Grounding Minds, Transforming Food Systems

In August 2024, Grounded engaged 47 aspiring food entrepreneurs in the Oribi Afrifoodlinks Bridging the Gaps Programme, a 6-week journey designed to support and enable these passionate individuals as they navigate the complexities of launching sustainable food businesses. 🌱

Our session focused on mental health, offering insights on staying grounded through the highs and lows of building a business. From managing anxiety and burnout to creating a supportive network, we equipped these entrepreneurs with strategies to help them thrive.

We are inspired by their drive and determination to transform South Africa's food system. Here’s to pushing boundaries and staying grounded! 🌟

Teachers preventing burnout

The Winter School for teachers, organised by the Newly Qualified Teacher’s Project, is an annual three-day professional development event held at UCT’s School of Education. Held during the winter school holidays in July 2024, it offers free workshops facilitated by education experts from institutions like UCT, CPUT, and WCED, aimed at supporting newly qualified and in-service teachers. This long-standing tradition provides a space for educators to deepen their knowledge, enhance skills, and connect with colleagues, addressing both pedagogical and broader challenges teachers face in their daily roles.

The mindfulness session allows a space for teachers to unwind, reflect, and recharge, recognising the immense pressures they face both inside and outside the classroom. As educators navigate the complexities of teaching, administration, and supporting students through challenging times, this session aims to highlight their well-being and resilience.

Zaida Cader, teacher at Rosmead Central Primary School at the UCT Winter School for teachers.

Going above with YearBeyond

This year’s Go Beyond Conference for YearBeyond took place in July at the University of the Western Cape.
The YearBeyond programme is an initiative by the Western Cape Government to provide 18- —to 25-year-olds with meaningful work experience and a pathway to further studies or work while encouraging a culture of active citizenship and volunteerism.
Step inside for the yoga balance and breathe session.
Some of the colourful artwork by the YeBoNeers.
‘Be the change you want to see.’ - creative process in actio.
Experience virtual reality.
Several #keReady mobile health clinics were available to YeBoNeers for checkups.
Lunchtime in the cafeteria saw hundreds fill the bellies.
Grounded founder, Nadia Padayachi with the YeBoNeers introducing mindfulness skills use whe feeling overwhelmed.

Grounded in Government

Grounded was privileged to participate in the Western Cape Government Department of Agriculture's Veterinary Exports Certification Office's strategic planning day in January 2024. The day kicked off with a mindfulness session, reminding us all that stress is an unavoidable part of daily life and what's important is how we manage it.

It's encouraging to see government departments embracing modalities like mindfulness to foster well-being and productivity among their teams.

Setting intentions with Canon Collins

A writing retreat was hosted in December 2023 for Canon Collins Trust scholars. A mindfulness session kicked off the weekend with an intention-setting workshop to remind the Masters and PhD students of their greater purpose.

Here are some anonymous comments from the feedback forms:

“Nadia was the right person to launch us and to ground us at the same time. Her workshop was a focal point, the middle of a circle of light from which we drew the entire weekend.”

“The mindfulness workshop stood out for me. It helped me reflect and empty out the tank of nervousness and anxiety. I got unblocked so to speak, and it made thinking and writing much clearer and easier.”

“The mindfulness workshop was a comfortable, relaxed and safe space for release, wellness and togetherness.”

A team pause together

Arts organisation, Lalela spent a few days at the Bertha Retreat space in Franschhoek where Grounded facilitated a deep rest session. The session provided a collective pause for the team and some respite during the organisation’s annual strategy planning days.

Grounded opened and closed the Women’s Day breakfast at Stellenbosch Business School on 10 August 2023. The guided meditation allowed participants to be present and paid tribute to the women who walked before us. Founder, Nadia Padayachi, shared the stage with Prof Renata Schoeman, Jo-Ann Strauss, Nadia Mohamed. Here are some captured moments.

Women’s Day Breakfast

GWO Conference

During the Gender, Work and Organisation's three-day conference in June 2023, Grounded hosted four mindfulness sessions for the delegates. These sessions offered a gentle introduction to mindfulness practice and focused on embracing deep rest in our busy lives.

As the conference reached its final day, we provided the opportunity to give attendees a momentary pause to reflect on the meaningful content and enriching experiences during the event. Here are some moments captured.

What stakeholders at the GWO conference had to say

"The session with Nadia let us slow down briefly to check in with our body and mind. Conference delegates looked forward to starting their day with the mindfulness session, as the conference program was action-packed. I have added a daily meditation session to my routine and look forward to more engaging sessions with Nadia, as I miss her calming, soothing voice."

Rowena Plaatjies, Executive Assistant and Gender, Work, and Organisation Conference Organiser.
"Nadia had the whole audience in her hands. A skilled mindfulness facilitator who took academics out of their heads and refreshed their bodies during the conference".

Alison Pullen, Professor of Gender, Work, and Organization at Macquarie Business School, Sydney, and Editor-In-Chief of Gender, Work & Organisation.
"For me, something that can really break or make a mindfulness exercise, is the speaker's voice and accent. Nadia has a very calm and pleasant voice to listen to - this really helped relax myself during the exercise. Her compassion makes her very approachable, creating a safe and warm environment."

Annelien Lisabeth, Student Gender & Diversity, Ghent University