By Yolande Koning
In the first week of March, the 2025 edition of the yearly Teacher Training took place at Zonnelicht Daycare, organized by Lotus Training Centre. Each year, our teachers are challenged and supported in their personal and professional growth. As usual, we also welcomed foreign guests and trainers. The theme for this edition was ‘Spirituality, Idealism and Action’. The aim was to inspire teachers and guests alike to (further) internalize neohumanist ideals and values and to act on them, both in their personal lives and in their work.
Shaking things up
After a grounding start with a yoga session and a short welcome speech, participants were thrown into the deep end with a team exercise. One half of the group enacted the aftermath of a natural disaster or a massive car crash, while the other half came in not knowing what had happened, having been instructed to find out what needed to be done and to step up. Collaboration is fundamental during this exercise. Clear communication and someone who takes the lead will prevent chaos in a situation like this. On the other hand it strengths the relationship amongst participants, as the victims will rely on their colleagues to be saved.
This exercise was also done to help participants experience what such a scenario would do to them on a personal level, how they might feel, if they would know what to do, and what role they might take.
Participants found it a very interesting exercise which gave them new perspectives on themselves and on their reactiveness in unexpected situations.
Afterwards, participants were guided in reflecting on their internal process and their choices and behavior during the exercise. Specific attention was given to internal feelings of resistance: what stopped you from stepping up?
This was then taken to a broader context: what kinds of internal processes can stop us from taking action to fulfill our needs, to grow, and most importantly, to stand up for what we believe in. We spent some time on how to overcome that inner resistance.
Brahma Chakra & spirituality in the workplace
Didi Ananda Devapriya
on Brahmachakra
Dada Shambushivananda, Didi Ananda Devapriya, Didi Ananda Rama and Yolande Koning each shared insights into the neohumanist view of how we all came to be and how we are connected to the cosmic energy and every other living being. For some of the new teachers in the group, this was their first impression of Brahma Chakra. For most, it was a chance to deepen their intuitive understanding of the concept.
Especially with the younger teachers, we took a moment to reflect on what spirituality means for them, and why it is important in their work with the children. The overall conclusion was that spirituality is simply Love. To act from that place of Love towards the children is the way to enable them to become the best version of themselves and to inspire them to go into the world and spread their Love.
on Master Units
Neohumanist departments
To give our teachers an idea of what neohumanist action for a better world could look like, Dada Shambushivananda shared his knowledge of several of the neohumanist departments and related projects.
A group of senior teachers received information on NHE, Master Units, PROUT, ‘Health for All’, AMURT, PCAP and RAWA. To deepen their understanding of and personal connection to these departments, they were then tasked with sharing their newfound knowledge with the junior teachers. This resulted in inspiring presentations, ranging from short and to the point, to a beautiful performance to represent RAWA
Standing up for and acting on your ideals
Being made aware of and connecting to neohumanist ideals is one thing. Putting them into practice in a world in which the mainstream worldview is quite different is another. To support both our teachers and the foreign guests in this journey, time was spent on finding and using your voice, learning how to speak up for what matters to you, and how to deal with opposition.
There was also an opportunity for our foreign guests to exchange ideas about the projects they are currently involved with. They had several sessions with Didi Rama, Didi Devapriya and Yolande Koning on starting a project, including children in your projects, and stepping up as a leader to take the next step in your project.
Bringing neohumanist ideals into the classroom
This year’s teacher training aimed to inspire both a conscious mindset around spirituality and idealism, as well as concrete actions to carry out into the world. On the final day, our teachers worked on their own plans to integrate their new insights on spirituality, neohumanist ideals and activism in their daily work with the children. For example, taking the children on ‘trash collection’ walks, building shelters for insects and other animals around the property, doing art projects to uplift the elderly or refugees, or teaching kids how to comfort each other in difficult times.
Spiritual and communal elements
As in previous years, the workshops and presentations were interspersed with moments of introspection and grounding in the body. Each day started with a physical session: yoga, kung fu or capoeira. The lunch break was preceded by a shared meditation and kirtan session. The days ended in song and dance, allowing the teachers and guests to release pent up energy and to feel energized and connected before going home for the day. Musical sessions were led by John Dakpo and Vishva Shanti.
Feedback and takeaways
Many of our teachers reported having gained a deeper understanding of what neohumanism is about, especially that it entails so much more than ‘just’ the education branch. They felt strengthened knowing they are part of a large network and movement. Several teachers said they now had a better understanding of spirituality and why it is so important in the classroom. They also spoke of a renewed determination to bring the children along in caring for the world and making it a better place for all beings.
We look forward to next year!
For more information on Lotus Center and Zonnelicht