At Semillistas, we often talk about seeds, regeneration and forests. However, a significant part of our work also involves looking after people and strengthening the communities that make this regeneration possible. This is because we believe that caring for nature and caring for people are deeply interconnected processes.
For over two months, we have been fortunate enough to facilitate a workshop focused on personal growth through the body, creativity and group interaction. What was initially designed for a more specific audience naturally evolved into a space open to the participants’ real needs. Eventually, a group of seven women came together, who have maintained consistent attendance and shown admirable commitment throughout the entire process.
One of the most beautiful aspects of this experience has been observing how the group gradually built an atmosphere of trust and security. Session after session, a space was created in which to share experiences, explore emotions and open up new possibilities for personal growth. As in natural ecosystems, the diversity of life journeys enriched the group as a whole and allowed each participant to find her own place within it.
We also learnt that unforeseen events can become opportunities. One of the sessions had to be moved outdoors due to circumstances beyond our control. What initially seemed like a setback ended up becoming a particularly inspiring experience. Under the trees and by the river, we discovered new ways of inhabiting the space and relating to our surroundings, integrating nature even more deeply into the learning process.
Throughout the workshop, we worked using an analogy that is very close to our hearts as a guiding thread: the growth of a plant. The seed, the shoot and the flower served as images to reflect on our own processes of transformation. Just as we support the regeneration of forests, we explored how to support personal development through listening, patience and respect for each person’s natural rhythms.
The participants expressed their gratitude for having found a place where they felt listened to, supported and accompanied. And we, too, ended the process feeling deeply grateful. We have learnt a great deal from every meeting, every conversation and every shared experience.
