Editorial

The Restorative and Reconnective Power of Holistic Education

Abstract

All around us we are bearing witness to a crisis disconnection that is resulting in various forms of suffering. The negative ramifications of disconnection and less friendships on mental health are well documented (Franco 2022, Murthy 2020).  Around the world, ideological polarization and extremism are increasing. Neighbors who once lived collaboratively, now dehumanize one another readily. In many countries, these tensions, rooted in fear, are erupting in violent acts (). At the environmental scale, the anthropocentric philosophies that perpetuate that humans are “above” or apart from nature, are leading to unnatural forms of living which are unsustainable while the planet deteriorates. This open-themed issue of the Holistic Education Review brings together scholarship, lived experiences, and practical insights that seek to address these alarming trends. The pieces speak to how we may heal divisions through reconnection and reimagination brought forth through holistic education approaches. Throughout the articles, examples of heartening approaches abound. While some authors describe ways to reconnect with nature, others focus on how we can all work to reconnect mind with body. Many authors will relate the values of curiosity, care, listening and dialogue as tools to reconnect and heal divisions. Further, many pieces will delve into the importance of restoring creativity, spirituality, awe and wonder towards educational approaches that reconnect communities towards a flourishing future.