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Gurukul 8 Turns One!

  • Ash Dhareshwar
  • Oct 5, 2024
  • 3 min read

Updated: Mar 11

Gurukul 8 Turns One. A Guy enjoying and dancing in a circle of people. Everyone is smiling and looks like they are copying the main guys steps.

In today's digitalised age, finding balance and nurturing holistic wellbeing is more crucial than ever. Gurukul 8, a Melbourne based community organisation is adapting the timeless Indian Gurukul system, to help individuals reconnect with themselves.


This blog explores why Gurukul 8 was created and its one-year journey.


Current Status Quo

Average person touches their phones 2,700 times a day | Photo by cottonbro studio
Avg person touches phones 2,700 times a day | Photo by cottonbro studio

In a world captivated by technology—where social media and constant connectivity often distract us—our attention, creativity, and emotional wellbeing can suffer.


A 2024 report highlighted that Australians spend an average of 42 hours per month on social media, with over 75% of the population checking social media daily.


Yet, Loneliness and Isolation are on the rise.

Research showing increased addiction rates in Smart phone use, and linking constant engagement to increased levels of anxiety, depression and sadness. For further reading see references.


Gurukul 8's Inception

Recognising these challenges, Gurukul 8 was formed in 2023 as a community-led initiative to create innovative learning experiences and support digital wellbeing using ancient wisdom.



Ash Dhareshwar at the launch of Gurukul on 07 October 2023, at the Brighton Townhall.

"As we've ushered ourselves into this digital age, we've become masters at multitasking, yet many of us have drifted from our core. Let's reclaim that connection with ourselves!"

Why Ancient Wisdom?

Ancient practices like Ayurveda, meditation, and yoga are time-tested wisdom traditions that offer proven pathways to holistic wellbeing. These practices enable the balance of body, mind, and soul. Ayurveda provides personalised approaches to health through diet and lifestyle, while Yoga, Meditation and Mindfulness are scientifically validated to promotes strength, reduce stress and enhance focus, and spiritual growth.


Volunteering & Giving Back

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All Organisers and Speakers are volunteering their time to bring Gurukul experiences to life, and its our way of giving back to the community.


Thank you to all our teachers, volunteers, participants, partners and sponsors. With your support and encouragement, we are proud to be celebrating one Year of Wellbeing.

Highlights From Our Journey So Far

Over the past year, Gurukul 8 has hosted several learning experiences.

 

1. Balancing the Digital Age (October 2023)

Group of 30 people smiling group photo.

  • Our launch event was a half-day retreat at Brighton Town Hall focusing on finding balance in a technology saturated world.

  • Participants explored practices to enhance understanding about yoga, ayurveda, mindfulness and creative thinking. Setting the foundation for our approach.

 

2. Yoga Foundations (February 2024)

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  • An immersive session at Yoga 8, exploring the history and principles of yoga.

  • Led by Jaime Strathairn, it provided deeper understanding beyond popular trends, helping participants gain the essence of yoga for holistic health.

 

3. Ayurvedic Nutrition (March 2024)

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  • Introduced principles of Ayurveda with practical activities like body type tests, spice making, Auryvedic food demonstrations and natural Auryvedic lunch.

  • Led by Dr Nidhi Sharma, participants learned to look after their whole selves, naturally.

 

4. Music in Mind (August 2024)

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  • Explored how vibration and music tools can enhance emotional health and improve wellbeing.

  • Highlighted energy, vibration and music as a tool for healing and growth. Included Ayurvedic food.


Participant feedbacks

"Thanks for the beautiful day and community coming together and practical tips to more happy and healthy. Should be run in every suburb"
"Events for teens, early 20s & kids is very important. Stress, anxiety management. we all can use more self care tools."
"Very knowledgeable and innovate session, great to understand how important it is timeout"

Upcoming next

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Mindfulness and Wellbeing Class

Discover the transformative power of mindfulness. Learn the basics and experience guided practice for mental clarity and emotional balance.





Your Journey to Wellbeing Starts Within!

We encourage everyone to embark on their journey of self-discovery, if haven't already. Looking after our physical and emotional states is important to find balance in today's Always-On world. Wellbeing journey starts within! The first step is to focus our attention to being well and go looking for balance.



About Gurukul 8

Drawing inspiration from a 5,000 year old tradition, Gurukul 8 adapts the timeless Gurukul educational system to creatively and innovatively deliver learning through community-based teachers, experiential education, and creating space for curiosity and self-discovery.


Gurukul 8 create environments for

  • Experiential Learning: Blend of relevant theory and hands-on engagement with ancient learnings, ideologies, and frameworks.

  • Community Connections: Fostering in-person interactions where participants learn from each other, building a supportive network.

  • Personal Exploration: Encouraging self-discovery and providing resources and more sessions, for continued learning and clarity.


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Vision: Pioneer a fresh approach to learning & development in our increasingly digitalised world and cross-pollinate cultural diversity.
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Mission: Enable people to navigate the future with curiosity and provide approaches to balance the digital age. 

Join Us on "Your Journey to Wellbeing"

Gurukul 8 invites you to embark on this journey, learning concepts, unlearning myths, and adapting timeless wisdom to look after your whole self.


More Information



References

 
 
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