Exploring the Inner Dimension of Sustainability

When we talk about sustainability, we often think of external measures such as environmental protection, resource conservation, or technological solutions. As important as these are, they are not sufficient on their own.

Our work at the Abenteuerzentrum Berlin is based on an expanded understanding of sustainability that places people, and their ability to reflect, make decisions, and take responsibility, at the center. Especially in youth and social work, this human dimension is crucial. Sustainable transformation does not arise from knowledge or regulations alone, but where inner attitudes, values, and external action are meaningfully connected.

The inner dimension of sustainability describes the internal processes that shape our behavior: values, emotions, beliefs, worldviews, as well as mental and emotional resources. It invites us to look at how and why we act, and at what enables people to remain capable of acting responsibly over the long term.

This understanding forms the shared framework of our educational work. Across our programs, we repeatedly seek to connect this inner perspective with concrete action, collective learning processes, and cultural contexts. How this approach takes shape in practice became particularly visible in two of our recent Erasmus+ activities.

The Inner Dimension – Where Change Truly Begins

Training for Youth Workers | Berlin

The training Personal Sustainability – Resources as the Key to Youth Work was deliberately structured around multiple dimensions of sustainability. It began with ecological, social, cultural, and everyday fields of action, which were gradually connected to questions of personal attitude, inner resources, and long-term capacity to act.

Topics such as sustainable consumption, food systems, food waste, and global contexts related to the Sustainable Development Goals were explored alongside personal resilience, emotional balance, sense of purpose, and values. Sustainability was not treated in isolation, but understood as the interaction between external practice and inner orientation.

One particularly concrete learning element was the Sustainable Cooking Challenge. Planning, cooking, and reflecting together made ecological responsibility tangible, while also creating social spaces for cooperation, negotiation, and cultural exchange.

“I will take along the effective way on how to reduce the waste of food, buy less and use effectively. The outcome of the initial forecast on how much participants could make less food waste, was just wonderful.”

Building on this experience, formats such as “170 Daily Actions Everybody Can Do for More Sustainability” shifted the focus back to participants’ everyday lives. Sustainability was understood as the result of conscious decisions that are small, realistic, and sustainable over time.

“Reducing waste, saving energy, and raising awareness are the most important actions for me. If everyone makes small changes, we can create a more sustainable future.”

From there, the focus increasingly turned inward. In reflection spaces, peer groups, and participant-led practice phases, participants explored how they themselves can remain sustainably capable of acting—emotionally, physically, and mentally. Topics such as self-care, boundaries, energy management, and communication moved to the forefront.

“Sometimes I need to prioritise what I need over what I want – and what I want before what others want. To enjoy moments, there’s need of rest.”

“I understood better my feelings and emotions, but most importantly, I learned how to communicate them.”

A recurring reflective framework was the Circle of Courage, which supported the exploration of belonging, self-efficacy, responsibility, and generosity as foundations for sustainable educational and group processes.

“Through the Circle of Courage, I realised that true independence comes from belonging — we grow stronger when we care for others.”

Positive Psychology also played a central role in the training. Rather than being approached as a theoretical model, it was experienced as a practical, resource-oriented framework that brought themes such as self-efficacy, emotional balance, sense of purpose, and resilience into focus.
Engaging with personal strengths, values, and motivation through various models and methods from Positive Psychology helped participants reflect more consciously on their role in youth work and understand meaning not only as an individual experience, but also as something rooted in contributing to others and to the community.

“Ikigai helped me see how my passions and strengths can actually serve my community — not just my career.”

“It helped me discover how to make my life more meaningful, and that my youth work can also be a purpose in life.”

Over the course of the training, it became clear that personal sustainability is not the opposite of social engagement, but its foundation.

Shaping a Sustainable Future Together – From Shared Practice to Cultural Awareness

Youth Exchange | Italy

The youth exchange Shaping a Sustainable Future Together built on this understanding and shifted the focus more strongly toward the communal, cultural, and territorial dimensions of sustainability. Rather than centering on individual reflection, sustainability was experienced through shared practice, tradition, and relationships.

During the exchange, we were hosted by our local partner Gramigna APS, who opened their spaces, projects, and networks to the group. Being guests of Gramigna offered participants direct insight into how sustainability, social inclusion, and community development are intertwined in everyday practice. Working at the intersection of urban and rural agriculture, social inclusion, and European cooperation, Gramigna creates spaces where sustainability is lived collectively rather than discussed in abstract terms.

Participants were able to engage in ongoing community gardening and social farming initiatives, gain insight into Gramigna’s collaboration with local and international partners, and become part of a wider network committed to sustainable development, social participation, and regional vitality. This close connection to local practice strengthened the understanding of sustainability as a relational and place-based process, rooted in collaboration and long-term commitment.

Activities related to food, agriculture, and local ways of life formed the starting point for learning. Working together in community gardens, vineyards, and local initiatives allowed participants to experience sustainability as a process that requires time, cooperation, and mutual trust.

“Working in the garden and vineyard showed me how community and sustainability are built through patience, not perfection.”

The Circle of Courage was revisited in the intercultural group context and supported reflection on trust, collaboration, and courage within the group.

“The Circle of Courage reminded me that courage isn’t loud — sometimes it’s in the quiet moments of trust and cooperation.”

Complementing these hands-on experiences, inputs from experts from the United Nations and the Food and Agriculture Organization introduced global perspectives on food systems, food waste, and the Sustainable Development Goals. Placed after the practical activities, these sessions allowed participants to connect global challenges with lived experience.

“The project helped me understand how local actions are connected to global challenges.”

Through the interplay of local practice, cultural experience, and global context, sustainability emerged as a collective learning and shaping process grounded in relationships, responsibility, and shared values.

Salman’s Perspective

After two very different yet closely connected experiences in Berlin and Italy, Salman reflects on what these learning spaces have meant for him personally. His words offer insight into an individual learning journey that connects inner reflection, shared experience, and concrete future perspectives.

Berlin – Personal Sustainability
“Today I’m leaving Berlin, so I’d like to express my gratitude and sincere thanks for this wonderful opportunity you gave us. Throughout this training course I learnt alot … about leadership skills and facilitating…! We’ve had alot of interesting topics and we shared personal experiences that have shaped my perspective more about our society. I learnt alot and hopefully will apply these practices for me personally and my surroundings! Thank you again for these amazing times and knowledge you’ve gave us.”

Italy – Shaping a Sustainable Future Together

“…turned out to be one of the most unforgettable experiences of my Erasmus+ journey. The theme of the project was food sustainability, but it was so much more than just workshops and lectures. It was about culture, tradition, and building connections that will last a lifetime.
We got to live the real Italian countryside experience. I’ll never forget the days spent picking grapes, tasting wine, and even crushing the grapes with our feet just like in the old days. Alongside these hands-on activities, we also had inspiring workshops led by experts from the United Nations (UN) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). They opened our eyes to the bigger picture of sustainability, from local practices to global challenges.
But for me, the magic of Erasmus+ is always about the people. I made friends from all over Europe, each bringing their own stories and traditions to the table. Beyond friendships, I also created some exciting professional connections. With the president of the hosting organization, I discussed the idea of making my village in Lebanon and Turrecuso into sister villages. The goal is to share agricultural knowledge and methods and to strengthen bonds between our communities.
Another highlight was meeting the team from LazyFarm, who ran one of the workshops. After connecting with one of the founders, I was invited to visit their
farm and office. This opened the door to a potential internship opportunity for my Master’s thesis, something I’m very excited about.
Looking back, these ten days were not just about learning sustainable practices. They were about building bridges between cultures, villages, and people. Erasmus+ gave me the chance to explore traditions, grow as a person, and dream of future collaborations that could bring real change.”

Bringing It Together: Inner Dimension, Personal Sustainability, and Cultural Change

Salman’s journey exemplifies what connects our work: inner development, personal sustainability, and cultural learning as foundations for long-term responsibility.
The experiences from Personal Sustainability and Shaping a Sustainable Future Together show that sustainable transformation unfolds on multiple levels at once: on a personal level through self-awareness, values, meaning, and resilience; on a social and cultural level through community, belonging, and responsibility; and on an ecological level through conscious everyday action in local contexts.
Sustainability becomes lasting where external action is grounded in inner clarity, and where inner attitudes are expressed through shared practice.

A new world is possible.

And it begins within us.

Next steps: Feel Good – Act Good

The experiences gained through Personal Sustainability and Shaping a Sustainable Future Together clearly highlighted the need for learning spaces that consciously connect inner wellbeing, personal sustainability, and responsible action.

Building on this understanding, we are continuing our work with the new Erasmus+ project Feel Good – Act Good. The project deepens the connection between the inner dimension of sustainability and concrete social engagement, focusing on how inner clarity, meaning, and connection enable long-term action.
Further information about Feel Good – Act Good and our current activities can be found on our website in the section Current Projects.

„Gefördert durch die Europäische Union. Die geäußerten Ansichten und Meinungen sind jedoch ausschließlich die des Autors bzw. der Autoren und spiegeln nicht notwendigerweise die Ansichten der Europäischen Union oder der Förderbehörde Jugend für Europa  wider. Weder die Europäische Union noch Jugend für Europa können für sie verantwortlich gemacht werden.“