TG Escapes Blog

Street Wisdom – urban mindfulness for all

by Mark Brown | Mar 3, 2017 | Blog, Education

A fundamental design standard of all Learning Escape Buildings is to maximise exposure to natural light, providing views of nature and easy access to the outdoors, all of which have a positive impact on mental well-being and learning outcomes. Our ethos resonates nicely with the mission of an organisation called Street Wisdom, whose workshops take participants out of the workplace and outside, giving them the time and space to switch off from distractions and switch on creative, problem solving skills. The results are often profound and the process has led many to deep insights and innovative solutions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NH54thvUT8

Street Wisdom is a global social enterprise which, facilitated by a growing team of volunteers and professional Street Wizards, has become a popular movement operating in 27 countries. It is a not-for-profit community interest company providing immersive outdoor urban walking workshops to help people find fresh answers to the questions on their mind. Using a combination of mindfulness and psychology, the workshops provide participants with techniques that use environmental stimulus to allow them to engage with their subconscious and ignite their creativity.

Simply by slowing down, tuning in and looking up and around you, walking through the streets of your local town or city can be an abundant source of fresh ideas and new approaches. As you walk, your mood will brighten and you will achieve a more creative state, whilst your self-esteem and memory will enjoy a boost into the bargain. You will almost certainly be amazed by what you see, in even the most of familiar of settings, once you have been given the tools of observation.

Street Wisdom is increasingly being used by businesses to take teams away from the distractions of the workplace and to gain energy, insight, motivation and innovation by accessing the ‘invisible university’ that’s all around them, finding fresh answers to personal or work-related questions. With no need to book fancy venues and expensive catering arrangements, the investment is only a fraction of a more traditional style motivational event.

We at TG Escapes believe that staff and students alike could benefit enormously from getting out of the classroom and walking through our stimuli rich streets. The techniques are simple to learn and the tools easy to use: once a few members of staff have attended a workshop they will be fully equipped to lead their own Street Wisdom style events with fellow staff members and pupils. And the only further investment needed is a little time and planning. After all, the streets are free and they are everywhere, just waiting for enquiring minds to tap in to their rich vein of inspiration.

That’s why we are offering a taste of Street Wisdom to our School customers. If you are interested in arranging a free event for up to 8 staff just email mark@tgescapes.co.uk.

Answers are everywhere, when you know how to look for them.

About the author

Mark Brown
Consultant at TG Escapes - Mark has spent time growing up with the army, studying computing before the internet existed, and founding The London Classic Theatre Company, self sustaining for over 25 years. He trained in marketing with Unilever before moving into advertising as a strategist with Leo Burnett, Creative Director at Starcom and founder of award winning creative agency Weapon7. He has a passion for eco buildings and helps run the social enterprise Street Wisdom, providing free creative walkshops around the world.

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