ABSTRACT
In the practice of Authentic Presence, two English words are brought together, Authenticity and Presence, to describe how we must bring one's whole self into the craft of teaching and learning in order to communicate purpose and inspire. Authentic Presence is a deep communion with our creative self and the divine intelligence of others. Understanding the totality of Authentic Presence as a way of being and interacting with oneself and the world, rather than a single ritual or meditation, is critical. Spirit comes from the word "spiritus", which means "breath". The idea of authenticity places emphasis on the qualities of an educator as a person, on the nature of self. It expresses a need for the genuine self within a community, consistency between values and actions, relationships with others, and maintaining a critical perspective. Fundamental to understanding Authentic Presence is to see it as part of this engagement praxis that is to be in relationship and dialogue with others.
