Overview of the WBA project

We will implement participative and interventional experimental research methods through inclusive (cultural backgrounds, languages, genders, levels, mental & physical diversities) and accessible (no-fees, easy access, regularity) on-site and on-demand body-mind practices. Simultaneously, thanks to qualitative data, both primary and secondary, and archival or literature study, we will use thematic analysis methods to interpret patterns and find meanings.

1. Literary, performing & artistic praxis related to well-being

The study of literary, performing and artistic praxis will be centred on interpreting published, exhibited and live works and practices that aim at creating new forms of lives, more dedicated to cross-cultural community engagement and happiness through holistic or even therapeutic body-mind connections. This analysis is meant to highlight theoretical and practical issues (social, psychological, physiological, philosophical, political…) raised and addressed by writers, performers and artists. We will also analyse the effects they produce in the society for more well-being.

2. Yoga and meditation practices with or as arts

Focusing especially on the participants of the yoga and the meditation lessons at Kyushu University, we will conduct surveys and interviews related to the sense of well-being. Using psychological paradigms, we will explore the impact of yoga and meditation on mental and physical well-being and awareness. Thanks to mental health ladders, psychological scales and behavioural evaluations in the surveys distributed before and after the sessions, we will analyse the engagement level of the community, including their peacefulness and relaxation’s effects. The practices and the evaluations will be done under the careful watch of health, medicine and psychiatry specialists.

Target

The main target are individuals, communities and institutions in need of more well-being, first of all in Kyushu and in Japan. The topics and the targets of the WBA project are also related more globally to Asia and Oceania, including Taiwan, French Polynesia, French Overseas Territories, Korea, China, India. We will also widen the scope through the extension and the open-access to our research and events, especially to Europe, for a better cross-cultural exchange and to identify relations, transitions and circulations.

Author: Associate Prof. Charlène Clonts (PhD.)