Jennifer M. Fox Eades

For centuries, European thought has separated mind and body and consequently prayer has been taught either either as a purely verbal process, a product of the rational mind or as an attempt to overcome, subdue or forget the body. This book draws on the gentle spirituality of St Francis and St Clare of Assisi and the embodied practice of the Alexander technique to put the body back into our prayers and to reclaim the physical as a site of the sacred. Written from within the Christian tradition but intended for those of any faith or none, it contains practical ideas for exploring prayer through simple movements and gentle physical practices, reclaiming the body as the heart of prayer. It is written from the perspective of a professional Alexander technique teacher, ordained minister in the Church of England, and life long practitioner of body/mind disciplines including Aikido, tai chi and qi gong, Each chapter concludes with practices to promote greater peace, physical ease, spiritual depth and a more restful approach to life.

It helps teachers grow in confidence and creativity, and provides them with practical tools that will increase their own enjoyment of teaching and their pupils' enjoyment of learning. Celebrating Strengths does not 'teach' positive psychology as an additional subject, but weaves it into the existing curriculum and life of the school. It is based around Strengths Gym, a programme for helping adults and children identify and use their strengths inside and outside the classroom through a cycle of festivals and storytelling. The methods have been tried and tested during four years of work in primary schools in North Lincolnshire, UK.The principles that underpin it, however, are universal and will readily adapt to early years settings, as well as those involving older children and young adults, and will be of as much interest to parents and carers as they will be to teachers. Celebrating Strengths will help anyone to flourish and be at their best - adults and children alike.

A strengths-based school is one where the focus is primarily on strengths, not weaknesses, where teachers and pupils aim not to be 'OK,' but excel. This book combines the latest research from positive psychology with 2 ancient teaching methods, oral story telling and community celebration, to bring the concept of the strengths-based school to life.