BODHINI: SURROUNDED BY NATURE
Harmony with Nature
Our programmes at Bodhini – both theory and practice, are structured in harmony with nature, i.e., ‘earth- health – meditation’ respectively. We also give due importance to outdoor activities that being in touch with nature, can impact both physical and mental health. As the first step of it, we introduced a cognitive treatment called «harmony with nature». In our practical side of meditation, we introduced mainly the horticultural activities and environmental awareness. Manual work is given due place alongside meditation. «Ora et labora» All our participants daily engage themselves in gardening from 04.00- 05.30 pm. Getting in touch with mother earth, digging, planting, weeding, trimming, watering etc, to step out of the thinking mind for a transformative experience of their inner selves.
Meditation in the Garden
To reduce stress, sharpen focus, generate happiness and well-being and above all to connect us to nature and all life forms, we do outdoor meditation in the specially designed meditation garden. On certain evenings, the participants enjoy nature meditations listening to the sounds of nature. This enables them to relax and experience tranquillity, and foster a sense of accomplishment, increase self-esteem, a sense of duty, and social connection.
Environmental Hygiene & Eco-Consciousness
Environmental Hygiene and Eco – consciousness finds paramount place in the objective of all our programmes. It helps the individuals not only to be aware of the self (i.e., cognitions and cognitive schemes) but also to foster a sense of person-environment connection (i.e., ecological mindfulness). This goes well with the cliché of Bodhini: «Stop, slow down, and look around». Waking up all the visitors to honour the majesty of nature is an integral part of the practice of Mindfulness Meditation, apart from the sitting meditation.
“Cleanliness is next to Godliness”. One finds Bodhini spick and span. The participants, after breakfast, spent an hour attending to daily chores like sweeping, mopping and cleaning up the rooms and surroundings. These pro-environmental activities are in fact considered to expand the idea that is, meditation is not against any activities, rather it will open up vistas of renewed life experiences. The participants play a great role in maintaining the cleanliness of the building and the premises.