Connecting Mind and Body:Daily Stress Reduction Techniques
June 3rd, 2009
12-1 PM
Fireside Room, 2nd Floor Arch Building
3601 Locust (Entrance through red door on 36th Street)

Facilitated by Sandi Herman, M.S.
This workshop will give you an opportunity to explore the importance of taking care of yourself. You will learn restorative techniques—incorporating touch, breath, imagery, and energy modalities—that integrate mind, body, and heart. These simple techniques, used on a daily basis, can reduce negative responses to stress and promote relaxation and a clearer, calmer mind.

Sandi Herman, M.S. is the health and wellness educator at the Office of Health Education.  With over 25 years of experience in the fields of social work and health education, she has a special interest and expertise in holistic approaches to stress reduction.  Her work integrates traditional counseling techniques with complementary modalities that rely upon the connections between body, mind, and spirit. She has studied meditation, shiatsu, qi gong, aroma therapy, and other healing arts.  She is also a Reiki Master Teacher, and offers Reiki classes and sessions to the Penn community.

Laughter Yoga
June 10th, 2009
12-1 PM
Fireside Room, 2nd Floor Arch Building
3601 Locust (Entrance through red door on 36th Street)

Facilitated by Mukund Nair
Laughter Yoga (Hasya Yoga) is a simple and profound exercise routine combining yogic breathing and unconditional laughter.  It was developed by Dr. Madan Kataria, an Indian physician, who started the first laughter club in March 1995, with just five people.  Laughter Yoga has become a worldwide phenomenon with more than 6000 social laughter clubs in 60 countries.  You can get a flavor of Laughter Yoga at the following link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWi6QVsW-qA

The concept of Laughter Yoga is based on a scientific fact that the body cannot differentiate between fake and real laughter.  Laughter is simulated as a body exercise in a group and soon turns into real and contagious laughter.  Participants receive physiological and psychological benefits from the additional oxygen to the brain and body.  In one study, the Laughter Yoga group demonstrated a significant drop in heart rate and blood pressure, with increased positive emotions.  

So get ready to let go of worries, connect to the present moment…and laugh!

Mukund Nair is a global nomad whose travels have taken him around the world. Technologist by day and healer by sundown, he has an interest in various therapeutic modalities such as yoga, Reiki, and massage, which can be used by everyday folks to release stress, lift sprits and feel connection.

Everyday Movement
June 17th, 2009
12-1 PM
Fireside Room, 2nd Floor Arch Building
3601 Locust (Entrance through red door on 36th Street)

Facilitated by John Wylie
Moving and stretching benefits your mind and body.  Learn simple movements that will help you feel more at home in your body and more alert in your mind. Workshop geared towards all fitness levels. Wear comfortable clothes.

John L. Wylie is a UPPD Lieutenant and a 20 year employee of Penn. John has a BA in Religious Studies and MA in Organizational Dynamics. John has been a student and practitioner of mind-body work for many years and is currently a popular yoga teacher on Penn’s campus. John has a Black Belt in the Muji-Shin Te system of karate and he is certified to teach Power Yoga (Baron Baptiste style) with influences from Anusara Yoga, Ashtanga, Jiva-Mukti, Anna Forrest Yoga, and Shiva Rea’s Movement Theory. John also trained with Master Michael Buck in Thai Yoga Massage.

Reducing Stress Through Self-Massage
June 24th, 2009
12-1 PM
Fireside Room, 2nd Floor Arch Building
3601 Locust (Entrance through red door on 36th Street)

Facilitated by Sandi Herman, M.S.
Self-Massage is a wonderful way to reduce tension and discomfort in the body and mind. You will learn several simple, yet powerful techniques to use throughout your day to help you relax, focus, and feel better. These techniques can be performed standing, sitting, and lying down.

Sandi Herman, M.S. is the health and wellness educator at the Office of Health Education.  With over 25 years of experience in the fields of social work and health education, she has a special interest and expertise in holistic approaches to stress reduction.  Her work integrates traditional counseling techniques with complementary modalities that rely upon the connections between body, mind, and spirit. She has studied meditation, shiatsu, qi gong, aroma therapy, and other healing arts.  She is also a Reiki Master Teacher, and offers Reiki classes and sessions to the Penn community.