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In the Heart of Nature was a training course that aims to explore the Living in all its shapes, through movement, voice, mindfulness, somatics and deep connection to nature.
It happened in France, in Chartrier-Ferrière (Corrèze), in the Oasis des âges, from 31st March to 11th April 2025 for ROOTING and from 18th to 29th september 2025 for BRANCHING
"How to reconnect to the Living? To your inner Nature and to what surrounds us? From inside to outside, from outside to inside, we propose to dive in a journey being touched by what is already there with a deep listening.
In the Heart of Nature training course wants to open news doors to better understand yourself and the environment in order to build news abilities of being a youth leader with an embodied and empowered attitude."
Why? In today’s fast-changing world, young people face increasing challenges, including social exclusion, radicalization risks, and mental health struggles. In The Heart Of Nature responds to these challenges by integrating nature-based education and somatic practices into youth work. These approaches, supported by research on the benefits of nature and holistic well-being, enhance participants’ ability to support young people in finding balance, self-confidence, and a sense of belonging.
The project unfolds in two phases, ROOTING and BRANCHING, each designed to distinct aspects of personal and professional development.
This project happened in the eco-village of the Oasis des âges, and we had moments during the training course where we shared with them community work (gardening, ecobuilding, etc...). We believe that this is fully part of the immersive experience of this specific training, in order to better understand the Living in alls its shapes, to move towards a more ecological way of living together, with this intention of being in connection with Nature through body, heart and mind.
ROOTING
Rooting invites you to embark on a journey inward, exploring your own nature, strengths, and personal resources through nature-based and somatic practices. Participants will reconnect with themselves, develop self-awareness, and cultivate emotional balance—key attributes for anyone working with young people.
Rooting invite you to the encounter with yourself as an inseparable part of the living world. This training explores the interplay between the inner and outer landscapes, using nature and embodiment as mirrors to guide personal growth.
In this first training, participants are called to slow down, listen deeply, and rediscover the forgotten wisdom held in their bodies and the Earth. By stepping away from the clamor of daily life and into the rhythms of the natural world, we’ll awaken to what it means to be fully alive—rooted, embodied, and attuned to the intelligence of the more-than-human world.
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Keys outcomes:
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A deeper understanding of yourself, your emotions, and your connection to the environment.
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Tools to foster self-confidence and resilience.
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Techniques for applying embodiment and nature-based approaches in educational and social settings.
This phase lays a strong foundation for personal growth, enabling you to inspire others with authenticity and empathy.
In this training course you will experience:
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Embodiment Practices: Learn to inhabit your body fully, exploring how movement, breath, voice and sensory awareness enhance your sense of self and your ability to be with others.
Among these practices there will be Contact Improvisation, Authentic Movement, Community Singing, Scores for Improvisation, Playfight.
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Nature-Based Exploration: Engage with guided activities that use the natural world as a mirror for reflection and growth. From solitary walks to shared group exercises, participants will explore their place within larger ecosystems
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Personal Grounding: Work with simple yet powerful tools for centering and grounding, helping you navigate your inner landscape with clarity and curiosity.
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Meaningful Reflection: Through journaling, dialogue, and quiet observation, make connections between your experiences in nature and your personal or professional journey.
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Community work: Share moments with the community with gardening and ecobuilding to learn ecological processes and cultivate a joyful collective way of acting for the Living.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
ROOTING is distinctly designed as a personal development training course, providing participants with the opportunity to deepen their self-awareness and explore their inner resources in a setting that nurtures introspection and personal transformation. ROOTING focuses on cultivating the individual’s sense of self, emotionally, mentally, and physically, through embodied practices and immersive experiences in nature. The goal is not only to foster self-discovery but also to build a strong, grounded foundation from which participants can later engage with others more authentically and effectively.
The following training course (that will happen from 17th to 29th of September 2025) BRANCHING, will incorporate an extra layer of analysis and reflection on how to integrate these transformative practices into the youth work frame.
Meet the Team
Spaces Holders
