Tuesday, August 2020
For most Australians, 2020 has been a year like no other – the global COVID-19 pandemic exacting a huge emotional and mental toll on families everywhere.
Working with teachers and parents to build children’s physical, social and emotional wellbeing is a big focus of Life Education’s work, which is why we reached out to Hugh van Cuylenburg, creator of The Resilience Project, for our latest Life Education Podcast for parents.
Hugh is passionate about improving mental health and wellbeing.
While volunteer teaching in northern India, he made a life-changing realisation: despite the underprivileged community the children were from, they were remarkably positive. In contrast, back in Australia, Hugh knew that all too many people found it hard to be happy, or suffered from mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety.
Hugh recognised that what the Indian children lacked in material wealth they made up for in other ways, displaying an abundance of gratitude, empathy and mindfulness.
That realisation, and Hugh’s studies in resilience and wellbeing led to the birth of The Resilience Project which is now delivered in hundreds of schools across Australia; has been embraced by corporate groups; and is seen as a game-changer for the nation’s top sporting codes.
With humour and wisdom, Hugh shares some of his strategies for happiness as a guest on the Life Education Podcast for parents.
He explains how the GEM principle – gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness can change our approach to everyday challenges, and he talks about three things that instantly shift our mood.
Hugh’s clear insight, humour and wisdom have helped thousands find the tools for a happier life and are useful for any parent and teacher trying to build stronger more resilient kids..and improve their own wellbeing in the process.
