Energizer Sessions
Energizer Sessions provide time for rejuvenation, physical attention and personal refreshment through a variety of physical and/or mental activities. The following sessions are a compliment to sitting through conference presentations by offering nourishment for mind-body-spirit integration and are not to be education presentations.
Sessions will be held at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Montréal (ICF headquarters hotel) on Thursday, November 13, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. / 18:00 - 19:00.
Centering Your Coach Self with Yoga Nidra
Cheryl Vermey, ACC (USA)
Participation is limited to 50 people.
Yoga Nidra is an ancient, yogic practice of conscious relaxation designed to address the modern epidemic of stress. This session, in which you will be able to drop the clutter of your mind, will take you to an alpha-theta state where you will experience a peaceful, silent space releasing the integrated "Third Eye" Consciousness. The outcome for participants will be deep relaxation and a feeling of inner stillness and peace. The session includes a few simple centering yoga postures followed by focused breathing and a guided integrative experience while lying on your back.
Please wear loose comfortable clothing, bring a towel to lie on and water. Avoid eating a large meal two hours prior.
Cheryl Moen Vermey, Ed.D., CPCC, ACC (USA) - Dr. Cheryl Vermey is president of EnVision Coaching, Inc., providing coaching and leadership development primarily to executive and rising leaders in higher education and nonprofit organizations. Vermey is a member of the ICF Research & Education Committee. She is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach through the Coaches Training Institute (CTI), and a graduate of its Leadership Program in Barcelona, Spain. She is also active in the Philadelphia Area Coaches Alliance (PACA). Vermey has more than 30 years experience as an educator, dean, and administrator in both university and nonprofit settings. She earned a Management and Leadership in Education (MLE) certificate from Harvard University and doctorate and master’s degrees from Temple University.
Vermey is an advanced certified yoga instructor and brings her personal joy and love of life to both her yoga and coaching practices.
Dancing Cheek to Cheek – The Intimate Art of Argentine Tango
Anne Fifield, CPCC (USA)
Participation is limited to 30 people.
All the great teachers say “If you walk, you can dance tango.” It’s that simple, and of course, it’s more complex. A dance can be a tango even before there is movement – if there’s the right intimacy, attention and listening between the partners.
In this class we will get out of our head and into our body, as we dive into a world of sound and touch. We will learn to listen through our skin and express ourselves through our feet, our hands and our embrace. Tango is a conversation where no words are spoken. While learning tango’s basic steps, you’ll gain an understanding of the “being” of tango, as well as knowledge of key concepts such as weight shift, musicality, gesture and floorcraft. We will explore the art of partnering, the skills required for a good lead and follow collaboration.
This session is designed to have you change your way of listening, heighten your physical awareness and discover how you participate or hold back as a partner. You will learn to inhabit the being of tango fully in even the simplest step – a walk, a turn. There is no prior dance experience required. Expect to touch others – and to embrace them. Tango is a contact art.
Participants can bring a partner of either sex or can attend alone. You may be asked to switch roles as well as partners during the class to deepen your learning.
Wear shoes that slide easily on the floor (no rubber soles). Shoes that start a conversation are also welcome.
Strong Body, Strong Mind, Strong Spirit: a Mindful, Integrated Approach to Strength Training
Lynda Pedley, MBA, CPT (Canada)
Participation is limited to 50 people.
Have you ever thought about living a life grounded in strength? While health is the absence of disease, strength is the presence of abundant energy, confidence and power. It is the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual reserve that makes for an extraordinary life.
In this session, you will participate in a whole-body strength routine that you can do anywhere with no equipment. In the first round, you will practice the technique for each exercise; thus, activating gross energy in your body. Once you have had the felt experience of activating your body, you will apply a mindful approach to each exercise. This is done through the purposeful use of the breath and a deep focus internally on the sensations in your body. Applying mindfulness to training for strength integrates the physical sensations you experience with the feelings that arise during each exercise and opens the door to the subtle energy that affects your intentions in the moment. In the third round, you will work your edge and increase the intensity of each exercise by drawing deeper into your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual reserves to stay with whatever sensations arise.
You will leave with a new appreciation for your strength and how the abundance of strength can support you in other areas of your life. Strength training builds physical, emotional and spiritual power that allows you to stay true to your intentions and gives you courage in difficult situations.
Clothing should be comfortable and women should wear pants. Please bring a towel and be at ease getting on the floor. Handouts will be provided.
Lynda Pedley, MBA, CPT (Canada) - Lynda Pedley is a Professional Integral Coach™ and best known within the coaching community as a woman on the move. At the Canada School of Public Service she is the Director of Coaching Programs and Services and a member of the Leadership Faculty. Her vision is to make coaching accessible to all Public Servants. Pedley is also the founder of Body Coach, where she practices an approach to coaching and personal training that integrates mind, body and spirit for long-term sustainable change and holistic health. Pedley has significant experience working with individuals and groups employing an integral approach to coaching following the teachings of Ken Wilber. As a Certified Personal Trainer, she uses an integrated approach to strength training that engages the physical, emotional and mental capacities. When strength training is practiced with intentionality it allows access to greater levels of energy and creates a sense of personal power in mind, body and spirit.