Theory U as case study of integral transformative learning for spiritual development in higher education

ABSTRACT

This article examines Theory U as an integral transformative learning process that contributes to spiritual development. Focusing on the case study of a team of nine volunteers who engaged in a learning journey organized by the Presencing Institute u.lab 2X, Accelerator for Systems Transformation in 2021, this paper argues that Theory U supports the integration of diverse intelligences and contributes to transformation as spiritual development. It examines the learning processes of Theory U, such as mindfulness, visual representation, and Social Presencing Theater through the lens of transformative learning, arguing that spiritual development is a journey toward integral consciousness. The analysis of four key aspects of transformation shows Theory U’s contribution to the spiritual development of participants: wholeness, heart-based connection, collective empowerment and existential meaning.

KEYWORDS:

• Theory U
• spirituality
• transformative learning
• integral
• higher education

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 In Teaching to Transgress (1994), Bell Hooks talks at length about the pain underpinning her learning process.

2 Given that our team had a certain understanding of the invisible dynamics of the current education system and a certain vision of its transformation, the translation of interviews into body shapes may have been influenced by our perception.

3 There is an ethical implication in this experience of transformation. It led to temporarily increasing distress as participants developed more awareness of the pervading normalization of fragmentation and domination structures in the academic world. A trauma-informed approach would have been beneficial.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Saint Paul University.

Notes on contributors

Bianca Briciu

Bianca Briciu is Assistant Professor at the School of Leadership, Ecology and Equity, Saint Paul University, Ottawa. Her work focuses on integral leadership development through emotional and social intelligence, mindfulness, compassion, and systems thinking. She published articles on gender, emotional intelligence and transformative learning. She is the author of the book The Revolutionary Art of Love: From Romantic Love to Global Compassion.