The human capacity for perception is much greater than that which we are accustomed to using. A number of abilities lie latent within us: we do not use them and we frequently do not even discover them. Using exercises which are often designed as games, we can awaken these capabilities, become aware of them, and develop them. Intuitive thinking is as important a tool of judgment as rational thinking.

The subtle experience of nature enables us to connect with a multi-dimensional space, with the intelligence of nature. Some years ago studies using a lie detector showed that plants in some way perceive our intentions. Nature is much more than a collection of biological organisms.

The vital energy of space was recognized by our ancestors. They knew how to build and shape space in such a way that they did not damage its vital sources of energy.

The landscape with its boulders and rocks had for them a different meaning compared to what it has for us today. They perceived manifold expressions of life in their environment. Thus life was given to them not only from the crop fields but also – looking at it from a modern perspective – from the ostensibly insignificant rocks beside them. They recognized particular roles and laws contained within the shapes of nature which in harmony with the whole gave vitality to the environment.

 The understanding and recognition of these messages of nature often spilled over into stories, the symbolic language of legends and folk tales, whose deeper message can be understood only when we learn their archetypal language.

 The creative potential of the individual means a constant source of inspiration and changes. Through artistic expression we stimulate our creative thinking. In artistic expression we come to know our personal uniqueness and the symbolic language of images. The modern way of life directs us primarily toward rational thinking, which is usually not balanced by giving equal value to the intuitive, feeling part of us. And it is the language of images that is the language of intuition. Images which are expressed in art work can bring us a rich message about ourselves and the way we experience the environment.

Creative teaching using heritage and connection with nature  / Karin Lavin

 Objectives

On this course participants will learn how to use heritage as a means for teaching and learning about the world.

The work takes place mainly outdoors, in natural settings and on visits to cultural sites.

The course treats the person and the environment in a holistic way.

It is intended for schoolteachers, preschool teachers, and other mentors.

It includes heritage in compulsory teaching content and other forms of mentoring work with young people and adults.

It will take into account the potential of the individual and encourage creative thinking.

It will bring together various fields of knowledge and capabilities and create/design new approaches to the treatment of heritage of different kinds.

THEMES:

Development of creative methods of teaching using heritage

–          Perception, research and creating using heritage

–          Understanding people and space in a holistic way

–          Land-art – activities in the landscape and awareness

Connection with nature

–          How our ancestors built settlements – connection with nature in the past and today

–          Space as a living organism and communication with nature

–          What can we learn from heritage for our common future?

–          Sustainability as a challenge for development

Recognition, expression, and development of the potential of the individual

–          Creative potential – commitment to the realization of the talents and interests of the individual

–          Creative process: feeling Ã  idea Ã action Ã result 

–          Artistic expression as a stimulus for creativity

–          Archetypes  – symbolic language of images

–          Hidden potential of the individual: the development of inner senses and intuitions as capacities for deeper perception

–          How to cultivate curiosity – the basis for learning and creativity

–          Inclusion in social life (institution, company), a model for connection

 The program of sensibilization of the subtle dimensions of nature and of a creative approach towards heritage = learning through heritage and the holistic experience of people and space develops a sensitive attitude towards the environment. A sensibilized person functions as a co-worker of nature who through his activity builds on natural properties.

The course includes trips, excursions, and tours of cultural monuments, in the course of which exercises for deepening the appreciation of heritage and creativity will be conducted. By the conclusion of the course participants will have developed their own approaches towards the treatment of a theme from heritage which they choose themselves.

 Methodology

– Workshops

– Brief lectures, explanations, and discussions

– Sensibilization exercises

– Artistic expression using various techniques

– Development of creative approaches

– Exercises for a deeper appreciation of nature

– Development of individual methods of work using heritage

– Cultural visits, excursions

 Following up

As a follow-up each participant will be asked to lead an exercise in his home environment with a group (of children, pupils, adults, museum visitors, etc.) and document it (a brief description, three photographs) and send the material to the organizer by mail. The program leader is available to all participants for any further explanations or guidelines after the conclusion of the course (by mail).

The exercises conducted will be published on the website of the organizer.