ABSTRACT
Expanding the human spirit involves both an appreciation and critique of the many cultural positions that intersect in relationships. Talking of oneself culturally and sharing family-of-origin stories can feel intimidating. Therefore, giving students permission to take risks in the classroom is essential in Expanding the Human Spirit. Classrooms, which promote attention to emotion and feeling, collaboration, and reinvention, lead to hopefulness and reinvention. Expanding the Human Spirit involves moving toward a desire to accept, embrace, and assist human beings across all cultures. It involves coming together, all voices involved in creating justice and equality for all people. Engaging in critical dialogue with students about power and the destructive nature of oppression is key in developing clinical skills that promote relational well-being. I continue to work on expanding my human spirit by transforming his classrooms into communities that challenge authority, believe that they can create change, and place a high premium on the welfare of people from all cultures.
