Model

The Map of MeaningA possible framework for a curriculum for meaningful work and a meaningful life.

1Background:A student for 23 years

An adult educator for 23 years

2Current ContextLearning without overviewsUnarticulated world views that are not challengedLittle connection between disciplinesLittle connects to what makes for meaningful work or meaningful livingReinforces the learners sense of confusion, fragmentation and inability to make sense of the world

3How would it be..If there was a way to begin to address these issues?

4The Map of MeaningMarjolein Lips-Wiersma, University of Canterbury, New Zealand

Lani Morris, Holistic Development Group

www.holisticdevelopment.org.nz

5The Map of MeaningMaking the Importance of Meaningfulness Visible

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Developing the inner self

The examined life is vital to meaningful living, and that whom we are becoming as a result of being engaged in our lives and work greatly matters to us as human beings.

Moral growth

Personal growth

Being true to our self8Embedded in different worldviews but common themesCourage to be who I was meant to be

Be the change you want to see in the world

Saying yes to the voice of God within me

You might as well be yourself, everyone else is taken

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Unity with Others

The meaningfulness of living togetherwith other human beings.

Working together

Sharing values

Belonging.11

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Expressing full potentialSounding our own note in the universe.

It is outward and active.

We are all unique and responsible forbringing our gifts and talents into theworld.

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Serving OthersThe human need to make a contribution tothe well-being of others, from helping anindividual to make a difference in the widerworld.

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16TensionsMeeting the needs of the four pathwayscan set up tensions and too much focuson one can lead to a loss of meaning.

Being and Doing

Self and Others

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InspirationConnection with the transcendent

What is at the heart of things

The human desire to ever improveoneself and to improve the conditionsfor others.

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Reality of Self and CircumstancesWe will always battle with imperfection

The latin word humilitas has at its root humus, the earth. Humility is befriending our earthly gravity, the world of our instincts, material demands or needs, and shadowsides. Humility is the courage to see reality.

Embrace our earthliness from which we often also get a clearer perspective on who we are and our relationship with the transcendent.

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Inspiration and Reality of Self and CircumstancesThe bigger realm where meaningfulness takesplace, which is at any time, somewhere betweeninspiration and reality; between our hopes, idealsand visions for the future and the place in whichwe currently find ourselves. Both are automaticallypresent in conversations about meaningfulness.

20So, how does this fit and sit with your experience as educators?

21Where do you see this fitting with the work you do?

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23If we put the students need for a meaningful life and meaningful work at the foundation of our curriculum design what could it look like?24The Map of Meaning isFoundational to human beingsIt supports us working human to humanIt maps what is, not what ought to beIt strengthens intrinsic motivation necessary for future workIt puts learners at the centreIt gives them a framework from which they can holistically develop themselves even in uncertain times

25Lani Morris

www.holisticdevelopment.org.nzlanimorris@holisticdevelopment.org.nz021 516 042

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