As Sophie Howarth, the author of a book The Mindful Photographer and one of the co-founders of The School of Life, explains, mindful photography can train people

• to look in and out, and at the same time,
• pay closer attention to the world and our own response to it,
• cultivate compassion both with ourselves and with others,
• develop awareness, open-mindedness and gratitude,
• and help us to see how we see.

As well as other mindfulness practices, it is a great tool to pause, stay in a present moment without the usual stream of judgements and other distractions, and therefore create a space for restoring our wellbeing, energy and to invite new perspectives in our lives and its challenges.

Vision: Mindful approach to photography is a creative way to become more attuned to the world and ourselves
Goal: Develop skills and mental attitude to create resilience and positive impact on mental health of participants
Objectives:

1. Establish an environment for intercultural education and fostering understanding of the EU and its values.
   
2. Support participants in adopting mindfulness practice in photography and their creative outlet.
   
3. Help participants to recognize what mental constraints are holding them up creatively and/or in their lives and how they can develop a healthier and more attentive attitude to themselves, other people and their environment.
   
4. Boost participants creative skills, which is beneficial both in their personal and professional lives

1) SELF-AWARENESS. Mindfulness practices helps us to become more aware of our emotions and how they affect our interactions with others. This leads to improved communication and teamwork. You can also become more aware of your thoughts, feelings and behaviors, which lead to better self-regulation, less stress or better mental well-being. 

2) (UN)LEARNING TO SEE. With various methods drawing on mindfulness practices, you will explore new ways of depicting yourself, other people and your surroundings, noticing qualities which may be usually overlooked. The project provides opportunities to follow your curiosity and strengthen your confidence by sharing photographic interests and outcomes with others.

3) CREATIVITY BOOST. Through mindfulness practices, you can learn how to tap into your inner creativity, to think outside the box, and to approach challenges with a fresh perspective. You will learn techniques you can use later in you life to tackle various issues with creative approach, using them not only when engaging in art or creative professions, but also in everyday situations which require novel approach.

4) RESILIENCE. Incorporating mindfulness approaches into thinking can help to be more flexible, persevering, compassionate and confident with going on with life. You will experience how through mindfulness practices you can change your photographic vision, improve it in the desired way and make it a base for similar changes in other areas of their life.

• young people between 18 and 30 years old
• group leaders older than 18
• participants committed to taking part in the programme, including creating follow-up activities for their communities back home
• participants who are looking to raise wellbeing and resilience 
• participants who are looking deepen relationship to themselves, their community and surroundings
• participants who are looking get rid of prejudices and torrent of (self-)judgement
• participants who are dedicated to live in a sustainable eco-friendly community for 9 days and respect the commonly agreed rules
• committed to the no alcohol, no drugs rules that are brought by the organizers
• youngsters authentically interested in sustainable lifestyle, observing and overcoming personal limitations
• youth committed to learn how to communicate and respect each other’s boundaries and sensitivities and generally be gentle and considerate

We have space for 37 participants who are committed to participating in the programme.

• You will take a full part in the whole programme
• You will fill all the evaluation forms after the project
• You will support creation of platform where participants will be sharing their pictures
• With your national team, you will organize a local event/art exhibition promotion Mindful Photography, and Erasmus+

• start with filling the application form.
• every partner organization (see below) will select 5 participants + 1 group leader to take part in the programme.
• if you are selected, you will receive a Confirmation Letter with more information regarding your participation. ONLY then you can start managing your travel arrangements and booking your tickets!
• if you have any questions, please contact us on an email info@czechinspire.eu