The Modality of the Abiding Heart Education™️ Approach
The Pillars of the Abiding Heart Education Approach
Epistemology
Worldview/Understanding
Abiding Heart Education is founded on the philosophical view of interdependence — the understanding that reality is composed of many interconnected parts, all in dynamic relationship and constant change. This view is not just theoretical; it is explored and embodied through experiential, meditative, and contemplative practices, and applied meaningfully in everyday life. The principle of interdependence informs every aspect of Abiding Heart’s approach — from pedagogy and curriculum to teacher education and training, as well as our understanding of human and child development. It shapes our methods of learning and our way of being in the world, encouraging learners and educators alike to recognise and honor the deep relationality at the heart of existence.
Human Development
Abiding Heart’s view of human development encompasses the entire continuum of existence — from birth to death and beyond. This broader perspective reflects our commitment to a holistic and cyclical understanding of life. We interweave and integrate insights from multiple disciplines, including contemplative psychology, developmental science, neuroscience, contemplative science and philosophy, and holistic transformative pedagogies. These diverse yet complementary fields inform a deeply integrative and compassionate approach to education. This unique understanding of human development is a foundational pillar of the Abiding Heart Education approach. It informs our curriculum, methodology, practices, tools, and their real-life application. Core practices such as contemplative child observation and compassionate child study support educators in engaging with each child in a mindful, relational, and deeply respectful way.
Methodology, Methods and Tools
Path: Inner Development of the Teacher
Abiding Heart Education weaves contemplative practices, transformational pedagogy, and experiential, inquiry-based learning into a unique approach that fosters healing, wisdom, and authentic connection with self, others, and the world. Our child-centred, contemplative method blends meditative insight with practical application. Learning is integrated, project-based, co-constructive, and peer-led, engaging the whole child—head, heart, and hands. Rather than focusing solely on knowledge and outcomes, we nurture a shift in consciousness. Through storytelling, visualisation, and daily affirmations, children reconnect with their innate goodness, building resilience, compassion, and emotional strength. Each learner is recognised as a unique individual shaped by temperament and experience, yet sharing a deeper essence of wisdom and love. Education becomes a path of inner growth, fostering meaningful lives rooted in presence, integrity, and care.
Experiencing: Learning Approach
The Abiding Heart Curriculum is divided into three sections: Kindergarten, Primary to Early Secondary (classes 1–8), and High School (classes 9–12). Contemplative education, philosophy, universal ethics, and meditative experiential practices are woven into all subjects and embedded in the daily, weekly, and yearly rhythms of the school. Our aim is to nurture wisdom and compassion through a rich curriculum designed for children aged 3 to 14. Every subject reflects the contemplative tradition’s worldview, meditation, and practical application in everyday life. The curriculum is wholesome and purposeful, educating the head, heart, and hands to foster healing and wholeness. Subjects include: Contemplative education Literacy and creative writing Numeracy Humanities: history, geography Earth sciences: mineralogy, geology, astronomy Life sciences: zoology, botany, biology, anatomy Natural sciences: physics, chemistry Social studies Festival celebrations Cultural studies and heritage learning Horticulture science Home economics and life skills Nature-based education Performing arts: drama, music, singing, speech Visual arts: painting, drawing, clay modelling, sculpture Textile crafts, and woodwork Contemplative movement, yoga Games and sports IT, design and technology We integrate compassionate and healing experiences across all subjects and year groups. These include age-appropriate mindfulness and awareness meditations, loving-kindness and compassion practices, contemplative and heritage arts and crafts, as well as “Just Being” nature retreats—our outdoor experiences of presence and connection. Currently, our curriculum is delivered through a full-time, three-year Kindergarten and Primary Teacher Training course, complemented by ongoing in-school mentorship during and after training.
Curriculum
The Abiding Heart Curriculum is divided into three sections: Kindergarten, Primary to Early Secondary (classes 1–8), and High School (classes 9–12). After three decades of development, our curriculum is carefully designed to be developmentally appropriate. Contemplative education, philosophy, universal ethics, and meditative experiential practices are integrated across all subjects, lessons, and throughout the daily, weekly, and yearly rhythms of the school. Our goal is to nurture wisdom and compassion in children through a broad curriculum for ages 3 to 14. All subjects are deeply infused with contemplative traditions, meditation, and their practical application in everyday life. The curriculum is rich and wholesome, educating the head, heart, and hands to foster healing and wholeness. Subjects include: Contemplative education Literacy and creative writing Numeracy and geometry Humanities: history, geography Earth sciences: mineralogy, geology, astronomy Life sciences: zoology, botany, biology, anatomy Natural sciences: physics, chemistry Social studies Festival celebrations Cultural studies and heritage learning Horticulture science Home economics and life skills Nature-based and outdoor education Environmental studies Performing arts: drama, theatre, music, singing, speech Visual arts: painting, drawing, clay modelling, sculpture Textile crafts, woodwork, metalwork, stone carving Contemplative movement Games and sports IT Design and technology We integrate compassionate and healing experiences into every subject and year group. These include age-appropriate mindfulness and awareness meditations, loving-kindness and compassion practices, contemplative and heritage arts and crafts, and “Just Being” nature retreats—our outdoor experiences of presence. Currently, our curriculum is offered through a full-time, three-year Kindergarten and Primary Teacher Training course, supported by ongoing in-school mentorship during and after training.
Healing Contemplative Practices
Contemplative practices from various traditions are integrated into the Abiding Heart Education approach, nurturing a journey towards healing, authenticity, and joy. Our meditative and contemplative exercises are designed to ground the mind in the body, bringing awareness to the subtle body to help regulate the nervous system. These practices are particularly supportive for children experiencing learning, emotional, or behavioural challenges.
Teacher Education
Abiding Heart's teacher training courses have been developed to encompass each of the Abiding Heart's pillars or components. Currently we offer two full time teacher training routes: • Kindergarten Teacher Training in Abiding Heart Education • Primary Teacher Training in Abiding Heart Education
Resting on the Pillars of Abiding Heart Education each of the above full time training programme includes the following content:
Meditation and Contemplative Foundation Studies
For more information, click here
Human Development Studies
Contemplative Psychologies and developmental science-based Human Development and Child Development from Birth to Rebirth. For more information, click here
Learning Theories and Methodologies
Contemplative learning methodology, transformational pedagogy and other contemporary learning theories and approaches leading to the Abiding Heart’s learning and teaching approach. For more information, click here
Understanding Children with Additional Needs
Understanding Children with Special Needs from Contemplative psychology perspective, holistic therapeutic and remedial education, developmental neuroscience, neurodiversity and applying neuroscience in supporting children with additional needs. For more information, click here
Abiding Heart's Kindergarten Curriculum Preparation Studies Abiding Heart's Primary to Early Secondary for age 6-14 Curriculum Preparation Studies
School Organisation and Management
Community Building and Working with Parents
The Well-Being of the Child
Child study and Assessment
Meeting Government Requirements
Outcomes
Reconnecting with our healthy sense of self transformation