Mind and Body Space

This a place for tired conference participants to relax and recharge. Ready to try some yoga, meditation, or aikido? How about some self-exploration in the form of interactive workshops, movement classes, art classes, voice work, bodywork, or more? Restore yourself, get more out of the conference, and pick up some new ways to cope with the stresses of teaching.
This year, at the end of each session, collect a raffle ticket to win a short Thai massage! Massages are scheduled on Sunday evening. You will receive a call or message if you’ve won.
Schedule
Saturday
11:00 – 12:00: Blending and AikidoJoseph Tomei—Kumamoto Gakuen University
Aikido is a Japanese martial art that seeks to use concepts of energy and force. An important principle is the use of an opponent’s energy rather than your own. I’ll be showing how that works physically, but also talk about how it is a mental concept as well. No martial arts experience necessary.
12:15 – 1:15: Imagery and Self Awareness in Meditation for Personal NeedsElida Maria Matsumoto—炎の象Honoo no Zou団体
Meditation is well known for its good effects in health, positive changes and for bringing balance in daily performances. However it is sometimes misunderstood as being complicated due to the lack of understanding of the process. This workshop intends to promote effective understanding of the role of the body-mind communication in the meditation process enabling it to meet the needs satisfactorily in daily life.
1:30 – 2:15: Guerrilla CoachingBrian Cullen and Sarah Mulvey—Standing in Spirit Training
In the workplace or in personal life, a little informal coaching can make a big difference in the quality of life. I like to think of it as guerrilla coaching because informal coaching can occur in a normal conversation at work or even with friends. This session will offer some simple tips and a demonstration to help you to carry out your own guerrilla coaching.
3:45 – 4:15: Mindfulness Practices in the ClassroomKyle Cech—Gunma Kokusai Academy
The concept of “mindfulness” is becoming increasingly popular, especially in the field of educational practices, but what does “mindfulness” really mean and what are its practical applications in the classroom? I will share some ideas and strategies that I have found to be useful in helping to create a “mindful” classroom.
4:30 – 5:30: Yoga and ReflexologyMary Rangel Avila—Mind-Body Space by FINDyourself
In this workshop we will practice soft yoga (all levels welcome!) and then we’ll learn some basic reflexology points to relax our feet and legs while using aromatherapy massage oils.
5:35 – 6:05: Make an anti-stress aroma sprayMary Rangel Avila—Mind-Body Space by FINDyourself
In this workshop you will learn which essential oils are good to help you relax and then you will choose your favorite ones to make your very own anti-stress spray mist!
6:15 – 6:30: Juggle SingingTim Murphey—Kanda University of International Studies
Juggle singing is a combination of singing and juggling which can be fun in small groups and alone. When done in classes, students learn English while moving their bodies and laughing a lot. It is a metaphor for language learning and creates good group dynamics.
Sunday
9:15 – 10:15: Empowerment Self-DefenseDominic Jones—Sendai Seiyo Gakuin College
Welcome to a fun, engaging, and safe workshop on empowerment self-defense. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach including brain science, biomechanics, and language acquisition theories to explore functional self-defense. No prior experience required. Bring curiosity and a smile.
11:45 – 12:15: A Short Taiji WorkoutMartin Pauly—University of Tsukuba
After a short explanation we will join together to enjoy a relaxing taiji workout.
2:40 – 3:10: Office YogaLevy Solomon—Sojo University
Simple yoga postures can be done anywhere and anytime. In this 30 minute session, learn a few postures you can do in the comfort of your office chair. We’ll do some gentle stretches, spine movements, and shoulder circles to increase circulation. Beginners welcome!
1:30 – 2:30: Calling All Gamers! De-stress with Video GamesHuy Tran—Language Kitchen
Flush your brain of those academic terms, scholastic debate, and curriculum rhetoric with a little video game fun on the Game Cube and using the XBOX Kinect. Multi-player games of Mario Kart, Mario Party, and even a little Karaoke Revolution to remind your grown brain that a little bit of kid like fun will reinvigorate you for the next presentation. Got an academic archnemesis who refuses to support your research? Settle the score with a few rounds of Super Smash Brothers. Video gaming culture is over 40 years old now and it is a great way to unwind. Get ready for sore thumbs, bruised egos and lots of fun!
2:40 – 3:10: Office YogaLevy Solomon—Sojo University
Simple yoga postures can be done anywhere and anytime. In this 30 minute session, learn a few postures you can do in the comfort of your office chair. We’ll do some gentle stretches, spine movements, and shoulder circles to increase circulation. Beginners welcome!
4:30 – 5:00: Thai Massage for Raffle Winners!Asako Kajiura—Niigata University of Rehabilitation
This session is scheduled for 3 lucky raffle winners who will receive a Thai massage. For each session that you attend, you fill out one ticket. If you’re a facilitator, you may enter two raffle tickets. If you can, wear loose, comfortable clothes.