Multisensory Space Supporting Spirituality and Fearless Belonging in Higher Education

Belonging is a deeply personal, emotional, and spiritual experience rooted in feeling valued, accepted and free to express one’s whole self. While closely linked to inclusion, belonging cannot be produced through structural policies alone; even in formally inclusive environments, individuals may still feel unseen, disconnected, or afraid to freely express their spirituality.

At Laurea University of Applied Sciences, the Multisensory Space method offers a pathway to genuine and fearless belonging in higher education and beyond by providing a safe and empathic space for personal storytelling, spiritual connection, and sociocultural sustainability. Developed in 2007 and continuously refined, this co-created, multisensory learning environment fosters intercultural and spiritual dialogue, identity affirmation, and shared wellbeing. Used globally by universities, NGOs, and diverse community settings, it provides an inclusive and ethically grounded space for deep listening, appreciation, peace promotion, and spiritual connection.