For the training course Regenerating Ourselves - Regenerating Earth, we traveled as a group of three representing Slovakia (Simona Horváthová, Tamara Šuniarová & Martin Švorc) first by bus to Zagreb. After a short tour of the city, we set off as a complete group of participants from five countries to Ekodrom Estate, near Karlovac. We had no idea what would await us, but full of enthusiasm, we gradually started to get acquainted with each other.
When we arrived at the cottage complex, we found ourselves surrounded by beautiful nature and somewhat cut off from the world. However, in a good way, because we had the opportunity to spend time fully with the other participants and to reconnect with nature. The shared conversations were often as humorous as they were enriching. At first sight it was clear to us that during the next six days we would not face the stress of duties and a hectic life, but, instead, focus on our mental health... and so it was 🙂
The pleasant mountain environment allowed us to fulfill the goal of the training, i.e. well-being. Each day was accompanied by breathing and meditation exercises, reflection on the acquired knowledge and physical activities. They helped us to reorganize our thoughts, to be in the present moment, or to lighten our mind. Fortunately, the weather was kind to us almost the whole time, so the outdoor activities in fresh air in the embrace of nature and the accompaniment of a local dog, Azra, were no exception. The entire training course was designed so that we could bring home with us a variety of techniques to keep our mental health in good shape, along with many wonderful experiences.
The program varied from daily; what remained the same, however, were the afternoon activities, which were led by ourselves, the participants. And thus we had the opportunity to experience what it feels like to be on the other side and have the responsibility in our own hands for a while. These were mostly breathing exercises aimed at stress relief or conscious mind-setting.
We tended to spend our free time together, either discussing whatever came to mind or walking around the surroundings. We enjoyed the great atmosphere to its fullest. Neither could we get enough of the food! All sorts of vegan dishes brought a smile on our faces and we think we're all going to miss them a little at home.
Overall, besides many wonderful experiences, we also brought with us a lot of useful knowledge from the project, which we have the opportunity to use practically in everyday life. The day of departure was full of emotions. Hoping our paths with the others would cross again, with tears on the edge of our eyes we wished each other a happy journey and headed back home.
