Education from a deeper and multidisciplinary perspective: Enhanced by relating to social-emotional learning (SEL) based on mindfulness, self-awareness & emotional intelligence

Watagodakumbura, CD ORCiD: 0000-0003-4735-0860Have you ever thought deeply about the general goals of education? What ideal education could an individual receive? Would education only have a narrow focus on a specific career path, or can character development that results in a deeper perception of reality give one the capacity to see the connectedness of various systems of this world, as suggested in the notion of systems thinking? Do we have a better form of education than what we have currently? In this book, the author attempts to answer these questions, identifying some of the less obvious limitations of our current educational, pedagogical, and social practices. In what he terms authentic education focusing on mindfulness, self-awareness and emotional intelligence that results in integrated social-emotional learning, the author presents a deeper, broader approach to education. Learners get the opportunity to mindfully self-author their learning and development paths throughout life by developing an agile, growth mindset. In this integrated approach, individuals embark on a process leading to enhanced creativity, wisdom and overall well-being. Better, more holistically educated human beings in this way become solvers of the world’s most difficult problems with clearer minds, while demonstrating more empathy, compassion and content, and are passionate about working for the greater good. This education system can provide solutions, directing our planet toward sustainability