During the week from 9 to 16 February, we hosted a School Director and a teacher, Ludmyla and Miglena
from Bulgaria who attended the course on COACHING&MENTORING.
Since 2024 we introduced Wednesday’s afternoon sessions completely outdoors with a new formal.
Several topics were addressed, relating to EXTERNAL EDUCATION, COACHING AND MENTORING,
MINDFULNESS@SCHOOL and NATURAL-BASED EDUCATION.
Reflecting on these topics, the Wednesday afternoon session focused on NATURE BASED EDUCATION.
Starting with non-formal education and the importance it has on students; non-formal education starts with the learning circle, which is why we like to talk about circle of life instead of lifeline, but the meaning is the same, everyone can represent their own circle of life. It was from the circle of life that we started our session, referring to the importance that career and personal growth have on life in general.
Then the focus shifted to the importance that the nature around us has on us as human beings and how we feel in contact with it.
And from there we handed them a sheet called GRATITUDE SCAVENGER HUNT, a treasure hunt that
allowed us to connect with nature using our 5 senses but getting more involved with the emotions that nature around us can transmit by observing it and admiring it in its sounds and colours.
This sheet connected us with the universe around us and from there we continued our walk towards the
forest, shifting our focus to an important therapy, namely tree hugging therapy and the importance this
therapy has on the human being.
Some reasons to embrace this natural therapy:
● Stress Reduction
● Immune System Boost: Trees release phytoncides, natural compounds that protect them from disease. When we hug a tree or breathe in the forest air, we absorb these phytoncides, which have been shown to enhance our immune system’s function.
● Improved Mood
● Lower Blood Pressure
Our session concluded with Metta meditation. The practice is also known as loving-kindness meditation. You can do it anywhere you like – in a quiet corner of your home, outdoors in a yard, or even at your desk. Try to choose a spot where you’re least likely to be distracted.
By choosing the outdoors, we have discovered how meditation in nature can amplify mental and physical well-being.
We have found that practising outdoors in nature can amplify these benefits, offering a direct contact with the environment that helps to re-establish an inner balance and deep connection with our surroundings.
Author: Enza Procopio – JUMP Team
