Finding Ourselves in the Rhythms of Nature: The Journey of Waldorf Early Childhood Education Seminar 3 in Ubud, Bali

KORANMANDALA.COM – In the Campuhan Valley, where two rivers meet and a gentle breeze carries the scent of frangipani flowers, 31 participants from various regions—including five from Singapore—gathered at the IBAH Resort in Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali. In a tranquil and vibrant natural setting, they participated in Waldorf Early Childhood Education – Seminar 3 , organized by the Indonesian Waldorf Steiner Association (AWSI) from October 4-11, 2025.

For eight full days, participants undergo an experience that is not just early childhood education learning, but an inner journey to know oneself — in accordance with the principles of anthroposophy initiated by Rudolf Steiner , the founder of the Waldorf education movement in the world.

Morning in Campuhan: Friendship and the Rhythm of Life

Saturday morning (October 11th) at 8:32 a.m. WITA, the air in Ubud was still damp with dew, while sunlight began to filter through the bamboo leaves surrounding the valley. Angelina and Clarissa jogged along, laughing freely, like two junior high school students who didn’t want to be late.

The two hurried to the Wantilan room, where the participants had already begun their Singing session two minutes earlier. Their faces radiated joy—not just from attending the seminar, but from walking together again after 26 years of friendship that had developed since their teenage years. Now, they were in the same room, studying Waldorf Early Childhood Education (WECE) with the same passion: finding new meaning in life and education.

That simple moment became a small snapshot of the spirit of this seminar — that learning never stops, and every true encounter brings us closer to ourselves.

Nature Becomes a Teacher

Perched on the edge of the green Campuhan Valley, IBAH exudes a balance of beauty and serenity. Its architecture blends harmoniously with the trees and the gentle flow of the Wos River. In this space, seemingly designed by nature, each participant finds a space to dwell, absorb, and open their inner awareness.

Each morning begins with Singing, Echo of the Night, and Verse —simple yet meaningful activities. There, participants learn to be fully present: listening, noticing, and feeling the rhythm of life before moving on to the core learning sessions.

Knowing Your Child, Knowing Yourself

This seminar features experienced tutors from various countries, each bringing a perspective that enriches participants’ understanding of child and human development.

• Tjok Gde Kerthayasa (Indonesia) opened with the theme The Healthy Child and How to Support Healthy Child Development , inviting participants to see children as whole beings — body, soul, and spirit.

• Edith Van der Meer (New Zealand) presented sessions on Challenging Behavior and Boundaries and Rhythm and Repetition , emphasizing that healthy rhythms and boundaries are the breath of life that guide balance. She also provided practical materials on making wool paintings and table puppets.

• Paul Lawrence (Australia) presented Foundations of Human Experience , explaining the relationship between the head, chest, and limbs in the teaching process. They reminded us, “Teach not only with the head, but also with the heart and hands.” Paul also tutors singing and music.

• Nicole Lawrence (Australia)  accompanied participants during art activities, namely wet on wet painting and observational drawings .

• Kenny Dewi (Indonesia) closed with an Overview of Waldorf Education , summarizing that true education is a journey toward self-awareness.

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Art and Silence as a Path

In addition to lectures and discussions, art activities were an important part of the learning experience. Participants composed songs in the Mood of the Fifth , painted using wet-on-wet techniques , made wool paintings, table puppets , and even made observational drawings .

Through art, they learn to be present, patient, and sensitive — an inner exercise to recognize the beauty that lives in every small human gesture.

Upon seeing the various observational drawings of the participants, Nicole Lawrence said, “ Wow – I am so impressed with all your beautiful drawings 🙏🏼💗.”

Voice of the Participants

For many participants, these eight days were an experience that exceeded expectations.

“This seminar reminded me to return to the values ​​I believe in education and life,” said Shalini , a participant from Singapore who has been familiar with Waldorf education for a long time . “Everything I got here far exceeded my expectations.”

Meanwhile, Clarissa , a participant from Jakarta who was attending a Waldorf seminar for the first time, shared softly: “I got so much input that I have to digest it — not only with my head, but also with my heart.”

These two stories reflect two journeys: one as a reminder, one as a beginning — both meet in the same spirit, namely learning to be a conscious human being.

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Committee Impressions: An Inspiring Collective Spirit

For Mrs. Puspa , a kindergarten teacher at Madu Waldorf and one of the activity committee members, WECE is not only about absorbing knowledge, but also about growing collective awareness .