Team Bonding Event: Abundance of Happiness and Acknowledgement
On July 11th, Notre Dame staff took a break from their usual routines to participate in the annual Retreat and Wellbeing Day. This day, dedicated to fostering holistic wellbeing, aims to help participants cultivate presence, reflect on their lives, and connect with others.
This year's retreat, themed around 'joy and gratitude', was a testament to the virtues exemplified in the life of St Julie Billiart, the founder of the Notre Dame order. The day began with a short liturgy led by Agnes Colantuoni, followed by a series of activities designed to promote mindfulness, community, and personal reflection.
Mindfulness and Presence
Retreats often emphasize mindfulness practices to help participants stay present and appreciate the beauty of the current moment. At Notre Dame, this was achieved through various activities such as dance classes, led by Sophie Simpson from SSD Dance and Wellbeing, and a touch rugby game. The goal was to encourage participants to be fully engaged in their experiences and find joy in the simple act of playing a game or moving their bodies.
Community and Connection
Events like the Retreat and Wellbeing Day at Notre Dame usually involve community activities that encourage building meaningful relationships. Shared experiences and bonding can increase feelings of joy and gratitude through shared human connection. During the day, staff participated in the 'Three Good Things' activity, a gratitude exercise, and later shared a lunch together. These moments of shared experience fostered a sense of camaraderie and connection among the staff.
Personal Reflection
Retreats often include time for personal reflection, allowing participants to explore their values and appreciate the things in life that bring joy and gratitude. The Principal, Justine Barlow, asked students to write a prayer or reflect on what brought them joy. This exercise provided an opportunity for introspection and gratitude, as students considered the sources of joy in their lives.
Wellness and Self-Care
Incorporating wellness practices such as meditation, yoga, or walking can enhance participants' gratitude for their own well-being and the opportunities life provides. Staff had a choice of wellbeing activities such as bootcamp, summer reading, creative writing, home fermentation, line dancing, wellbeing planting, a FIFA tournament, a walk through Hyde Park, and a gel nail activity. These activities were designed to cater to various interests and promote self-care.
As the day came to a close, the Notre Dame quiz led by Steve Johnston, Head of Digital, brought a fun and competitive element to the retreat. The day was filled with activities designed to promote mindfulness, community, and personal reflection, all aimed at enhancing the overall well-being of Notre Dame's staff by emphasizing joy and gratitude.
Some students expressed their hope that everyone would experience a spark of joy during the retreat. One student found joy in everyday activities, another in friends and family, while another was grateful for God's faithfulness, peace, teachers, friends, and their belief in them despite their own lack of faith. The Retreat and Wellbeing Day at Notre Dame was a testament to the power of community, connection, and personal reflection in fostering joy and gratitude.
- The diversity of wellbeing activities offered, ranging from bootcamp to home fermentation, showcases Notre Dame's commitment to promoting personal growth and self-development, ensuring a lifestyle that nurtures body, mind, and soul.
- The shared moments of gratitude during the 'Three Good Things' activity and the lunch together not only contributed to the overall goal of the retreat, but also had a lasting impact on the home-and-garden of each participant's heart, fostering a sense of community and connection that extends beyond the boundaries of their home-and-garden lives.
