Betwixt and Between: Creating Communitas Without Getting Bendy with It
Conference Tracks
Academic/ Professional Development - Research
Abstract
While it is common knowledge that faculty learning communities (FLCs) are a powerful means to encourage vibrant intellectual exchange and professional growth, we often overlook the possibilities forged in FLCs that focus on the body and spirit as well as the mind (Goto, Marshall, and Gaule, 20). During our multi-year participation, we found that communal yoga practice, shared readings, discussions, and reflective wiki writing allow faculty members to shed their academic selves (and/or poses) in favor of behaviors indicative of more integrated professionals. In this session, attendees will practice simple, non-bendy, standing poses (e.g., mountain pose) and perform and interpret academic postures (e.g., standing behind a lectern). These activities will lead to discussion about creating communitas in liminal institutional spaces. Furthermore, along with identifying strategies and implications for integrating yoga pedagogy and teaching, attendees will receive resources for further inquiry into the field of contemplative pedagogy.
Session Format
Presentation
Location
Room 217
Recommended Citation
Barnette, Jane and Stewart, Linda, "Betwixt and Between: Creating Communitas Without Getting Bendy with It" (2013). SoTL Commons Conference. 24.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/sotlcommons/SoTL/2013/24
Betwixt and Between: Creating Communitas Without Getting Bendy with It
Room 217
While it is common knowledge that faculty learning communities (FLCs) are a powerful means to encourage vibrant intellectual exchange and professional growth, we often overlook the possibilities forged in FLCs that focus on the body and spirit as well as the mind (Goto, Marshall, and Gaule, 20). During our multi-year participation, we found that communal yoga practice, shared readings, discussions, and reflective wiki writing allow faculty members to shed their academic selves (and/or poses) in favor of behaviors indicative of more integrated professionals. In this session, attendees will practice simple, non-bendy, standing poses (e.g., mountain pose) and perform and interpret academic postures (e.g., standing behind a lectern). These activities will lead to discussion about creating communitas in liminal institutional spaces. Furthermore, along with identifying strategies and implications for integrating yoga pedagogy and teaching, attendees will receive resources for further inquiry into the field of contemplative pedagogy.
