Our aim was to improve well-being and effectiveness in teaching and learning, through the innovative and powerful synergy among Mindfulness, Emotional competences and Outdoors/Nature-based education. We wanted to train, empower and motivate teachers going back to the essence of education through an holistic process, exploring the potential of integrated educational approaches that can better address the needs of teachers and students facing this period characterized by many existential threats.
NBT has been a natural idea born from common needs related to the importance of wellbeing, a term not used in 2022. Based on a needs analysis, a high risk of burnout and decreased motivation were observed among teachers in Europe. Administrators and teachers face overwhelming demands, while societal recognition of educators has significantly declined, impacting the profession's appeal to young people. Many teachers also experience pressure to deliver high-quality results in a fast-changing world marked by various crises that affect children's present and future, including climate change. Rising anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and student dropout risk characterize today's youth, often labeled as anxious or fearful generation amidst deep uncertainty. In this challenging situation, this project addressed the need to develop teachers’ awareness and competences to be able to build more resilient and inclusive learning environments, at the same time preventing teachers’ burnout and fostering their well-being and motivation. Integrating mindful approaches that connect with self, others, community, and nature is essential and educators can utilize these strategies to help children cultivate calmness, focus, alertness, and happiness.