What is Art-Yoga ? The term « Art-Yoga » has been firstly coined by Dr. Charlène Clonts, recognizing the importance of music, dance, literary images to foster a better sense of peacefulness in the yoga lessons she leads. The Art-Yoga practices bridges embodied cognition, art as a therapeutic medium, mindfulness and presence. Besides her academic work in French-language poetry and arts, shes teaches Art-Yoga lessons to staff and students at Kyushu University. Her practice’s effects are under current scientific evaluation by researchers in Arts, Psychology, Health and Sports. Here is what she explains about this journey through yoga and arts:

« We embarked on an enriching journey at Kyushu University over the past three months, journey that will be continued in the next years. We integrate the principles of art and yoga into a unique practice that I call « Art-Yoga. » I coined the term a few years ago, as a result from my professional and personal path both in arts and yoga. This initiative is part of the broader « Well-being with Arts » research project. It aims to evaluate the impact of Art-Yoga on participants’ mindset, relaxation, and emotional release. The participants include both students and staff. The twelve weekly sessions are nothing short of wonderful, and the connections formed with the participants is truly beautiful. I am deeply grateful to everyone who already participated into the Art-Yoga lessons. We, researchers of the project, assessed their well-being both qualitatively and quantitatively before, during, and after this period.

The path in Art-Yoga did not start in 2024. Indeed, my journey in the realm of yoga has been deeply intertwined with my long-term passion for holistic well-being. As a seasoned academic in poetry and arts, as a yoga instructor and as an art practitioner (12 years of music theory, piano practice, and choir performance in a French Conservatoire; 4 years of classical and contemporary dance both in the USA and in France, also participating in workshops by famous choreographers based in France) I have a strong connection to artistic expression. My goal has always been to help individuals release tension, gain perspective, and rejuvenate through the practice of yoga and meditation as a holistic art of living. This philosophy is reflected in my teaching style, which emphasizes the harmonization of body and mind, transforming our perception of ourselves, others, and the world around us.

After decades of sports’ competition since my childhood (esp. swimming and running championships at local, national and European levels till the age of 34), my personal yoga practice started in 2012. The transformative impact of yoga on my own well-being, blended with my experience of poetry and arts, inspired me to share this with others. In 2020, during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, I started teaching yoga as a volunteer. Recognizing the isolation, lack of movement, and fatigue experienced by many confined to small apartments, I offered both online and in-person lessons (taking advantage of Japan’s allowance for outdoor sports with social distancing). This experience highlighted the importance of community, body-mind awareness and movement in maintaining mental and physical health.

Motivated by the positive impact of my volunteer teaching, I sought to formalize my qualifications and pursued an internationally recognized accreditation in yoga teaching. In 2021, I obtained my certification from Yoga Alliance in Japan (RYT200), after a 6-month theoretical and practical training, ensuring that my teaching met global standards of excellence.

My professional yoga journey continued in Fukuoka, Japan, where I have been conducting yoga classes, firstly at the French Institute, simultaneously in private studios, then at Kyushu University Residence, finally leading weekly Art-Yoga lessons at Kyushu University since November 2024. These last lessons, conducted in English, have been fully subscribed, with a maximum of twenty participants each week. The practice of Art-Yoga, a Vinyasa style, is designed to create a personal moment for participants to feel better in both body and mind, drawing them closer to the principles of slow living and serenity.

In addition to my weekly sessions, I have organized private well-being retreats, such as the « Mon Japon Secret/My Secret Japan » retreat in Yufuin Onsen, Japan. These retreats offered a comprehensive experience of well-being practices, including Zazen meditation, Japanese gym-yoga (Taïsô), and artistic Zen calligraphy, among others. The retreats were mainly conducted in French, providing a culturally immersive experience for foreign participants.

On one hand, my academic background and continuous professional development have significantly contributed to my teaching methodology. On the other hand, my yoga training encompassed anatomy, physiology, and the philosophies of yoga, ensuring a well-rounded approach to teaching.

The integration of arts into yoga practice, as seen in my Art-Yoga lessons, has proven to be a powerful tool for enhancing well-being. The feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting improvements in relaxation, emotional release, and overall mindset. The first results will be soon published. This innovative approach aligns with the goals of the « Well-being with Arts » research project, demonstrating the profound impact of combining artistic expression with physical and mental practices.

In conclusion, the journey of Art-Yoga at Kyushu University has been a testament to the transformative power of integrating art and yoga. I am deeply grateful to all the participants for their openness and commitment to this practice. Together, we have explored new dimensions of well-being, paving the way for further research and practice in this exciting field. Looking forward to see you again, or to meet you if you wish to start with us, at my next Art-Yoga lesson. »

Author: Associate Prof. Charlène Clonts (PhD.)