SB25 HA Our Sanctuary

Exploring Inner Peace Through Culture and Nature: A Visit to Grgeteg Monastery

As part of a broader educational focus on mindfulness, cultural heritage, and the role of nature in shaping emotional well-being, students participated in a reflective excursion to the Grgeteg Monastery and Iriški Venac. The visit was designed to help students explore the concept of serene spaces—places that foster introspection, calmness, and personal reflection—through direct sensory and creative engagement.

The activity unfolded in two distinct phases:

Phase A: Sensory Exploration at Grgeteg Monastery

While visiting the monastery, students were given a sensory checklist with prompts encouraging them to observe and record their impressions of the environment. They were asked to “notice and write down at least one thing that you see, hear, smell, or touch around you that is: beautiful, calming, strange, pleasant, intriguing, or puzzling.” This exercise allowed them to slow down, be fully present, and connect with the tranquil surroundings of the monastery through all five senses. The checklist served as a personal record of their emotional and aesthetic responses to the natural and spiritual atmosphere of the site.

Phase B: Creative Interpretation at Iriški Venac

Later, at Iriški Venac, students translated their reflections into artistic expression. Using A4 paper and a variety of natural materials—such as pebbles, sticks, flowers, and leaves—alongside pencils, markers, and glue, they created representations of their “ideal space.” This space was inspired by their observations at Grgeteg and enriched by their personal experiences of calm and introspection.

The activity began with a guided group discussion on the importance of having personal spaces for quiet contemplation and mental clarity. Students were encouraged to reflect on the qualities that made Grgeteg a place of peace and to consider whether similar spaces exist within their own cultural backgrounds. Through this process, they explored how elements such as beauty, harmony, nature, and cultural tradition contribute to emotional well-being and a sense of inner peace.