#57 BEFORE THE SOUND: How Embodied Listening Shapes Story, Song and Teaching. With Mickey Wynne /// DESCRIPTION In this episode of the Embodied Educator Podcast, host Liz speaks with Mickey Wynne, a musician, producer, educator, and songwriter. They delve into Mickey's unique creative process, emphasizing the importance of listening and the power of storytelling in music. Mickey shares his journey from growing up in a musical family to becoming a sought-after guitarist and educator. They discuss his latest book, 'The 14 Day Songwriter,' which breaks down the songwriting process into manageable steps, encouraging people to explore their creativity. The episode also touches on the significance of relaxation, patience, and the impact of musical frequencies on our well-being. Liz and Mickey wrap up with a practical exercise inspired by whirling dervishes to demonstrate the connection between movement and grounding. This conversation underscores the role of music in allowing personal stories to be told and heard, fostering creativity, and being of service to others. /// TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Mickey Wynne and our conversation 04:19 The Power of Service in Music 08:03 Early Musical Influences 16:41 Challenges and Triumphs in Music 25:43 The 14-Day Songwriter 36:28 Introduction to Mick Three: Fierce Love 38:09 The Organic Songwriting Process 41:19 Creativity and Inspiration 46:38 The Power of Frequencies in Music 49:26 Practical Applications of Frequencies 56:41 Mindfulness and Relaxation in Music 59:38 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions /// CONTACT MICKEY 🌍 www.mick.world 🌍 https://mick.bandcamp.com/music 📱Facebook 📱Instagram: @mick.world 🤳🏻 LinkedIn: @Mickey Wynne Spotify and Apple Music: The World of Mick www.harmonia.top www.soundcloud.com/harmoniaproductions www.soundcloud.com/mickeywynne // CONTACT 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 // RESOURCES  Casey Kasem - "keep your feet on the ground, and keep reaching for the stars" Tom Petty - Songwriter, singer and band leader Piet Hein - Grooks Nikola Tesla - Serbian American inventor and engineer who discovered and patented the rotating magnetic field, the basis of most alternating-current machinery. He also developed the three-phase system of electric power transmission

#56-2 DE KUNST VAN VERZAMELEN: kleine gebaren als toegangspoort tot creativiteit. Met Daniella Hefter "Het Lichaam Weet: hoe ‘volg je handen’ een pedagogisch kompas wordt" // BESCHRIJVING In deze aflevering ontmoet ik beeldend kunstenaar en educator Daniela Hefter. Samen onderzoeken we wat er gebeurt wanneer je niet je hoofd volgt… maar je handen. We verkennen hoe creativiteit ontstaat in het lichaam, in plaats van in de fantasie. Hoe inspiratie iets is dat je verzamelt - laag voor laag, beweging voor beweging - door aandacht, aanraking, ritme en aanwezigheid. We bespreken hoe creativiteit niet zweeft, maar juist landt. In je vingers. In je adem. In de zoektocht en relatie tussen jou en het materiaal. En hoe je dat als docent of begeleider kunt aanwakkeren bij kinderen, jongeren en volwassenen. Waarbij we ook de harde realiteit aanstippen van de schuring in het onderwijs rondom creativiteitsprocessen, niet om met een vinger te wijzen, maar om ruimte te creëren voor nieuwe gesprekken. Ruimte voor onderzoek naar hoe het ook anders en beter kan. Verder hoor je in dit gesprek meer over: ✨ Waarom “volg je handen” een verrassend pedagogisch kompas is ✨ Creativiteit voorbij fantasie — hoe inspiratie écht ontstaat ✨ De kracht van vertragen, voelen en verzamelen ✨ Hoe materialen (klei, houtskool, kleur) de creatieve stroom openen ✨ Waarom embodiment het fundament is van creatief vertrouwen ✨ De innerlijke studio: een plek waar leren weer spel wordt ✨ Hoe je als docent creatieve veiligheid én vrijheid belichaamt Daniela laat zien dat creativiteit geen talent of doel is — maar een manier van aanwezig zijn in je lichaam. Een manier van luisteren en leven, om je bibliotheek aan ervaringen te vullen, voeden en koesteren! // TIMESTAMP  00:00 Welkom bij The Embodied Educator 00:26 – De essentie van speelsheid en creativiteit & verzamelen 03:22 – De mythe van spontane creativiteit 05:01 – Perfectionisme en discipline binnen creativiteit 07:44 – De rol van het lichaam in het creatieve proces 11:33 – Materialiteit en groepsdynamiek 19:38 – Het belang van stilte in het creatieve proces 23:24 – De verslavende aantrekkingskracht van flow 26:10 – Chaos benutten in creatie 28:19 – Hoe materiaal het creatieve proces vormt 35:53 – Creativiteit voorbij de beeldende kunst 38:09 – Creativiteit stimuleren in het onderwijs 42:51 – Toekomstige projecten en workshops 44:57 – Slotgedachten en een bemoedigende afsluiting // BIO Daniella is opgegroeid in Budapest, Hongarije in een familie van kunstenaars. Hierdoor heeft zij de vanzelfsprekendheid en gemak van het maken op jonge leeftijd leren kennen en vertrouwen. Na een studie in de kunsten rolde ze het onderwijs in, waar zij zich meteen heel erg thuis voelde. Jongeren en later jongvolwassenen het gevoel geven dat ze gezien en veilig zijn en ze te ondersteunen in de persoonlijke groei, heeft zij in de creatieve en artistieke lessen gedaan.  De interesse en liefde voor de authenticiteit en talenontwikkeling van de individu hebben geleid tot het verder professionaliseren naast haar praktijk als kunstenaar. De wereld van educatie en beeldend kunstenaar combineert Daniella tot de dag van vandaag. In haar visuele werk onderzoekt ze visueel de concepten van het tijd, ruimte en energie. Ze maakt veel kunstwerken in opdracht, waarbij ze een uniek beeld creëert in afstemming voor deze persoon. Daniella is in alle educatieve programma’s die ze ontwikkelt en aanbiedt, gericht op het aanmoedigen en inzicht verschaffen van het vinden van eigenaarschap over de eigen talenten en processen en het kennen het eigen creatieve proces. Daniella gelooft dat iedereen toegang heeft tot de eigen creatieve vermogen, welke in directe verbinding staat met jouw unieke kwaliteiten, waarden en talenten. Wanneer je jouw eigen taal en proces om jouw innerlijke (en fysieke) wijsheid aan te spreken kent, heb je altijd toegang tot creatiekracht. En deze creatieve staat, voelt als het ervaren van vrijheid, vreugde en vernieuwing. Daar wil je zijn! Daniella biedt coaching, workshops en meerdaagse retreats aan, waarbij het onderzoeken en ontdekken van het intuïtieve en creatieve domein centraal staan. Het doel is bewustwording, vrijmaken van energie en verhalen wat niet meer dient en het bevrijden van de creatiekracht die in ons allemaal leeft. // IN CONTACT MET DANIELLA 🌍 www.magnoliacoaching.net 🌍 www.thefoxismine.com 📱Instagram: @magnolia coaching rotterdam 📱Instagram: @TheFoxIsMine // EVENEMENTEN Sta jij altijd aan, en fluistert jouw lichaam al een tijdje signalen: vermoeidheid, spanning, slapeloosheid? Of schitter jij dikwijls voor al die anderen én koester je het verlangen om écht tijd vrij te maken voor jouw eigen groei, verlangens en waarden (zowel binnen als buiten jouw rol als onderwijsprofessional) ? Trakteer jezelf op 6-Daags Lente Retreat op Samos: 8 - 13 MEI 2026 THUISKOMEN IN JE LICHAAM - GROEIEN IN JE VAK EN JE LEVEN Ervaar wanneer iets écht klopt voor jou, in plaats van omdat het hoort. Voorbij resultaat of erkenning. Leer vertragen en luisteren naar subtielere signalen en ernaar durven handelen in je werk en leven. Dompel je onder in rust, natuur en gemeenschap, samen brengen we elkaar terug naar de essentie. // IN CONTACT MET LIZ 🌍 www.theembodiededucator.nl      👀 Kijk+volg via Youtube @TheEmbodiedEducator  📱LinkedIn: @Liz Wientjes 📱Instagram: @Liz Wientjes - The Embodied Educator //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?” 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!  #DELENISLIEF “Deze podcast maak ik met veel liefde en toewijding. Wil je iets terugdoen? Een kleine bijdrage maakt een groot verschil om meer klaslokalen tot leven te brengen." DONEER HIER jij bepaalt het bedrag zelf // BRONNEN Daniella haar Favoriete boeken - die ze graag met jou deelt: "Al deze boeken zijn ook één voor één exemplarisch voor prachtige taal en vertelkracht. Ik lees ze steeds opnieuw." The artist way – Julia Cameron (over creativiteit) Jeanette Winterson – Art objects – De ervaring van het in contact zijn met kunst ontleed door de ogen van een schrijver Siddharta – Herman Hesse – de persoonlijke route van een leven Alice in Wonderland – Lewis Caroll – over onbegrensd voorstellingsvermogen The winged pharaoh – Joan Grant – over herinneren en het vermogen van dromen The happy prince – Oscar Wilde – over compassie James Baldwin – Notes of a native son – over pijn Audre Lorde – Sister outsider - over vrouw zijn   ------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 :-)

#56-1 DE KUNST VAN VERZAMELEN: kleine gebaren als toegangspoort tot creativiteit. Met Daniella Hefter "Het Lichaam Weet: hoe ‘volg je handen’ een pedagogisch kompas wordt" // BESCHRIJVING In deze aflevering ontmoet ik beeldend kunstenaar en educator Daniela Hefter. Samen onderzoeken we wat er gebeurt wanneer je niet je hoofd volgt… maar je handen. We verkennen hoe creativiteit ontstaat in het lichaam, in plaats van in de fantasie. Hoe inspiratie iets is dat je verzamelt - laag voor laag, beweging voor beweging - door aandacht, aanraking, ritme en aanwezigheid. We bespreken hoe creativiteit niet zweeft, maar juist landt. In je vingers. In je adem. In de zoektocht en relatie tussen jou en het materiaal. En hoe je dat als docent of begeleider kunt aanwakkeren bij kinderen, jongeren en volwassenen. Waarbij we ook de harde realiteit aanstippen van de schuring in het onderwijs rondom creativiteitsprocessen, niet om met een vinger te wijzen, maar om ruimte te creëren voor nieuwe gesprekken. Ruimte voor onderzoek naar hoe het ook anders en beter kan. Verder hoor je in dit gesprek meer over: ✨ Waarom “volg je handen” een verrassend pedagogisch kompas is ✨ Creativiteit voorbij fantasie — hoe inspiratie écht ontstaat ✨ De kracht van vertragen, voelen en verzamelen ✨ Hoe materialen (klei, houtskool, kleur) de creatieve stroom openen ✨ Waarom embodiment het fundament is van creatief vertrouwen ✨ De innerlijke studio: een plek waar leren weer spel wordt ✨ Hoe je als docent creatieve veiligheid én vrijheid belichaamt Daniela laat zien dat creativiteit geen talent of doel is — maar een manier van aanwezig zijn in je lichaam. Een manier van luisteren en leven, om je bibliotheek aan ervaringen te vullen, voeden en koesteren! // TIMESTAMP  00:00 Welkom bij The Embodied Educator 04:03 – Over inspiratiebronnen en het creatieve proces 06:54 – De rol van biografieën en literatuur 10:25 – Uitdagingen en voldoening in het onderwijzen van creativiteit 15:06 – Persoonlijke achtergrond en familie-invloed 17:57 – Hoe stimuleer je creativiteit bij leerlingen? 21:35 – Creativiteit versus fantasie 23:56 – Waar komt inspiratie écht vandaan? 26:07 – Onuitputtelijke inspiratiebronnen voor creatie 34:14 – Intentie en groepsdynamiek: hoe werkt het? 40:34 – De essentie van onderwijs en persoonlijke groei 45:15 – De uitdagingen binnen kunsteducatie 47:59 – Wat creativiteit werkelijk betekent // BIO Daniella is opgegroeid in Budapest, Hongarije in een familie van kunstenaars. Hierdoor heeft zij de vanzelfsprekendheid en gemak van het maken op jonge leeftijd leren kennen en vertrouwen. Na een studie in de kunsten rolde ze het onderwijs in, waar zij zich meteen heel erg thuis voelde. Jongeren en later jongvolwassenen het gevoel geven dat ze gezien en veilig zijn en ze te ondersteunen in de persoonlijke groei, heeft zij in de creatieve en artistieke lessen gedaan.  De interesse en liefde voor de authenticiteit en talenontwikkeling van de individu hebben geleid tot het verder professionaliseren naast haar praktijk als kunstenaar. De wereld van educatie en beeldend kunstenaar combineert Daniella tot de dag van vandaag. In haar visuele werk onderzoekt ze visueel de concepten van het tijd, ruimte en energie. Ze maakt veel kunstwerken in opdracht, waarbij ze een uniek beeld creëert in afstemming voor deze persoon. Daniella is in alle educatieve programma’s die ze ontwikkelt en aanbiedt, gericht op het aanmoedigen en inzicht verschaffen van het vinden van eigenaarschap over de eigen talenten en processen en het kennen het eigen creatieve proces. Daniella gelooft dat iedereen toegang heeft tot de eigen creatieve vermogen, welke in directe verbinding staat met jouw unieke kwaliteiten, waarden en talenten. Wanneer je jouw eigen taal en proces om jouw innerlijke (en fysieke) wijsheid aan te spreken kent, heb je altijd toegang tot creatiekracht. En deze creatieve staat, voelt als het ervaren van vrijheid, vreugde en vernieuwing. Daar wil je zijn! Daniella biedt coaching, workshops en meerdaagse retreats aan, waarbij het onderzoeken en ontdekken van het intuïtieve en creatieve domein centraal staan. Het doel is bewustwording, vrijmaken van energie en verhalen wat niet meer dient en het bevrijden van de creatiekracht die in ons allemaal leeft. // IN CONTACT MET DANIELLA 🌍 www.magnoliacoaching.net 🌍 www.thefoxismine.com 📱Instagram: @magnolia coaching rotterdam 📱Instagram: @TheFoxIsMine // EVENEMENTEN Sta jij altijd aan, en fluistert jouw lichaam al een tijdje signalen: vermoeidheid, spanning, slapeloosheid? Of schitter jij dikwijls voor al die anderen én koester je het verlangen om écht tijd vrij te maken voor jouw eigen groei, verlangens en waarden (zowel binnen als buiten jouw rol als onderwijsprofessional) ? Trakteer jezelf op 6-Daags Lente Retreat op Samos: 8 - 13 MEI 2026 THUISKOMEN IN JE LICHAAM - GROEIEN IN JE VAK EN JE LEVEN Ervaar wanneer iets écht klopt voor jou, in plaats van omdat het hoort. Voorbij resultaat of erkenning. Leer vertragen en luisteren naar subtielere signalen en ernaar durven handelen in je werk en leven. Dompel je onder in rust, natuur en gemeenschap, samen brengen we elkaar terug naar de essentie. // IN CONTACT MET LIZ 🌍 www.theembodiededucator.nl      👀 Kijk+volg via Youtube @TheEmbodiedEducator  📱LinkedIn: @Liz Wientjes 📱Instagram: @Liz Wientjes - The Embodied Educator //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?” 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!  #DELENISLIEF “Deze podcast maak ik met veel liefde en toewijding. Wil je iets terugdoen? Een kleine bijdrage maakt een groot verschil om meer klaslokalen tot leven te brengen." DONEER HIER jij bepaalt het bedrag zelf // BRONNEN Daniella haar Favoriete boeken - die ze graag met jou deelt: "Al deze boeken zijn ook één voor één exemplarisch voor prachtige taal en vertelkracht. Ik lees ze steeds opnieuw." The artist way – Julia Cameron (over creativiteit) Jeanette Winterson – Art objects – De ervaring van het in contact zijn met kunst ontleed door de ogen van een schrijver Siddharta – Herman Hesse – de persoonlijke route van een leven Alice in Wonderland – Lewis Caroll – over onbegrensd voorstellingsvermogen The winged pharaoh – Joan Grant – over herinneren en het vermogen van dromen The happy prince – Oscar Wilde – over compassie James Baldwin – Notes of a native son – over pijn Audre Lorde – Sister outsider - over vrouw zijn   ------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 :-)

FREE PRACTICE: Names as Living Pedagogies Practice sovereignty Through Naming with Watson & Keator /// DESCRIPTION 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 

FREE PRACTICE: Somatic Arrival in Space & Class by Liz Wientjes, in conversation with Cacky Mellor, interview #53 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 :)

#53 PART 1 - THE BODY AS TEACHER: Reverence, Resonance & Relationship. With DR. CACKY MELLOR // DESCRIPTION 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 (American vs. Janapese culture) 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.  // TIMESTAMP  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 // EMBODY MOMENT @ 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 :)  // BIO 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.  // IN CONTACT WITH DR. CACKY MELLOR 🌍 www.somaticreclamation.com  📱Instagram: @somaticreclamation 🤳🏻 LinkedIn: @Cacky Mellor Email: somaticreclamation@gmail.com // EVENTS 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.   // CONTACT 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 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 ? :)  /// FOUNDING VIBES 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.  // RESOURCES  Poem "Say Yes" - Andrea Gibson  The Sensitive Rabbit (new kids book for empaths) - Judith Orloff Somatic Experiencing International: www.traumahealing.org   Waking the Tiger by Peter Levine In an Unspoken Voice by Peter Levine Trauma Solutions: Dr. Diane Poole Heller: www.traumasolutions.com  International Somatic Movement Therapist & Educator Association: www.ISMETA.org  Polyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection by Deb Dana Radical Belonging by Lindo Bacon ------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 :-) 

#53 PART 2 - THE BODY AS TEACHER: Reverence, Resonance & Relationship. With DR. CACKY MELLOR // DESCRIPTION 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.  // TIMESTAMP  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 // EMBODY MOMENT @28 ish 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.  // BIO 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.  // IN CONTACT WITH DR. CACKY MELLOR 🌍 www.somaticreclamation.com   📱Instagram: @somaticreclamation 🤳🏻 LinkedIn: @Cacky Mellor Email: somaticreclamation@gmail.com  // EVENTS 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.   // CONTACT 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 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 ? :)  /// FOUNDING VIBES 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.  // RESOURCES  Poem "Say Yes" - Andrea Gibson  The Sensitive Rabbit (new kids book for empaths) - Judith Orloff The Soul of Learning - Vajra Watson & Mary Keator  Children Full of Life - Toshiro Kanamori (documentary) Somatic Experiencing International: www.traumahealing.org   Waking the Tiger by Peter Levine In an Unspoken Voice by Peter Levine Trauma Solutions: Dr. Diane Poole Heller: www.traumasolutions.com  International Somatic Movement Therapist & Educator Association: www.ISMETA.org  Polyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection by Deb Dana Radical Belonging by Lindo Bacon ------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 :-) 

#52 Lui Leren vs Co-Creatie Leren: thuiskomen op Samos Belichaamd Leren en Co-Creatie: Een Diepgaande Verkenning 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. /// TIMESTAMP 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 /// RETREAT SAMOS 🌎 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) /// CONTACT SIETSKE  Sietske Dijkstra 🌎 https://sietske-dijkstra.nl/  🌎 www.ontplooiing.net  Instagram: @ontplooiing_&_belichaming  /// CONTACT LIZ  Liz Wientjes 🌎 www.theembodiededucator.nl  👀 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

#51 Transforming Educational Spaces Through Embodiment and Equity with DR. NIKI ELLIOTT 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.  // DESCRIPTION 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. // TIMESTAMP  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 // EMBODY MOMENT @34.22 @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.  // BIO 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. // IN CONTACT WITH DR. NIKI ELLIOTT  🌍 https://www.mindful-leaders.org/about/our-founder/  📱Instagram: @iam_drniki https://www.instagram.com/iam_drniki/ 🤳🏻 LinkedIn: @drnikielliott // EVENTS 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 - Thuiskomen in je lichaam, en groeien in je vak en je leven.  Gratis proeftuin voor dit retreat online via Zoom op 15 oktober 19.30 - 21.00 Meld je hier aan Dr Niki hosts together with Lori Desautels a 1 day Virtual Summit for educators, click here for more info: Education Summit Fall 2025  https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/educationsummitfall2025 // 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.  // RESOURCES  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 :-) 

The Power of Collective Learning: Embodied Education in Action /// DESCRIPTION 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. /// TIMESTAMP 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 /// 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  : )  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.  // RESOURCES  - Peter Block - Dr. Niki Elliott - Dr. Lori Desauttels

#49 Between Fire And Silence: Lessons From The Wildfire - solo episode // DESCRIPTION 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.  // THE EMBODIED EDUCATOR 🌍 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.

#48 Regulated, Real & Rooted: Why Virtue is The Hidden Embodied Curriculum with Mark Walsh Rethinking Education in times of disregulation // DESCRIPTION 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: The forgotten role of virtues and character formation in the Western history of education Teaching as a relational and embodied practice of integrity What happens when we move beyond pleasing or performing, and stay with the power of discomfort The tension of being a role model in uncertain times, and how we need masculine and feminine role models How disregulation shows up in the classroom, culture and community — and what to do with it Why telling the truth matters more than ever, even when it’s messy // 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 Resources // EMBODY MOMENT @54.18 54:18 Mark leads a Centering and Meditation Practice, in line with the 4 layers of centering he talks about: self, others, world, spirit // BIO 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. // IN CONTACT WITH MARK  🌍  www.embodimentunlimited.com 📱Instagram: @warkmalsh  🤳🏻 LinkedIn: @Mark Walsh  The Embodiment Coaching Podcast https://embodimentunlimited.com/podcast/ FREE E-book: https://embodimentunlimited.com/coaching-top12-book/  // EVENTS 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 // THE EMBODIED EDUCATOR 🌍 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.  // RESOURCES  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 :-) 

#47 AANWEZIG ZIJN ZONDER OORDEEL: Belichaamd werken met generatie Z Janneke Ter Bille // BESCHRIJVING 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: wat pubers je spiegelen over jouw eigen regulatie waarom zes uur stilzitten en opletten helemaal niet vanzelfsprekend is hoe embodiment helpt om rust en verbinding terug te brengen in de klas waarom regie begint bij jezelf: jouw energie, jouw adem, jouw lijf 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. // TIMESTAMP  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 // EMBODY MOMENT @47.40 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!!  // BIO 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. // IN CONTACT WITH JANNEKE  🌍 https://www.conduct10.nl/  📱LinkedIn: @Janneke Ter Bille 📱Instagram: @janneketerbille_pubercoach // EVENTS 3-Day Online At-Home Retreat: Release. Resource. Revive. 22 - 24 August 2025. Start the academic year refreshed guided by Sacred Rest. In english // THE EMBODIED EDUCATOR 🌍 www.theembodiededucator.nl      👀 Kijk+volg via Youtube @TheEmbodiedEducator  📱LinkedIn: @Liz Wientjes 📱Instagram: @Liz Wientjes - The Embodied Educator HELP DEZE PODCAST GROEIEN  “Deze podcast maak ik met veel liefde en toewijding. Wil je iets terugdoen? Een kleine bijdrage maakt een groot verschil om meer klaslokalen tot leven te brengen." DONEER HIER 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

#46 THE ART OF LIVING THE QUESTION: Transforming early childhood education through somatics and dance, with Hetty King // DESCRIPTION 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: How to create movement adventures through stories, to help children come into a dialogue with themselves, Why questions matter as much as answers (if the answers even matter at all :P) The importance of embodied anatomy in working with the body, also with children The Myth of "it's all about them" (the students:) Three Preliminary Findings on Embodied Pedagogy Early Childhood Ed.  // 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, and providing 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 students 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  🌍 www.hettyking.com 🤳🏻 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 ❤️‍🔥 // RESOURCES + REFERENCES Nancy Topf - BOOK: A guide to a somatic movement practice Dance Education Laboratory - Hetty King  Susan Bauer - The Embodied Teen - https://susanbauer.com/   Melinda Buckwalter - Composing While Dancing: An Improviser’s Companion https://melindabuckwalter.wordpress.com/melinda-buckwalter/  Tonic Fucntion - Janda Approach (well explained here) ------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 :-) 

FREE PRACTICE Innovative Relaxation Techniques for Children: Using Guided Relaxation and Plush Animals by HETTY KING 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. 

#45 FROM SEEDS TO TREES: Nurturing Potential and Hope in Education with Zaneta Brown Ingles // 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. // TIMESTAMP  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 // EMBODY MOMENT  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. // IN CONTACT WITH ZANETA  🤳🏻 through email: zbrowningles @ gmail dot com   // EVENTS "From Doing to Being" Free Online Workshop - 27th of May - 7.30 pm CEST Register HERE to join and unwind.When did you give yourself time to lean back and resource yourself?    (  https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/2Lk3cWe-Sn6p4Ybq-m6Oag   ) // THE EMBODIED EDUCATOR 🌍 www.theembodiededucator.nl      👀 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 ❤️‍🔥 // RESOURCES  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 :-) 

#44 THE RESONANT BODY Exploring Our Voices as a Gateway to Authentic Teaching & Learning With Corinne Castelli // DESCRIPTION In this episode of the Embodied Educator Podcast, I invite you Curious Educator to join me and Body Whisperer Corinne Castelli as we delve into the significance of voice and embodied listening in the educational space. I must say I am a little bit in love with this vibrant being who immersed me into full body curiosity, when we talk about attunement, she embodies this FOR REAL.   Corinne Castelli, an expert in voice as a tool for nervous system regulation and developmental trauma integration, shares practical explorations to help educators connect to their authentic voice(s) and enhance their classroom presence. This generative conversation touches on the importance of curiosity, inner stability, and the profound impact of our vocal expressions on creating a conducive learning environment. An episode full of resources for educators seeking to deepen their connection with students and cultivate a more nourishing and human educational experience.  // TIMESTAMP  00:00 Welcome and Special Announcement02:08 Introducing Corinne Castelli05:26 Corinne's Lineage and Teacher who Sparked her Curiosity08.28 Bathing in Not Knowing & Basic Goodness As a Teacher11.20 Bodily Impact of Pressure and Constant Producing as Teacher13:08 Development of Our Senses in Relation to Communication17.42 The Act of Listening21.00 Embodied Moment 124:38 Navigating Classroom Dynamics Through Vocal Regulation30:09 Embracing Somatic Awareness in Education42:01 Understanding the Impact of Shame and Vulnerability42:50 The Role of Authenticity in Education45:56 Exploring the Authentic Voice Embodied Moment 249:05 Practical Exercises for Voice Awareness01:10:50 The Importance of Voice in Regulation and Co-Regulation01:16:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts // EMBODY MOMENT There's two embodied moments in this vibrant conversation. Tune in @22 minutes for a short Vocal Embodied Regulation Practice :) And in minute @45 Corinne will guide you through a Second practice to explore the act of listening - this is a super interesting practice that can help regulating your nervous system and also revealing patterns of how you listen.  What is an authentic voice? we have so many expressions within Corinne says. She will guide you in an exploration of reconnecting with the touching quality of your voice, connecting to the voice as a haptic phenomenon: how is my voice touching me? how can i stay in touch with myself through the vocal information? how can i reach out without putting on mask? Also very applicable to explore in class, with young and old. Remember go slow ;)  // BIO 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. // IN CONTACT WITH CORINNE  🌍 www.corinnecastelli.com   📱 Instagram: @corinne_castelli_voice_somatic  🤳🏻 Facebook: @Corinne Castelli  Youtube: @voice.somatic.regulation // EVENTS 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  // THE EMBODIED EDUCATOR 🌍 www.theembodiededucator.nl     👀 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 ❤️‍🔥 // RESOURCES  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 :) 

#43 PART 1 BIG lessons from the "Little Littles" & the Power of Somatic Learning. With Cacky Mellor & Emmanuela Feliciano Carascal 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  // DESCRIPTION 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!  // TIMESTAMP PART 2 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" // EMBODY MOMENT IN PART 1 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?  // 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.  // THE EMBODIED EDUCATOR 🌍 www.theembodiededucator.nl    👀 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 ❤️‍🔥 // IN CONTACT WITH CACKY 💌 Email: somaticreclamation @ gmail.com  🌍 www.somaticreclamation.com   📱 Instagram: @somaticreclamation  🤳🏻 LinkedIn: @Cacky Mellor  // IN CONTACT WITH EMMANUELA 💌 Email: efmanu01 @ gmail.com 🤳🏻 LinkedIn: @Emmanuela Feliciano Carrascal  // RESOURCES  Books Polyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection by Deb Dana Radical Belonging by Lindo Bacon Waking the Tiger by Peter Levine In an Unspoken Voice by Peter Levine Websites Somatic Experiencing International: www.traumahealing.org    Trauma Solutions - Dr. Diane Poole Heller: www.traumasolutions.com   International Somatic Movement Therapist & Educator Association: www.ISMETA.org   The Children’s Room: https://childrensroom.org/   Breathing Resources for working with children:  Alphabreaths: The ABCs of Mindful Breathing - by Christopher Willard PsyD, Daniel Rechtschaffen MA and Holly Clifton-Brown Breathe like a Bear - by Kira Willey and Anni Betts The Breathing Deck - by The Calm Classroom Mindful Kids: 50 Mindfulness Activities for Kindness, Focus and Calm - by Whitney Stewart and Mina Braun