Moved to Learn: Embodied Cognition, Arts of Awareness, and Applied Ethnography

What is the feeling of “the present moment”? What do mindfulness and martial arts have in common? Why is it important to practice integrating knowledge—of ourselves, of our own bodies—and what can we learn by exploring various approaches to ‘consciousness’, to the direct experience of balancing? How can practitioners' insights—into, ease, alignment, meta-cognition, attentiveness, intention—affect the very processes of learning about learning? This interdisciplinary graduate seminar -- part discussion, part movement-lab--rests on a foundational study of nature and natural movements within it – offering an experiential approach to embodying philosophy through mindful movement. We first explore the very concept of “nature”: the nature of consciousness, the observer as subject, the objects observed. We then explore biomechanics in everyday life, and fractal expressions in ourselves, our environment, our world. This class is for you if you are curious about exploring direct, experiential ways of learning; exploring somatic roots (or body-based ways of knowing);  interested in mindful practices that have tangible effects in everyday life; or have a research project related to motivation, resiliency, self-efficacy, holistic leadership, or topics that could benefit from a fresh perspective on the “meta”—the very ways you approach research. This seminar allows participating students the freedom to explore diverse ways of being, moving, and  practicing ethnography. You might, for example, explore how human values shape our actions, how causes have effects, or how people (working alone and together, locally and/or globally) can respond to changing conditions. In this course, readings and short video clips (from cross-cultural examples) offer students reference points for understanding mastery, skill, risk-taking, focus, practice, and ability, as well as failure, bias, anxiety, and habits of resistance. Through safe and careful exercises, students practice training in mind/body-based awareness (recognizing internal sensations or interoception) through synthesis of the mental and physical. You will feel your body, focus your mind, and become clearer about your own actions and disposition.