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For an increasingly inclusive world, in our Farmhouse we embrace a project that promotes health and well-being through direct contact with nature: "Il Bosco che Cura", a social agriculture initiative financed by the PSR Measure 16.9 “Diversification of activities agricultural activities in activities relating to health care, social integration, community-supported agriculture and environmental and food education" led by the Consortium for the Management of Agro-Forestry Resources of Villa Basilica. This project represents an innovative integration of traditional medical therapies and natural practices for disadvantaged people, including Forest Therapy, Aromatherapy and Pet Therapy.
Specifically, the main aim of the Il Bosco che cura project is to act as a pioneering experiment at a territorial level in the practice of combining conventional medical therapies with "natural" therapies. In our Agriturismo and Educational, Evolutionary and Social Farm Il Giardino di Manipura, we firmly believe in the regenerative power of nature and in its crucial role for people's well-being, which is why we decided to join this project.
Agricultural practices used as a therapeutic means "Il Bosco che Cura" is not just a territorial project, it is an opportunity for rebirth for those who seek a balance between body and mind. The project takes place in pristine environments, far from urban chaos, where nature itself becomes a therapeutic means. We integrate a series of activities, designed to promote well-being through direct contact with nature. We create unique regenerative paths, among our majestic Eucalyptus and many medicinal plants, grown in our lands, with the sun filtering through the leaves and the singing of birds accompanying our every step. This is the context in which our meditative walks take place, carefully designed to maximize the benefits of nature, leading through scenarios that encourage relaxation and reflection.
Guided meditation, practiced during these walks, is a technique that helps focus the mind and reach a state of profound calm and awareness. We focus attention on breathing, the sounds of nature and the sensations of the body, reducing stress and promoting a sense of connection with oneself and the surrounding environment.
The Power of the Sense of Smell and New Memory Traces The sense of smell is one of the oldest and most powerful senses, capable of evoking memories and emotions with a strength that often surprises. The smell of a freshly baked cake can take us back to childhood, the scent of the sea can bring back memories of past holidays. But there's more: smell not only brings to mind past memories, but also has the extraordinary ability to activate new memory traces, creating new and unexplored connections in our brain. Scientists have shown that smell is closely linked to the limbic system, the part of the brain that manages emotions and long-term memory. When an odor is perceived, olfactory receptors send signals directly to the amygdala and hippocampus, areas crucial for the formation and retrieval of memories. This explains why certain smells can evoke vivid and intense memories, often with greater detail than those evoked through other senses.
The power of smell is used specifically to activate new memory traces and promote mental well-being. Aromatherapy, for example, uses essential oils extracted from plants to stimulate the limbic system, promoting relaxation and stress reduction. In the context of the "Bosco che Cura", aromatherapy becomes a natural and integrated element, part of a complete and immersive sensorial experience.
The therapeutic power of medicinal plants It is scientifically proven that Monoterpenes (of which eucalyptus are rich) can act positively on our immune system, not to mention the countless benefits for the respiratory system, as well as the development of endorphins. The medicinal plants used in the journey therefore add a further state of well-being. These plants, known for their healing properties, release natural aromas that have positive effects on the mind and body; lavender can improve mood, mint relieves anxiety, rosemary increases mental clarity and eucalyptus combats stress. Our company is a leader in the distillation of organic essential oils, we have long passed down their virtues and properties and in particular the olfactory aspect is further explored through a complete aromatherapy journey.
The sounds of nature create a relaxing soundtrack that accompanies meditation, already satisfied by the sight of the uncontaminated landscape. Contact with the earth and plants stimulates the sense of touch, strengthening the connection with nature. Many activities are put in place that stimulate all the senses, allowing you to rediscover the sounds, scents and colors of nature, promoting a profound sense of peace with the environment, as well as gardening activities that involve the mind and body, promoting a sense of realization and awareness. A particularly popular activity is the extraction of natural dyes from medicinal plants collected during walks. It is a creative laboratory where artistic expression becomes a tool for exploring and taking care of one's emotions. The boys observe with wide eyes the process of extracting the natural dyes. The moment they see the leaves, flowers and roots transform into vibrant colors is full of awe. With careful hands and hearts full of enthusiasm, they manage to make each drawing special, knowing that those colors come from nature that they have known, collected and preserved with care and love.
The imprint that is released is not only that of nature on fabrics or paper, but the one that will remain forever in the memory of each of us. Every day, the joy of meeting in our oasis of peace is renewed. We find ourselves in a protected place, where we are never alone, part of a united and cohesive group, where we feel welcomed, understood and not judged. This awareness strengthens the sense of belonging and security. Happiness is in the air when there is inclusion in activities together with the children present on our farm. We rejoice together, sharing what we have learned, proudly showing off our new skills. Joy is contagious, especially when the amazement in the faces of the little ones meets that of the "young adults". In these moments, the enthusiasm of adults mixes with the wonder of children, creating an atmosphere of discovery and sharing. Nature becomes a bridge between generations, uniting adults and children in an experience of learning and creativity that enriches everyone.
Gardening is another central activity in our program. Growing plants and taking care of the garden promotes a sense of achievement and responsibility, a way to learn to take care of yourself through nature. Grandfather Amedeo, the great grandfather of our farm, with his life stories and his memories, captures everyone's attention by explaining the life of the past, when everything was done by hand, with patience, care and attention. Mindfulness and breath modulation sessions help reduce stress, improve concentration and promote a feeling of calm. Not only that! We also create Pet-Therapy moments, where the interaction with our very funny Moroseta chickens provides company and comfort, improving mood and reducing anxiety. There is no shortage of moments of sound therapy, in which we use sounds and vibrations to create a harmonious environment, stimulating the release of tensions, harmonizing energies, releasing repressed emotions.
Inclusivity: creating spaces for everyone Inclusivity is a fundamental principle for us, we aim to create spaces in which every individual, regardless of personal characteristics or life history, feels welcomed and valued. In an increasingly diverse society, promoting inclusiveness is a moral duty and a necessity to build stronger and more cohesive communities. A way to ensure that all people, regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, religion or socio-economic status, have equal opportunities for participation and access. It means going beyond simple tolerance of differences and embracing diversity as a precious resource. Promoting inclusiveness allows us to help reduce inequalities and ensure that everyone has access to the same opportunities. It is an essential step towards a more equal and just society.
Inclusive environments stimulate creativity and innovation, as different perspectives and experiences lead to new ideas and solutions. When people feel welcomed and respected, they are more likely to actively engage in the common good. It's vital to us that all our experiences are accessible and suitable for people of all abilities. We firmly believe that living in harmony with nature is everyone's right and that agricultural practices can become a powerful therapeutic and inclusive tool.
The "Il Bosco che Cura" project is a concrete example of social agriculture, where nature is an essential ally in promoting psychophysical well-being. Social farming not only offers therapeutic benefits, but also promotes social integration and solidarity. Through our activities, we want to contribute to building more cohesive and resilient communities, where each individual can find their own space and balance. We wish to convey the message that people and nature do not exist for us, but we are all nature and all closely interconnected with each other in a double helix bond. For this reason we strongly believe in the therapeutic value of living fully immersed in nature, strengthening the various practices with the use of essential oils, which are very powerful, as they constitute the "Essential" that the plant has produced to adapt to a certain environment. At the end of each meeting, we leave each other with feelings of profound peace, with our improved emotional and physical well-being and the rediscovery of a renewed sense of connection with the natural world. We like to speak in the plural because for us operators too it is a continuous giving and receiving, which increases our skills, sensitivity and gratifies our hearts and our souls; supporting us in constantly engaging in what has become a life mission for us.
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