Blending philosophy, research, and three decades of practice, John P. Miller’s engaging discussion of timeless learning reminds us that wisdom as an outcome of education is more than skills mastery and high-stakes assessments. Among the benefits to students discussed here are wholeness; a sense of purpose; improved attention, alertness, perception, and memory; and reduced stress and anxiety achieved through meditation, contemplation, and reflection.
John P. (Jack) Miller, Ph.D., is Professor in the Department of Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto and Head of OISE’s Centre for Teacher Development. He has also been Visiting Professor at Shinwa Women’s University in Kobe, Japan, and at Rietsumeiken University in Kyoto, Japan. Professor Miller teaches courses in holistic education and spirituality in education. He has also led workshops and given keynote addresses on those topics at conferences around the world. Notable among his many books, chapters, and journal articles are Holistic Learning and Spirituality in Education: Breaking New Ground (2005), Education and the Soul: Toward a Spiritual Curriculum (2000), The Contemplative Practitioner (1994), Holistic Learning: The Teacher’s Guide to Integrated Studies (1990), The Holistic Curriculum (1988), The Compassionate Teacher (1981), and Humanizing the Classroom (1976). His writing has been translated into seven languages.
Part I Timeless Learning: Definitions and Fundamentals 1. Timeless Learning What Is Timeless Learning? What Are the Characteristics of Timeless Learning? Holistic/Integrative Embodied Connected Soulful Transformative Flow Participatory Non-dualistic Mysterious and unexplainable Immeasurable What Does Timeless Learning Bring to Today's Classrooms? Conclusion References 2. The Perennial Philosophy: A Relaxed Universalism Foundations of the Perennial Philosophy The interconnected nature of reality and the mysterious unity of the universe The intimate connection between the individual's inner self, or soul, and the mysterious unity Wisdom or knowledge of the mysterious unity can be developed through various contemplative practices Values are derived from seeing and realizing the interconnectedness of reality Awareness of the mysterious unity of existence leads to social action to counter injustice and human suffering References Part II Timeless Learning: Processes and Practices 3. Letting Go and Becoming Empty Psychosynthesis and Dis-identification David Hunt Krishnamurti The Bhagavad Gita and Non-Attachment Spiritual Knowing Just Let Go References 4. Attention and Meditation Meditation Forms of Meditation Intellectual Meditation Emotional Meditation Physical Meditation Action Meditation Meditation Practices Insight Body Scan Mantra Visualization Movement meditation Getting Started Meditation With Children Just One Minute by Naomi Baer References 5. Compassion, Caring, and Lovingkindness Kindness, Empathy, Compassion, and Love Lovingkindness Practice Caring in Schools School with Forest and Meadow (Ojiya School) Service Learning Engaged Service Community-Based Work To Be and to Have References 6. Contemplation, Mindfulness, and Presence Mindfulness Presence Contemplation and Mindfulness in Classrooms Contemplation and Action References Part III Timeless Learning: Perspectives, Examples, and Outcomes 7. Educational Perspectives on Timeless Learning Transcendental Education Emerson Thoreau Bronson Alcott Holistic Education Linear Thinking and Intuition Relationship Between Mind and Body Subject Connections Community Connections Earth Connections Self Connections Slow Education Conclusion References 8. Examples of Timeless Learning Krishnamurti Schools Principles of Learning The School The Teacher Waldorf Education Steiner's View of Development Rhythm Montessori Education Conclusion References 9. Creating Conditions for Timeless Learning in Public Schools Work on Yourself Be Fully Present Recognize the Importance of the Nonverbal Honor Silence Develop a Rhythm Integrate Timeless Learning with other Forms of Learning Balancing Spontenaity and Planning Don't Forget the Body Live Your Own Truth Acknowledge the Mystery Let Your Humanity Come Through References 10. The Fruits of Timeless Learning The Present Educational Context The Results of Timeless Learning Research on Contemplative Practices My Own Research Nature of Mediation Practice Personal Effects of Meditation Practice Professional Effects of Meditation Practice Profiles Ultimate Outcomes of Timeless Learning Wisdom and Compassion Joy: The Singing Soul Awe and Wonder Wholeness Sense of Purpose References Bibliography Index
