Each day was shaped around one key question, explored through a variety of activities from morning mindfulness exercises and bodywork to evening sharing by the fire. The topics touched on personal values, identity, and how we are perceived by others. The course had a deliberately slow pace, allowing for deeper awareness and focus. A safe and supportive environment was fostered by experienced trainers Aneta Bednářová and Šimon Grimmich, who led the process with sensitivity and respect for the diversity within the group.
A significant part of the program was a visit to the Zen Center in Vrážné, where Zen master Jiří Hazlbauer offered the group a place to stay. Participants spent a day in a calm, focused environment that provided deeper insight into Buddhist practice and values. They experienced basic meditation techniques, learned about the principles of Zen philosophy, and took part in the everyday rhythm of the community. But it wasn’t just about quiet reflection. The visit also included helping with practical tasks such as cooking, cutting grass, gardening, or building a small shelter for firewood. Through the combination of mindful presence and physical work, participants experienced a different way of being: simple, grounded, and connected to the natural environment and the community around them.
The Who am I? project offered more than a space for self-reflection, it also provided practical skills useful in everyday and professional life. Participants learned the basics of staying in nature, from lighting fires and building shelters to cooking for a group in outdoor conditions. They practiced collaboration, shared responsibility, and learned to be patient and present. The course showed that professionalism, quality, and humanity are not in conflict. In fact, they strengthen each other. And that personal well-being is not a luxury, but a key foundation for working with others. Many participants left not only with new ideas for their work and communities but also with a deeper awareness of their own needs, boundaries, and values. The project will continue next year. If its ideas resonate with you, reach out – it might just be the beginning of your own journey.
