Soulful

This is how it feels to be in Soulful

The day for the facilitator at Soulful starts with a 30 mins of Meditation or Quiet time by the river. This time is for personal cleansing and invoking the blessings of the muse to receive directions from the universe. Time to connect with universal energy.

Children start walking in.

Everyone does their part in getting ready to start the day. One goes to pick flowers, one lights the lamp, one does a kolam, one arranges the cushions in a circle, there is no timetable for these things - we see what is to be done and we do it. Children take care of their environment.

The day begins with a circle time for the group to come together. Each person shares a moment of gratitude or a small goal for the day. A student or teacher might lead a short meditation or a gentle breathing exercise, setting an intention for the day.

What do we want to learn this year / month / week / day?

What are you curious about?

What is your dream right now? (writing a book? Starting a business? Making a Software? Making something?) The facilitator makes a note of everything.

The student admin incharge brings forward questions about - What do we need for the centre (who is going to make it?)

When done with the circle time, students take a morning nature walk. They stroll through the garden, perhaps stopping by the river to watch the ripples or pausing under a tree to listen to bird songs.

Project Based Learning: Back in their classrooms, students break into mixed-age groups to work on meaningful projects they’ve chosen or designed themselves. Today, one group is making paper from recycled scraps; one writing an epic, another is crafting herbal soaps using plants they’ve harvested from the garden. Each project is student-led, with teachers guiding them as needed.

Curiosity-Driven Lessons: The schedule allows students to explore their interests freely. If a student wonders aloud, "How do birds sleep?", the group might research the topic, watch videos, or even build a small bird-watching station in the garden. The curriculum flows with their natural curiosity, leading to discoveries that might even spark the next day's projects or questions.

Teacher-Led Sessions: Each teacher has the freedom to design and teach lessons what they deem fit. Students may be introduced to poetry, how levers work, or traditional crafts based on the group’s need. Teachers guide students in exploring new subjects with a personal touch, creating an atmosphere where their enthusiasm sparks the students’ own curiosity and engagement.

Community Lunch - Nourishing Body and Soul: Students gather for a community-cooked lunch that they helped prepare in the school kitchen. Conversations flow as they share stories and reflections from the morning. Older students assist younger ones, serving food and ensuring everyone has what they need. Eating together reinforces the center's family-like atmosphere, where each person feels cared for and valued.

Self-Reflection Time - Listening to the Inner Voice: The campus quiets as everyone finds a comfortable spot to reflect. Students journal, meditate, or simply sit in silence. They listen to their inner voice, reflecting on what they’re learning and how they’re growing.

Practical Skills and Student-Run Operations In the afternoon, students immerse themselves in practical roles that contribute to the school community. Some manage the campus garden, while others run the small student store, help with book-keeping, or maintain the school’s upkeep.

Creative Expression, Art, Sport The last part of the day is reserved for artistic pursuits and physical vitality. Some work on individual art projects, while others join in a game of soccer, practice yoga, music or dance. Teachers are there as co-creators and coaches, encouraging students to express themselves freely.

Closing Circle - Reflecting and Sharing: As the day winds down, everyone gathers again under a tree. Each student or teacher is invited to share a highlight or a reflection. They celebrate their creations, their challenges, and the discoveries they made.