Empowered Educators: Yoga & Mindfulness for Thriving in Education

Embark on a transformative journey with “Empowered Educators,” a course designed to reignite your passion for teaching and restore your sense of purpose. This unique experience offers educators the opportunity to learn and practice yoga and mindfulness techniques that prevent burnout by reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being. Conducted in collaboration with two experienced yoga and mindfulness teachers, boasting over 30 years of combined experience, this course promises expert guidance and support.

Set amidst the serene beauty of nature, participants will discover the power of mindfulness as a foundation for a more satisfying life, improved work-life balance, and healthier relationships. Thriving as an educator means not just surviving the demands of the job, but truly flourishing personally and professionally. It involves finding meaning, energy, and growth in the role, not just delivering curriculum or managing classrooms. 

This course empowers educators with the tools to navigate modern challenges by cultivating inner strength, resilience, and a renewed sense of joy in teaching. Participants will develop practical skills that foster emotional regulation, increase focus, and cultivate empathy, leading to positive interactions with students and colleagues. Through scientifically proven methods and hands-on experiences, educators will be guided to embody and expand the qualities they wish to see in their environment.

Learning Outcomes:

• Utilise yoga and mindfulness to prevent burnout, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.
• Develop interoception and sensory learning skills while cultivating a nonjudgmental observer mindset.
• Acquire practical skills for emotional regulation, increased focus, empathy cultivation, and positive interactions.
• Learn techniques to break the stress reaction cycle and manage stress effectively.
• Establish a daily yoga and mindfulness routine for personal growth and continuous practice.

Overall objectives of the mobility:

• Develop sustainable practices for long-term well-being and success.
• Foster connections, compassion, and joy in teaching interactions while observing and responding to challenges with mindfulness and positivity.
• Provide a holistic learning experience that combines theoretical knowledge with experiential activities, sound therapy, and outdoor mindfulness practices.

Recommended for Participation:

Primary school and secondary school teachers

Principals and educators

School staff

Syllabus of the Education by Days:

Day 1: Introduction to Yoga and Mindfulness

• Lecture and guided practice session that introduces participants to the foundational concepts of yoga and mindfulness, emphasizing their role in stress reduction and well-being.
• Activities: Sensory learning exercises, interoception development, and breathwork to understand and manage stress responses.

Day 2: Exploring Emotions Outdoors

• Discussions on the power of emotions and the importance of a non-judgmental attitude towards emotional experiences.
• Activities: Outdoor activities, including breathing exercises and compassion cultivation practices, provide a practical understanding of emotional regulation techniques.

Day 3: Building a Personal Practice

• Workshops on establishing a daily routine for well-being, highlighting the benefits of consistency in practice.
• Activities: An outdoor hike, mindful walking, daily yoga practice, and body scan exercises to develop a sustainable personal practice.

Day 4: Creating a Supportive Classroom Environment – outdoor classroom setting amongst olive trees

• Interactive sessions on fostering a positive classroom environment through mindful listening, movement, and creative space utilization.
• Activities: Outdoor yoga, group discussions, and practical demonstrations of mindfulness techniques for classroom application.

Day 5: Integration and Sustainability

• A reflective session on integrating the learned practices into personal and professional life, with a focus on setting future intentions.
• Activities: Sound therapy session using Tibetan bowls, crystal bowls, and gongs, followed by individual and group reflections on the course journey.

Methodology:

The course employs a holistic and experiential learning approach, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills in yoga, mindfulness, and emotional regulation. It emphasizes hands-on learning, outdoor activities, and reflective practices to foster resilience and well-being among educators.

2. Approach:

• Experiential Learning: Engage actively in yoga, mindfulness practices, and reflective exercises to internalize and apply skills.
• Outdoor Activities: Conducted in natural settings to enhance mindfulness and provide a serene environment for self-reflection.
• Holistic Integration: Combines physical, emotional, and cognitive techniques to address teacher well-being comprehensively.

What to expect:

• Facilitation by experts with over 30 years of combined experience in yoga and mindfulness.
• Interactive outdoor workshops in beautiful locations, weather permitting.
• A guided walking tour of Dubrovnik Old Town, exploring its rich history.