Laurus Regenerative

Tag: ERASMUS+

  • Laurus en Mersin, Turquía: Nuestra primera experiencia como expertos invitados en un programa Erasmus+

    Laurus en Mersin, Turquía: Nuestra primera experiencia como expertos invitados en un programa Erasmus+

    Laurus en Mersin, Turquía: Nuestra primera experiencia como expertos invitados en un programa Erasmus+

    Del 29 de septiembre al 3 de octubre tuvimos la maravillosa oportunidad de viajar a Mersin, una ciudad vibrante a orillas del Mediterráneo en el este de Turquía, como expertos invitados dentro del Programa Erasmus+ Invited Expert.

    Para esta visita, diseñamos un curso a medida para responder a las necesidades específicas del profesorado local, titulado:
    “Fortalecer la resiliencia psicológica y el bienestar a través del mindfulness para docentes.”

    El curso generó un gran interés y, finalmente, 20 profesores de educación secundaria fueron seleccionados para participar. A lo largo de cinco intensos días, exploramos cómo integrar el mindfulness y el aprendizaje social y emocional (SEL) en los contextos educativos, no solo para mejorar el compromiso y la motivación del alumnado, sino también para cuidar el bienestar del propio profesorado.

    Sabemos que la enseñanza puede ser una profesión tan gratificante como exigente. Hasta que logremos desarrollar la sabiduría y la compasión necesarias para regenerar nuestra forma de enseñar y aprender, el mindfulness nos ofrece herramientas prácticas para afrontar los retos diarios, encontrar equilibrio y disfrutar más de nuestro trabajo, aportando alegría, creatividad y motivación a nuestras aulas.

    Cultivar la compasión, la empatía y la amabilidad

    Uno de los ejes principales de nuestro trabajo fue la compasión —hacia nosotros mismos y hacia los demás—. Cultivar la compasión empieza por la empatía, una habilidad esencial para la colaboración y la comunicación efectiva en el aula. También reflexionamos sobre la importancia de la gratitud y la amabilidad, cualidades que abren el corazón y fortalecen nuestras comunidades educativas.

    Hablando de amabilidad, me siento profundamente agradecida por todo lo que recibí de la gente de Mersin, tanto a nivel profesional como personal. El equipo Erasmus+ y los docentes participantes mostraron una enorme calidez y generosidad. No dudaría ni un segundo en recomendarles como socios en futuros proyectos Erasmus+.

    Intercambio cultural y aprendizaje compartido

    Más allá del curso, tuve la oportunidad de conocer de cerca la cultura, la gastronomía, la historia y el sistema educativo turco, algo que disfruté enormemente. Este espíritu de compartir y cuidar es precisamente la esencia del programa Erasmus+.

    Esperamos seguir colaborando con nuestros compañeros de Mersin. Nuestro próximo proyecto conjunto se desarrollará en Tarragona, España, la próxima primavera: un proyecto de aprendizaje social y emocional (SEL) que unirá escuelas de España, Turquía e Italia.

    Si te interesa participar en alguno de nuestros próximos cursos de formación Erasmus+ KA1 en Málaga (España) o en Irlanda, o colaborar con nosotros en proyectos KA2, estaremos encantados de escucharte.

    Reflexiones y gratitud

    Una de las últimas actividades del curso fue una breve meditación mindfulness, seguida de un ejercicio creativo: cada participante escribió un poema sobre un objeto cotidiano, expresando gratitud por él. Este ejercicio sencillo pero profundo nos recordó que la belleza se encuentra en los pequeños momentos y en las cosas ordinarias: una taza de té, un lápiz, una palabra amable.

    En resumen, nuestra experiencia en Mersin fue profundamente enriquecedora. Trabajar con un grupo de docentes tan comprometidos y amables reforzó nuestra convicción de que sí es posible generar un cambio, un momento consciente a la vez.

    Con el corazón abierto, una mente de principiante y la valentía de salir de nuestra zona de confort, podemos ser el cambio que queremos ver en nuestras escuelas.
    Desde esa presencia significativa y creativa, nacen nuevas posibilidades, y también la esperanza.

    Gracias, Mersin, por vuestra generosidad, curiosidad y amabilidad. ¡Volveremos pronto!

  • Laurus in Mersin, Turkey: Our First Experience as Invited Experts in an Erasmus+ Program

    Laurus in Mersin, Turkey: Our First Experience as Invited Experts in an Erasmus+ Program

    Laurus in Mersin, Turkey: Our First Experience as Invited Experts in an Erasmus+ Program

    From September 29th to October 3rd, we had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Mersin, a vibrant city on the Mediterranean coast of eastern Turkey, as invited experts through the Erasmus+ Invited Expert Program.

    For this visit, we designed a tailor-made course to meet the specific needs of local educators titled:
    “Building Psychological Resilience and Wellbeing through Mindfulness for Educators.”

    The course attracted great interest, and in the end, 20 secondary school teachers were selected to participate. Over the course of five immersive days, we explored how mindfulness and social-emotional learning (SEL) can be integrated into educational contexts, not only to enhance student engagement but also to nurture teachers’ own wellbeing.

    We all know that teaching can be a deeply rewarding yet stressful profession. Until we collectively develop the wisdom and compassion to regenerate how we teach and learn, mindfulness offers practical tools to cope with daily challenges, find balance, and bring more joy, creativity, and motivation into our classrooms.

    Cultivating Compassion, Empathy, and Kindness

    A central theme of our work together was compassion; both for ourselves and others. Building compassion begins with empathy, which is essential for collaboration and effective communication in any classroom. We also explored the transformative power of gratitude and kindness, qualities that open the heart and strengthen our communities.

    Speaking of kindness, I am deeply grateful for everything I received from the people in Mersin both professionally and personally. The Erasmus team and all participating teachers showed incredible warmth and generosity. I would wholeheartedly recommend them as partners for future Erasmus+ projects.

    Cultural Exchange and Shared Learning

    Beyond the classroom, I had the chance to discover so much about Turkish culture, food, history, and the education system; all of which I enjoyed immensely. This spirit of sharing and caring is at the heart of the Erasmus experience.

    We look forward to continuing this collaboration. Our next joint project will hopefully take place in Tarragona, Spain, this coming spring, a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) project connecting schools in Spain, Turkey, and Italy.

    If you’re interested in joining one of our future Erasmus+ KA1 training courses in Málaga, Spain, or Ireland, or would like to collaborate on KA2 projects, we’d be delighted to connect with you.

    Reflections and Gratitude

    Our final activity in Mersin was a short mindfulness meditation, followed by a creative writing exercise: each participant wrote a poem about an everyday object, expressing gratitude and appreciation for it. This simple yet profound exercise reminded us that beauty can be found in the smallest moments and ordinary things — a cup of tea, a pencil, a gentle word.

    To sum up, our experience in Mersin was truly enriching. Working with such kind and committed educators reinforced our belief that we can make a difference, one mindful moment at a time.

    With an open heart, a beginner’s mind, and the courage to step outside our comfort zones, we can be the change we wish to see in our schools.
    From that place of presence and creativity, new possibilities emerge, and so does hope.

    Thank you, Mersin, for your generosity, curiosity, and kindness. We will be back soon!

  • The 5 pillars of wellness and why September is good to make a fresh start

    The 5 pillars of wellness and why September is good to make a fresh start

    This month marks the launch of our very first newsletter, along with a series of free events to coincide with World Wellness Weekend (WWW) from 19th–21st September.

    September is a natural starting point for new intentions and projects.

    Our community events will take place on the 19th, 20th and 21st—you can to join us.

    Why today 9th September Matters

    The 9th of September is also Saint Ciarán’s Day. On the island of Inishmore, one of the Aran Islands off the west coast of Galway, the rites of St. Ciarán are celebrated. It is a place close to my heart, as both my son Keiran and this project were, in a sense, conceived there. I return whenever I can, and in 2026, when I bring a group of teachers to Galway for ERASMUS+ KA1 training mobilities, I will go again. Perhaps you’d like to join me?

    Behind the ruins of Teampall Ciarán there is a dolmen and sacred well, marked by a holy whitethorn tree. In the Celtic rite, pilgrims walk clockwise around the well, counting each round with a pebble. Each circuit is an intention or prayer—3, 5, or traditionally on Aran, 7 rounds.

    A simple intention might be: “May I be well. May I generate wellness.”

    For us, regeneration is about doing more good, giving back to others, our communities, and our planet—while also practicing self-compassion and caring for our own wellbeing.

    The Five Pillars of Wellness

    According to World Wellness Weekend, there are five pillars of wellness. Each has a mirror that reflects and deepens its meaning:

    1. Sleep & Creativity
      Rest restores us, and from silence and dreams, creativity is born. This could be our first intention: quality rest and inspired creativity. On the 20th, we’ll offer a workshop to help you open to creativity from the heart.
    2. Mindfulness & Serenity
      A calm beginner’s mind allows us to observe the present moment with clarity and compassion. Mindfulness is at the heart of our project—its fruit is wisdom and compassion. Join us in our weekly meditations as a member of our community.
    3. Movement & Vitality
      Our bodies are meant to move. Movement connects us to the world and deepens our awareness of ourselves. Join us on Fridays to move, breathe, and regenerate the earth together.
    4. Nutrition & Immunity
      Food fuels not only body and mind, but also soul. In Ayurveda, nutrition is linked to:
      • Prana (vital energy, air)
      • Tejas (nourishing fire)
      • Ojas (bodily radiance, earth and water)

    See our course on ayurveda for more information: https://naturaclass.net/product/curso-de-ayurveda/

    We are what we eat. In our Friday Regenerative sessions and monthly events, we’ll share local, organic, and seasonal food—and breathe in the energy of prana.

    1. Purpose & Solidarity
      Purpose gives life direction, and solidarity reminds us we are not alone. This is why we are launching our project now: to weave partnerships and community around a shared purpose of regeneration—to create a wiser, more compassionate world.

    So, we leave you with a question:

    👉 What is your purpose?
    👉 Will you choose to become part of the ReGeneration?

  • Mindfulness en la Educación: Un Enfoque Integrador Basado en Proyectos

    Mindfulness en la Educación: Un Enfoque Integrador Basado en Proyectos

    Mindfulness in Education: An Integrative, Project-Based Approach

    This July, Laurus had the pleasure of being in Cork, Ireland, hosted by University College Cork (UCC) in collaboration with our partners Eurobjective https://www.eurobjective.com/

     Together, we delivered our ERASMUS+ course, «Mindfulness in Education: An Integrative, Project-Based Approach», designed specifically for secondary school teachers across Europe.

    A Holistic Learning Experience

    The course introduces participants to the foundations of mindfulness in an educational context. But it goes beyond the classroom: we explore how mindfulness can enrich students’ lives through connections with culture, history, local gastronomy, nature, and sport.

    Our approach encourages teachers to observe themselves in relation to these topics, fostering both personal well-being and creative professional growth. The goal? To return to their schools equipped not only with new skills, but with renewed energy and a fresh perspective.

    A Warm Welcome at UCC

    From day one, our hosts at UCC impressed us: https://www.ucc.ie/en/visitorservices/ The head of visitor services—an engaging storyteller—led us on a historical and cultural tour of the campus and its magnificent trees. A highlight of the visit was learning about UCC’s regenerative landscaping project, which includes wildflower zones, natural habitats for wildlife, and even an on-site resident beekeeper. This initiative has earned UCC international recognition, placing it 4th globally in environmental university rankings and in the top 10 for eight consecutive years.

    Cultural Immersion and Mindful Reflection

    We immersed ourselves in Cork’s rich cultural offerings, integrating music and art into our training. A visit to the Glucksman Gallery included a thought-provoking exhibition on well-being, where teachers were invited to engage in mindful reflection on selected works of art.

    Another day led us to the iconic English Market and its renowned Farmgate Restaurant, where we practiced sensory mindfulness while enjoying local, ecological produce—including the famous Stonewell Cider.

    The GROW Projects: Regenerating Classrooms

    Throughout the course, participants were guided to design their own GROW Project—a mindfulness-based initiative tailored to their school environments. These projects are intended to regenerate classroom dynamics, enhance student well-being, and foster a sense of joy, trust, and connection in learning spaces.

    To close the week, we walked the labyrinth at St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, a contemplative journey symbolizing the integration of learning and inner transformation. Participants were invited to interiorize their insights and prepare to share them with their communities back home.

    Join Us in Ireland – Summer 2026

    Would you like to be part of this transformative experience in the summer of 2026? Explore our upcoming training opportunities in the ERASMUS+ section for teacher mobility and professional development.

  • La importancia de crear un espacio consciente

    La importancia de crear un espacio consciente

     The Importance of Creating a Mindful Space

    In June 2025, we were fortunate to host a group of Welsh school teachers here in Málaga, in collaboration with our partners ACCIPE: https://accipe.org/  and the Welsh mobility programme TAITH (similar to Erasmus+).

    Málaga is a city that naturally invites mindful reflection. It delights the senses and fosters a sense of well-being, making it an ideal setting for our work together. The teachers stayed at El Seminario (La Casa Diocesana), a beautiful historic building that now hosts training groups focused on spirituality, therapy, or social development. It’s a space perfectly suited to mindfulness courses—one that invites guests to relax, disconnect, and reflect on both personal and professional contexts.

    Throughout the week, we combined daily mindfulness meditation practice with Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) applied to the teachers’ educational realities. The aim was to promote regeneration by engaging participants’ critical thinking and creativity, all grounded in active listening, empathy, and compassion.

    We also spent a day at the University of Málaga (UMA), where we explored further the importance of creating mindful spaces. Our first visit was to the Faculty of Education, where Dr Juan G, a renowned local architect, explained the design of a sustainable outdoor classroom affectionately known as “The Mushroom.” This space encourages meditation and small group collaboration in an open-air environment far removed from traditional classrooms.

    Dra Luisa M also spoke about how mindfulness is being integrated into teacher training programmes at UMA, as well as other university faculties—showing highly positive results in both student and staff well-being.

    Our visit continued to the Botanical Garden, where we were welcomed by biologist Dra Rosa P and our colleague at Laurus, Nathalie Borges. Together, we’ve used this space for activities during a mindful summer camp for children. The garden offers an ideal setting for all kinds of mindfulness practices—from quiet reflection and observation to active learning about nature and regeneration.

    We concluded our university visit at the Faculty of Psychology, where we toured a dedicated meditation room—an intentionally designed space for mindfulness practice by our host Dra Myriam D. Having a room like this in your school or faculty can be a powerful tool for introducing mindfulness and fostering a culture of well-being within the educational community. We also received a practical class from our colleague Teresa Roura.

    The purpose of this blog is to invite you to reflect on the importance of physical space in nurturing well-being, regeneration, and effective learning.

    If you’d like to know more about how we can help you create or transform such a space, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.