Building Emotions

Building emotions through nature is such a powerful and enriching experience. Nature has an incredible ability to evoke feelings of wonder, peace, excitement, and connection. When we allow ourselves to truly experience nature, whether through gardening, puzzle-making, or simply observing the world around us, we can tap into a deep well of emotions that nurture our mind and spirit.

Finally, it is the time now to check on our worms! We are delighted to know our method has been working. We maintain the bedding moist, control their diet, and turn it occasionally with a small shovel to keep air flowing. From time to time we add more bedding as needed to keep the environment healthy for the worms.

​Fides, Kai, and Pranssi work hand-in-hand to handle a delicate process of transferring the worms out of fertilized soil to another tray filled with fresh soil. With plastic tweezers, as our tools, gently aid our handling to carefully hold the worms' bodies and transfer them. This approach suggests we are aiming to preserve the well-being of the worms while facilitating this move. This type of task requires patience, and it is great that Fides, Kai, and Pranssi are working together to ensure the worms' safe relocation. 

By having our fertilized soil we plan to dedicate a certain area, within our garden, to be a garden of vegetable bed. Creating a dedicated vegetable bed with rich, fertilized soil will definitely help our plants thrive. The worms will play a key role in keeping the soil healthy by breaking down organic matter and enriching it with nutrients. 

We further brainstorm which vegetables each one of us shall contribute. Kalyan mentions, "I like to eat broccoli, strawberries, and popcorns." It sounds like Kalyan is a fan of a mix of savory and sweet tastes! If we are going for a creative twist, roasted corn (which comes from popcorn) can be a fun contribution.

When asked for his preference, Kai suggests, "Strawberries, carrots, and spinach in soup." Kai's choices are a great balance of sweet, crunchy, and leafy! Strawberries add a touch of sweetness, carrots bring a nice crunch, and spinach in soup adds a warm, savory element. It sounds like Kai is leaning toward fresh and healthy options, with a little twist on the spinach by incorporating it into a soup. 

Fides proactively thinks for bricks! He seems to think of Nora's idea to be anchored down with bricks around the edges to prevent squirrels from lifting it.

When asked how high the bricks shall be, Fides applies a predetermined unit to an object so that we can see the height. He is indeed seriously thinking of keeping the squirrels out of our garden. 

Pranssi thinks of an alternative to provide food for squirrels in order for them not to be interested in disturbing our garden. 

We finally come to think of the feelings of squirrels, too, by posing this question, "What happens to them when they are feeling hungry?"

That is an interesting and compassionate angle! Thinking about the squirrels' feelings helps create a more balanced approach to solving the problem, recognizing their hunger and need for food while also protecting our garden. Squirrels, like many animals. are driven by hunger and a desire to gather food for the colder months, so they may be more persistent when searching for easy sources of food, such as our berries or vegetables.

To make our thoughts becoming more visible to ourselves, we extend it by drawing onto our journals. Drawing in our journals will not only help visualize the plans but also allow us to better understand the design and structure of our garden protections strategies.

- Pranssi's drawing (top) and Kai's drawing (bottom) -

Through our drawings we pour out our many ideas such as "the tree is giving a kiss to the plants". What a beautifully poetic idea! It sounds like we are not just designing a garden but also creating a space full of life, connection, and harmony. The images speak to the nurturing relationship between nature's elements - how the tree's branches may lean towards or gently touch the plants beneath it, sharing its energy and life.

We do include our feelings, through sharing of our energy and life in our everyday moments, by reflecting on certain situations. By sharing our energy in this way, we are also creating a space for growth and connection. It becomes a way to nurture our own emotional and spiritual well-being.

The moments we encounter some challenging situations, we agree to pause and notice the small details around us. Reflecting on how those moments make us feel. 

Even the small moments when we support one another, whether it is lending a hand or offering encouragement, can become part of the energy we share. For example, Nora is guiding Tvisha to climb up the climbing structure in a safe way. In this way, it is not just about the task; it is the energy we share in the moment.

As Luka works on an interlocking puzzle, he is not only connecting the pieces but also learning how to connect with each other. He practices patience, communication, and supporting one another through challenges.

A language of love through art. To extend these reflections, we invite the children to draw someone they love and share what their drawing to represent. The children's words reveal how love is felt, not just in grand gestures but in everyday moments of connection and care.

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Pranssi draws Nora and writes a message to her. Love here is about learning, sharing, and friendship.

Fides shares a touching thought: "My mom gives me her heart, and on a rainy day, she holds an umbrella for me." Connection love to both deep emotional bonds and simple acts of kindness-offering protection, warmth, and thoughtfulness.

Kai draws his mom, explaining, "I jump on her, and we hug." His drawing highlights the joy of physical closeness and playful affection.

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As we explore Hug Machine storybook we share our thoughts about kindness, hugs, and personal space. A conversation emerges around the importance of asking before hugging and respecting when someone says no. The idea of a personal "bubble" sparks deep reflections. 

Nora's words stand out: "It's important to care for ourselves." Her insight shows an awareness that kindness includes self-respect as much as care for others.
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Our drawings and words provide into how we perceive relationships. Love is physical affection but also guidance, presence, and support. Our interpretations show that kindness is not just giving but also about understanding and respecting others' needs.

Kindest,
Children & Friends.