Center for Spiritual Practices Stacija
Basic information
Project Title
Center for Spiritual Practices Stacija
Full project title
Revitalizing an Abandoned Traditional Fishermen Village as Mental and Emotional Resilience Center
Category
Reconnecting with nature
Project Description
From a Soviet base to a Baltic spiritual hub: Discover how Latvia's loneliest spot transformed into a thriving, nature-integrated center for spiritual practices. Hosting over 45 annual events led by renowned global teachers, it attracts attendees from all around the world - from as far as Chile, the U.S.A., and Canada in the West, to Singapore in the East.
Geographical Scope
National
Project Region
Latvia
Urban or rural issues
It addresses urban-rural linkages
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
Stacija.lv's encapsulates transforming a former Soviet army base into a centre for spiritual practices. This transformation is not just a physical renewal of a degraded space but a reimagining of it as a place for mental and emotional resilience. The centre's focus on regular mindfulness and meditation practices addresses the need for spiritual balance in complicated relational situations and stressful work environments, addressing societal problems through innovative and inclusive solutions.
The aim of Stacija.lv is to create a long-term sustainable, nature-connected place where each individual can find a program for self-growth and developing mental and emotional resilience. The centre, nestled in a pristine Northern Kurzeme forest near the Baltic Sea, offers an opportunity for individuals to reconnect with themselves in a tranquil, nature-integrated setting.
This initiative integrates environmental considerations into its design and aesthetics by enhancing the quality of experience beyond mere functionality. The serene and natural setting of the centre not only rejuvenates the mind and body and helps foster a deeper connection with nature, contributing to biodiversity and zero pollution goals.
In the long term, the initiative will likely improve the lives of individuals and communities by providing a space for mental and emotional healing and growth. It offers an inclusive and sustainable approach to personal well-being, aligning individual growth with broader environmental and societal goals. By fostering a deeper understanding and practice of mindfulness and meditation, the project contributes to building more resilient, conscious, and harmonious communities, essential for addressing our time's complex challenges.
The aim of Stacija.lv is to create a long-term sustainable, nature-connected place where each individual can find a program for self-growth and developing mental and emotional resilience. The centre, nestled in a pristine Northern Kurzeme forest near the Baltic Sea, offers an opportunity for individuals to reconnect with themselves in a tranquil, nature-integrated setting.
This initiative integrates environmental considerations into its design and aesthetics by enhancing the quality of experience beyond mere functionality. The serene and natural setting of the centre not only rejuvenates the mind and body and helps foster a deeper connection with nature, contributing to biodiversity and zero pollution goals.
In the long term, the initiative will likely improve the lives of individuals and communities by providing a space for mental and emotional healing and growth. It offers an inclusive and sustainable approach to personal well-being, aligning individual growth with broader environmental and societal goals. By fostering a deeper understanding and practice of mindfulness and meditation, the project contributes to building more resilient, conscious, and harmonious communities, essential for addressing our time's complex challenges.
Key objectives for sustainability
Stacija.lv's initiative embodies a profound commitment to sustainability, harmonising human presence with nature's rhythms. The transformation of a neglected Soviet base into a vibrant center of spiritual practices demonstrates a deep respect for the environment. The initiative meticulously restored overgrown and abandoned landscapes, converting them into serene, natural sanctuaries. This revitalization not only rejuvenated the land but also cultivated a sustainable community ethos, re-populating the once-forgotten fisherman village.
The key objectives of the Stacija.lv project in terms of sustainability include:
Environmental Restoration: Revitalizing a degraded area into a sustainable, nature-integrated center. This is achieved by cleaning up waste, restoring buildings, and preserving the natural surroundings.
Promoting Sustainable Practices: Encouraging visitors to adopt environmentally friendly lifestyles through the center's activities and teachings.
Sustainable Community Development: Reviving the local fisherman village, which led to an increase in population and interest in the area, demonstrating a model for sustainable rural development.
The project serves as a blueprint for sustainable living, integrating eco-friendly practices within its framework. It stands as a testament to how mindful development can breathe new life into dormant spaces, fostering a balanced coexistence with nature and inspiring a ripple effect of environmental consciousness. Through its thoughtful approach, Stacija.lv has become a beacon of sustainable transformation, setting an exemplary standard for similar endeavors.
The key objectives of the Stacija.lv project in terms of sustainability include:
Environmental Restoration: Revitalizing a degraded area into a sustainable, nature-integrated center. This is achieved by cleaning up waste, restoring buildings, and preserving the natural surroundings.
Promoting Sustainable Practices: Encouraging visitors to adopt environmentally friendly lifestyles through the center's activities and teachings.
Sustainable Community Development: Reviving the local fisherman village, which led to an increase in population and interest in the area, demonstrating a model for sustainable rural development.
The project serves as a blueprint for sustainable living, integrating eco-friendly practices within its framework. It stands as a testament to how mindful development can breathe new life into dormant spaces, fostering a balanced coexistence with nature and inspiring a ripple effect of environmental consciousness. Through its thoughtful approach, Stacija.lv has become a beacon of sustainable transformation, setting an exemplary standard for similar endeavors.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
The key objectives of Stacija.lv's initiative in terms of aesthetics and the quality of experience include:
Enhancing Aesthetic Appeal: The transformation of a former Soviet base into a visually and culturally appealing center for spiritual practices focuses on architectural and landscape design that harmonizes with natural surroundings. This includes maintaining the historical aspects of the village, using traditional materials like wood, and preserving some Soviet-era structures to symbolize building upon existing 'structures' for human growth.
Cultural Enrichment: The project integrates local cultural elements and traditions. It includes an exhibition of paintings by Jānis Belte, a Liv painter who owned the property before World War II, and revives local fishing and traditional Baltic fish smoking practices.
The initiative have become a 'home' for European based Animas Valley Institute driven Eco-psychology based programs. Every year more than 100 attendees reconnect themselves with the nature, based on the ideas of Bill Plotkin, PhD.
Quality of Experience: A serene environment is cultivated for meditation and spiritual practices. This is achieved through top-notch program facilitators from the USA, Switzerland, Austria, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Latvia, high-quality cuisine, and encouraging outdoor activities in local forests and beaches.
Enhancing Aesthetic Appeal: The transformation of a former Soviet base into a visually and culturally appealing center for spiritual practices focuses on architectural and landscape design that harmonizes with natural surroundings. This includes maintaining the historical aspects of the village, using traditional materials like wood, and preserving some Soviet-era structures to symbolize building upon existing 'structures' for human growth.
Cultural Enrichment: The project integrates local cultural elements and traditions. It includes an exhibition of paintings by Jānis Belte, a Liv painter who owned the property before World War II, and revives local fishing and traditional Baltic fish smoking practices.
The initiative have become a 'home' for European based Animas Valley Institute driven Eco-psychology based programs. Every year more than 100 attendees reconnect themselves with the nature, based on the ideas of Bill Plotkin, PhD.
Quality of Experience: A serene environment is cultivated for meditation and spiritual practices. This is achieved through top-notch program facilitators from the USA, Switzerland, Austria, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Latvia, high-quality cuisine, and encouraging outdoor activities in local forests and beaches.
Key objectives for inclusion
Stacija.lv's initiative embodies the ethos of inclusion through three key strategies:
Diverse and Affordable Programming: The center offers a wide array of programs, including those based on Catholic, Protestant, Christian contemplative practices, Zen meditations, and nature-based tribal traditions, such as ancient Latvian rituals. This diversity ensures that individuals from various backgrounds find relevance and connection. Additionally, partnerships with donors and organizations enable financially disadvantaged individuals to access these programs, promoting inclusivity in spiritual and mental well-being.
For ensuring wide range of programs, Stacija.lv co-operates with several organisations including Center of Action and Contemplation, Animas Valley Institute, Riga's Stradins University and more.
Inclusive Governance: The project embraces inclusive governing systems, incorporating a range of voices and perspectives in its decision-making process, ensuring a holistic and representative approach. Initiative welcomes trainers, teachers and participants from all over the world, different kind of believes, traditions and marginalised minorities.
Universal Design Principles: The center is designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring physical comfort and access for individuals with varying needs. This commitment to universal design principles demonstrates Stacija.lv's dedication to creating an environment that is welcoming and accommodating to all.
Diverse and Affordable Programming: The center offers a wide array of programs, including those based on Catholic, Protestant, Christian contemplative practices, Zen meditations, and nature-based tribal traditions, such as ancient Latvian rituals. This diversity ensures that individuals from various backgrounds find relevance and connection. Additionally, partnerships with donors and organizations enable financially disadvantaged individuals to access these programs, promoting inclusivity in spiritual and mental well-being.
For ensuring wide range of programs, Stacija.lv co-operates with several organisations including Center of Action and Contemplation, Animas Valley Institute, Riga's Stradins University and more.
Inclusive Governance: The project embraces inclusive governing systems, incorporating a range of voices and perspectives in its decision-making process, ensuring a holistic and representative approach. Initiative welcomes trainers, teachers and participants from all over the world, different kind of believes, traditions and marginalised minorities.
Universal Design Principles: The center is designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring physical comfort and access for individuals with varying needs. This commitment to universal design principles demonstrates Stacija.lv's dedication to creating an environment that is welcoming and accommodating to all.
Results in relation to category
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Stacija.lv's project has achieved significant results and impacts in various areas:
Mental Health Improvement: Annually, over 600 attendees benefit from enhanced mental health through programs at Stacija, demonstrating a direct positive impact on individual well-being.
Employment for Locals: The project has created job opportunities for local residents, contributing to economic development and community engagement.
Nature Preservation: Adherence to nature preservation guidelines ensures the project's environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation.
Cultural Heritage: By safeguarding the local Livs heritage, the project contributes to cultural preservation and awareness.
Social Cohesion: The involvement of society in the project has fostered increased social cohesion, demonstrating the project's broader social impact.
Stacija.lv's project has achieved significant results and impacts in various areas:
Mental Health Improvement: Annually, over 600 attendees benefit from enhanced mental health through programs at Stacija, demonstrating a direct positive impact on individual well-being.
Employment for Locals: The project has created job opportunities for local residents, contributing to economic development and community engagement.
Nature Preservation: Adherence to nature preservation guidelines ensures the project's environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation.
Cultural Heritage: By safeguarding the local Livs heritage, the project contributes to cultural preservation and awareness.
Social Cohesion: The involvement of society in the project has fostered increased social cohesion, demonstrating the project's broader social impact.
How Citizens benefit
In the Stacija.lv project, citizens and civil society have been actively involved in various stages, enhancing the project's impact and relevance. Their involvement has taken several forms:
Community Engagement: Local residents and stakeholders have been involved in the planning and revitalization process, ensuring the project aligns with the needs and aspirations of the community. Local residents are fully or partly employed for the project therefore ensuring direct good for the local community.
The place itselfts have started to create it's own community based on the attendees. Attendess of the Stacija.lv are willing to co-operate, keep in contact and ensure that they can keep the practices and ideas about personal growth and mental/ emotional well-being. Therefore, indirectly, project impacts and supports mental well-being for a wider audience - primarly the ones who have attended programs of the Stacija.lv. Secondary - those around the attendees on everyday basis, who can benefit from their knowledge.
Volunteer Participation: Volunteers have played a significant role in the physical restoration and cleanup of the area, contributing to a sense of ownership and community spirit. There have been organised several territory cleaning-ups with participation of volunteers, for removing waste, cleaning the forests and up-keeping the place.
Feedback and Collaboration: Regular feedback from participants and collaborators has been instrumental in shaping the project's direction, ensuring it remains responsive to the evolving needs of the community. Feedback is being used by shaping and up-dating available programs and needed content for the attendees. Feedback of the attendees of the Stacija.lv is crucial to continue to develop the place and continue upkeep the project and ensure sustainability of it.
Community Engagement: Local residents and stakeholders have been involved in the planning and revitalization process, ensuring the project aligns with the needs and aspirations of the community. Local residents are fully or partly employed for the project therefore ensuring direct good for the local community.
The place itselfts have started to create it's own community based on the attendees. Attendess of the Stacija.lv are willing to co-operate, keep in contact and ensure that they can keep the practices and ideas about personal growth and mental/ emotional well-being. Therefore, indirectly, project impacts and supports mental well-being for a wider audience - primarly the ones who have attended programs of the Stacija.lv. Secondary - those around the attendees on everyday basis, who can benefit from their knowledge.
Volunteer Participation: Volunteers have played a significant role in the physical restoration and cleanup of the area, contributing to a sense of ownership and community spirit. There have been organised several territory cleaning-ups with participation of volunteers, for removing waste, cleaning the forests and up-keeping the place.
Feedback and Collaboration: Regular feedback from participants and collaborators has been instrumental in shaping the project's direction, ensuring it remains responsive to the evolving needs of the community. Feedback is being used by shaping and up-dating available programs and needed content for the attendees. Feedback of the attendees of the Stacija.lv is crucial to continue to develop the place and continue upkeep the project and ensure sustainability of it.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
Stacija.lv stands as a beacon of innovation in its approach to revitalizing and repurposing land. Unlike mainstream projects, it blends the restoration of a historical village with environmental conservation, balancing the preservation of local heritage and natural biodiversity. The project's holistic approach in engaging local communities, integrating diverse cultural elements, and fostering mental and emotional resilience is a distinct departure from conventional practices. By transforming a former Soviet base into a thriving spiritual retreat, Stacija.lv redefines sustainable development, merging ecological consciousness with cultural and emotional well-being, setting a new standard for future projects in the realm of heritage and environmental conservation.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
Reconnecting with Nature: In a delicate dance with the environment, nature conservation specialists and national agencies joined forces to preserve the village's diverse natural habitat. After thirty years of abandonment, nature flourished, necessitating careful planning to protect endangered flora and maintain habitats for wildlife. Simultaneously, the project revitalized local fishing traditions. Nature paths were meticulously restored and created, inviting retreat attendees to immerse themselves in the surroundings, thereby deepening their connection with nature during mental resilience events.
Regaining a Sense of Belonging: The project was meticulously crafted to resonate with locals, integrating Livs heritage into every aspect. Designs and finishes reflect regional traditions, while the display of Jānis Belte's artwork fosters a deep connection with the Livs culture. Programs are designed to enhance attendees' sense of belonging, not just to the place but also to their country and themselves, making it a cornerstone of emotional and mental resilience. This sense of belonging, intricately woven into the project's fabric, is key to its transformative impact.
Regaining a Sense of Belonging: The project was meticulously crafted to resonate with locals, integrating Livs heritage into every aspect. Designs and finishes reflect regional traditions, while the display of Jānis Belte's artwork fosters a deep connection with the Livs culture. Programs are designed to enhance attendees' sense of belonging, not just to the place but also to their country and themselves, making it a cornerstone of emotional and mental resilience. This sense of belonging, intricately woven into the project's fabric, is key to its transformative impact.
Methodology used
Stacija.lv's project unfolds through a meticulously crafted six-stage methodology:
Drafting a Hypothesis: The genesis of the project, formulating an initial concept based on sustainable development and community revitalization.
Testing Hypotheses: Collaborative testing with locals, the municipality, and potential attendees, ensuring the hypothesis resonates with the community’s needs and aspirations.
Co-Planning: This vital phase involves integrating feedback and ideas from various stakeholders, shaping the project into a shared vision.
Piloting Programs and Rebuilding: Initiating the physical transformation of the site alongside trial runs of proposed programs, allowing for real-world testing and adaptation.
Gathering Feedback: Collecting valuable insights from the pilot phase, gauging effectiveness, and gauging community response.
Adjusting and Refining: The final stage where feedback is used to make necessary adjustments, ensuring the project's alignment with its goals and community expectations.
Each stage is a step towards creating a harmonious balance between cultural heritage, environmental conservation, and community well-being, embodying a unique blend of tradition and innovation.
Drafting a Hypothesis: The genesis of the project, formulating an initial concept based on sustainable development and community revitalization.
Testing Hypotheses: Collaborative testing with locals, the municipality, and potential attendees, ensuring the hypothesis resonates with the community’s needs and aspirations.
Co-Planning: This vital phase involves integrating feedback and ideas from various stakeholders, shaping the project into a shared vision.
Piloting Programs and Rebuilding: Initiating the physical transformation of the site alongside trial runs of proposed programs, allowing for real-world testing and adaptation.
Gathering Feedback: Collecting valuable insights from the pilot phase, gauging effectiveness, and gauging community response.
Adjusting and Refining: The final stage where feedback is used to make necessary adjustments, ensuring the project's alignment with its goals and community expectations.
Each stage is a step towards creating a harmonious balance between cultural heritage, environmental conservation, and community well-being, embodying a unique blend of tradition and innovation.
How stakeholders are engaged
Local Embrace and Heritage Preservation: At the heart of the project was the deep involvement of local residents and stakeholders, weaving a tapestry of community insights and aspirations into the fabric of revitalization. Collaborative dialogues with the local municipality sculpted a vision that honored both ancient traditions and Soviet-era heritage, while tenderly caring for the natural world.
Regional and National Collaboration: The project blossomed through engagements with nature conservationists, striving to balance the rejuvenation of the village with the wild beauty of its natural landscape. This synergy led to insightful research and on-site analysis, ensuring a respectful restoration.
Innovative National Engagement: National-level involvement was dynamic, inviting potential attendees to shape the project through pilot programs and feedback. This participatory approach infused the design, conservation efforts, and program content with a rich diversity of perspectives.
Adherence to European Standards: While direct European stakeholder involvement was not a feature, the project diligently aligned with EU policies and standards, ensuring a broader resonance and compliance.
Regional and National Collaboration: The project blossomed through engagements with nature conservationists, striving to balance the rejuvenation of the village with the wild beauty of its natural landscape. This synergy led to insightful research and on-site analysis, ensuring a respectful restoration.
Innovative National Engagement: National-level involvement was dynamic, inviting potential attendees to shape the project through pilot programs and feedback. This participatory approach infused the design, conservation efforts, and program content with a rich diversity of perspectives.
Adherence to European Standards: While direct European stakeholder involvement was not a feature, the project diligently aligned with EU policies and standards, ensuring a broader resonance and compliance.
Global challenges
Stacija.lv's project contributes to global challenges with its localized approach:
Mental Health and Resilience - UN SDG 3: By enhancing mental health through mindfulness and resilience programs, Stacija.lv improves life quality and societal participation, especially among youth, aligning with EU mental health initiatives.
Community Empowerment and Social Cohesion - UN SDGs 3, 4, 11: The project fosters social cohesion by engaging local communities in its development, promoting shared experiences, and facilitating local action in mental health and well-being.
Preservation of Nature - UN SDG 15: The careful planning and revitalization of the village emphasize environmental conservation and biodiversity, preserving nature while fostering community development.
Education and Mental Health - UN SDG 4: The educational aspect of Stacija.lv's programs contributes to mental health awareness, supporting the integration of mental health into educational pathways.
Stacija.lv's local focus on mental health, community empowerment, social cohesion, and nature preservation resonates with global sustainability goals, showcasing how community-centered initiatives can make a significant impact.
Mental Health and Resilience - UN SDG 3: By enhancing mental health through mindfulness and resilience programs, Stacija.lv improves life quality and societal participation, especially among youth, aligning with EU mental health initiatives.
Community Empowerment and Social Cohesion - UN SDGs 3, 4, 11: The project fosters social cohesion by engaging local communities in its development, promoting shared experiences, and facilitating local action in mental health and well-being.
Preservation of Nature - UN SDG 15: The careful planning and revitalization of the village emphasize environmental conservation and biodiversity, preserving nature while fostering community development.
Education and Mental Health - UN SDG 4: The educational aspect of Stacija.lv's programs contributes to mental health awareness, supporting the integration of mental health into educational pathways.
Stacija.lv's local focus on mental health, community empowerment, social cohesion, and nature preservation resonates with global sustainability goals, showcasing how community-centered initiatives can make a significant impact.
Learning transferred to other parties
Elements of the Stacija.lv project that offer high potential for transferability and replicability include:
Collaborative Methodology: The project’s approach to community engagement and feedback, which includes hypothesis testing, co-planning, and piloting with locals and municipalities, can be adapted to other contexts. This ensures community needs and aspirations are central to development.
Sustainable Development Practices: The balance of cultural heritage preservation, environmental conservation, and community well-being is a model that can be replicated in similar projects globally.
Program Development: The process of creating, testing, and refining programs based on participant feedback is a versatile approach that can be employed in various settings to ensure relevance and effectiveness.
These aspects are adaptable to various contexts, allowing for similar projects to be developed in different communities, fostering a collaborative and sustainable approach to local development.
Collaborative Methodology: The project’s approach to community engagement and feedback, which includes hypothesis testing, co-planning, and piloting with locals and municipalities, can be adapted to other contexts. This ensures community needs and aspirations are central to development.
Sustainable Development Practices: The balance of cultural heritage preservation, environmental conservation, and community well-being is a model that can be replicated in similar projects globally.
Program Development: The process of creating, testing, and refining programs based on participant feedback is a versatile approach that can be employed in various settings to ensure relevance and effectiveness.
These aspects are adaptable to various contexts, allowing for similar projects to be developed in different communities, fostering a collaborative and sustainable approach to local development.
Keywords
Mental health
Spiritual health
Reconnection to nature
Transformation from ruins to new life
Openness and integration of different people
