Nurture Earth and spirit
Whispers of Nature
23.9. – 1.10.2025, Smolnik, Slovenia
11.4. - 19.4.2026, Smolnik, Slovenia
PIA: Play, improvisation and art was two-part training course for youth workers where the body, art, and play met in learning.
The expereince is best described in words of Greta, who took part in it:
Such a special time to return to Smolnik for another round of Play, Improvisation and Art. We gathered together with around 30 participants in both Sept and now in April for 9 days in the beautiful arms of the mountains of Slovenia. I love how the first training was full of fog and msytery, difficult to see afar, we were quite stuck inside. I could witness nature in its dreamy state, others getting sick, how to still hold the space when people are falling out? There were still moments of playfulness, improvisation, embodiment - what I came here for. I loved the content that was given to us, a peak into trauma-informed spaces, contact improv and clay making which we had to destroy after - which is a beautiful reminder of what truly matters is the process, not the result.
The second time coming back with almost the same people was special to reconnect with them and deepen the bonds. This time it was for us to hold space which was beautiful to experience others sharing their gifts with us.
It rekindled the spark in me as well to hold space for others, being present, attuning with the group.
It was truly a space to connect with my body more, feel, sense, listen, move intuitively in connection with my environment and others.
The shadow theater brought so much light in the dark, how amazing it is to play with our shadows.
Thank you for Smolnik, the mountains to hold us here again. For letting me see your beauty in more clarity, seeing more afar this time.
Thank you especially for Prija, Kristina, Jasper and Guseppe.
Thank you for Erasmus+ for funding these kinds of trainings, it's truly a gift!
Testimonials
And what did we experience and learn?
»"I enjoyed the workshops connecting me to myself and also to other members of the community. I loved the experiential content where I could feel more than talk and be rather emotional than rational. I think this was for me the essence of the whole training. I loved the community and being in beautiful nature in all kinds of weather. "«
»"I experienced this training course as intense and so impactful in the best way. Going into it without expectations, these 10 days left me with a lot of knowledge, insight and experience that I greatly value."«
»"I felt very well in this program, it was inspiring, safe, full of experiences. The connection with nature helped a lot in my own journey of self-knowledge. During this journey I learned a deeper connection with myself through nature and various artistic tools."«
»"The experience was great for me. I have already incorporated some breathing practices into my life. When walking my dog, I try not to take my phone with me, and at work, I tell my colleagues to slow down if what they're sharing with me feels too intense. I wrote a project for the school inspired by this training, where I integrated work on social skills, but with nature as the setting for practicing those skills.
The most important lesson for me is that things can be done without rushing and how important it is to stop and take a moment for yourself. I’ve also learned that other people's processes don’t have to affect my mood and/or confidence.«
