APEN 2001 International Conference

Toowoomba, 4th-5th October 2001

Report No:

44

Title of Topic:

Broadening the Balance of Spirituality, Emotional, Mental & Physical Domains in Extension

Name of Leader:

Greg Leach

Names of Participants:

Rob Nielsen, Jim Lewis, Andy Grodeski, Jude Westrup, Megan McNicholl, Sue Heisswolf, Cynthis Carson, Robert Chaffe, Lone Lisborg, Greg Claydon

Main points of discussion

• Spiritual and emotional elements are a major influence on some current life (and death) forms of decision making
• Different terms (definitions) of spirituality apply for different people
• Wider recognition is given to indigenous spirituality than non-indigenous spirituality (which is in fact avoided)
• Connection between the physical and the metaphysical is necessary for many
• Spirituality is an integral component of social capital
• Personal and professional spiritual relationships are entwined
• Spirituality is difficult to measure (so many assume and act like it does not exist)
• Recognise that Maslow’s hierarchy of needs includes spirituality as a key element of the top (self actualisation) level
• Spirituality is a primary motivator and influencer of action/behaviour
• Spirit/love are seen as “taboo” words in our professional life
• To change the world – change yourself and practice what you preach (lead by example by including spiritual reasoning in your actions)
• Work on yourself to be a good change agent (facilitator of change) for others
• It is important for many people to distinguish spirituality from religion
• The way we do things rather than what we do often has the lasting impact
• Recognise a person’s ‘reason for being’ – ie. a farmers ‘reason for farming’
• Can we define what to separate or what to keep as one??
• In extension we need to express respect for others spirit/religious (value diversity)
• Spirituality can be ‘scary’ for some and we need to respect and acknowledge that
• We need to take the opportunity to have a dialogue about spirituality – recognising the “rational” and “irrational” influences on behaviours (espoused values and underlying beliefs)
• Spirituality can include people’s love for the land

What can be done about this??

• Allow for “including spiritual elements” in your extension programs – take the risk and give it a go. (PMP module in DNRE Vic has received very positive outcomes) – circulate the workshop
• Embrace the philosophy rather than the tactic – Extension officers should do things that are authentic for themselves
• Get in the SLAM network (Spiritual Leadership and Management) – circulate outcomes of meeting next week in Sydney
• Build relationships

We ran out of TIME !!!!