spiritual dimensions of being human.

This book develops critical feminist animal and multispecies studies across various societal and environmental contexts. The chapters discuss timely questions broadly related to food and eating, stemming from connections drawn between critical animal studies, feminist theory, and multispecies studies. The themes explored include trans-inclusive ecofeminism, decolonial perspectives to veganism, links between the critique of ableism and animal exploitation, alternatives to dominant Western masculinities invested in meat consumption, and the politics of sex and purity in factory farming. The book explores responses to interlinked forms of exploitation by focusing on sites such as sanctuaries, educational institutions, social media, and animal advocacy.

This celebratory volume tells the story of the late Russel Hayman Botman who died suddenly early in his second term as Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University. Botman?s story is told from his earliest childhood years until his last day as rector. The nature of tributes and celebratory volumes is that it can never be exhaustive. It tells a rich story from limited perspectives. It, however, serves as invitation, stimulus and inspiration to others connected to Botman to also tell their stories about his story.ÿ

This book deals with contested and topical matters. Biblical hermeneutics has always been contested – how to read and understand Biblical passages. Things become even more contested when such passages are read inter-culturally; they become even more contested when the words are about contested personal and social issues, like Jesus’ words on forgiveness in Matthew 18. Empirical studies like this show how deeply contested such readings truly are in the context of South African churches, with their painful histories of division and conflict. Future academic work will, therefore, benefit from the creative and careful methodological approach developed in this study. However, this book offers much more than academic promise – precisely because of the theme, so topical today and without doubt topical for a long time to come and in many other places in our contemporary world as well. Forster offers resources for reading and conversation for everyone concerned with public life today. This is public theology in action, showing how faith matters – without prescribing answers, but rather by invitation to join an informed discussion." - Dirk J Smit, The Rimmer and Ruth deVries Professor of Reformed Theology and Public Life, Princeton Theological Seminary

Ignite Your Creativity: A Journey to Unleash Your Inner Artist is a guide to reconnecting with the wellspring of creativity within. This book invites readers on a transformative expedition, using artistic exploration as a pathway to personal growth and self-discovery. From reigniting childhood creativity to overcoming self-doubt and embracing uncertainty, the journey covers a spectrum of creative dimensions. Readers learn to foster a creative mindset, build productive habits, and explore various artistic outlets. The book celebrates collaboration as a source of dynamic inspiration and guides readers in sharing their creative voice with the world. By delving into real-life stories, strategies for effective communication, and avenues for showcasing work, readers are encouraged to illuminate their creativity and connect with a wider audience. Ignite Your Creativity is not just a book—it's a call to embark on a lifelong adventure, embracing the joy of creativity, the power of self-expression, and the transformative journey of discovering the artistry that resides within us all.

In a world filled with wonder and possibilities, where the ordinary often intertwined with the extraordinary, there existed a small, peaceful town named Willowbrook. Nestled amidst lush green meadows and surrounded by majestic forests, Willowbrook was a place of tranquility and harmony. The inhabitants of Willowbrook, a close-knit community, led simple yet fulfilling lives. They toiled in the fields, tended to their animals, and embraced the beauty of nature that enveloped their town. But little did they know that their lives were about to be forever changed by the arrival of a mysterious package-a package that held within it the promise of brilliance. The Johnsons, a loving family who had called Willowbrook home for generations, were the fortunate recipients of this extraordinary package. As they opened it, their eyes widened in amazement. Inside was a tiny, adorable puppy with silky fur and mesmerizing blue eyes. They named him Shepherd, unaware of the immense intelligence and bravery that lay hidden within this remarkable dog. From the very beginning, Shepherd's presence illuminated the Johnsons' home. His playful antics brought laughter, and his unwavering loyalty brought comfort. But as he grew, it became apparent that Shepherd was no ordinary dog. His intelligence surpassed all expectations, and his ability to understand and anticipate his family's needs bordered on the extraordinary. Shepherd quickly learned tricks and commands, his mind absorbing knowledge like a sponge. He displayed an uncanny ability to solve puzzles, and his perceptiveness in reading the emotions of those around him was truly remarkable. It was as if he possessed a deep understanding of the world, as if he held a secret wisdom beyond his years. The Johnsons were in awe of their brilliant companion, but they soon realized that Shepherd's intelligence could be harnessed for a greater purpose.