The Art of Presence

Poetry is not a luxury. It is a vital necessity of our existence, Audre Lorde

The Art of Presence: Mindfulness, Breath & Poetry is a three-part online course designed for youth workers, coaches, facilitators, educators, creatives and anyone interested in exploring presence, self-discovery and expression. Through embodied breath practices, reflective poetry exercises and guided creative inquiry, participants will strengthen their capacity to be present in the moment, listen inwardly and creatively bring their voice to life.

Inspired by contemplative traditions and non-formal learning methodologies, this series offers a calm and supportive learning environment where participants can slow down, reflect and connect with what truly matters in their personal and professional lives.

Each session will last 60 minutes and will combine short breath awareness practices, experiential activities and reflective writing prompts that invite participants to inhabit presence, listen deeply and express insights through poetic and creative forms. The process will not be about producing polished poems or artistic products, but about engaging with inner experience non-judgmentally and creatively to foster meaning, insight and self-connection.

The online course follows a non-formal, experiential learning approach, combining individual contemplative moments, creative tasks and opportunities for optional sharing in a safe, respectful and inclusive space.

Session 1: Pause: Breath as a Doorway to Presence
will use breath awareness and somatic movement to encourage participants cultivate presence, reduce stress and anchor into the body.

Session 2: Listen: Poetry as Self-Discovery
will explore poetry as a reflective tool for inner listening. Guided prompts and journaling activities will support participants tune into values, emotions and embodied insight.

Session 3: Create: Creativity and Self-Expression
will invite participants to expand their expressive capacity through creative practices that bridge breath, presence and poetic imagination.

Dates
The first session will be on 27/1/2026 at 18:30 CET and the next 2 sessions will be agreed with the participants. 

Facilitators
Our trainers and coaches with 15 years’ experience in youth work:
Eleni Kardamitsi — trainer, coach and LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® facilitator; founder of Hellenic Youth Participation NGO; 
Sara Marzo — trainer, ecosomatic coach and mindfulness facilitator; founder of VulcanicaMente NGO.

Value
The value of the three-part course is 50 euros