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Consciousness is all it takes for one to transform and transcend above the obstacles we face in life and to really see deeper into the beauty of life that surrounds us wherever we go - that is only if we are mindful of it and if we dare to open up our eyes." – an 11th grade student from Oakland, CA.
While stumbling around the internet as I drank my cup of morning coffee, I came across the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS)
Worldview Literacy page.
The Worldview Literacy Project is an educational initiative "built on the premise that when students learn about their own worldviews, they will be better able to make choices based on their own values and goals, thus enhancing a sense of integrity and well-being." In addition, IONS believes that the more we know about other worldviews, and engage with people who have different worldviews, the more likely we are to develop compassion, empathy and understanding as we will come to realize that we are all inter-connected. This understanding will motivate us to act andwork together for the greater good.
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Worldviews are the filters through which people see and sense the world and their place in it. A worldview is an organization of beliefs and perspectives that shapes how individuals perceive the world around them and what they accept as true. Worldviews operate mostly outside of our awareness and are influenced by many factors such as family, politics, religion, and community, among others. Worldviews are both individually held and culturally shared. They influence goals, desires, motivations, values, relationships, and the actions and reactions of every day encounters. Becoming aware of and exploring worldviews will give students tools to communicate, contribute and function more effectively in their lives." - IONS
It is important to understand how our personal belief systems are influenced by our conditioning and worldview. Both our perceptions and behavior are influenced by our life experiences, environment, culture, family, friends, society and the educational system. Through learning and experience we unconsciously form a personal and individual worldview which has an impact on how we understand the world and experience life, as well as how we relate to other people and succeed or fail in the pursuit of of our goals and desires.
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The Mission of the Worldview Literacy Project is to develop and increase access to curricula and tools that help youth and lifelong learners contemplate and understand the fundamental role that worldview plays in the perceptions and behaviors of themselves and others." - IONS
Students are encouraged to use their imagination and creativity as they learn to approach new experiences with openness and a willingness to transform their conditioned beliefs into something new that reflects what they have learned and experienced after being introduced to worldviews that differ from their own. This is a life long process and does not end after the course of study is completed.
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We are part of a complex, ever-changing, interconnected, living universe. What we do influences the world around us, and the world around us influences us, even when we are not aware of exactly how. Greater understanding of the interdependence of all life leads to a more complete view of our place in the world." - IONS
For more information and to view the curriculum and travel opportunities please visit
IONS' Worldview Literacy page.
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