Nature & Providence
balancing the elements of a transitioning age
July 30 - Aug 12, 2027
Bali
Indonesia
Nature's Role in Holistic Education & Development
The principles of sustainable living clearly echo that of the great virtues. They exemplify not only how to heal the planet but how to cultivate a healthy humanity. However, most educational systems pay little to no regard to sustainability nor the virtues, nor to any of their correlations. Meanwhile, science rockets forward without any moral guidance systems; while also warning us that natural disasters are increasing and becoming worse. Meanwhile, faith says we can find a better way, but we may also have to go through some turmoil before we find it. Thus, it would be ideal if new approaches to education were already being developed, approaches that humanity could call upon to either avoid great disaster or have ready to administer if circumstances become critical. In fact, could it be that Mother Earth has sacrificed her vitality, allowing us to neglect, trample and dispose of her resources, that we may be forced to heal her or lose our own? Could this be her way of teaching us how to heal ourselves?
Say: Nature in its essence is the embodiment of My Name, the Maker, the Creator.
Its manifestations are diversified by varying causes,
and in this diversity there are signs for men of discernment.
Nature is God's Will and is its expression in and through the contingent world.
It is a dispensation of Providence
ordained by the Ordainer, the All-Wise.
— Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, Lawh-i-Hikmat
Nature embodies principles for healing itself while also modeling processes that can bring healing and harmony to mankind. However, if mankind is to administer natures remedies it must first be educated in nature's ways. Fortunately, and as Providence would have it, nature has always held an educational curriculum in place and ever-ready for us to study; and men of discernment have always recognized this.
“Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature.
It will never fail you.”
~ Frank Lloyd Wright
Though ancient, nature's remedies are not as outdated as the "3R's" and such that have kept education confined primarily to the mind. Nature goes beyond the mind by also encompassing body and spirit. In other words, nature embodies a truly holistic education.
Sow the seeds of My divine wisdom in the pure soil of thy heart, and water them with the water of certitude, that the hyacinths of My knowledge and wisdom may spring up fresh and green in the sacred city of thy heart.
~ Bahá'u'lláh
Modern medical science is finally beginning to catch up to the ancient wisdoms that have stood the tests of time; such as Traditional Chinese Medicine or the indigenous healing practices of India, known as Ayurveda. And, more often than not, they affirm each other. For example, both TCM and Ayurveda have long held that simply immersing oneself in the color green can be great for the heart. But only a few years ago a study in New York City led researchers to a huge epiphany. It demonstrated that stress levels drop dramatically simply by walking from a busy street to a "green space," like a simple patch of healthy green grass.
Look at the world and ponder a while upon it.
It unveileth the book of its own self before thine eyes
and revealeth that which the Pen of the Lord,
the Fashioner, the All-Informed, hath inscribed therein.
it will acquaint thee with that which is within it and upon it
and will give thee such clear explanations
as to make thee independent of every eloquent expounder.
~ Baha'u'llah, Tablet of Wisdom
Hospitals today have found that patients in recovery from any number of things heal significantly faster if they are near a window, compared to patients who are not. Children in schools with natural light have less ADHD and better grades (implying better concentration) than those in artificial light; not to mention less tooth decay. But both of these were only accidental discoveries that were later tested and confirmed. Thus, imagine if we were to purposefully explore and apply nature, as the ancients did, to both heal and educate. What would we find?
Well, as it turns out, a growing number of schools and wellness centers are working with nature to both holistically educate and holistically heal... and some of the best in the world are in Bali... or coming to Bali as presenters for our program.
Program Curriculum
This page is an overview of the overall experience. Please click on the various topics below for descriptions. Also, please check this page again later as this list is not complete.
Elementary Education For All Ages
Presented by William Brashear
Inspiring Environments / Education & Architecture
Presented by O.H.
The Five Great Elements Of Yoga
Presented by William Brashear
From Farm to School to Farm-School
Presented by Badi Yaganagi, Zambia
Embodying Wisdom Through Movement & Dance
Presented by Amita Yaganagi, Zambia
Know Thyself: Magnetism, Meridians, Virtues & Integrity
Presented by Jade DelRosario & William Brashear
Presented by William Brashear
Although it is not confirmed, we are hopeful that Mas Saiful Anam, a member of the Indonesian NSA and resident of Bali, may also join us.
The Saraswati Water Temple, just a 7 min walk from out retreat campus.
The Location
Bali is not only an ideal place to explore the above topics, but to also experience them. If we were to pinpoint the single most magical aspect about Bali it would have to be its ability to touch one's soul with its lush, verdant and naturally artistic landscapes.
Although Bali is a rather tiny island, it seems rather large, just like its influence on anyone who visits. It is also like a magnet to nature loving people around the world. In fact, in 2022, on the sidelines of the G20 Bali Summit, the G7 summit was also held in Bali. The G7 is an annual meeting of leaders from the world's 7 largest economies, where they discussed and coordinated on a wide range of global issues, including economics, security, and climate change.
Furthermore, Indonesia in general has a keen eye upon bringing people together. Indeed, the national motto is "Unity in Diversity" or "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika", as written in Old Javanese, reflecting the country's diverse cultures, ethnicities, and religions. Albeit, Bali is primarily a Hindu Island, surrounded by thousands of other Indonesian islands that are 87% Muslim. But, given the country's motto and the beauty and magic of Bali, there has never been any consequential attempts to convert or change it. Instead, many other islands often try to emulate it. In fact, this is true of many islands and tropical areas outside of Indonesia as well, from the Philippines to Costa Rica. Even along some coastal areas of India, such as Goa, bringing in the "Balinese style" is a coveted goal!
However, don't be mistaken. Our purpose for this event is not just to give Baha'i's, and friends of the Faith, some luxurious retreat on an exotic island. We are holding it in Bali because we truly believe it to be a powerful and unique atmosphere to address the urgent topics listed above. Furthermore, Bali has a way of leaving an impression on its visitors to love and cherish nature, to work and be with it rather than conquer it. Thus, even if the workshops presented at this conference left little impression, we are certain that simply experiencing Bali itself would still be significantly enough.
Adventurous Excursions
Waterfall & Jungle Hikes, Volcanoes, Snorkeling, Beach Excursions, Ancient Monkey Forest, Jungle Elephant Reserve, Sound Healing Pyramids, Balinese Dance & Cultural Events, World Famous Green School, and Much More!
The Feel & Experience of Bali
You can spend days on foot, bike or scooter exploring Bali's endless magic! Or if you are feeling a bit lazy, there's no need to go anywhere. Just hang on our campus experiencing our therapeutic spa treatments, or other spa and healing treatments found nearby. Ubud is the Mecca of Bali when it comes to mind-body-spirit explorations. You can find places everywhere for a wide variety of massage techniques, methods for detoxifying (such as a frangipani flower bath), sound healing, cooking classes, therapeutic treks through ultra green rice fields, or just lounge around the gorgeous pools and gardens. / On the other hand, you can also plan amazing and adventurous excursions outside of Ubud with our staff.
The Medicine of Ubud
Whether you go for a spa treatment or not, just hanging out in Ubud on your time off is quite a healing treat in itself. In fact, Ubud is the Balinese word for Medicine, a name which came to it naturally due to all of its natural medicinal plants (Ubad) and surroundings; from nature walks along trails of medicinal plants, to taking a sound-healing bath within the "Pyramids of Chi," or visits the famous healers in the area, or the "Yoga Barn" to try many different styles of yoga and/or healing workshops.
Ayurvedic & Balinese Spa Treatments
In addition to what you learn and experience in the training there are also lots of opportunities to experience other styles of massage and spa treatments all around Ubud (...and at local prices; the average price for a Balinese, Deep Tissue, Shiatsu, Thai, etc., massage is about $7 - $12 for an entire hour!)
Acu Thai
Ayurvedic Yoga Massage
This is the work of the facilitators of this event. Jade & Will actually hold trainings in Ubud for this magical healing bodywork technique. And for you, they will be offering Free Massage every morning after the Free Yoga Classes!
Our guest houses are located in Ubud, which is considered the art and cultural heart of Bali. We are adjacent to a peaceful rice field and on clear mornings you can see Mt Batur in the distance. However, you can also walk just 100m up the "green alley" and find yourself in a foodies paradise; or take another 10 min walk and you will be at the famous Art Market; which is adjacent to the amazing Saraswati Water Temple, the most beautiful temple in all of Bali. However, you are not limited to our lodging options as there are endless options to choose from in the area.
READY?
LET'S DO THIS!