My recent conversation with Cacky Mellor (#53) got me inspired to a practice I've been mentioning before in my summit! So I took the liberty to share this powerful practice with you too.
It's not my work, and I'd love to credit where credit is due! I'm reading an exercise (p.98-100) from the beloved Vajra Watson & Mary Keator - who wrote the magnificent book "The Soul Of Learning: rituals of awakening, magnetic pedagogy, & living justice".
Have your pen and paper ready, and tune in to this reflective practise to rise up your classroom to a more Sovereign Place of Learning!
/// THE EMBODIED EDUCATOR
🌍 www.theembodiededucator.nl | liz@theembodiededucator.nl
👀 Watch+subscribe via Youtube @TheEmbodiedEducator
📱LinkedIn: @Liz Wientjes
📱Instagram: @Liz Wientjes - The Embodied Educator
Make a donation to help this podcast grow and spread more embodied wisdom into education around the world : )
// RESOURCES
- [BOOK] The Soul of Learning - Mary Keator & Vajra Watson
- Linda Christensen (2015, p.16) in Rythm & Resistence: teaching Poetry for Social Justice.
- Social Justice intiative Rethinking schools - by Linda Christensen
Guided Somatic Arriving
This time it's Liz who guides us all into a Somatic Arrival. It's a short scan along your body landmarks to land in the present moment and expand into community.
And she put in her favourite 'reset' "sitbones wide"!
Tune for more stability & stamina through full body presence and your sitting bones, you can easily take this practice into daily life and teaching, no need to close your eyes - once you've got the sitbones wide :)
In this two-part conversation, Liz Wientjes is joined by returning guest the wonderful Dr. Cacky Mellor — somatic practitioner, researcher, and educator whose work bridges depth psychology, embodiment, and collective learning. Together they explore what it means to teach and live with reverence for the body.
As two empaths they reveal their experience as educators, and also discuss how to approach and work with empaths, regarding boundaries, titration, and classroom dynamics. It's a humble and human conversation from a lived experience, Liz and Cacky trace how our nervous systems shape every interaction — and how awareness can transform both teaching and wellbeing.
Cacky shares real time insights from several digital and international learning spaces, inviting us to approach learning as a living, relational process. From welcoming, to adjusting to grading!
Whether you’re an educator, therapist, or lifelong learner, this episode is a reminder that education begins in the body — and that our capacity to feel, rest, and relate is the foundation and enriching pathway for learning in class and in life.
00:00 Welcome to the Embodied Educator Summit
00:23 Introduction and Guest Welcome
03:46 Grounding and Presence Exercise
15:46 Exploring Empathy and Resonance
17:52 Navigating Empathy in Practice
23:13 Empathy and Action
42:35 Classroom Management individual vs collective
This time it's Liz who guides us you all into a somatic meditation. It's a short scan along your body landmarks to ground and expand into community.
And I put in my favourite 'reset' "sitbones wide"! Tune for more stability & stamina through full body presence and your sitting bones :)
Dr. Cacky Mellor, Ph.D., MSMT/E, SEP is Visiting Assistant Professor at Lesley University’s Mental Health & Wellbeing department and has a remote somatic private practice, Somatic Reclamation, working with individuals around the world. In undergrad, Dr. Cacky studied art therapy and holistic psychology at Lesley University, where her passion for somatics began to grow. After which she received her Masters of Education in art-based activism and social entrepreneurship.
She earned her Ph.D. in Depth Psychology with an emphasis in Somatic Studies at Pacifica Graduate Institute. Dr. Cacky was awarded the Peter A. Levine Research Award in Dissertation Leadership by Somatic Experiencing International in 2022 for her dissertation, “Somatic Reclamation: Exploring the Lived Experience of Words”. Drawing from extensive training in Somatic Experiencing, Somatic Movement Therapy & Education, and Dynamic Attachment Repatterning, Dr. Cacky has cultivated a robust somatic pedagogy to support students in cultivating inspired, relational, and transformational learning communities.
📱Instagram: @somaticreclamation
🤳🏻 LinkedIn: @Cacky Mellor
Email: somaticreclamation@gmail.com
Liz hosts a 6-Day Retreat in Greece May 8 - 13 May, 2026. This will be in Dutch, "Thuiskomen in je lichaam, groeien in je vak en je leven". Voor meer informatie klik hier: Retreat Samos.
🌍 www.theembodiededucator.nl | liz@theembodiededucator.nl
👀 Watch+subscribe via Youtube @TheEmbodiedEducator
📱LinkedIn: @Liz Wientjes
📱Instagram: @Liz Wientjes - The Embodied Educator
Make a Donation to help spread the importance of embodied learning around education, it can be any ammount you are willing to give, as small as a cup of coffee (although the Samos airport price for a coffee was craaaaazy 6€ what's happening ? liquid gold ? :)
The Embodied Educator Podcast 👩🏻🏫 is hosted by Liz Wientjes. She's been in higher education for over 15 years teaching Communication, assessing, guiding and coaching many international students. To broaden her classroom horizon, over the last three years Liz has also freelanced in Primary Education and high school where she's discovering new teaching qualities and challenges!
This podcast comes from the crossroad with her other passion❤️🔥 embodiment. As a Pilates teacher, a (Flamenco) dancer, young horseback rider and as a bodyworker. This blend influenced to be The Embodied Educator. Brains don't learn. Humans learn. Humans with a nervous system, a heart, a pulse, sensations, and a natural push for aliveness. So why do we create so much learning spaces that don't feed/allow/acknowledge that aliveness? Not just for the body but for our whole being?!
That's what this free and made with love and care podcast is about. If you support our mission, a review, likes+starrs+shares and/or a donation help this podcast to grow. Consider paying it forward, any way available for you. Thanks for being part of this Community of Care for Education.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Some parts are written with help of AI - apologies if there's an inconsistency or inaccuracy - I create this podcast in my spare time and totally out of love for learning, teaching and paying it forward :-)
In this two-part conversation, Liz Wientjes is joined by returning guest the wonderful Dr. Cacky Mellor — somatic practitioner, researcher, and educator whose work bridges depth psychology, embodiment, and collective learning. Together they explore what it means to teach and live with reverence for the body.
As two empaths they reveal their experience as educators, and also discuss how to approach and work with empaths, regarding boundaries, titration, and classroom dynamics. It's a humble and human conversation from a lived experience, Liz and Cacky trace how our nervous systems shape every interaction — and how awareness can transform both teaching and wellbeing.
Cacky shares real time insights from several digital and international learning spaces, inviting us to approach learning as a living, relational process. From welcoming, to adjusting to grading!
Whether you’re an educator, therapist, or lifelong learner, this episode is a reminder that education begins in the body — and that our capacity to feel, rest, and relate is the foundation and enriching pathway for learning in class and in life.
00:00 Welcome to Part 2
00:35 Classroom Dynamics and Challenges
01:35 Adapting Teaching Methods
02:43 Student Feedback and Adjustments
07:43 Peer Learning and Group Work
09:54 Cultural Insights from Japanese Classrooms
17:31 The Importance of Names and Identity
27:29 Practicing Full Being and Group Themes
28:19 Internal Weather Report Exercise
31:43 Adapting to Group Energy
38:06 Un-Grading and Self-Assessment
45:40 Celebrating Growth and Learning
51:17 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell
at the start of part 1 it's Liz who guides us you all into a somatic meditation. It's a short scan along your body landmarks to ground and expand into community. And she put in her favourite 'reset' "sitbones wide"! Tune for more stability & stamina through full body presence and your sitting bones :)
at 28 ish minute, cacky shares a very accesible tool (weather report) for somatic arriving and tuning in with each other! Try it with your students.
Dr. Cacky Mellor, Ph.D., MSMT/E, SEP is Visiting Assistant Professor at Lesley University’s Mental Health & Wellbeing department and has a remote somatic private practice, Somatic Reclamation, working with individuals around the world. In undergrad, Dr. Cacky studied art therapy and holistic psychology at Lesley University, where her passion for somatics began to grow. After which she received her Masters of Education in art-based activism and social entrepreneurship.
She earned her Ph.D. in Depth Psychology with an emphasis in Somatic Studies at Pacifica Graduate Institute. Dr. Cacky was awarded the Peter A. Levine Research Award in Dissertation Leadership by Somatic Experiencing International in 2022 for her dissertation, “Somatic Reclamation: Exploring the Lived Experience of Words”. Drawing from extensive training in Somatic Experiencing, Somatic Movement Therapy & Education, and Dynamic Attachment Repatterning, Dr. Cacky has cultivated a robust somatic pedagogy to support students in cultivating inspired, relational, and transformational learning communities.
📱Instagram: @somaticreclamation
🤳🏻 LinkedIn: @Cacky Mellor
Email: somaticreclamation@gmail.com
Liz hosts a 6-Day Retreat in Greece May 8 - 13 May, 2026. This will be in Dutch, "Thuiskomen in je lichaam, groeien in je vak en je leven". Voor meer informatie klik hier: Retreat Samos.
🌍 www.theembodiededucator.nl | liz@theembodiededucator.nl
👀 Watch+subscribe via Youtube @TheEmbodiedEducator
📱LinkedIn: @Liz Wientjes
📱Instagram: @Liz Wientjes - The Embodied Educator
Make a Donation to help spread the importance of embodied learning around education, it can be any ammount you are willing to give, as small as a cup of coffee (although the Samos airport price for a coffee was craaaaazy 6€ what's happening ? liquid gold ? :)
The Embodied Educator Podcast 👩🏻🏫 is hosted by Liz Wientjes. She's been in higher education for over 15 years teaching Communication, assessing, guiding and coaching many international students. To broaden her classroom horizon, over the last three years Liz has also freelanced in Primary Education and high school where she's discovering new teaching qualities and challenges!
This podcast comes from the crossroad with her other passion❤️🔥 embodiment. As a Pilates teacher, a (Flamenco) dancer, young horseback rider and as a bodyworker. This blend influenced to be The Embodied Educator. Brains don't learn. Humans learn. Humans with a nervous system, a heart, a pulse, sensations, and a natural push for aliveness. So why do we create so much learning spaces that don't feed/allow/acknowledge that aliveness? Not just for the body but for our whole being?!
That's what this free and made with love and care podcast is about. If you support our mission, a review, likes+starrs+shares and/or a donation help this podcast to grow. Consider paying it forward, any way available for you. Thanks for being part of this Community of Care for Education.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Some parts are written with help of AI - apologies if there's an inconsistency or inaccuracy - I create this podcast in my spare time and totally out of love for learning, teaching and paying it forward :-)
In deze spontane aflevering van The Embodied Educator podcast bespreken Liz en Sietske Dijkstra, collega's en soul sisters, hun aankomende retreat 'Thuiskomen in je lichaam, groeien in je vak en je leven'. Ze benadrukken het belang van belichaamd leren en co-creatie, waarbij verschillende elementen en ervaringen worden ingezet.
Vanuit hun prachtige locatie op Samos, Griekenland, verkennen ze thema's zoals 'luileven', somatisch leren, en het belang van de omgeving en belichaming in leerprocessen.
Dit is een nieuw 'format', zo hebben ze elk 4 beelden uitgekozen die voor hen raken aan thuiskomen. Samen onderzoeken ze hoe deze beelden belichaming en thuiskomen samenbrengen, en hoe je tijdens het retreat van 8 - 13 mei 2026 op Samos daarmee kan spelen.
TIP: vind hier de 8 persoonlijke beelden, of bekijk deze aflevering op youtube.
00:00 Introductie
01:11 Setting the Scene: Samos en het Retreat
01:57 Van lui Leren tot co-creatie leren
03:35 Veiligheid en vogels
06:09 De duiker en duiken in leren
08:36 The Entrepreneur's Mind en de uitdagingen
11:50 Zen Meditation and The Red Book
17:27 The Power of Dance and Embodiment
22:40 Exploring Archetypes, Goddesses and Devine Art
28:45 Mounira al-Sol: Art Amidst Conflict
30:30 Natuur haar verborgen netwerken
36:34 De Fascinerende wereld van Fascia
42:13 belichaamd Leren & transformatiekracht
52:50 Een poëtisch vaarwel
🌎 www.theembodiededucator.nl/retreat-samos
Vroege Vogel Tarief loopt tot 30.10.2025
(De eerste kamers zijn geboekt, we verwerken aanvragen op datum van aanmelding)
Sietske Dijkstra
🌎 https://sietske-dijkstra.nl/
Instagram: @ontplooiing_&_belichaming
Liz Wientjes
👀 Watch+subscribe via Youtube @TheEmbodiedEducator
📱LinkeDIn: Liz @Liz Wientjes
📱Instagram: @The Embodied Educator
💌 liz@theembodiededucator.net
FREE PRACTICE: Building Vagal Tone for Growing Nervous System Capacity with Dr. NIKI ELLIOTT
In this enlightening episode, our expert speaker Dr. Niki discusses the importance of building vagal tone to enhance nervous system capacity. Emphasizing the value of breathwork and physical movement, she shares insights on how coherent breathing, combined with mindful practices, can help recondition the nervous system.
She will guide us in some exercises suitable for performing in an office chair, providing practical tools for stress regulation.
You can do them standing if you prefer that in the moment.
Dr. Niki highlights the importance of trauma-informed approaches, especially when dealing with neurodiverse populations and those with high trauma. To delve deeper into trauma-informed breathwork practices, she recommends to get properly trained.
This practice is part of a larger conversation Liz had with dr Niki for The Embodied Educator Summit Series. You can find the full episode #51 Transforming Educational Spaces Through Embodiment and Equity with DR. NIKI ELLIOTT here
Last Spring I hosted The Embodied Educator Summit, we had amazing international speakers all around embodied education.
And I felt like I wanted to share some of that goodness with every educator in the world. So with much pleasure I gift you my generative conversation with blessed Niki Elliott!
Can you think of a fellow educator who might be at the edge of their teaching capacity, please feel free to share this with anyone who needs it.
May it bring you love and light on your embodied journey, inside and outside your classroom.
In this episode of the Embodied Educator Summit series, host Liz Wientjes introduces Dr. Niki Elliott, a revered educator who integrates applied educational neuroscience with mind-body wellness.
She shares her journey from teaching in classrooms to leading the Center for Embodied Equity and Neurodiversity at the University of San Diego. Together they delve into the importance of addressing nervous system states to improve learning outcomes and classroom environments, particularly through the lens of equity and inclusion.
The discussion includes the principles of Polyvagal Theory, the role of breathwork and movement in managing stress, and transforming educational practices to foster co-regulation. Dr. Niki also conducts a brief breath and movement practice, emphasizing the need for educators to embody the principles they teach to better support their students.
00:00 Welcome to the Embodied Educator Summit
00:16 Introducing Dr. Niki Elliott
04:34 Dr. Niki's Personal Journey
10:40 Understanding Polyvagal Theory
15:51 The Two Train Track Approach
20:12 Equity and the Nervous System
27:03 Understanding Nervous System Biases
28:59 Exploring Polyvagal Theory and Vagus Nerve
30:46 Breathwork and Yoga Practices
34:22 Practical Demonstration of Breathwork
40:13 Trauma-Informed Practices in Education
45:07 The Importance of Community Support
48:23 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
@34.22 Dr. Niki guides us into an embodied practice - Building Vagal Tone to grow nervous system capacity.
You can follow this guided practice seated and standing is also possible if your prefer that. We demonstrate the seated version.
Dr. Niki Elliott is a clinical professor of education in the School of Leadership and Education Sciences at the University of San Diego, and formerly served as director of the Center for Neurodiversity, Learning, and Wellness at the University of La Verne. With 30 years of experience in education, she has taught students from elementary school through university, developing a deep passion for supporting children with mood, learning, and behavior challenges, particularly inspired by her adopted son's experience with prenatal trauma and intellectual disability. Dr. Elliott integrates yoga, mindfulness, and breathwork into her teachings, and currently offers graduate-level courses and seminars that integrate education neuroscience, polyvagal theory, neurodiversity, mindfulness, and social-emotional learning for educators and school counselors.
As the founder of the Mindful Leaders Project, Dr. Elliott has implemented innovative trauma-informed programs in various school districts and supported thousands of educators and counselors. She also teaches an 8-week certificate course, Embodied Equity for Educators and Helping Professionals, through the Polyvagal Institute. Her work with Dr. Stephen Porges has helped professionals understand and mitigate unconscious bias from a nervous system perspective, leading to significant improvements in classroom climate and student engagement. Dr. Elliott holds degrees from UC Berkeley, Teachers College, Columbia University, and UCLA, along with certifications in yoga, clinical breathwork, and secular mindfulness practices. Sheadvocates for a holistic integration of mind, body, and heart in education.
🌍 https://www.mindful-leaders.org/about/our-founder/
📱Instagram: @iam_drniki https://www.instagram.com/iam_drniki/
🤳🏻 LinkedIn: @drnikielliott
// EVENTS
Gratis proeftuin voor dit retreat online via Zoom op 15 oktober 19.30 - 21.00 Meld je hier aan
// THE EMBODIED EDUCATOR
🌍 www.theembodiededucator.nl | liz@theembodiededucator.nl
👀 Watch+subscribe via Youtube @TheEmbodiedEducator
📱LinkedIn: @Liz Wientjes
📱Instagram: @Liz Wientjes - The Embodied Educator
Make a Donation to help spread the importance of embodied knowing around education.
The Embodied Educator Podcast 👩🏻🏫 is hosted by Liz Wientjes. She's been in higher education for over 15 years teaching Communication, assessing, guiding and coaching many international students. To broaden her classroom horizon, over the last three years Liz has also freelanced in Primary Education and high school where she's discovering new teaching qualities and challenges!
This podcast comes from the crossroad with her other passion❤️🔥 embodiment. As a Pilates teacher, a (Flamenco) dancer, young horseback rider and as bodyworker. This blend came to be The Embodied Educator. Brains don't learn. Humans learn. Humans with a nervous system, a heart, a pulse, sensations, and a natural push for aliveness. So why do we create so much learning spaces that don't feed/allow/ackwknowledge that aliveness? Not just for the body but for our whole being?!
That's what this free and made with love and care podcast is about. If you support our mission, a review, likes+starrs+shares and/or a donation help this podcast to grow. Consider paying it forward, any way available for you. Thanks for being part of this Community of Care for Education.
Dr. Niki for PVI - Polyvagal Principles in the classroom (and also regarding neurodiverse learners)
One day summit for educators PVI - with dr Niki & dr Lori Desautels
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Some parts are written with help of AI - apologies if there's an inconsistency or inaccuracy - I create this podcast in my spare time and totally out of love for learning, teaching and paying it forward :-)
In this episode of the Embodied Educator Podcast, Liz invites you on a transformative journey where learning thrives through collective experiences. Recounting a powerful night of musical healing in her Greek village, she illustrates how shared moments of presence, ritual, and resonance can weave a community together.
Discover how these principles apply to the classroom through an inspiring case study of Marcel, an educator who shifted from traditional teaching to fostering a vibrant, connected learning environment. Liz shares practical, heart-centered strategies – from communal breathing to storytelling – that turn classrooms into fertile soil for growth and connection.
Tune in to explore how embracing the collective can revolutionize your teaching and create a more embodied, alive, and responsive learning space.
00:00 Introduction to Embodied Education
01:09 A Story from the Greek Island
02:40 Music as Medicine
04:03 Embodiment in the Classroom
07:33 Case Study: Marcel's Transformation
12:02 Building a Collective Learning Space
16:23 Practical Tips for Educators
24:18 The Importance of Community in Education
27:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
🌍 www.theembodiededucator.nl | liz@theembodiededucator.nl
👀 Watch+subscribe via Youtube @TheEmbodiedEducator
📱LinkedIn: @Liz Wientjes
📱Instagram: @Liz Wientjes - The Embodied Educator
Make a Donation to help this podcast grow and spread more embodied wisdom into education around the world : )
The Embodied Educator Podcast 👩🏻🏫 is hosted by Liz Wientjes. She's been in higher education for over 15 years teaching Communication, assessing, guiding and coaching many international students. To broaden her classroom horizon, over the last three years Liz has also freelanced in Primary Education and high school where she's discovering new teaching qualities and challenges!
This podcast comes from the crossroad with her other passion❤️🔥 embodiment. As a Pilates teacher, a (Flamenco) dancer, young horseback rider and as bodyworker. This blend came to be The Embodied Educator. Brains don't learn. Humans learn. Humans with a nervous system, a heart, a pulse, sensations, and a natural push for aliveness. So why do we create so much learning spaces that don't feed/allow/acknowledge that aliveness? Not just for the body but for our whole being?!
That's what this free and made with love & care podcast is about. If you support our mission, a review, Likes+Stars+Shares and/or a donation help this podcast grow. Consider paying it forward, any way available for you. Thanks for being part of this Community of Care for Education.
- Peter Block
- Dr. Niki Elliott
- Dr. Lori Desauttels
In this solo episode, Liz explores the intimate relationship between silence and fire—in nature, in our bodies, and in the classroom. Drawing from her recent experience of wildfire on the Greek island of Chios, she reflects on how silence can both steady us in despair and ignite new ways of listening, sensing, and learning.
With stories, metaphors, and embodied insight, Liz weaves silence not as emptiness, but as presence—an opening for wisdom that may arrive in shapes, colors, or whispers beyond words. Fire becomes both teacher and mirror: showing us the intensity of transformation, the necessity of release, and the spark of our own deeper purpose.
You’ll also be guided through simple embodied practices for adults and children—such as a dialogue walk, a moment of co-regulation, and Hetty King’s child-inspired listening exercise—that bring these insights into daily life and the classroom.
This episode is an invitation to honor both hemispheres of the brain, to welcome the unspoken, and to remember that in silence, we belong to something larger.
🌍 www.theembodiededucator.nl | liz@theembodiededucator.nl
👀 Watch+subscribe via Youtube @TheEmbodiedEducator
📱LinkedIn: @Liz Wientjes
📱Instagram: @Liz Wientjes - The Embodied Educator
Donation: https://donate.stripe.com/eVq8wO6e10wEa25fHt2Nq06
The Embodied Educator Podcast 👩🏻🏫 is hosted by Liz Wientjes. She's been in higher education for over 15 years teaching Communication, assessing, guiding and coaching many international students. To broaden her classroom horizon, over the last three years Liz has also freelanced in Primary Education and high school where she's discovering new teaching qualities and challenges!
This podcast comes from the crossroad with her other passion❤️🔥 embodiment. As a Pilates teacher, a (Flamenco) dancer, young horseback rider and as bodyworker. This blend came to be The Embodied Educator. Brains don't learn. Humans learn. Humans with a nervous system, a heart, a pulse, sensations, and a natural push for aliveness. So why do we create so much learning spaces that don't feed/allow/ackwknowledge that aliveness? Not just for the body but for our whole being?!
That's what this free and made with love and care podcast is about. If you support our mission, a review, likes+starrs+shares and/or a donation help this podcast to grow. Consider paying it forward, any way available for you. Thanks for being part of this Community of Care for Education.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Some parts are written with help of AI - apologies if there's an inconsistency or inaccuracy - I create this podcast in my spare time and totally out of love for learning, teaching and paying it forward :-)
A Quick Centering Meditation for Reconnection ~ with Mark Walsh - Embodiment Unlimited
In this episode, Mark guides you through a short practice that blends centering and meditation techniques. This session focuses on reconnecting with your body, acknowledging your current state, and finding a deeper connection to others and nature. Whether you're feeling anxious, sad, or simply need to find balance, this practice offers simple steps to help you relax and refocus. Perfect for a quick reset during or to unwind after a busy teaching day before stepping into your house.
This clip is part of our larger episode #48 of The Embodied Educator Podcast.
In this episode, I sit down with Mark Walsh — embodiment teacher, 3rd generation educator, Aikido Blackbelt, recovering alcoholic and a psychology graduate and someone who’s not afraid to name what he sees, even when it’s uncomfortable.
While I don’t always agree with everything he says, I deeply appreciate the way he speaks up — and the patterns he brings into view around disregulation, leadership, and the shifting landscape of education over decades. This conversation is a rich and sometimes edgy exploration of what it means to teach from presence, with clarity and character.
We talk about:
// TIMESTAMP
00:00 Welcome to The Embodied Educator
1.14 Mark’s most impactful teachers,
3.31 What the *** is Embodiment?
5.21 What is learning? Is it dangerous enough :P
8.28 Loss of Virtues in Schools in the West over decades
12.04 How to directly take on a certain embodiment?
14.40 How to bring Character Formation into education?
17.17 Safe enough space to a dangerous enough space? And dysregulatory multicultural societies
24.07 Spirituality & Tetrachy model of disconnection
33:07 Gender Roles and Education39:07 Balancing Principles in Western Culture39:59 The Good, the True, and the Beautiful40:24 The Importance of Truth in Education41:51 The Role of Beauty in Education43:05 Addressing Bias and Embodiment in Teaching46:06 The Impact of Teacher's Embodiment on Students50:20 Navigating Uncomfortable Truths54:18 Centering and Meditation Practice58:26 Operational Language in Embodiment Teaching01:03:36 The Best Practice is the One You Love01:09:10 Final Thoughts and Resources54:18 Mark leads a Centering and Meditation Practice, in line with the 4 layers of centering he talks about: self, others, world, spirit
Mark Walsh has spent the last 20 years helping people get out of their heads and into their bodies—sometimes gracefully, sometimes not. He’s the author of The Body in Coaching and Training and Embodied Meditation, and hosts The Embodiment Podcast, which has over 3 million downloads. He also ran The Embodiment Conference, ambitiously featuring 1,000 teachers and half a million attendees, which happened to be the world’s largest Zoom event.
As the founder of Embodiment Unlimited, Mark has trained over 2,000 embodiment coaches across 40+ countries (some of which still let him back in). His latest project, Feral Philosophy, is a deeper, more unfiltered look at embodiment, free from the usual wellness clichés.
His work has taken him from an alcoholic to a psychology graduate; from war zones to boardrooms; from teaching yogis and coaches to working with police and military personnel. He also co-founded Sane Ukraine, now run by Ukrainian professionals to provide trauma and embodiment training for therapists, trainers, and coaches.
With a background in psychology, aikido (black belt), and various movement practices—including yoga, meditation, dance, bodywork, and improv comedy—Mark blends deep expertise with a refreshingly direct, down-to-earth style. He’s worked with companies like Google, Unilever, and Shell, though he’s much happier when he’s not wearing a suit.
He swears more than most coaches, dances worse than he thinks, and isn’t a fan of fluffy self-help talk—but he is passionate about helping people reconnect with themselves in a real, practical way.
📱Instagram: @warkmalsh
🤳🏻 LinkedIn: @Mark Walsh
The Embodiment Coaching Podcast https://embodimentunlimited.com/podcast/
FREE E-book: https://embodimentunlimited.com/coaching-top12-book/
Liz hosts a 3-Day At Home Retreat for International Educators; starting the academic year renewed and with new rituals for Sacred Rest to sustain your teaching throughout the year.
22-24 August; more info here
🌍 www.theembodiededucator.nl | liz@theembodiededucator.nl
👀 Watch+subscribe via Youtube @TheEmbodiedEducator
📱LinkedIn: @Liz Wientjes
📱Instagram: @Liz Wientjes - The Embodied Educator
Donation https://donate.stripe.com/eVq8wO6e10wEa25fHt2Nq06
The Embodied Educator Podcast 👩🏻🏫 is hosted by Liz Wientjes. She's been in higher education for over 15 years teaching Communication, assessing, guiding and coaching many international students. To broaden her classroom horizon, over the last three years Liz has also freelanced in Primary Education and high school where she's discovering new teaching qualities and challenges!
This podcast comes from the crossroad with her other passion❤️🔥 embodiment. As a Pilates teacher, a (Flamenco) dancer, young horseback rider and as bodyworker. This blend came to be The Embodied Educator. Brains don't learn. Humans learn. Humans with a nervous system, a heart, a pulse, sensations, and a natural push for aliveness. So why do we create so much learning spaces that don't feed/allow/ackwknowledge that aliveness? Not just for the body but for our whole being?!
That's what this free and made with love and care podcast is about. If you support our mission, a review, likes+starrs+shares and/or a donation help this podcast to grow. Consider paying it forward, any way available for you. Thanks for being part of this Community of Care for Education.
Paul Linden - being in movement
William Smith - Ren Shin Kan aikido
Mark talks about Japanese Budo - i believe this website might shine a light on what is the philosophy
BOOK: The Culture Map - Erin Meyer (A book I found very helpful in understanding cultures better - especially being with an israeli)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Some parts are written with help of AI - apologies if there's an inconsistency or inaccuracy - I create this podcast in my spare time and totally out of love for learning, teaching and paying it forward :-)
In deze aflevering van The Embodied Educator Podcast ga ik (liz Wientjes) in gesprek met Janneke ter Bille, expert op het gebied van het begrijpen, begeleiden en behouden van Generatie Z. Janneke werkt met jongeren die vastlopen in het onderwijs door stress, uitval of gedragsproblemen – maar wat zij keer op keer laat zien, is dat gedrag zelden het échte probleem is.
We hebben het over hoe je als docent of begeleider niet alleen grenzen stelt, maar ook nabijheid biedt. Hoe je als professional kunt aanwezig zijn – niet alleen met je hoofd, maar ook met je lichaam. Want jongeren voelen het haarfijn aan als je er niet écht bent.
We praten over:
Janneke deelt uit haar jarenlange ervaring in het speciaal onderwijs en als ambulant begeleider, maar ook als moeder van twee pubers, wat haar scherp houdt in haar werk. Ze neemt ons mee in haar missie om teams ruimte te geven om samen opnieuw vorm te geven aan onderwijs – niet via beleid, maar via aanwezigheid.
00:00 Welkom bij The Embodied Educator
00:55 Janneke's Achtergrond en Expertise
03:50 Persoonlijke Ervaringen en Invloeden uit speciaal onderwijs
06:30 Wat pubers je spiegelen over je eigen regulatie
10:43 Generatie Z, Stress en uitval: waarom gedrag nooit het probleem is
15:10 6 uur (zittend) leren is niet vanzelfsprekend, zorg voor bewustwording
19:31 Belang van Verbinding en Veiligheid in de Klas
22:02 Observeren en Aanpassen van Lesmethoden, micro-interventies
24:45 Nabijheid en Leiderschap bij Leerlingen 'Ze willen je best volgen, maar dan moet je wel iemand zijn'
30:15 Corona, pubers en collectieve ontregeling
35:45 Wat embodiment betekent in Janneke’s praktijk, en hoe het professionals kan helpen zachter, maar krachtiger te werken.
40:20 Zaadjes planten, vertrouwen in het proces, niet alles hoeven oplossen,
47:40 Belichaamde oefening om leerlingen beter te begrijpen
55:01 Practical Tips for Educators
58:09 Final Thoughts and Resources
Tune in op 47.40 om je te verplaatsen in de leerling en wat hij zij ervaart en nodig heeft. Een oefening die heel verhelderend kan zijn om het gedrag achter het gedrag op een belichaamde manier te onderzoeken.
Super nieuwsgierig zijn Janneke en Liz naar wat dit voor jou doet, en wellicht ook voor je studenten. Stuur ons een berichtje, of tag ons op LinkedIN / Instagram om te delen, daar leren andere onderwijzers ook weer van. Zo kunnen we samen een nieuwe Community of Practice creëren en normaliseren!!
Janneke ter Bille is de expert in Nederland als het gaat om het begrijpen, begeleiden en behouden van Generatie Z. Met een achtergrond in het speciaal onderwijs en jarenlange ervaring als ambulant begeleider, weet ze als geen ander wat er gebeurt als gedrag niet alleen wordt 'gezien', maar écht begrepen. Haar kracht? De vertaalslag maken van frustratie naar verbinding — in de klas, op de werkvloer én in het team.
Wat haar aanpak uniek maakt, is hoe ze pedagogiek, praktijk en persoonlijk leiderschap met elkaar verbindt. Geen theorieën om op te kauwen, maar concrete tools die direct voelbaar zijn in de praktijk. Ze spreekt de taal van de professional én die van de jongere. Dat maakt haar geliefd bij scholen, MBO-instellingen, jeugdzorgorganisaties en steeds vaker ook bedrijven die worstelen met het behouden van jonge medewerkers.
Janneke staat bekend om haar scherpe blik, haar zachte kracht en haar vermogen om teams in beweging te zetten — zonder oordeel, maar met betekenis. Ze laat zien dat gedragsproblemen zelden het échte probleem zijn. En dat je als docent, begeleider of leider pas echt verschil maakt als je durft te kijken naar wat eronder ligt.
Ze werkte eerder met tientallen scholen en instellingen in binnen- en buitengewoon onderwijs, en ontwikkelde programma's waarin leerkrachten, mentoren en leidinggevenden zelf weer regie voelen.
Wat Janneke drijft, is simpel: jongeren verdienen volwassen professionals die niet alleen grenzen stellen, maar ook nabijheid bieden. Die durven kiezen voor rust en relatie. En teams verdienen ruimte om dat samen vorm te geven.
Of ze nu op het podium staat, voor een groep mentoren spreekt of met een directeur de koers uitstippelt: Janneke beweegt licht, maar gaat diep. Ze is een spreker die niet komt opleggen, maar uitnodigt. Een trainer die niet met methodes strooit, maar met mensen werkt.
Haar motto: Onderwijs verandert niet door beleid. Het verandert doordat iemand het uitspreekt. En dat is precies wat zij doet.
📱LinkedIn: @Janneke Ter Bille
📱Instagram: @janneketerbille_pubercoach
3-Day Online At-Home Retreat: Release. Resource. Revive. 22 - 24 August 2025. Start the academic year refreshed guided by Sacred Rest. In english
👀 Kijk+volg via Youtube @TheEmbodiedEducator
📱LinkedIn: @Liz Wientjes
📱Instagram: @Liz Wientjes - The Embodied Educator
Onze lichamen zijn ons thuis vanaf geboorte tot we van deze aarde vertrekken, laten we daar beter samen voor zorgen. En dat begint door ons lichaam serieus te nemen en te leren luisteren hoe het spreekt, waar mooier dan in het onderwijs deze kunst van ervaring te leren om zo voller het leven te leren navigeren, want dan wordt werken, liefde, vriendschap en het leven rijker. Dit verdient toch iedereen?”
DELEN IS LIEF
The Embodied Educator wordt gehost door Liz Wientjes. ze staat altijd open voor ideeen, tips, vragen, suggesties en alle belichaamde experiementen van onderwijzers binnen en buiten hun klaslokaal. Toffe ervaring? Deel het met Liz, en wie weet kunnen jullie er een aflevering over maken!
Some parts are written with help of AI - apologies if there's an inconsistency or inaccuracy - I create this podcast in my spare time and totally out of love for learning, teaching and paying it forward :-) https://donate.stripe.com/eVq8wO6e10wEa25fHt2Nq06
Come and join us for a lively conversation with a gentle and sharp curiosity for embodying care. Care for the younger ones in our education systems, to guide their development through a more sustainable lense where everyone is whole. Where our senses, experiences, questions, curiosities - educators as well as young learners - matter. Where they are seen, heard, allowed to BE, without a counter advice, a counter narrative a counter performance.
Hetty King - Dancer, performer, educator, mom, wife, choreographer, New Yorker, cat and turtle owner and embodied educator - makes it an art to live the question. And it's her personal motto to help children "be personally literate". not only living but researching the question of: '
Tune in and explore:
// TIMESTAMP
00:00 Welcome to The Embodied Educator
00:17 Hetty King's Impressive Background
05:08 Influential Teachers in Hetty's work & Life
09:38 The journey from performer to teacher/educator
14:28 The Art of Living The Question - answers necessary?
17:30 Finishing Nancy Topf's Manuscript
30:17 Movement Adventures in the Classroom
38:46 Being intentional with language
42:42 Navigating Classroom Dynamics (private vs public)
43:16 Ethnographic Embodied Data collection
// EMBODY MOMENT @58 minutes
I love how Hetty brings in a different voice, view and vocation to teaching embodiment with children! Her embodied practice is about guiding the little ones into relaxation, an dproviding them with an opportunity to not hear someone else's voice. Tune in @ minute 58.
If you teach young ones, and feel like experimenting gently in your classroom, we would love to hear how it went! Feel free to reach out and share your and your studens process and insights.
// BIO
Hetty King, is a native New Yorker. holds a collection of titles ; from BFA, MFA, MA, CMA, RSDE®, RYT200, TT®. She has been a part of the New York City dance and performance world as a performer, choreographer, dance educator, writer, and scholar since graduating from The High School of Performing Arts in 1985. She is ABD (all but dissertation) in the Ed.D. Dance Education Program at Teachers College, Columbia University, where her research focuses on the possibilities of somatic pedagogy for early childhood dance education.
Ms. King’s choreography has been presented in New York City and across Canada. As a dancer, she worked in the companies of Ralph Lemon, Marta Renzi, Victoria Marks, Bill Young, and David Dorfman. She also performed with a variety of magical dancers like Allyson Green to Irene Stamou, and Lin Snelling.
Hetty has been in the field of dance education since 2000, she has served a wide range of populations from in-school, after-school programs for humans of all ages from preschool to senior citizens. She has developed and taught PreK-5 dance programs that focus on the creative process in both public and private schools.
For her impactful work Hetty received the Saul Birns award, complete tuition remission at NYU’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the Jacob K. Javits Fellowship in the Arts and Humanities, three Jerome Foundation Commission Grants for choreography, and a US/Mexico Fund for Culture Grant from the Rockefeller Foundation, Arnhold Foundation grant. Hetty has presented numerous times at NDEO’s National Conferences, internationally at DaCi (Dance and the Child International), and at the Toronto Children’s Theatre. She is a contributor to Dance Education in Practice and Contact Quarterly Unbound and has reviewed books for JoDe and The Journal of Somatic Dance.
As a student of the late somatic movement pioneer, Nancy Topf, Hetty nurtured a love of the somatic arts as they relate to dance, embodiment, and the education of the whole child. Hetty was certified by Nancy and completed her posthumous manuscript in June of 2022.
Hetty was the Program Director for the Dance Makers in the Schools program at Movement Research, one of the world’s leading laboratories for the investigation of dance and movement-based forms. Currently, she is the full-time dance educator for grades 3K-2nd at Public School 145 K, the Magnet School for Leadership Through Engineering in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Hetty lives in Brooklyn with her husband, a theatre technician at the Metropolitan Opera, their two adopted daughters, their cat, Clyde, and their frog, Snowball.
// IN CONTACT WITH HETTY
🤳🏻 Linked In: @Hetty King
// THE EMBODIED EDUCATOR
🌍 www.theembodiededucator.nl | liz@theembodiededucator.nl
👀 Watch+subscribe via Youtube @TheEmbodiedEducator
📱LinkedIn: @Liz Wientjes
📱Instagram: @Liz Wientjes - The Embodied Educator
We love to hear how these conversations move you and your educational practice! Hwo do you integrate embodiment into your learning / classroom / school? It's awesome to see what's inspiring you and leading to more embodiment in education.
The Embodied Educator Podcast 👩🏻🏫 is hosted by Liz Wientjes. If you have quetions or suggestions for guests or topics please don't be shy, drop a message. Hearing your ideas/experiments/questions/doubts/moves/stars rocks my world ❤️🔥
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Some parts are written with help of AI - apologies if there's an inconsistency or inaccuracy - I create this podcast in my spare time and totally out of love for learning, teaching and paying it forward :-)
In this video, Hetty shares some of her unique relaxation techniques used with children in her classroom. Moving beyond guided meditations, an integral part of the practice includes encouraging children to lie down quietly, focusing on their breath and heartbeat.
Her approach is so kind, playful and supportive, come and join us to see how you can start with gentle opening or closing rituals to awaken aliveness in your classroom with the little little ones.
Hetty shares that the results have been positive, showcasing the importance of creating a supportive environment for children's emotional well-being.
This practice is part of our larger conversation #46 on The Embodied Educator Podcast.
// DESCRIPTION
Empowering Students Through Reflection and Belief
In this enriching episode of the Embodied Educator Podcast, I get to talk to Dr. Zaneta Brown Ingles, an accomplished educator passionate about transformative education. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Zaneta shares her journey, the importance of embodying hope, love, and humor in teaching, and the impact of reflective journaling. All supported with such real life and real school examples; from tests stress to feedback culture to od's from vaping.
It's a raw, real and beautiful conversation about what's going on in classrooms, particularly in the US, and what dilemma's educators are facing on a daily basis. We talk about bottom up approaches from an embodied perspective. But Zaneta also brings in strategies for creating safe, inclusive learning environments with insightful practices such as using Claim, Evidence, Reasoning (CER) frameworks and feedback rituals especially related to writing and language difficulties.
Most of all I was touched by her great great great faith - Zaneta embodies the power of believing in students' potential! --> the importance of teacher-student relationships in fostering a collaborative and supportive classroom culture.
00:00 Welcome to The Embodied Educator
01:40 Guest Background and Achievements
04:06 Early Inspirations in Education
06:09 Impact of Early Teachers
09:15 Challenges in Modern Education
12:08 Testing and Classroom Management
13:54 Strategies for Student Engagement
25:30 School-Wide Writing Initiatives
36:24 Student Interests and Reading
41:06 Current Issues in Schools
43:22 Building Relationships with Students
44:33 Creating a Culture of Feedback
45:28 The Importance of Test Scores
48:19 Addressing Student Needs
53:49 Reflective Journaling for Educators
01:07:55 Parental Involvement and Support
01:20:31 Final Reflections and Beliefs
Well I must say, it turned out to be a rather extensive rich conversations, I love for you to take some movement breaks and follow your rythm of listening!
Having said that, tune in @53 For some background and prompts for reflective journalling. And... Zaneta actually showcases how reflective journalling helpes her steer a resent situation into a new direction - better for the student and for her as educator!
// BIO
Dr. Zaneta Brown Ingles is an educator and serial entrepreneur on a quest to improve the world by connecting with other beautiful souls who also wish to shake up the landscape and create a more level playing field. She holds an Ed.D. in Higher Education, a Master's degree in Arts and Teaching, and a Bachelor's degree in English with a concentration in Writing for Television. She has had the pleasure of working in education for over 20 years as a supervisor, consultant, and teacher, positively impacting the lives of thousands of students.
🤳🏻 through email: zbrowningles @ gmail dot com
👀 Watch+subscribe via Youtube @TheEmbodiedEducator
📱LinkedIn: @Liz Wientjes
📱Instagram: @Liz Wientjes - The Embodied Educator
The Embodied Educator Podcast 👩🏻🏫 is hosted by Liz Wientjes. I am curious how your bodies intelligence is inpired by our conversations, and even more so how it inspires your teachings and learnings? Don't be shy, contact me any way you feel comfortable to share anything you like regarding your embodied practice inside or outside your classroom. Hearing your ideas/experiments/questions/doubts/moves/stars rocks my world ❤️🔥
Jus One Academy - 🌍 https://www.jusoneacademy.org/
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Some parts are written with help of AI - apologies if there's an inconsistency or inaccuracy - I create this podcast in my spare time and totally out of love for learning, teaching and paying it forward :-)
Corinne Castelli has a diploma in acting and several years of professional stage experience in Italy.
She is a Somatic Therapist and Somatic Experinencing Practitioner specialized on the topic of the „Voice as a doorway to regulate the nervous system“ and the „Voice as a doorway to integrate develpmental trauma“. She also holds a B.A in Early Childhood Education.
As the founder of Vocal Somatic Regulation, Corinne offers a unique polyvagal informed Voice Approach that helps people to feel more safe and connected through the process of freeing their unique voice.
Based in Switzerland, she works in private practice with clients both online and in person. She also teaches therapists and somatic practitioners who want to deepen their understanding of vocal development and nervous system regulation.
📱 Instagram: @corinne_castelli_voice_somatic
🤳🏻 Facebook: @Corinne Castelli
Youtube: @voice.somatic.regulation
28th of April The Embodied Educator Summit will broadcast. 2 weeks of daily inspiring, thought-provoking and body leading educators who will rock your boat. Are you ready to dive a little deeper into the wisdom of bio-intelligence, when it comes to learning and teaching?
Join us: register here
👀 Watch+subscribe via Youtube @TheEmbodiedEducator
📱LinkedIn: @Liz Wientjes
📱Instagram: @Liz Wientjes - The Embodied Educator
The Embodied Educator Podcast 👩🏻🏫 is hosted by Liz Wientjes. I am curious how your bodies intelligence is inpired by our conversations, and even more so how it inspires your teachings and learnings? Don't be shy, contact me any way you feel comfortable to share anything you like regarding your embodied practice inside or outside your classroom. Hearing your ideas/experiments/questions/doubts/moves/stars rocks my world ❤️🔥
Gisela Rohmert - The lichtenberger Institue
Polyvagal Theory - Polyvagal institue of Stephen Porges
Somatic Experiencing - Peter Levine
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Some parts are written with help of AI - appologies if theres an inconsistency or inaccuracy - I create this podcast totally out of love for learning, teaching and paying it forward :)
Changing the game of education from the 'Little Littles' to University to Lifelong learners!
Come on over to listen and learn:
* Why Regulation is NECESSARY to set up your Conscious Classroom
* How SOMATIC EXPERIENCING can propel the collective learning impact if guided with integrity
* What it is to Teach with INTEGRITY on an Embodied Level
* We can Start Super Small; World Changing Power of MIRCO INTERACTIONS in Education
* The Magic of INVITATIONS Combined With Responsibility
* Big Lessons from the Little Littles and Their Grief Creatures
* Examples of Embodied Tools for Emotional Regulation with Kids
This is such a nourishing conversation on how to create a transformational learning container where there's space for the relational aspect to learning next to the individual layer of learning. These two SUPER SOMANAUTS take us to the heart of learning, and it's like a Somatic Symphony where they bring together Education + Embodiment + Power of Play and Presence.
I am so moved by there impact on their students, from the Little Littles where Emmanuela guides 3-8 year olds from Grief to Growth. And Cacky who opens the hearts, and power of her
And together these two form a powerfull Team that Change the Game of Teaching!
00.00 Welcome back to the conversation with Cacky and Emmanuela
00:25 Recognizing Embodied Markers of Responsibility
01:42 The Importance of Collective Responsibility in Learning
03:25 Personal Experiences and Reflections on Teaching
06:55 Breathing Exercises and Classroom Dynamics
08:59 Working with Different Age Groups in Somatic Practices
19:54 Grief Creatures: A Therapeutic Approach for Children
25:00 Visual images of the Grief Creatures
27:45 Holding "Both And" Grief & Laughter
28.34 Importance of Group Guidelines: "Safe Bodies"
31.31 Embodied Invitations have Inclusive Potential and Profound Impact
34:47 "Learning gets to be relational"
PART 1 Tune in Cacky will guide us into the Space and Awaken Our Senses to Connect to Our Own Space as well as the Collective Learning Space.
// BIO'S
Emmanuela Feliciano Carrascal is an international student from Bogotá, Colombia, pursuing a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health and Counseling with a specialization in Expressive Arts Therapy at Lesley University. She is deeply passionate about the mindbody connection and views somatic healing as an essential pathway to emotional transformation. Committed to honoring the wisdom of the body, she is actively working toward certification as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, integrating movement, breath, and creative expression into her therapeutic practice.
As a dedicated volunteer with The Children’s Room, she supports bereaved children and teens process their grief through creative expression and body-centered healing, believing in the body's innate ability to release trauma and restore balance. With an unwavering commitment to grief work and holistic healing, she envisions weaving together expressive arts, somatics, and cultural traditions to bring deep, transformative healing to the communities she serves.
Dr. Cacky Mellor, Ph.D., MSMT/E, SEP is Visiting Assistant Professor at Lesley University’s Mental Health & Wellbeing department and has a remote somatic private practice, Somatic Reclamation, working with individuals around the world. In undergrad, Dr. Cacky studied art therapy and holistic psychology at Lesley University, where her passion for somatics began to grow. After which she received her Masters of Education in art-based activism and social entrepreneurship. She earned her Ph.D. in Depth Psychology with an emphasis in Somatic Studies at Pacifica Graduate Institute. Dr. Cacky was awarded the Peter A. Levine Research Award in Dissertation Leadership by Somatic Experiencing International in 2022 for her dissertation, “Somatic Reclamation: Exploring the Lived Experience of Words”. Drawing from extensive training in Somatic Experiencing, Somatic Movement Therapy & Education, and Dynamic Attachment Repatterning, Dr. Cacky has cultivated a robust somatic pedagogy to support students in cultivating inspired, relational, and transformational learning communities.
👀 Watch+subscribe via Youtube @TheEmbodiedEducator
📱LinkedIn: @Liz Wientjes
📱Instagram: @Liz Wientjes - The Embodied Educator
The Embodied Educator Podcast 👩🏻🏫 is hosted by Liz Wientjes. I am curious how body wisdom lands with you! Don't be shy, contact me any way you feel comfortable to share anything you like regarding your embodied practice inside or outside your classroom. Hearing your ideas/experiments/questions/doubts/moves rocks my world ❤️🔥
💌 Email: somaticreclamation @ gmail.com
📱 Instagram: @somaticreclamation
🤳🏻 LinkedIn: @Cacky Mellor
💌 Email: efmanu01 @ gmail.com
🤳🏻 LinkedIn: @Emmanuela Feliciano Carrascal
// RESOURCES
Changing the game of education from the 'Little Littles' to University to Lifelong learners!
Come on over to listen and learn:
* Why Regulation is NECESSARY to set up your Conscious Classroom
* How SOMATIC EXPERIENCING can propel the collective learning impact if guided with integrity
* What it is to Teach with INTEGRITY on an Embodied Level
* We can Start Super Small; World Changing Power of MIRCO INTERACTIONS in Education
* The Magic of INVITATIONS Combined With Responsibility
* Big Lessons from the Little Littles and Their Grief Creatures
* Examples of Embodied Tools for Emotional Regulation with Kids
This is such a nourishing conversation on how to create a transformational learning container where there's space for the relational aspect to learning next to the individual layer of learning. These two SUPER SOMANAUTS take us to the heart of learning, and it's like a Somatic Symphony where they bring together Education + Embodiment + Power of Play and Presence.
I am so moved by there impact on their students, from the Little Littles where Emmanuela guides 3-8 year olds from Grief to Growth. And Cacky who opens the hearts, and power of her
And together these two form a powerfull Team that Change the Game of Teaching!
00.00 Welcome to The Embodied Educator Podcast
00.25 Introducing Cacky And Emmanuela
03.37 Welcoming Cacky and Emmanuela into the conversation
05.03 The Importance of Teachers who Really See You; Like
Miss Melville
08.11 Emmanuella’s Montessori Journey
11.44 Somatic Experiencing Explained & What it Brings
19.54 An Experiential INVITATION To Arrive In The Room
27.22 The Gift of Receiving - we as Educators are often Natural Givers / Allowing Yourself Effortless Moments
32.16 HE Psychology Students and Somatic Experiencing
34.35 Practical steps For Setting Up the Space and Encountering resistance
39.42 How to Repair after Rupture in the Group
42.07 Embodied Self Care for Educators to Hold the Container
PART 1 Tune in Cacky will guide us into the Space and Awaken Our Senses to Connect to Our Own Space as well as the Collective Learning Space.
What would it be like to receive 1% more support?
Emmanuela Feliciano Carrascal is an international student from Bogotá, Colombia, pursuing a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health and Counseling with a specialization in Expressive Arts Therapy at Lesley University. She is deeply passionate about the mindbody connection and views somatic healing as an essential pathway to emotional transformation. Committed to honoring the wisdom of the body, she is actively working toward certification as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, integrating movement, breath, and creative expression into her therapeutic practice.
As a dedicated volunteer with The Children’s Room, she supports bereaved children and teens process their grief through creative expression and body-centered healing, believing in the body's innate ability to release trauma and restore balance. With an unwavering commitment to grief work and holistic healing, she envisions weaving together expressive arts, somatics, and cultural traditions to bring deep, transformative healing to the communities she serves.
Dr. Cacky Mellor, Ph.D., MSMT/E, SEP is Visiting Assistant Professor at Lesley University’s Mental Health & Wellbeing department and has a remote somatic private practice, Somatic Reclamation, working with individuals around the world. In undergrad, Dr. Cacky studied art therapy and holistic psychology at Lesley University, where her passion for somatics began to grow. After which she received her Masters of Education in art-based activism and social entrepreneurship. She earned her Ph.D. in Depth Psychology with an emphasis in Somatic Studies at Pacifica Graduate Institute. Dr. Cacky was awarded the Peter A. Levine Research Award in Dissertation Leadership by Somatic Experiencing International in 2022 for her dissertation, “Somatic Reclamation: Exploring the Lived Experience of Words”. Drawing from extensive training in Somatic Experiencing, Somatic Movement Therapy & Education, and Dynamic Attachment Repatterning, Dr. Cacky has cultivated a robust somatic pedagogy to support students in cultivating inspired, relational, and transformational learning communities.
👀 Watch+subscribe via Youtube @TheEmbodiedEducator
📱LinkedIn: @Liz Wientjes
📱Instagram: @Liz Wientjes - The Embodied Educator
The Embodied Educator Podcast 👩🏻🏫 is hosted by Liz Wientjes. I am curious how body wisdom lands with you! Don't be shy, contact me any way you feel comfortable to share anything you like regarding your embodied practice inside or outside your classroom. Hearing your ideas/experiments/questions/doubts/moves rocks my world ❤️🔥
💌 Email: somaticreclamation @ gmail.com
🌍 Her website: www.somaticreclamation.com
📱 Instagram: @somaticreclamation https://www.instagram.com/somaticreclamation/
🤳🏻 LinkedIn: @Cacky Mellor https://www.linkedin.com/in/cacky-mellor
💌 Email: efmanu01 @ gmail.com
🤳🏻 LinkedIn: @Emmanuela Feliciano Carrascal www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuela-feliciano-carrascal-633a48249
// RESOURCES
Breathing Resources for working with children:
Thijs hoopt dat je niet in slaap valt van ons ietwat filosofische gesprek, en Menno kan nog wel 3 uur doorkletsen nadat we er al 1,5 uur op hadden zitten ;)
In deze aflevering van The Embodied Educator ga ik in gesprek met Menno en Thijs. Beiden zijn onderzoeker en filosofiedocenten zij delen hun inzichten over hoe belichaming en omgevingsfactoren het leerproces beïnvloeden. Ze verkennen hoe zowel fysieke aanwezigheid als emotionele betrokkenheid in de klas essentieel zijn voor effectief leren. Ik probeer met ze uit te pluizen welke onderdelen de leeromgeving kan bevatten, dat was echter niet een interessante vraag ;)
In ieder geval richt het gesprek zich ook op hoe de leeromgeving, zoals de inrichting van een klaslokaal en de tijdsdruk bij opdrachten, het gedrag en de leerervaring van studenten kunnen beïnvloeden. Daarnaast bespreken ze de integratie van affectiviteit en lichamelijkheid in leerprocessen en het belang van situationele intelligentie bij docenten.
Lesgeven is een 100% belichaamde activiteit - Jeeeej :P
Menno van Calcar
Menno van Calcar geeft al enkele decennia les in het vo, van lwoo tot en met gymnasium, maar heeft vooral veel uren gemaakt als docent filosofie. Daarnaast zit hij in de laatste fase van een PhD-traject, waarin hij onderzoek doet naar embodied cognition, vooral toegespitst op leerprocessen.
Thijs Heijmeskamp
Thijs Heijmeskamp is postdoctoraal onderzoeker filosofie op het gebied van transdisciplinair onderwijs aan de TU Delft en postdoctoraal onderzoeker normativiteit van veerkracht aan de Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam. Zijn onderzoeksinteresse gaat uit naar hoe iemands handelingsvermogen wordt gevormd door zijn belichaming en ecologische relaties, waaronder materiële, sociale en culturele relaties. Zijn onderzoek richt zich op het inbrengen van (geleefde) ervaringen in het onderzoek. Hij werkt op het gebied van onderwijs, cognitieve wetenschappen en filosofie, (meta)ethiek, handelingsfilosofie, ecologische psychologie, fenomenologie en pragmatisme.
// CONTACT MET LIZ
👀 Kijk+volg via Youtube @TheEmbodiedEducator
📱LinkedIn: @Liz Wientjes
📱Instagram: @The_Embodied_Educator
The Embodied Educator Podcast 👩🏻🏫 wordt gehost door Liz Wientjes.
En ik ben nieuwsgierig hoe lichaamswijsheid bij jou landt in je klaslokaal, aan de keukentafel of in de kantoorjungle. Vragen? Tips voor vragen of gasten? Kwesties met het onderzoeken van lichaamswijsheid? Proeftuinen? Super tof om van je te horen.
En als je nieuwsgierig bent naar wat embodiment voor jou en je lespraktijk kan betekenen en brengen? Neem vrijblijvend contact op voor een persoonlijk gesprek. ❤️🔥
// CONTACT MET MENNO VAN CALCAR
📱LinkedIn: @Menno van Calcar
📱LinkedIn: @Thijs Heijmeskamp
Heijmeskamp, T. (2024) - “Grasping the Situation: analyzing how situational dynamics shape agency” Front. Psychol., 23 July 2024, Sec. Cognition. Volume 15 - 2024 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1392995
Heijmeskamp, T. (2022). Denken uit gewoonten: Een belichaamd perspectief. Algemeen Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Wijsbegeerte, 114(3), 298-316. https://doi.org/10.5117/ANTW2022.3.006.HEIJ
Van Calcar, M. (2023). A Plea for Wild Philosophy: How Thinking about Online Philosophy Teaching Shows that Doing Philosophy Well Is Like Being an Elephant in the Jungle. Teaching Philosophy, 46(3), 341-366. https://doi.org/10.5840/teachphil2023719182
Van Calcar, M. (2023). Teaching Argumentative Skills with LEGO: Building a case for an embodied and enactive approach. Metodo, 11(1), 163-196. https://doi.org/10.19079/metodo.11.1.163
Thijs hoopt dat je niet in slaap valt van ons ietwat filosofische gesprek, en Menno kan nog wel 3 uur doorkletsen nadat we er al 1,5 uur op hadden zitten ;)
In deze aflevering van The Embodied Educator ga ik in gesprek met Menno en Thijs. Beiden zijn onderzoeker en filosofiedocenten zij delen hun inzichten over hoe belichaming en omgevingsfactoren het leerproces beïnvloeden. Ze verkennen hoe zowel fysieke aanwezigheid als emotionele betrokkenheid in de klas essentieel zijn voor effectief leren. Ik probeer met ze uit te pluizen welke onderdelen de leeromgeving kan bevatten, dat was echter niet een interessante vraag ;)
In ieder geval richt het gesprek zich ook op hoe de leeromgeving, zoals de inrichting van een klaslokaal en de tijdsdruk bij opdrachten, het gedrag en de leerervaring van studenten kunnen beïnvloeden. Daarnaast bespreken ze de integratie van affectiviteit en lichamelijkheid in leerprocessen en het belang van situationele intelligentie bij docenten.
Lesgeven is een 100% belichaamde activiteit - Jeeeej :P
Menno van Calcar
Menno van Calcar geeft al enkele decennia les in het vo, van lwoo tot en met gymnasium, maar heeft vooral veel uren gemaakt als docent filosofie. Daarnaast zit hij in de laatste fase van een PhD-traject, waarin hij onderzoek doet naar embodied cognition, vooral toegespitst op leerprocessen.
Thijs Heijmeskamp
Thijs Heijmeskamp is postdoctoraal onderzoeker filosofie op het gebied van transdisciplinair onderwijs aan de TU Delft en postdoctoraal onderzoeker normativiteit van veerkracht aan de Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam. Zijn onderzoeksinteresse gaat uit naar hoe iemands handelingsvermogen wordt gevormd door zijn belichaming en ecologische relaties, waaronder materiële, sociale en culturele relaties. Zijn onderzoek richt zich op het inbrengen van (geleefde) ervaringen in het onderzoek. Hij werkt op het gebied van onderwijs, cognitieve wetenschappen en filosofie, (meta)ethiek, handelingsfilosofie, ecologische psychologie, fenomenologie en pragmatisme.
👀 Kijk+volg via Youtube @TheEmbodiedEducator
📱LinkedIn: @Liz Wientjes
📱Instagram: @The_Embodied_Educator
The Embodied Educator Podcast 👩🏻🏫 wordt gehost door Liz Wientjes.
En ik ben nieuwsgierig hoe lichaamswijsheid bij jou landt in je klaslokaal, aan de keukentafel of in de kantoorjungle. Vragen? Tips voor vragen of gasten? Kwesties met het onderzoeken van lichaamswijsheid? Proeftuinen? Super tof om van je te horen.
En als je nieuwsgierig bent naar wat embodiment voor jou en je lespraktijk kan betekenen en brengen? Neem vrijblijvend contact op voor een persoonlijk gesprek. ❤️🔥
// CONTACT MET MENNO VAN CALCAR
📱LinkedIn: @Menno van Calcar
📱LinkedIn: @Thijs Heijmeskamp
Heijmeskamp, T. (2024) - “Grasping the Situation: analyzing how situational dynamics shape agency” Front. Psychol., 23 July 2024, Sec. Cognition. Volume 15 - 2024 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1392995
Heijmeskamp, T. (2022). Denken uit gewoonten: Een belichaamd perspectief. Algemeen Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Wijsbegeerte, 114(3), 298-316. https://doi.org/10.5117/ANTW2022.3.006.HEIJ
Van Calcar, M. (2023). A Plea for Wild Philosophy: How Thinking about Online Philosophy Teaching Shows that Doing Philosophy Well Is Like Being an Elephant in the Jungle. Teaching Philosophy, 46(3), 341-366. https://doi.org/10.5840/teachphil2023719182
Van Calcar, M. (2023). Teaching Argumentative Skills with LEGO: Building a case for an embodied and enactive approach. Metodo, 11(1), 163-196. https://doi.org/10.19079/metodo.11.1.163