Mind, Body and Spirit Methodology

Engaging the whole person - mind, body and spirit

Gender at Work takes a holistic approach to social-change work. Woven into our methodologies are a number of wellness practices – including (depending on religious or cultural contexts) singing, dancing, meditation and Capacitar techniques, including Tai Chi and other relaxation exercises – to assist resource-poor communities in reducing anxiety and stress caused by war, high levels of poverty, illness due to HIV and AIDS and many forms of violence. The practices open people to themselves and others, building tolerance, trust, acceptance and forgiveness. Because our holistic techniques help reduce anxiety and stress, our peer-learning workshops subsequently roll out in an atmosphere of hope, enthusiasm, mutual respect and generosity, even in situations of extreme trauma and conflict. 

Our holistic approach has transformed people's ability to do change work effectively. And when the lives of the individuals change in one area, it has an impact on other sites as well, such as in the home or other community settings.

". . . when I arrived in Dire Dawe I was angry and I couldn't concentrate – after the 'sports' I was calm. I have done it ever since then. Not only for me, but for my family and community – that is so helpful." (PACE Program Participant)

"I appreciate the Tai Chi exercise. It helps me to centre, be calm when I am stressed out. When I came on the first day I was stressed but through the Tai Chi I was able to calm down and become more relaxed." (South Africa Program Participant)

 

Benefits of mind, body and spirit practice

  • Creates a safe space in which everyone can challenge their own roles, assumptions and behaviours
  • Opens people to themselves and others, building tolerance, trust, acceptance and forgiveness
  • Enables women to value themselves, helps them see how they have internalized gender roles, and opens them to the possibilities of their own self-empowerment
  • People who have been abused begin to reconnect to their bodies, and begin to accept appropriate touch from people who touch in a safe, respectful way
  • Helps build groups/teams as this embodied approach centres individuals, easing tensions within each person and, as a result, between people, thus creating a comfortable space in which everyone can focus on building stronger, more powerful organizations

Coming soon: a detailed description of our methodology at the Learning Centre

 

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