Scientific understanding indicates that spirituality is an inherent aspect of human nature, shaped both by individual predisposition and social influences. Recognizing spirituality as an intrinsic facet of every child’s existence, it becomes imperative to foster, support, and nurture its development within communities to its fullest potential.
Aligned with various developmental stages, adolescence heralds a notable surge in spiritual awareness. This critical period offers an opportune time for guiding spiritual formation. Extensive research, documented in numerous peer-reviewed articles, underscores that a robust spiritual foundation significantly diminishes susceptibility to prevalent forms of suffering such as anxiety, depression, suicide, and addiction. This enduring spiritual core acts as a protective shield throughout one’s lifespan, enabling individuals to transmute adversity into spiritual growth.
Columbia University’s SMB Institute has supported the ethical imperative for schools, parents, and communities to prioritize the cultivation of each child’s innate spirituality. Doing so not only fosters individual thriving and well-being but also enhances collective engagement, ethical discernment, and stewardship of relationships and the natural world.