Reflections and Recollections
Part 1

The Integral Education Programme (IEP), which was launched on 15 August 2004 has as its focal points (or units) the Physical, Vital, Mental, Psychic and the Spiritual aspects of a being. Each of the 5 aspects of a being is touched upon and dealt with in two sessions, fortnightly, on the first and last Sunday of the month between 2pm and 4pm. The first two units, The physical and the vital aspects of the IEP were covered between 22 August and 10 October 2004. In effect, the physical and vital aspects within a child's scope were examined and studied, and suitable activities tried out in some small but to us (the facilitators and co-ordinators) significant measure. The next few issues of this Newsletter will carry reflections on experiences gained through the programme by both the facilitators and some of the participants (aged 7 to 12), as well as some insights into the organization and structure of he programme itself. This issue of the Newsletter brings you a glimpse of the activities centred around the development of the physical aspect of a being.

During the first session, one hour was given to Yoga exercises, that if practiced regularly and carefully, strengthen and tone the muscles of the body, enhance the power of concentration, bring about peace of mind and a general well-being to the physical self. The facilitator discussed with the children the need for such physical well-being for inner growth.

The second hour concentrated on getting the children to observe some of their physical habits. We observed that the children relied heavily on the view points of the elders around them as to what good and bad habits were. The children formed home teams of 4 and discussed specific habits with their team mates, elaborating on why some were labelled good habits and others bad. The children were then grouped into specialist teams that discussed only one habit, how it could have developed, how to continue it if it was "good" and how to discontinue it if "bad".

We found the children enjoying the group work and putting their thoughts down on Mahjong paper with colour pens. One facilitator took the opportunity to teach the children some presentation skills. This was enlightening. Some children who presented were shy but were cheered on by their team mates while the confident children received equally loud applause. For us it was gratifying to see that the children were able to make some sense out of physical habits and group them accordingly, applying their power of discrimination. However, this exercise on its own was not complete.

The children then gathered around the facilitators on the carpeted floor of our cosy Centre room. They were led through some questions to further probe into habits. They were led to ponder over the possibility of "good" and "bad" behaviour as being "desirable" and "undesirable" or as "useful" and "useless". But the question remained - "For what?". We put to the children a proposition that perhaps physical habits can help them to grow inwardly or retard their inner growth. The session finished with a further proposition, that “desirable" physical habits can build a strong physical self that can work hand in hand with the developing vital and mental parts of the being towards inner growth.

Throughout the whole session, issues related to physical habits were constantly raised to familiarise the children with the examples of physical habits that formed much of their waking hours, such as habits of walking, standing, sitting, eating, the manner of eating, getting up from bed, keeping one’s working/playing space and personal belongings well and about how shoes could be placed at the door. The Mother has referred to the body as "A being of habits". The physical consciousness, she has said, is one governed by method, order, discipline and process. Good physical habits must be methodically cultivated to serve one's spiritual growth, ultimately. Some of these habits are discarded along the way, as each listens to his or her inner voice. But until then, the "good" habits must remain an integral part of us. The children were asked to constantly take a step back and look at themselves and their habits. They were asked to list down all their habits in their IEP journal as part of written

exercise as well as their reflections on their experiences. In addition to this, notes on the Yoga exercises performed earlier were also given to pupils to be pasted in their journals. The facilitator read the entries and acknowledged the child’s effort with positive comments and suggestions for improvement, with a small quote from the Mother.

The challenge of putting these ideas across to young and eager minds was daunting from the moment we embarked on this IEP adventure. As a facilitator I discovered the truth about teaching then: teachers don't exist, only learners. Working with the children was like being on a roller coaster ride. What we planned was sometimes challenged and broken to the core and new approaches developed on the spot. There were moments when we had to very quickly size up a situation and arrange an activity around what arose spontaneously. We were groping with the children in some ways, armed with all our knowledge gleaned from books and our life experiences and most importantly, from where we stood with The Guiding Force. The exercise called for an immense effort at opening up ourselves and exposing everything in us, as well as this current state of consciousness could recognise, to the Guiding Force and approaching each minute of the session with an anticipation of newness.

This was how the first session went. One recognised the merits of remaining open, flexible and above all, realised how indispensable it was to look up to the guiding star above, in this uncharted and adventurous journey called IEP.

- Jayanthy

Om Namo Bhagavathe Sri Aravindaya Sharanam Mama

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Children’s Reflections
Part 1

I had a fun time learning about physical education and I learnt many interesting things.

During the first lesson, we discussed about habits. I learnt that cultivating good habits will eventually lead to a person who is well-liked, well-behaved and a person who is open to the Divine's influence. After the activities on habits, we did the surya namaskar. I liked doing it as it was very refreshing.

During the second lesson, we had to light candles, and balance a book on our head. We also watched a video on people doing gymnastics. It was very incredible and their movements were very well coordinated. Our focus that day was on coordination. I feel that coordination is necessary in life as it helps us to do our daily activities, such as lighting candles.

We did the yogasanas in both lessons. I still love doing them. It makes me calm, peaceful and quiet. Then we did the closing meditation and that was the end of the physical education lessons.

I want to have more of physical education lessons because it helps us both physically and mentally. It is enjoyable, relaxing, energising and makes me very peaceful.

- Alagu