Morning ☀️

We started with a grounding meditation 🧘‍♀️ to get into the present moment, connecting to our senses and the environment. 

Then came the challenge of remembering each other’s names. We did some improv exercises—walking around, filling the room with our names and energy. A lot of laughs and some “Wait, what was your name again?” moments.

Afternoon 🏔️

In the afternoon, we did a walking meditation, breathing in, stepping, breathing out, and repeating. It was like a mini ceremony to feel “arrived,”to here and now”. While walking, we reached a mountain view point and admired the mighty Aragats and had a moment with it, leaving some of our worries with it (thanks, mountain!). 

Returned to our garden we set our secret 🤫 intentions by creating a totem with small objects we picked to represent our goals for the week.

Then we practiced mindful listening 👂, asking questions in English and answering in our native languages (imagine a mix of 9 languages 😮) - a deep way to connect. It was an opportunity to open and express truthfully. 

We ended with a session on nonviolent communication, learning the basics of: Observation, Feelings, Needs, and Requests.

Overall, it was a great start—lots of laughs, some deep moments, and a strong sense of connection already forming.

#meditation #erasmus #mindfulness #armenia 

Today was a day filled with deep reflection, creativity, and connection as part of our Erasmus+ Training course. Through a series of activities designed to promote self-awareness, mindfulness, and group cohesion, we spent the day exploring who we are, what connects us, and how we can embrace both the individual and collective journey we’re on. Here’s a glimpse into our day.

A Nourishing Start: Breakfast and Nature Meditation

We kicked off the day with a delicious breakfast, which was not just about food, but also an opportunity to bond and set a positive tone for the day. Conversations flowed freely, and there was a sense of excitement in the air as we looked ahead to the activities.

After breakfast, we dove straight into a calming meditation. The focus was on connecting with nature — a practice that encouraged us to be present and mindful of our surroundings. With the sound of the breeze of the wind and the clouds effortlessly being guided by it above the mountains, we allowed ourselves to simply be, breathing in the tranquility of the moment. This meditation grounded us, preparing our minds for the day's activities.

Games and Sensory Exploration

The morning wasn’t all about quiet moments, though — we balanced the calm with energy and play. First up was the "Tail Stealing" game, where we used socks as tails and attempted to steal each other’s without getting tagged. It was a fun and lively game that had everyone laughing and on their toes, while also promoting strategy.

Following that, we engaged in a “Blind Sensation” activity, where similar to squid games participants were aminig to to reach the other side of the room without being tagged by the catcher with their eyes closed.

Deep Conversations: “Who Are You?”

After a well-deserved lunch break, we moved on to a more introspective activity. In the “Inner Circle, Outer Circle” exercise, we formed two concentric circles and asked each other the simple, yet profound question: “Who are you?”

At first glance, it may seem like a simple inquiry, but as the exercise unfolded, the question became more complex.

Who are you? Are you a fleeting moment in the vastness of time, or a story woven through countless chapters? Are you defined by your name, your choices, your dreams? Or are you the silent observer behind it all, the one who watches life unfold, carrying memories like whispers?

Perhaps, to truly know who you are, is to let go of needing to know. To embrace the mystery, the unfolding, the becoming.

As we exchanged answers and reflected on our own identities, it became clear that this simple question could never have just one answer. It invited us to explore and embrace the complexity of our lives, our roles, and our inner selves.

Visualization Exercise: Connecting Our Inner Rivers

The afternoon was dedicated to a meditation that connected our individual journeys through the metaphor of rivers. Guided through a visualization, we were asked to imagine our personal paths as rivers, each with different twists, turns, and obstacles.

We then transferred this vision onto an 80cm-long piece of paper, where each of us drew our rivers from the palms, representing our unique life experiences and inner landscapes. The exercise was a beautiful way to externalize our personal stories, share them with the group, and feel the collective connection we all share — despite the different paths we each walk.

Group Reflection and Looking Ahead

At the end of the day, we gathered for a group sharing session where we reflected on the activities and shared our personal insights. It was a touching moment of connection, as everyone had the chance to express how the day's exercises made them feel. The sharing brought a sense of closeness to the group, and it was clear that the activities had made an impact on everyone in different ways.

As a bonus, throughout the day, everyone was excitedly planning for tomorrow — our much-anticipated free day! Whether it’s resting, exploring the local area, or simply spending time in personal reflection, the energy was palpable as we look forward to the break.

Conclusion: A Day of Discovery

Today was not just about games or activities; it was about deepening our understanding of ourselves and each other. Through mindfulness, playful challenges, and introspective exercises, we learned that the journey of self-discovery is as much about the questions as the answers. As we reflect on the day and anticipate tomorrow’s rest, we know that these experiences will stay with us, shaping the way we connect with others and ourselves in the days to come.

Stay tuned for more updates as our Erasmus+ training course journey continues!

On the fifth day of our Breathe, Reflect and Thrive Training Course, we started off with a meditation session to clear our minds and embrace the upcoming day. 

The very first task started by dividing the room with an imaginary line. We had to move on both sides of it in different styles. The main point of the task was that everyone could freely express their own desire for movement. We started with loose movements and, by the end of the task, we were using every part of our bodies. Eventually, we got to the point of emitting sounds, expressing the desires and feelings that lived within us.

After that, we paired up with a person out of the group we trusted and felt comfortable with. While one person was laying on the ground, the other was touching they’re partner’s body with their hands, trying to make them feel their hands’ energy. We then helped the other person get up: when they started moving, the person who was touching watched the movements of the other and touched their moving parts. Afterwards the observer helped with the directions of the movements and eventually they were just observing and let their partner dance and move freely. We took turns in this exercise and shared awareness, cooperation and trust.

The second session focused on a ‘love and kindness’ meditation. It was a profoundly moving and powerful experience, and most of us were deeply affected by it, entering a meditative state that connected us with our innermost selves. The aim was to both feel and share a universal, unconditional sense of love. We were invited to gather with a beloved one, with someone who we are not familiar with and eventually with a person we might have conflict or resentment. When opening our eyes, we were feeling a genuine sense of well-being, our whole bodies were filled with love for every living being on this beautiful planet. To close the session, we paired up for a restorative massage, followed by a shared reflection on our experiences

Out day proceeded with an Authentic movement activity. We got into pairs and watched each other in the eyes before taking turns to be witness and mover. The witness  would observe while the other would move around the room with eyes closed. The blindfolded person would explore the room, touch walls, people, and focus on their senses.As they moved, they encountered each other, hugging, holding hands, and navigating the space safely. After 20 minutes, they would reunite with their witness and we would both write about our experiences. Afterwards, the pairs were given a brief opportunity to discuss and share their most memorable moments from the exercise.

Day 7 of our Erasmus+ training course was filled with reflection, connection, and a deeper understanding of both our personal journeys and the collective experiences we had shared throughout the week.

The day began with a peaceful breakfast, followed by our daily community task. Our group’s focus was on social media, where we discussed how to effectively communicate and share the essence of the project with the wider world. This task allowed us to reflect on how social media can play a role in amplifying the impact of the Erasmus+ program.

Next, we participated in an energizer to lift our spirits and bond with one another. We played the lively "Hey You!" game, which was a fun, interactive way to connect and get our energy up. This was followed by an exciting team challenge where each group created a show that showcased the work done during the community task. It was a great opportunity to combine creativity with what we'd learned, and the show ended up being a lighthearted celebration of our teamwork.

After lunch, we dove deeper into the heart of the Erasmus+ programs. We held a session on dissemination, brainstorming how we could bring the knowledge and skills we had gained back to our respective countries. This activity sparked thoughtful conversations on how to make a meaningful impact and share the benefits of Erasmus+ within our own communities.

In the afternoon, we went on a walk to the local lookout spot at Mount Aragats. The breathtaking views were the perfect backdrop for a meditation session that followed. For this activity, we were paired with someone who did not speak our native language. We took turns expressing our thoughts and feelings to each other, and then, in a symbolic ritual, wrote our reflections on paper. As we approached a nearby temple, we gradually shared our words with more emotion, culminating in a powerful act of letting go and releasing our experiences into the world.

The final activity of the day was the last integration circle, where each participant had the opportunity to share their thoughts on the project and how it had impacted them. It was a deeply moving moment, as everyone reflected on their personal growth, the connections made, and the ways in which the course had shaped their perspective. This final circle brought closure to the 7-day journey, as it helped us all realize the profound transformations that had taken place.

After dinner, we spent our last moments together as a group, enjoying each other's company before the inevitable task of packing our bags. It was a bittersweet evening, filled with gratitude and anticipation for the departures the next day. While we were leaving this beautiful experience behind, we carried with us the invaluable lessons, memories, and friendships forged over the past week.

As we prepare to return home, the impact of "TC Breathe, Reflect, Thrive" will stay with us, reminding us of the power of reflection, connection, and growth.