The Art of Spiritual Reflection: Applications for Service-learning and Civic Engagement on Campus

Colleagues from the University of San Diego share how reflection can be incorporated into service-learning and civic engagement courses and programs as a type of spiritual practice. Through sharing perspectives from faculty and staff at USD, the authors provide valuable examples for developing the connection between these engagement experiences and students ’ spirituality. In our work at the University of San Diego, we have seen that the experience of service-learning and volunteerism can move students from ignorance of social justice issues to awareness and compassion. This increased alertness to the realities and challenges of our communities creates a series of significant moments that encourage spiritual development. For some of our student leaders, their spirituality becomes a source of deep energy as they motivate other students by example and enthusiasm. By cultivating awareness of the needs and gifts of the world, while gaining a greater self-awareness of their own needs and gifts, a foundation is laid for a life of engagement. We see this engagement in many of our alumni and are beginning a process of interviews to explore how they trace the connection among their service-learning, their spiritual development, and their current commitments in order to impact positive social change. Clearly, the reflective processes before, during, and after these experiences are foundational. In this article we explore what some of those reflective practices include, addressing spiritual reflection and reflection surrounding diversity and inclusion in order to offer some practical examples of how this emerges in and out of the classroom