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, bodywork, and more. Restore yourself, get more out of the conference, and pick up some new ways to cope with the stress of teaching. Download the complete schedule.
Saturday November 26th, 2016
9:00 – 9:30 AMShort Taiji Workout
After some mild warmup exercises we will perform one of the basic Taiji forms.Martin Pauly – University of Tsukuba
11:15 – 11:45 AMTime Out: Relaxing into Silence
This is a guided meditation session that helps you relax, recharge, refocus and let go of stress. It is meant to take the participant into an experience of inner peace and silence.Jane Lightburn- Aichi Gakuin University
12:00 – 12:30 PMLight as a Feather & Office “Athletics”
Light as a Feather is a simple, highly surprising, fun non-muscle using lifting activity. After your “up-lifting” experience lets share some fundamental movement ideas to improve cognitive performance, energy, clarity and creativity and to consider active approaches to combat sedentary lifestyles.Steve Jugovic – Biwako Seikei Sport College”
12:45 – 1:15 PMStop Drop and Yoga
Simple yoga postures can be done anywhere and anytime. In this 30 minute session, learn a few simple postures you can do in your office, classroom, on a plane, or bus.Levy Solomon- Sojo University
3:45 – 4:45 PMOpening your Chakras: A Guided Meditation
This guided meditation will not only put you in a deep state of relaxation, but it will take you on a journey through the chakra system–from the root chakra to the crown chakra–guiding you to visualize these spinning vortexes of energy as each one is cleared and balanced.Todd Jay Leonard – University of Teacher Education, Fukuoka
5:00 – 6:00 PMYogify Yo’self!
This smooth flowing class gives a whole new meaning to, “rise & shine”! It’s designed to help you “wake up”, find the rhythm of your breath, turn on your inner light, and let that energy carry you through a bright and mindful day. Now, that’s how to Yogify Yo’self!Kristina Eisenhower – Kansai Gaidai University
Sunday November 27th, 2016
11:45 AM – 12:45 PMAikido and the art of blending
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 experience in martial arts necessary.Joseph Tomei – Kumamoto Gakuen University
1:00 – 2:00 PMThai Massage for Teacher Relaxation
This workshop is for people who need to relax during this busy conference. Participants will learn massage, receive massage, and give massage. Be prepared to touch others and be touched. You might want to come with a friend.Asako Kajiura – Niigata University of Rehabilitation