Whispers of Nature
11-19.09.2024, Smolnik, Pohorje, Slovenia
In September, the Association of nurturing the Earth and Spirit (and other partners) organized a 10-day training for youth workers in beutiful Slovenian Pohorje (Smolnok). The main topic werenature and different nature based pedagogical approaches, such aseeco-psychology, adventure pedagogy, using creative art media and embodiment, community work, experiential learning through nature/art fordevelopingvarious strengths and qualities. Journeys in the forest, listening to the forest creatures, movement, music and artistic expression were part of our everyday life. Dedicated time spent in nature, fire, dance, practicing genuine communication and authentic relating, and expressingour creativity, awakened the most unknown, sleepy corners in us. We embarked on a path of inner understanding and connection with the parts within us, exploring our inner qualities and archetypes that could support and inspire us, while on the other hand confronted us also with our shadow and weak side. We got to know each of these qualities or archetypes first through the theoretical part of map of wholeness and then through experiential learning. Through thus practice wealso researchedand learnedhow we can build/support capacities in youth with the use of nature and creative media, that are important to build their resilience in nowadays society, and help them to be stronger in times of crisis (personal or global). Being seen, understood, supported and met on your journey is a gift that nature gives us and we can feel it with each other at the same time.
Testimonials
And what did we experience and learn?
»I learned how to be myself, how to take care of my inner child, that I can embrace my playfulness and my vulnerable side, that it's more than ok to cry if you feel like it, that I don't have to please anyone...
I learned to love myself first and to say no. I learned to stay grounded and to embrace nature more.
I learned to feel what I need, I learned to rest and to feel enough, I learned to express myself in different ways.«
»I still feel the wind's blow, the grass dew on my feet«
(The serene environment of Pohorje mountain became a canvas for introspection, mindfulness, and self-discovery.)
»I remembered and emphasize that we live once, and I have to give more time for myself, to listen more my feelings and my body, all my problems are very common with the problems from other people«
»I learned to rest more and to be enough. Well - being instead of well - doing. This is what i will talk about with the youngsters who i work with. I also will apply more active listening and only help when youngsters ask for it. Giving them more open space to listen to them instead of finding solutions. Empower them more.«
»I have learnt how to trust connect with other participants. I have also learned to be more empathetic and self-conscious.«
»I left this training with a lot of tools for my profesional activity, with new friends and potentially partners but also warmth and silence in my soul. Surely, after this course, i became a better person: as a youth worker, teacher, a teacher trainer, student mentor, european project coordinator, but also in a more private manner - as a woman, mother, and wife!«
