Dynamisms of Spirituality Formation in the Biography of Natalia Tułasiewicz

Abstract

This article aimed to demonstrate the importance of spirituality for achieving happiness in all life circumstances, based on the biography of the Polish teacher Natalia Tułasiewicz. The biographical material is organised according to the dynamisms (powers) of education identified by the classical pedagogical thought of Stefan Kunowski. These dynamisms include bios, representing the natural, psycho-organic development of the human being; etos, denoting the social action of educators; agos, signifying the power of the moral action and mental authority of educators; and fate, an unpredictable and unquantifiable force. It has been assumed that educational growth arises from the simultaneous interaction of these dynamics, with spirituality playing a crucial role. The analytical-synthetic method has been employed, with the primary source being Natalia Tułasiewicz’s four volumes of diary entries covering the years 1938–1943. This paper outlined the four dynamisms in Natalia Tułasiewicz’s life, emphasising the role of spirituality in overcoming adversity. For her, spirituality was not an end in itself but a means to develop relationships with God and others. In doing so, she attained a level of maturity in both natural and religious spirituality, enabling her to perceive each event of fate as meaningful and valuable. During the tragic times of war, she managed to find happiness and bring hope to others too in a concentration camp – a place where hope had seemingly vanished.