Living in times where being “smart” is based upon ones ability to excel in the mental intelligence can be very disempowering for young individuals. The majority of educational systems on our planet favour subjects such as mathematics and literacy and use them to measure the overall intelligence of children. As a result of this system, many creative and ‘different’ individuals become victims and are made to believe that they are unworthy and stupid. This happens because education is very rarely approached and practiced in all it’s wholeness. Yes, we are intellectual beings and posses exponential capabilities to analyse, reason, and solve difficult questions, but we also cannot denied the fact that we are extremely expressive and existential at the same time. Personally, I have suffered from this system and have found that sitting at a desk all day underneath florescent lights is not the best environment for my budding mind to thrive. Hence, I am now immensely excited to begin the journey of experiencing the wholeness of learning here on Earthbound.
Earthbound’s academics are centred around honouring the four intelligences;
Physical intelligence
Our ability to maintain and develop our physical fitness. It corresponds to body.
Mental intelligence
Our ability to analyze, reason, think abstractly, use language, visualize, and comprehend. It corresponds to mind.
Emotional intelligence
Our self-knowledge, self-awareness, social sensitivity, empathy and ability to communicate successfully with others. It corresponds to heart.
Spiritual intelligence
Our drive for meaning and connection with the infinite. It corresponds to spirit.
Though practicing all of the above, every aspect of being human is experienced, our Body, Mind, Heart, and Spirit, allowing us to explore and unleash our full potential.
Recently as a group we conquered our challenge of crafting up two Banana Circles at the Kul-Kul farm, where we transformed an overgrown plot of land into two functioning permaculture projects. We were there with our bare hands in the dirt, shovelling and wiping the sweat form our foreheads while learning about the soil, triangulation, and the intricate relationship each part of a landscape has with one another other. We had to work together, listen, persevere, and be open all simultaneously. I found this to be an incredibly empowering lesson. With my muddy knees and curious eyes, I felt strong whilst surrendering to the toughness and complexity of the earth. My peers and I were able to physically experience what we were processing in our heads and by the end of it, not one person left without the feeling of comradery and a sense of fulfilment in their hearts. This is the perfect example of the importance of whole and experiential learning, where kids are giving the space to explore their abilities and practice what they are learning through all four intelligence. As our Earthbound odyssey continues to unfold, I am excited to see the gems of knowledge and pockets of experience that will unfold with it.
EARTHBOUND.LIVE 
You have nailed the concept of holistic education. I think one of the most important aspects of learning is the actual hands-on doing (and, actually, viscerally testing and verifying) a project. Go forth and teach others!!!
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