The concept of whole body intelligence is rooted in interdisciplinary fields, drawing from theories in psychology, neuroscience, contemporary mysticism and education which highlight the interconnectedness of mind, body and spirit. By emphasizing the importance of integrating physical and emotional awareness into overall intelligence, practices such as mindfulness, contemplation, embodied cognition, group inquiry and somatic education have contributed to the development and understanding of whole body intelligence, 

In this workshop, we will look at the topics of innovation and creativity from the perspective of whole body intelligence. This perspective casts mind, body and spirit as an integrated whole. Thus, whole body intelligence is really about leveraging the total intelligence available at any given moment. Sourcing innovation and creativity through whole body intelligence is about learning to source the intelligence embedded in our body-mind, our relationships and the environment or context where one finds themselves. 

Educators, administrators, counselors and parents can begin to utilize whole body intelligence by fostering learning environments that engage learners’ cognitive, emotional, physical and spiritual faculties. By incorporating activities that stimulate bodily awareness and movement, emotional awareness, self-regulation, co-regulation and mindfulness practice, educators can learn to bring a sense of presence, connection and playfulness to a learning environment. This allows innovation and creativity to flourish, repositions learning as an activity done for its own sake, and it brings an overall sense of wellbeing.

Objectives

Participants will be able to:

• Differentiate between thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations.

• Use a very simple set of tools that source whole body intelligence thus stimulating innovation and creativity.

• Orient toward a problem or potential that may have previously been avoided or neglected.

• See choice where there may have previously been an impasse or feeling of being stuck.

• Determine, and possibly take, an immediate action that demonstrates innovative, creative thinking.

Outcomes

The intended outcome of this workshop is to contribute to the narrative that we need to change the way that we think of education and the way that we structure the learning environment. Participants will be introduced to a broader and deeper perspective through which they might reconsider the concepts of innovation, creativity, intelligence and learning. 

Target Audience

This workshop is valuable for anyone curious or interested in learning to use whole body intelligence as a way to transform their own internal environment (i.e. thoughts, feelings and sensations) or the external environments within which they find themselves - the home, the classroom, the counseling office or the school at large. 

Overview

The session will provide some basic information on the topics of whole body intelligence, innovation and creativity. But, it will mostly be experiential and interactive. The focus will be on how to use contemplative practice, group dynamics, emotions and body-based sensations as a springboard into one's genuine creative genius.

Presenter Bio

Jason loves music, poetry, nature and play. He works as a transformation coach with individuals, schools and organizations helping them rediscover the meaning of learning, living and loving. Jason’s clients receive his unconditional presence as he assists them in finding their own clarity, insight and creativity. His approach to coaching is holistic and emergent involving an exploration of the psyche, the soma (the body) and spiritual awareness. His work exists so that people might learn to express their highest ideals, create peace in their relationships, have compassion toward all living things, and to, ultimately, discover their true nature.