Story of the Seed
Objectives:
- Deepen ecological self-awareness through embodied experience.<br />
- Foster empathy with natural life cycles<br />
- Enhance systems thinking through personal metaphor<br />
- Encourage gratitude and emotional resilience as tools for sustainability
Preparation: No needed.
Tools needed: In case you want to read the text, print it beforehand.
Description
Story of a Seed – The Cycle of Life
Invite participants to spread out in the space, giving each person enough room to move freely. Gently ask them to close their eyes, take three deep breaths, and begin the journey with these slowly spoken words:
“Now, imagine you are a tiny seed—perhaps tucked in a farmer’s apron, hidden inside a pine cone, or nestled in the bud of a dandelion…”
Pause for 5 seconds.
"One day, the farmer scatters the seeds, the pine cone opens, and the wind gently carries the dandelion’s parachutes away."
Pause for 5 seconds.
Slowly open your eyes, lift your arms—whether toward the sky or to the sides—and swing gently as you find a place to land and start opening up and growing your fine roots in the ground. If it feels right, you may crouch or sit on the ground, even hug your knees. Rest for a moment, just as a seed rests beneath the snow.
Pause for 5 seconds.
"The little seed matures and develops within itself until, responding to the call of the sun and life, it begins to push its way toward the sky." Slowly start to move, shift, stretch, and gradually straighten up.
Pause for 5 seconds.
"Drawing strength from the sunlight, the rain, and the presence of its companions, the tiny seed grows bigger, spreading out, until it becomes a beautiful tree, shrub, or dandelion, gently bending in the nourishing sunlight." Now, stretch fully, sway slightly, and expand both physically and mentally.
Pause for 5 seconds.
"In this state of wholeness, a new seed forms within you—in the fruit, the pine cone, or the faded head of the dandelion. Release it with heartfelt love, knowing it may land anywhere. Embrace yourself in gratitude for your existence."
Allow participants as much time as they need to embrace themselves. Then, gently invite them to return to the circle.
Reflection Questions:
What did you notice—within yourself and in the world around you?
How did you feel during this exercise?
What did this experience remind you of?
What new emotions did this experience bring up to you?
Variations
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Resources
Training of Eco-Trainers, 2024
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