Workshops

 

A wellbeing workshop for educators grounded in ancient wisdom, modern neuroscience and the heart of early learning.

At Musubi Do, we recognise that early learning thrives when educators feel centred, calm and deeply connected. The Zen Centre Workshop offers a gentle, non-verbal approach to relationship-building that strengthens trust, attunement and joyful engagement between educators and children.

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Imagine a Centre where children are absorbed in their play, relationships flow with ease, and educators feel grounded, present and energised. Even families sense the calm as they move through the door. This workshop supports your team to move closer to that vision.

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Why Zen in Early Childhood?

One goal of Aikido is to return to childlike softness, and the 'work' of children is play. I discovered that the ancient Japanese principles of presence, clarity, attunement and centred action naturally supported the rhythm of early childhood occupation. These workshops demonstrate non-verbal communication, promote a sense of belonging, support empathy and kindness, strengthen the educator-child relationship and can be incorporated into existing routines.  They are also supported by the emerging neuroscience which is discovering the deeper nature of human beings.  The future is not what we see now, the future is what we make it.  
 

This workshop weaves together
⊙ Aikido relationship principles of blending
⊙ Ki practices for grounding and clarity
⊙ Nature-connected awareness
⊙ Traditional Japanese understandings of Hara (centre)
⊙ Worldviews that reflect Indigenous perspectives
⊙ Modern neuroscience exploring consciousness, calm and connection

These shared foundations help educators reconnect with inner balance in a way that supports the children in their care to feel safe, supported, curious and free to learn.

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What Educators Will Learn

A gentle, experiential introduction to:
⊙ Centering practices that restore clarity and presence
⊙ Grounding techniques that ease stress and prevent overwhelm
⊙ Attuned, non-verbal, non intellectual connection with children
⊙ Supporting play and supervision by being a calm, confident anchor
⊙ Responding creatively when the day doesn’t go to plan
⊙ Maintaining authenticity while modelling emotional evenness

When educators feel centred, children naturally settle into deeper play, richer engagement and a stronger sense of belonging.

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Benefits for Your Centre

⊙ Stronger more meaningful educator/child relationships
⊙ Calmer environments and smoother routines
⊙ Improved staff wellbeing and team cohesion
⊙ More confident, attuned supervision
⊙ A harmonious atmosphere immediately noticeable to families
⊙ Practical tools aligned with the EYLF’s holistic, nature-connected vision

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Workshop Format

Duration: 2 hours flexible
A blend of gentle theory and accessible experiential practice.
No forceful movement only soft awareness, breath and connection.

Recommended face-to-face, with online adaptations available.  Versatility to cover various needs.
Ongoing support can be arranged for teams wishing to deepen their practice.

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About the Facilitator

Emma Barton, founder of Musubi Do, is both a former early childhood educator and years on the mat as a student of Aikido, weapons and Ki Energy practice. The Zen Centre Workshop was born from the integration of these two paths — a lived experience of how centred, grounded educators transform the quality of care, connection and play and find deepening satisfaction in their chosen profession.