During my experience, I was moving my hand as the plants were moving along with the wind which relates to ‘Dadirri’ as I felt myself getting entangled with the plant and its natural movements. The contemplative way of Dadirri spreads over our whole life. It renews us and brings us peace. It makes us feel whole again.

The way I started moving my hand freely also relates to one of the videos about movements from Session 2. It is a great way to feel connected by using your gestures and body movements apart from using your words.

I was present in that place and listening to strong winds connects to the concept of ‘Listening’ by ‘Murray  Schafer’. Listening to the sounds around you is a great way of connecting to that place. It enhances our thought process and changes our perceptions.  It completely depends on the individual if they want to add beautiful sounds or noises to their lives. During my experience, I listened to the sound of the wind, the rain, the movement of the plants, and the sound coming from the trees from the park opposite.

My overall experience will influence my future teaching practices as I will create opportunities to explore the outdoors. The natural environment provides children with opportunities to explore themselves and be themselves. Being outdoors is not only just for fun but also provides an opportunity for children to connect to themselves. Providing an environment for children that is away from the structural play areas (man-made parks) creates opportunities to explore non-human and natural surroundings. Apart from being fun, the outdoors is also calming, soothing, and relaxing for children which helps children to self-regulate and cope better with their environment. Children engage in more creative forms of play (including fantasy and pretend play) in “green” or “natural” areas than in more traditional playgrounds or “prepared” indoor playspaces (Louv, 2006; Moore and Cosco, 2006).  Playing in the natural environment promotes the holistic development of children as they experiment and explore by touch, feel, smell, and taste, and their overall bodies are involved in the process.

Wilson, R, 2007, Children, creative play, and the natural environment, in R. Wilson (edn) Nature and Young Children : Encouraging Creative Play and Learning in Natural Environments, Routledge. Ch 1, pp 1-18.