‘When we are mindful, deeply in touch with the present moment, our understanding of what is going on deepens, and we begin to be filled with acceptance, joy, peace and love.’ - Thich Nhat Hanh
Every day, HNBC is deeply committed to developing students’ awareness during the silent eating practice called Sati at lunchtime and during various meditation practices such as sitting meditative posture or walking meditation. Gradually, through these practices, while focusing on their breathing techniques and their quality of presence, the students increase their ability to concentrate in class, to overcome frustrations more easily and to open their minds and hearts to welcome each present moment, even when it is challenging.
As they grow, they develop their quality of being by experiencing that becoming a wise leader means acquiring the ability to listen deeply to others in order to understand individual and collective needs. They learn to take these into account in order to find wise solutions to the problems that arise in the context in which they evolve.
Our Awareness in Action program is directly connected to the four dimensions of the Learning to Be in the 21st Century research (UNESCO). Each dimension is interconnected to the others and each term, students explore one of them. Students develop both intellectual and practical understanding of the following:
At the starting point of their practice is the understand of their Triple Identity, as individuals, members of their community and members of the human species among other species.
At HNBC, we are aware that when, collectively, as a community, we cultivate our inner peace every day, we become living examples for our children. Only peaceful hearts can educate deeply and wisely our children as well as the generations to come.
To develop their understanding of the meaning of reconciliation, students participate in activities at Springvale Community Hub where a Welcome to Country and Traditional Smoking Ceremony are held by a local Bunurong Elder. Our students practice their deep listening skills and empathy to not only understand intellectually but also emotionally aspects of Aboriginal practices and history.