Genius of Nature

Our six-week course begins with "Opening the Senses” with games and skill building focused on sensory awareness. Then, with senses dilated, we will walk through the farm with fresh eyes and a new perspective. We will develop peripheral awareness, nervous system regulation through breath, olfactory integration, and deep listening. Students will be encouraged to find their unique “observation seat” from which they can practice mindful and curious examinations of changes or constants in the natural world with innocence and curiosity.

The second course will explore “The Potency of a Seed”. Children explore basic plant anatomy and nomenclature, observe various types of seeds and plants at various stages of growth and draw and journal their observations. Topics discussed will include plant/human genetics, phenotype expressions, importance of heirloom seed preservation, seed saving amongst various cultures.

Our third session will delve into “Ecosystem Awareness”. Participants will begin to expand their perspective in natural settings as we perform different exercises to observe various tropic levels of our immediate ecosystem. We will integrate animal systems on the farm and explore various games and exercises focused on food chains and the “web of life” revealing the interconnections of all life.

The fourth session explores “Decay and Rebirth: The Compost Heap”. Here we Introduce the glorious decomposing powers of our natural world! We will observe a built compost heap in two different stages of succession with all our senses to gain an appreciation of the work at play on a molecular, biological, and spiritual level. Children will learn about the different decomposers, meditate on what a world might be like without them, and new seeds will be sown with the compost to symbolize rebirth.

The fifth session reveals that “Beauty Matters!”. This session looks at nature as a majestic living art project. In this art-focused component of the program, children will be invited to use different mediums to see, observe, and reflect on the beauty of the natural world. We will perform a simple natural dyeing exercise to expand children’s awareness on the infinite possibilities and creative outlets within the natural world. Experimentation will be highly encouraged such as making paints with plants, painting with soil/mud, writing poetry, building architectural structures with stones, sticks, seeds, etc.

Our final class bring in the power of balance and “Reciprocity”. Participants will explore the principles of “Honorable Harvest” as presented in Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer. These concepts of righteous receiving will be integrated with oli and mele of Hawai’i. We will explore outdoor meditations that ground, calm and connect us to earth. Simple breath work techniques will be taught that keiki can take with them into the future for ongoing self-regulation and mind-body awareness. The program will be closed with a sharing circle and a collective meditation/prayer for the health of the earth and each other.

Arista Mayo graduated from University of Santa Cruz, California with degrees in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. While her background is in Biology, her true joy is teaching. She is lead teacher at Mele’āina farm school. Arista enjoys teaching through storytelling, listening deeply to children beyond their words, and facilitating the reciprocal relationship between child and Nature. Arista deepens her understanding of education through ongoing Waldorf Early Childhood teacher conferences. It is her hope that through nature-immersed experiences children move forward with an expanded view of their kinship with all life, Through this course children will build somatic memories of self-regulation, grounding, innocent perception, and ecosystem awareness.

Maui Access to Mindful Movement (MAMM) seeks to spread awareness of, and access to, the physical, mental, emotional and social benefits of group practices such as martial arts, yoga, cultural movement, dance, and nature immersion. MAMM’s mission is to show more Maui residents how mindful movement isn't just physical fitness; it's a catalyst for unlocking one’s potential through focus, awareness, and self-regulation. It is an opportunity for social interaction in an environment of discipline, shared principles and common goals. These community activities can be deeply therapeutic. They bring us out of isolation and give us safe space to move together. When we move with intention, breathe in rhythm, and grow together, something more than physical well being happens – fear transforms into courage, isolation into belonging, and trauma into resilience. Blending physical activity with mental presence, helps us calm compulsiveness and mindfully channel our energy; developing healthier social interactions and family dynamics. MAMM seeks to bring mindful movement to more Maui families.

Saturdays March 22 - April 26

9:00-11:30 am

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