Stories
ClassBento's blog on workshops, mindfulness, hobbies and more.
25 of the Best Creative Hens Party Ideas in Sydney
Celebrate an upcoming wedding with creative hens party ideas that will see your group enjoying flower crown making, cocktail classes and more!
DIY Christmas Gifts
Make Christmas extra special with these DIY experience gift cards!
Christmas Party Ideas
Tinsel, carols and sugar-sifted mince pies. It’s that time of year again. Santa’s red chair is rolled out as the centrepieceTinsel, carols and sugar-sifted mince pies. It’s that time of year again. Santa’s red chair is rolled out as the centrepiece of every shopping mall. Pine, bells and glitter adorn every pole, sign and public bus. Distant relatives’ arrival dates are scrawled onto calendars. Parents scramble for gift wrapping paper, festive-looking napkins and blow dust off abandoned recipe books. And employees receive the anticipated work e-mail - the end of year work Christmas party. A celebratory affair, yet predictable. The exhaustion and relief of the culmination of yet another laborious year manifests itself in vulnerable conversation with respective bosses and questionable dance moves. But employers and employees can attain closure by other means, such as channelling celebratory spirits toward practical and interactive workshops. Workshops with colleagues encourage a playground for creativity and stress-relief after the arduous working year. Busy your hands in an aroma-filled wreath-making workshop and walk away with a Christmas décor or gift. Or de-stress in a juggling workshop, sharpen your focus and concentration whilst dodging balls resulting from miscalculated throws. We’ve provided a list of the top Christmas party ideas below. Wreath Making Embrace the festive spirit in a crafty Christmas Wreath-making workshop. Assemble an Australian inspired wreath, and twist and weave twigs, flowers and leaves artfully around wire. Setsuko Yanagisawa, a talented florist with over 13 years of experience, will invite you into her Glebe floristry and guide you to create your own unique take on the traditional wreath - and you'll have lots of creative fun along the way. The minimalist, contemporary aesthetic wreath has potential to compliment the modern Australian home or gifted to friends and family, with added artisan value. Mixology Liquor, the only necessary and perhaps overarching, redeeming element of every arduous family gathering in the festive months. Similarly, the culprit of many an embarrassing moment at work Christmas parties. Whether used as a crutch and drunk in excess, or casually sipped on to compliment a celebratory occasion, alcohol, or more specifically cocktails are no doubt a staple for the exhausted employee. Re-invent the work Christmas party, without sacrificing the alcohol, in an educational Mixology workshop. We have some top bars in Sydney like The Roosevelt and Della Hyde running cocktail classes that embrace the art of mixology with new and classic techniques. Mix, muddle and shake-up some of the most popular cocktails. Sip on Cosmos, Margaritas and Moijtos with colleagues in a relaxed and interactive environment. Walk away with brand new recipes under your belt, to share with and impress relatives at upcoming festive events. Action Painting Action painting involves spontaneously dribbling, splashing or smearing paint onto the canvas, though it is not confined to three motions. With roots in the 1950s Abstract Expressionist movement, the painting method or rather, lack of method is derivative of artists who valued the physical interaction with materials more so or on par with the finished work. Get messy with colleagues and express yourself through physical motion as you create stunning art in an Action Painting workshop. Broaden your knowledge of the Expressionist movement and the great action painters of the past. Whip, flick and swish paintbrush against canvas. Experiment with different textures, willow charcoal, sharpies, inks and oil crayons. Opt for unique brushes and stamping tools made out of potatoes, onions, sticks, cloth, eye droppers and spray bottles. Walk away with your very own large painting on loose canvas or box board, to gift or to decorate. For more inspiration read our article on fun team building ideas. Juggling The end of the year translates to unwind and relax time. And what better way to unwind than tossing small colourful balls into the air, in a Juggling workshop. Juggling has the ability to sharpen focus and concentration, acts as a form of stress-relief, maintains and increases range of motion in the arms and shoulders, improves coordination, wards off food cravings and functions as the ultimate exercise that doesn’t feel like exercise. Scoop, drop and attempt to master a fluid rhythm with juggling whizz Stephan Novikov in his stress-free, self-paced Juggling Journey workshop. Juggling is the ideal Christmas party idea for colleagues looking to unwind and laugh over amusing miscalculated throws. Leave with a neat new party trick to amuse the kids on Christmas day. Superfood Sushi Rich ham, steaming Christmas pudding with oozing thick custard, sugar-sifted mince pies and copious amounts of wine. As we scramble to fill our bellies before the health-kick New Years resolution, health is often neglected during the indulgent festive season. Though, healthy food doesn't have to be boring or tasteless, according to Chef Yoshiko Takeuchi. Maintain your health during the testing festive months with Yoshiko’s Superfood Sushi class. With over twenty years’ experience, the author of two Japanese health-food cookbooks and a frequenter of some of Sydney’s top kitchens, Yoshiko uses only top quality Japanese ingredients in her cooking. Follow traditional methods with colleagues, such as forming mounds of sushi rice, creating nigiri and nori rolls whilst sipping on Japanese tea. Learn essential Japanese seasonings, cooking techniques and recipes to incorporate in a well-rounded and delicious Christmas dinner. End of year work Christmas parties don’t have to be predictable evenings, but opportunities to channel energies into interactive and rewarding workshops and bond with colleagues in leisurely and stress-free environments. Explore our Christmas party ideas on our workshop page for the best alternatives. ...
Make Your Own T-shirt with Screen Printing
As a teenager in a primary school art class, I had no idea what screen printing was, but from what I could see of the press in front of me, it wasAs a teenager in a primary school art class, I had no idea what screen printing was, but from what I could see of the press in front of me, it was going to be complicated. The contraption had several limbs branching out at different angles like some kind of advanced, spinning robot ready for take-off. The metal base was dripping with ink in various bright colors. “I’m going to use that?” I asked my teacher. She shook her head with a smile, “That’s a little advanced for you. Don’t worry, we’re going to be working with individual screens for now. It’s still a little complicated, but you’ll have fun.” Over the next two weeks, I spent hours designing, cutting, aligning, and squeegee-ing on various types of paper and fabric. There were times when I wanted to pull my hair out and times that I was ecstatic with the outcome, but usually I was just extremely focused on my work. By the time I had completed my first project - a tricolor work that would probably make Andy Warhol cringe - I was hooked on the hobby. I couldn’t wait to show off my freshly-pressed artwork to friends and family. I actually started to make my own t shirts with screen printing!! “Just wait until you learn more about the history,” my art teacher prodded. Indeed, screen printing has an interesting tale to tell. The art form has a surprisingly long history, with Polynesian Island natives producing the first images by seeping ink through banana leaves over 1500 years ago (1). Similar techniques popped up in China and Japan, where they developed in sophistication and skill. At the 1853 World’s Fair, Japanese goods were lauded by European and American artists, who sought to learn and commercialize the art form. Though screen printing wouldn’t show up in Australia until the second World War, other forms of printing have always been a crucial part of the country’s history (2). For instance, a humble little device came over with the first fleet in 1788, though it was incomprehensible to all crew members. Once the newcomers learned how to use the press, printing exploded in the form of newspapers and informative books on exploration of the continent. This type of production was usually relegated to the commercial sector, and wouldn’t become popular as an art form until the 1970’s, as a result of Andy Warhol’s explosive entrance into the art world. As an American artist, Warhol’s most famous works depict American popular culture, such as his iconic renditions of actress Marilyn Monroe in the 1960’s. As a result of his pioneering endeavors, artists all over the world began experimenting with silk screens. The craft became particularly popular in Aboriginal communities, specifically in Bathurst Island and at Gunbalanya, where much of the printmaking took place on fabric instead of the otherwise popular paper (3). Over the next few decades, this style would become an integral piece of Aboriginal fashion design, with artists showcasing their work in art galleries, Parisian fashion venues, and international cultural exhibits. Considering its humble beginnings, screen printing has certainly had an interesting journey. Today, many individuals, with or without an artistic background, are exploring the craft by attending printing classes. In fact, ClassBento offers a class in Marrickville lead by Carizza Teague who studied the art form at the Eastern Sydney Institute of Technology and has been teaching it for seven years. You may be as surprised by a beginner’s class as I was the first time I saw a screen printing press, but there’s no doubt that you’ll enjoy your first experience. Here are a few fundamental aspects to the process that may help you prepare for your first class. First, the materials This type of printing requires a pretty particular set of objects. Most notably, the screen, which is generally a wooden frame fixed with a thin semitransparent film. You will also be provided with a squeegee, emulsion liquid, printing ink, and testing fabric (although you should bring your own fabric for the finished project: think tea towels, tee-shirts, or tote bag.) Your instructor will have a light box to help the emulsion process along quickly. If most of these items seem foreign to you, that’s okay. Your instructor will explain everything! Churning out your work So, all you need is a screen and some ink right? Why all this other stuff? Well, it’s a little more complex than just seeping ink through a film. Carizza’s class uses a photo emulsion method, which requires the following steps: 1. You design a creative graphic. Anything you want! Elegant lettering, your dog, your best friend, the sky’s the limit. 2. You create a transparent version of your beautiful image that will be stripped away after the emulsion process (your teacher will help you with this part.) 3. You prepare for emulsion by fixing your image to a screen, which has been covered with the emulsion liquid. 4. When you expose your screen to light, the emulsion will harden where the liquid is exposed, allowing you to eventually strip away your transparent image. 5. What is left is a kind of stencil through which you can squeeze ink onto fabrics, shirts, and paper products! As a beginner, you will probably be satisfied with sticking to one color for your graphic, creating a minimalist work of art that will astound your friends and family. But, as you advance in your practice, this method can incorporate more and more colors into your work (just remember, each step usually requires a completely new graphic!) In other words, whether you're interested in a novice understanding of screen printing, or you want to take it to the next level, you can be sure that there’s never going to be too little or too much that you can do with your art. You may even advance to larger printing presses! So, don’t be shy! Anyone can make a beautiful graphic using this method, and there’s nothing quite like showcasing your work as part of your daily wardrobe. References: (1) georgerodriguefoundation.org (2) neram.com.au (3) digitalcommons.unl.edu ...
Knife Painting Is Just Like Decorating a Cake
Discover this fun medium at painting classes in Sydney and create a textured art masterpiece!
Intimate Learning and Teaching - the Power of Privacy
ClassBento's privacy options allow teachers to use secret venues, and gives students marvellous new ways to experience classes. So what'sClassBento's privacy options allow teachers to use secret venues, and gives students marvellous new ways to experience classes. So what's this all about, how would it be helpful, and how did we apply lessons from psychology research? Let's run through these options one by one and see. We allow teachers to mask their teaching venue. In this case, a circle is shown on a map, with the venue’s real location hidden somewhere within the circle. The exact location is only revealed to paying students. This allows teachers to use private venues like their home or private studios for classes, while allowing prospective students to know their rough location without compromising their privacy. These venues tend to be more convenient and cheaper for teachers, since they tend to be owned and used by teachers for other purposes. I’m personally uncomfortable with revealing my home address to strangers (strangers who pay me to be my students are the exception), so I use this option myself (1). There are of course other reasons why teachers may choose this option. For example, photography teachers may want to take students to their secret spots with the best angles, lighting and subject matter, and don’t want to reveal these to the general public. We offer private classes to students for intimate learning. Specifically, students can book some classes privately (where enabled by the teacher), which will immediately make the class unavailable for future bookings by members of the public. Students can book private classes either just for themselves, or also on behalf of others. Teachers can offer their own venues and/or to travel to students. We can imagine some ways that this would benefit students (there are probably more): You want to take a date out to something a bit more interesting than dinner and a movie, and want an intimate experience (you may know the song ‘Tennessee Waltz’; it’s both a great song and a cautionary tale (2)) You don’t want outsiders intruding on your company team or family bonding time You are an introvert and don’t cope well in bigger groups (between a third to a half of us are introverts (3), including me) You are don’t want to be judged for your currently amateurish skills (like me with dancing, singing, painting, skateboarding, Spanish … okay basically everything). After all, if you think that you're being judged negatively, you'll often perform worse, compared to if you were by yourself or with just trusted others (like a patient teacher) (this has been proven by scientific experiments) (4) You want to express your creativity fully, especially in open-ended subjects like the visual arts; you want to minimise the 'peer pressure' to produce conformist output (5) You don't want random other people who aren't quite as advanced as you slowing down your learning Of course, we offer 'public' options as well. Teachers can specify where their venues are to the public if they wish, and students can join public classes and meet new people if they wish (and if the teacher's class allows). Each option has its own advantages. We hope you love our privacy options! (1) Yes, I’m actually also a teacher on ClassBento. As to which one … that’s a secret for now (2) Listen to Patti Page’s lovely rendition at: youtube.com/watch?v=_Ek3eCbfqp0 (3) From "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking" by Susan Cain. A great read, highly recommended (4) The technical term from this is 'Evaluation apprehension'. It's a well researched theory in psychology. It's remarkably pervasive; a famous study showed that women perform worse in maths tests when their gender was implicitly brought to their attention, due to the women recalling the stereotype that they should be worse at maths than men (in this specific case, it's referred to as 'Stereotype threat', but now I'm going quite a bit off topic) - see Inzlicht, M.; Ben-Zeev, T. (2000). "A Threatening Intellectual Environment: Why Females Are Susceptible to Experiencing Problem-Solving Deficits in the Presence of Males" (5) This is related to the concept of 'Social desirability bias', which again is well established in psychology. Interestingly, studies suggest that this effect explains why men tend to artifically inflate the number of sexual partners they've had in self-reports, while women under-report theirs, to conform with the participants' view of what is socially acceptable. See Smith, T. W. (1992). "Discrepancies between men and women in reporting number of sexual partners: A summary from four countries", and Tourangeau, R.; Yan, T. (2007). "Sensitive Questions in Surveys" ...
Re-imagining Learning - Lessons from Sculpture by the Sea
What do you think of when you see the word ‘learning’? I think of a classroom. I think of an older person, lecturing. One-way communication. IWhat do you think of when you see the word ‘learning’? I think of a classroom. I think of an older person, lecturing. One-way communication. I think of rote learning, memorisation, assessments. I think of stress and boredom. Learning as outcome based, and competitive. Learning for advancement in society, without much choice involved. I’ll bet that you thought of some of these too. But can learning have the opposite effects? Can it reinvigorate, inspire, entertain? Can it do this while giving a sense of personal achievement, progress and enlightenment, that many of our modern means of entertainment (which typically have us as passive audiences, like TV) could never hope to achieve? I think so. I think that’s just scratching the surface. It won’t be easy to transform Australian society’s traditional view of learning. But at ClassBento, we’ve made that our mission. We think that Sculpture by the Sea is a great success story of how a team of passionate individuals can quickly put a different lens on something that have been around for millennia. Let’s see what we can learn from them. What would you have thought of ‘sculptures’ 10 years ago? I thought of boring old displays in museums, and high-priced auctions for the ultra rich. Inaccessible and irrelevant. Sculptures were for someone else, not me. Then came Sculpture by the Sea. Sculptures became massively accessible, at least for residents or tourists of Sydney. They were literally placed in the open, 100% free for anyone to see and play with. By being on spread out across the Bondi to Coogee walk, these sculptures inherited characteristics we normally associate with our beaches. Fun, spontaneity, tranquillity, beauty, local, Australian. People discovered that sculptures could be thought provoking, relatable, a social experience. Sculptures could be new, fresh, and relevant, reflecting the times that we live in. Sculptures could stretch our imagination, and give us feelings of awe, sadness, and everything in between. Sculptures could get us to question our place in the world. Sculpture by the Sea transformed how we think and feel about sculptures. There are plenty of other examples. What do you think of when you hear about ‘philosophy’? Abstract concepts preached by aged professors pondering away in ivory towers, like the existence and role of God, metaphysics, debating the definition of ‘knowledge’, ‘art’, ‘morals’; concepts utterly irrelevant to our modern lives? The School of Life is transforming philosophy’s place in our lives, and aims to improve our emotional intelligence. It draws on philosophy (as well as the humanities) to help us approach topics like love, relationships, death, careers, happiness and more. Topics that are often ignored by traditional schooling. Meanwhile, Masterchef has changed our perception of cooking from being a chore, to being cool, inventive, fun. There are lots of other examples, but Shakespeare tells me that ‘brevity is the soul of wit’, and I’d like to be seen as witty. To sum it up, the arts are being re-imagined to fit our modern lives. So what’s the future of recreational learning? We think that learning should still be recognised for its crucial traditional role, in preparing us for the necessary routines, complexities and customs of modern life. But we’d love people to change their perception of learning, from just thinking of learning as both learning for advancement, to also thinking of recreational learning. A few years from now, we’d love Australians to list recreational learning (like the sort offered by ClassBento) as one of their top pastimes, alongside current favourites like sport, etc Granted, it’s not for everyone or for every occasion. Sometimes our brains and bodies just can’t take anymore, and we do want to just veg out in front of a screen and be passively entertained. But there are certainly enough of us, who have enough hours in a week, who would prefer active entertainment, with all of the unique advantages it brings. How role will ClassBento play? Uncover hidden gems: In performance arts, artists don’t need a degree or qualifications to entertain, inspire, to change the world. In fact, going through the dogmas of formal schooling can dampen the creativity and uniqueness that makes art so wonderful. In contrast, we often assume that teachers must have years of formal education, to then be able to educate us. But similar to performers, skilled recreational teachers are everywhere. They just need to see the opportunity, to access a good platform. ClassBento will show them their podium. Make it easy: Education is often administrated by government, and as such it often lags behind in technology adoption, and gets tied up in red tape about what can and can’t be done, by rules and regulations. One result is the 10-page checkouts on community education sites. ClassBento will make it easy. Make offline cool again: Sure, some learning is best done individually, online, by watching demonstration videos, and reading manuals. Boring stuff like programming and statistics are some examples. But this approach isn’t suitable to every subject and every person. Humans are social creatures. Nothing can quite substitute for interacting with others in person, and using all our senses and expressions. And some subjects won’t make the transition to online easily. Imagine how difficult it would be to learn to dance, in your living room, watching a video. Or to learn how to sing, without real-time feedback, inspiration and motivation from a voice coach. ClassBento will bring offline back. Make it known: We’ll spread the word. We’ll celebrate our gifted teachers. We’ll celebrate the pleasure of learning. We’ll let Australians know that they have other options for what they can do on weekends, how they can spend time with loved ones, how they can find like-minded friends in their communities. ClassBento will lead the way. It’s an exciting future, and we can’t wait to get there with you. ...
Are We Losing Our Focus
My morning schedule is generally the same every day: wake up, scroll through social media, check my email accounts (one for work, one personal, andMy morning schedule is generally the same every day: wake up, scroll through social media, check my email accounts (one for work, one personal, and one just for spam), listen to voicemail, answer text messages, turn on the morning news for background noise, peruse the newspaper, rush to get ready for work, plug in my headphones, and head out the door. Before I’ve even finished my first coffee, I feel accomplished and extremely tired. My mornings weren’t always like this. I used to wake up to an alarm clock and head straight to the kitchen for my morning expresso. The methodic process of brewing my French roast always brought me joy: boil water, hand-grind the beans, stir everything together and read a book while waiting patiently for my first cup. Then, sit by the window and watch the city wake up until I, myself, was ready to pick up the phone, turn on the TV and let the chaos begin. Somewhere along the way, though, my morning routine started gaining negative attention from my peers and superiors and there was no focus on my employee wellbeing. I started having to answer questions like why didn’t you answer your phone? You wake up early, don’t you? And I couldn't say no to work tasks, such as I’ll send you a briefing to read in the morning so that we can start the meeting when you arrive. It didn’t take long for my mornings to cease being totally mine. Before I knew it, I was throwing in additional stimuli: television, music, scheduled video calls. These days, I never seem to finish my beloved cup of coffee, distracted as I am with everything else I feel I need to do. But, with the help of some strong research in the area of focus and productivity, I am making an effort to take back my mornings (and maybe even a few afternoons and weekends while I’m at it!) Here’s why Our world has undergone an astounding change in the last fifty years. Our communities have grown, our networks have extended and our technology has advanced. We’re heading towards progress like a rollercoaster without brakes. We think we’re doing fine. However, studies have shown we’re not adapting to the transition as well as we think we are. For instance, consider our only defence against the load of information, responsibilities and outside stimuli that constantly keep us busy: multi-tasking. If we could simply learn how to multi-task, we would be able to squeeze three hours of work into one, right? Daniel Levitin (1), a leading expert in the organizational challenges of the modern world, goes so far as to call multi-tasking a myth. According to his research, the closest the brain can get to completing more than one thing at a time is to quickly and sloppily switch between the two tasks. The final product of the multi-tasker is woefully deficient in quality and efficiency. Far more concerning than simply a dip in productivity, multi-tasking can also negatively affect our mental health. This can be hard to grasp because completing projects, even as small as returning a text message, can feel good (2). Good like scratching a bug bite or fueling an addiction, that is. Levitin urges us to see our multi-tasking behaviour as just that: addiction. While we may be euphorically buzzing through our workday with two phones in hand and an eye on email, our mental and physical capacities are withering under the pressure. Increased cortisol levels and the rapid depletion of oxygenated glucose lead to anxiety, exhaustion, and truly poor decision-making. I, for one, had the realisation of how serious my addiction was when I found myself skipping meals, overloading on caffeine, and staying longer at the office when I had promised myself that I would hit the gym after work. I couldn’t understand why my work was suffering when I felt that I was working harder than ever. So, I decided to make a change. Here’s how The steps are simple, but make no mistake: cultivating focus while living in a technology-driven world can be difficult. The best way I found to get organized was to get creative with expert suggestions. Here are two of my best tactics: 1. According to Dr. Hammerness (3), an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, a great way to reel in the frenzy of distractions in the workplace is to manage our emotional wellbeing. An abundance of negative thoughts, he says, makes us more prone to straying off-course and making cognitive mistakes. Psychology research (4) shows that by setting a goal of 3 positive thoughts to every negative one, we can be sure that our brains stay engaged and focused throughout the day. I have found that engaging in extra-curricular activities, like learning to play an instrument or making appreciation cards for my loved ones, keeps my mood light and happy, even when I’m in a particularly stressful setting. 2. After I found some emotional zen in my life, the next step was to wrestle with the constant itch to check my technology throughout the day. Dr. Hammernness proposes a seemingly easy solution: try focusing on a task for a short period of time. No phone, no internet, not even a bowl of carrots for mindless snacking. Just the task at hand. I have to admit, this step is difficult for me. Even the smallest of distractions, like an interesting cloud outside my window, can veer me off course. So instead of taking Dr. Hammerness’s suggestion to my workplace, where my first attempts have been unsuccessful, I’ve started with something more accessible: yoga. The key is to attend an actual class (instead of an online video) in which an instructor keeps me engaged and minimizes all distractions. Since attending classes, I’ve noticed that my focus in other areas has improved. Other focus-driven hobbies, like painting, flower arranging or origami have similar effects on our ability to manage the frenzy of our daily lives. So far, my path towards a technology-reduced lifestyle has had tremendous effects on my mental and physical well-being. By maintaining my positivity, refusing to multi-task, and fostering my ability to focus, I’ve also noticed gains in productivity and quality of work. There’s really nothing to lose, other than the hours I’ve spent watching kitten videos online. References: (1) theguardian.com (2) goodreads.com (3) hbr.org (4) positivityratio.com ...
Find Balance with Ikebana Flower Arranging
To the untrained eye, ikebana may seem like just a few flowers in a bowl. The translation of the name doesn’t shed much light, with ike meaningTo the untrained eye, ikebana may seem like just a few flowers in a bowl. The translation of the name doesn’t shed much light, with ike meaning “arrange” or “alive” and bana meaning “flower (1).” Ikebana is also sometimes referred to in relation to kado or “the way of the flower (2).” But this etymology doesn’t get us any closer to understanding what ikebana is, where it came from and why Ikebana classes in Sydney are so popular. So to paint the picture, let’s consider the following scene: Image that the year is 1403 and you are in Kyoto, Japan. You are approaching a Zen Buddhist temple, which is perched on the edge of a tranquil lake. Everywhere you look, you see twisting pines and thick green foliage. Pink and white cherry blossoms seem to be falling delicately from the sky. This is a sacred place, and as such it is quiet and calm. The square building in front of you is three stories tall, each level separated by an ornate, sweeping roof and wrap-around walkway. The siding is yellowish-gold color which sets the temple in stark contrast with the soft greenery surrounding it. As you walk closer, you notice there is a doorway on the side of the temple facing the water, and you enter with bated breath. Inside, simplicity governs the space. Natural light filters through panes of thin-paper windows and the wood flooring is bright and open. The room is free of all furniture, except for an altar at the center, directly in front of you. The mantle is arranged on three tiers: at the top is an ornate carving of the Buddha in black stone. The two lower levels house four different floral arrangements, each seeming to defy gravity with their sprawling stems and drooping flowers. You are surprised by the array of colors: deep violet tulips are placed with bright red buds and wide pink water lilies. Interspersed with the flowers are precariously arranged leafless sticks and pine tree branches, which reach up and lean gracefully over to the side or curl around the outside of the arrangement as if holding everything in. Each ikebana is its own world of balance, playfulness, and tranquility. You could look at each one for hours, focusing on each individual blade of grass, stem, stick, or flower petal, and never tire of its design. Incredibly, each ikebana also adds to the balance of the altar as a whole. The effect is a kind of visual relaxation that is at once satisfying and mystifying. You realize, as you continue to appreciate the earthly beauty in front of you, that you are unconsciously practicing a fundamental Zen Buddhist tradition: the practice of mindfulness, of allowing the mind to exist in the present moment, and to bask in the calmness and serenity of the body (3). Put simply, ikebana is not just a few flowers in a bowl. It is an art form. A spiritual journey. An integral piece of Japanese tradition. Even to the untrained eye, this is something sacred and special. And now, it is open to individuals all over the world. Classes range from beginner’s design to advanced floral arrangement. ClassBento’s Setsuko Yanagisawa leads an exciting introductory course which covers the basics of ikebana like layering flowers and building up an arrangement from the base. You will even learn the different types of Japanese flora and fauna in order to make a beautiful and authentic work of art. As with any creative pursuit, ikebana also offers a range of mental health benefits as well. The most, obvious benefit, probably is the meditative element of Japanese flower arrangement. The benefits of meditation are well-documented (4), and have been shown to have a positive impact on people dealing with anxiety, depression and even physical pain. Ikebana can invite you to meditate by focusing your awareness on the technical and creative task at hand. You’ll find yourself so immersed in the beauty of your work, that you may not even realize that you’re meditating until you leave the session relaxed and serene. Another advantage of practicing ikebana: self-expression. According to the Government of Western Australia Mental Health Commission (6), self-expression is a key factor in improving mental health and wellbeing. Luckily, ikebana is fundamentally a practice of self-expression, in which each arrangement speaks to the emotions and visual aesthetic of the individual creator. Furthermore, it can lead to a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment, and because there are more than 3,000 schools of ikebana today(5), you will never run out of ways to express your creativity. If you’re interested in incorporating your newfound skills in Japanese flower arrangements into your home, here’s some more great news for you. Ikebana can greatly improve your everyday mood by changing the ambiance of your living space. At its core, ikebana is about simplicity, balance, and an appreciation for the imperfect beauty of the natural world. These elements create a calm and relaxing atmosphere, which will naturally lower stress and rejuvenate you. In addition to tranquility, the emphasis on appreciation offers its own set of advantages for those looking to take care of their mental wellbeing. According to prominent voices in the field of gratitude like Hugh van Cuylenburg (7), research clearly indicates that showing gratitude, for something as small as a glass of water to something as meaningful as a loving family, can greatly increase feelings of happiness and satisfaction. Ikebana teaches this practice of gratitude powerfully by asking its students to appreciate and be thankful for everything from the beautiful glazed vase to the fragile stems to the striking blooms of color and fragrance. Overall, ikebana is not simply the act of arranging flowers. It goes far beyond its vague etymology into the realm of art, spirituality, and mental wellbeing. By signing up for a beginner’s class in ikebana, you are embarking on a meaningful and beautiful cultural journey. Enjoy. References: (1) ftd.com (2) livingnow.com.au (3) zen-buddhism.net (4) mindaustralia.org.au (5) ikebanabyjunko.com (6) mentalhealth.wa.gov.au (7) smh.com.au ...
Discover Cocktail Making in Sydney
Take your appreciation for boozy drinks to a whole new level with cocktail making classes in Sydney!
How Japanese Calligraphy Helps You Get Your Focus Back
Discover more about the age-old art of shodo, Japan's traditional calligraphy practice, and learn to put pen to paper!
Save Money and Become Your Own Barista
Looking to save money this year? Become your own barista and learn how to brew your morning cup of joe at home, with these coffee classes in SydLooking to save money this year? Become your own barista and learn how to brew your morning cup of joe at home, with these coffee classes in Sydney! ...
Learn to Make Japanese Sweets in Sydney
A typical Japanese bakery will have wagashi. In fact, they won’t just have wagashi. Most likely, they will have many, many types of the bite-sizedA typical Japanese bakery will have wagashi. In fact, they won’t just have wagashi. Most likely, they will have many, many types of the bite-sized sweet Japanese treats. As you peruse your options, it will be difficult to pinpoint just one tantalizing option: there are small, soft green balls, dense, chocolate-like squares, intricately molded hard candies, and more, all delicious and delicate and exciting. Learn how to make them from scratch at Japanese cooking classes in Sydney. After deliberating for a long time between the wide selection, you may just have to sample more than one. Don’t worry if you don’t find your favourite treat on your first pass. Japanese sweets are available at virtually every Japanese establishment in Australia, including restaurants, department stores, food carts, and convenience stores (1). Make sure that you have an open mind and a cup of green tea with you as you begin your wagashi journey. To understand wagashi, you must first learn the ancient art of tea ceremony. You’ve probably heard of Japanese Tea Ceremony, a practice that automatically conjures up images of delicate tea sets, the precise and talented movements of a tea master, and the serene greenery of a tea garden. Historians have written a great deal about this highly structured and difficult-to-learn cultural practice, from its introduction to Japan in the 700’s to today’s tea ceremony revival in younger generations. Everyone can agree that tea ceremony holds a special place in Japan’s national identity, invoking pride in citizens and absolute awe in tourists. What you may not have heard, but will be excited to learn, is that tea ceremony has a sweet secret: Wagashi, or Japanese sweets. This facet of tea culture deals specifically with the sweet accompaniments to green tea, made up mostly of sweet bean pastes and rice flour. They come in an endless variety of colors, shapes, tastes and textures, and have become a cultural staple in their own right. Dessert-lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike are anxious to sign up for Japanese confectionery classes, in which students learn the preparation method and serving technique of the tasty morsels. Try making your own sweet treats with ClassBento's friendly and expert teachers, or dive deeper into a workshop that focuses on Japanese arts and culture. Once you’ve signed up for your beginner’s course, you may want to brush up on your Japanese tea history before your first class. Here are a few key things to remember about this special practice: • In the 14th century, tea ceremony was created by Zen Buddhists as a religious practice emphasizing the four integral notions of harmony, respect, purity and tranquility (2). Because of this, tea ceremony is a fundamentally spiritual practice and has retained sacred status for seven centuries. • The most important name associated with tea ceremony is Sen Rikyu (3), a tea master who set the standard for tea ceremony by codifying the entire process, from the technical process, to the utensils, to the setting. He is credited with developing the notions of wabi (a commitment to simple, everyday living) and sabi (an aesthetic tendency towards the old and worn.) The overall intention is to find beauty in ordinary objects. • Tea masters dedicate their entire lives to perfecting their craft, and a full tea ceremony can last up for four hours, with multiple renditions of green tea, a meal, sake tasting, and wagashi (4). Now that you have a foundational knowledge of the main show, let’s pivot to one of the key players of the ceremony: wagashi. Wagashi can be broken down into three separate categories - togashi, tenjin and nanban-gashi - each with its own taste and cultural history(5). • Togashi is the rarest form of Japanese confectionery and is made from the kneading of wheat flour or bean paste into various shapes. It is then deep-fried and has a long tradition of being served at aristocratic banquets. • Tenjin is the type most closely associated with tea ceremony as it was introduced with by the zen buddhists who popularized the custom. It is characterized by jellied and bun-like sweets, although traditional versions were more savory than sweet. • Nanban-gashi was radically different from other forms of wagashi when it was introduced by Portuguese immigrants in 1543. Unlike its savory relatives, this unique form utilized sweet ingredients and eggs, which were previously uncommon on the islands. If such distinctions are not enough, wagashi gets more complicated - and more exciting! For, the creation of Japanese sweets are not simply shaping sweetened bean paste into random shapes. Instead, each wagashi creates a balance of the senses which enhances its role as part of the Zen Buddhist’s tea ceremony(6): • Sight - each wagashi is perfectly crafted to be aesthetically pleasing and thought provoking • Taste - wagashi is a showcase of its natural ingredients, allowing the person tasting the treat to admire traditional Japanese crops such as beans and grains • Texture – the sweets come in a vast variety of textures, from soft to crispy to light to dense • Scent - a key aspect is subtlety - in fragrance, especially. Each morsel compliments the other scents of the ceremony, like the all-important green tea • Sound - wagashi invoke an auditory response as a result of its unique and significant labels. Many refer to natural elements or traditional poetic works When sifting through all of the information, you may feel a little bit overwhelmed. This is normal; tea ceremony and Japanese sweets boast of long and meaningful histories that are difficult for foreigners to understand. But wagashi can be a beautiful and accessible hobby, in which students learn about and gain an appreciation for an incredibly complex culture while also exploring the creative process of wagashi-making. As a student of wagashi, you can benefit just by learning the basics, or you can fully lean into the practice, tapping into an extensive and well-established tradition of sweet-making. Learn about the amazing health benefits of matcha here. References: (1) japan-guide.com (2) mightyleaf.com (3) britannica.com (4) shibuiswords.com (5) kikkoman.com (6) toraya-group.co.jp ...
Re-energise Against Burnout
In today’s fast-paced society, there is a clear hierarchy of work ethic and lack of focus on the employee wellbeing. Those who sacrifice everythingIn today’s fast-paced society, there is a clear hierarchy of work ethic and lack of focus on the employee wellbeing. Those who sacrifice everything for the company are lauded as loyal and hard-working. They are highly regarded in the workplace for their commitment and selflessness. Without a doubt, these workers are admirable for their effort to stay relevant in their competitive environment. Often they don’t ask for recognition, they don’t bring up the emotional toll of their work to their superiors and their compromises have very real consequences in their interpersonal lives. But recent studies suggest that all the effort put forth by these superstars does not mean much if that individual is physically rundown or unhappy with the job. In short, there’s more to the ideal worker than sheer will, and interestingly energy levels have a lot to do with the effectiveness of such employees. What are the experts saying? Tony Schwartz, the president and CEO of the Energy Project, has become a prominent voice in the movement to redefine work productivity strategy. His in-depth research (1) in the effectiveness of work habits has allowed him to make some striking prescriptions. Among them: take care of your health, tap into that powerful brain of yours, manage your mentality, and find your drive. Simple enough, right? Let’s break it down. Start with the body We all know that we should be eating a good breakfast. We should be turning in at a reasonable hour to get a full night’s rest. We should be fueling our bodies with nutritious food. But many of us simply don’t make an effort to take care of our bodies. There are various reasons for this: we don’t have time, or we don’t have the energy. Additionally, the benefits of physical health manifest themselves gradually, making it difficult for us to notice just how much of an effect a healthy lifestyle can have on our professional lives. Making small changes for physical health, like snacking on healthy foods, sleeping well, and maintaining an exercise routine, though, can have dramatic effects on our energy levels and make us infinitely better workers. As energy coach Annie Perrin (2) says to employees who are feeling a little burned out, effective physical renewal is “generally comprised of very simple actions and behavioral practices that individually may seem ‘trivial,’ but when done consistently can cumulatively add up and make a profound difference in our quality of life.” Take care of the powerhouse As it turns out, in addition to making sure that our physical health is at its best, there are ways that we can take care of our brains too. Caring for that massive powerhouse in our head is incredibly important if we want to be energised in the workplace. A useful tip: take frequent breaks. Schwartz found the participants of his study to have increased work performance when the workday was interspersed with short, distracting breaks. Also, don’t multi-task. As tempting as it is to catch up on emails during a meeting, or listen to your voicemails while writing up a report, the experts say that our brain is at its most productive when it doesn’t have to juggle more than one request. The result: higher quality work produced in less time. Next, fuel your emotions Now that you’ve taken the steps to maximize the energy reserves in the brain, the next step is to make sure that your emotional state doesn’t get in the way. According to Schwartz (3) in an article posted in the New York Times Dealbook, emotions have a profound influence on how well we can perform tasks. The reason, he says, is because humans are driven by two brains: the survival brain and the rational brain. When we allow ourselves to get bogged down with the everyday triage of stress at work, the rational brain takes a backseat to the fight or flight responses of the sympathetic (or instinctual) nervous system. You may be saying to yourself, I never feel like I’m in physical danger at work. Why would my body go into survival mode? Well, science shows that sympathetic responses can be triggered by emotional threats, such as interactions that leave us feeling vulnerable or unworthy. While in this state, we lose our ability to think clearly and our emotions begin to slide into negativity. This is an energy-intensive state and can leave us feeling ragged at the end of the day. Luckily, there is a simple solution. Change the narrative. The trick is to identify the moment when our cognitive mind begins to tip towards those unsafe feelings of self-doubt. Instead of giving in to those fears of worthlessness, Schwartz encouraged the participants of his study to think of the situation from a different, more positive angle. Because we’re often harder on ourselves than an onlooker would be, changing the perspective - asking questions like how would someone else describe this situation? - can strengthen the rational brain by focusing on a less emotional view on our role in the workplace. Participants found this practice empowering and energizing, making them more productive and aware employees. Last, and probably most important: don’t forget your spirit Each of the steps outlined above will do nothing to improve the productivity of your work if you are lacking one very important element: fulfilment. According to Schwartz, the most productive work comes from what he calls a “sweet spot,” in which an individual’s best skills match up with their personal goals and desires. In this overlap, workers can benefit from a well of energy that also gives off feelings of happiness, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose. As mentioned earlier, these are the perfect emotions for rational cognitive function, leading some of our best work. How can you make sure that you’re dedicating your time to finding the “sweet spot?” Here are a few questions to get you started thinking about what motivates you: What are your core values? Are you forced to compromise on those values for your job? Do you feel that you are contributing to a cause that you believe in? Answering these questions honestly can be very helpful in making sure that your career goals align with the work that you’re doing. Otherwise, you may experience dissatisfaction, disengagement, and exhaustion at your job, the perfect storm for the sympathetic brain to step in and damage your productivity and deplete your energy reserves. All in all, there are many ways to ensure we are at our best in the workplace and the research shows that the answer is pretty clear: Take care of yourself and find your passion. Ready to dive right in? Learn more about how hobbies can help burnout here and find a variety of arts and crafts activities at ClassBento to embrace your creative side today. References: (1) hbr.org (2) theenergyproject.com (3) theenergyproject.com ...
Aged Health Benefits and Recreational Classes
The weekend before my great-grandmother passed away at 98-years-old, she took me outside to plant sunflowers. Her daughter and granddaughter putThe weekend before my great-grandmother passed away at 98-years-old, she took me outside to plant sunflowers. Her daughter and granddaughter put up a fuss, claiming that it was too hot outside, and that she should rest instead. She just waved a hand and motioned for me to help her stand up. “I’m going to teach my great-granddaughter how to garden,” she said. I think we were all a little bit surprised. In her old age, Nora wasn’t usually so lucid. It was hot that day (the sunflowers wouldn’t survive the sweltering heat waves of the next few months,) but my great-grandmother didn’t seem to mind. Under her sun visor, she was all smiles. As she walked me through the steps of preparing the flowerbed and spreading the seeds in the fresh soil, my great-grandmother was radiating joy. Of course, she was always excited to spend time with family, but this was something different. This energy and warmth had something to do with gardening. In the years since her passing, I’ve always been incredibly grateful for the chance to share that afternoon with her. I was able to see first-hand how a simple task, like caring for a garden, could have such a powerful impact on a woman who had lived for a century. The fact that something as small as planting a seed could still put such a radiant smile on her face astounded me and pushed me to find more information on the power of leisure activities on the elderly. As it turns out, the benefits of leisure activities for everyone are vast, but they can have a particularly powerful effect on the mental health of middle-aged and advanced-aged citizens. Why should we focus on older individuals? As middle age passes into advanced years, our senior citizens have a difficult transition. The things they took for granted in youth, such as mobility and memory, have become less accessible in older age. Even the most joyful and lighthearted of people have to admit that this loss of function can be frustrating, scary, and depressing. The awareness of this slowing down can be especially accentuated in retired individuals, who can no longer focus on a career or feel a sense of fulfillment in their jobs. Luckily, there are ways to ease the transition. Researchers across the world have been searching for solutions to the problems associated exclusively with the experience of aging, and what they found was something that community centers and elderly facilities have been saying all along: creative hobbies are good for our mental state and physical health. Multi-cultural methods: what are they doing in Japan? A 2015 study (1) from the Hamamatsu University School of Medicine in Japan sought to put previous claims of the effectiveness of certain leisure activities to the test. Though they disproved earlier beliefs that participating in social activities could improve mental health in middle-aged and elderly individuals, they did find some overall uplifting benefits to other leisure activities. Their findings found, for instance, that hobbies, cultural activities, physical exercise, and sports all improved the mental health of elderly Japanese citizens. The effect was compounded when such activities were shared with a companion or group. What about Australians? A similar study (2) was conducted by three scholars in 2013 exploring the effect of hobbies on the mental health of elderly women living in Australia. Their impetus for conducting the study was a body of precedent publications that, although dealing with the benefits of creative activities on mental wellbeing, had largely excluded the effects of such hobbies on the older generation. Their definition of creative hobby was expansive: everything from needlework to photography to china painting was included in study. And their findings were incredible: Women involved in such activities were more likely to be socially engaged and showed a lower tendency toward “osteoarthritis, stroke, depression or anxiety/nervous disorder compared with women not involved in those hobbies” (2, page 7). These women were also more likely to be in physically good shape in terms of functionality and enjoy an overall higher quality of life. The reasoning for these benefits is still somewhat unclear. Experts believe that these types of hobbies probably improve mental health by lowering stress, sparking cognitive activity, and producing feelings of fulfillment and pride in participants. How can we use this information? We can all agree that investing our elderly population is a valuable use of effort and resources. After all, they are our parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. They are future versions of ourselves, as we navigate our own aging process. We certainly wouldn’t be here without them. And in this vulnerable time in their lives, we should put this scientific knowledge to good use. There are lots of possible workshops that retirees and try out or even start themselves such as paint-and-sip classes, stand up paddle boarding, water aerobics, yarn bombing (the rebellious act of covering public spaces with crocheted or knitted works of art). These are just a few examples of the plethora of wacky, fun, unique hobbies out there. This is one of the reasons why ClassBento was started, to make it easier for retirees to try out new hobbies and also allow them to teach their passions and get paid, giving them purpose back in their lives. Our elders deserve it Based on my personal experience with my great-grandmother, I cannot understate the effect of leisure activities on elderly individuals. Seeing the smile light up her face when her advanced years had caused her so much strain and exhaustion was truly a gift that I would encourage every young person to be a part of. So get the older people in your lives involved in a creative pursuit. It will benefit you both! (1) journals.plos.org (2) tandfonline.com ...
Floristry Workshops Have Hidden Benefits (2024)
Discover the wellbeing benefits of being surrounded by flowers at floristry classes in Sydney!
Try Not to Smile in an UKulele Class
It’s difficult to imagine a happier instrument than the ukulele. Light, twinkling musicality aside, the mere appearance of the small stringed-instrument,It’s difficult to imagine a happier instrument than the ukulele. Light, twinkling musicality aside, the mere appearance of the small stringed-instrument, miniature and cute, invokes a feeling of joy. Just do a quick search for ukulele covers of your favorite songs, or attend music classes in Sydney and try not to smile. The ukulele conjures up images of the shores of Hawaii, where island breezes carry the scent of floral hibiscus and the crashing of waves can always be heard somewhere in the distance. When considering its origin, one might imagine an islander suddenly stumbling upon the instrument leaning against a palm tree, forever changing the musical world. But the history (1) of the ukulele has a much more intriguing past, stemming from Portuguese immigration to the set of islands in the mid 1800’s. As early as 1879, shiploads of immigrants from the islands of Madeira and the Azores arrived in Hawaii as farmhands to work in sugar cane fields. Of the many items they brought with them, the machete de braga, a four stringed instrument, was arguably the most entertaining. At the end of a long day in the fields, families would sit around campfires singing traditional folksongs before resting up for the next grueling day of work. The music was probably first heard by the indigenous population when the Portuguese community gathered at the docks of Honolulu to welcome new immigrants to island. The popularity of the stringed instrument spiked, soon becoming the star of street-corner concerts that the newcomers and established population could enjoy together. Fascinated by the energetic strumming of the machete players, island natives renamed the instrument ukulele, Hawaiian for jumping flea. Even local royalty adopted the new toy. King David Kalakaua, an accomplished musician, brought the ukulele to a wider audience by naming it Hawaii’s national instrument. Subsequently, some minor changes were made to the ukulele, utilizing koa wood and altering the tuning to make the instrument more portable and enjoyable to play. The next century saw rises and falls in ukulele popularity akin to the very sea from which the instrument originated. There are many detailed histories (2) on the subject, starring iconic American legends like Elvis Presley and Bing Crosby. Today, the uke is experiencing yet another revival, with vloggers posting covers of the latest popular songs, and well-known bands playing their own songs with the happy little instrument. Which is good news for those who have been voicing the benefits of learning the ukulele for years. That’s right. The ukulele is entertaining and good for you. Here’s why. Neuropsychologist Daniel Levitin, a professor of music at McGill University in Montreal, provides some uplifting news on the efficacy of music intervention and clinical music therapy. According to him, scientific studies have found that particular types of music, be they upbeat or downtrodden, influence hormones in the brain, creating increases or dips in blood pressure. The key is, he says, for the individual to find music that most influences him. A doctor cannot prescribe classical music and assume that it will affect every patient the same way. Music is subjective, in other words. The interesting thing about the development of music intervention in today’s society, says Levitin, is that people are already using music as treatment method without really thinking of it as medicine. Companies like Spotify and Apple Music, for instance, have capitalized on this practice by arranging playlists based on moods, location, and activities. It seems that we as a society have already figured out what psychiatrists are testing, namely that music influences our emotions. The field of psychology is taking it one step further by asking whether music therapy can be used to treat more serious cases of psychiatric disorders. Harvard Review of Psychiatry (3), for example, published a study in 2011 exploring the effects of music on patients with various mental illnesses, including depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety, among others. They found that in some cases, music could actually be used as an alternative to traditional treatment regiments. Of course, the results need to be tested further, but this is incredibly exciting step for those looking for alternatives to invasive types of therapy, like medication or electroconclusive therapy (ECT). Overall, listening to music is a great way to boost mental health and help deal with certain psychiatric illnesses. So if the ukulele is the instrument that gets you smiling, you can make a conscious choice to improve your wellbeing by incorporating ukulele tracks into your daily routine. But wait, there’s more! Research shows that while listening to music has a great influence on wellbeing, playing music has an even stronger impact on mental health. Some benefits, according to Levitin, are cognitive improvements as a result of attentional training. He goes on to point out that children who are exposed to music classes are more likely to be well-socialized later in life. In support of Levitin’s claim, a study (4) out of Canada suggests that children’s participation in music lessons leads to an increase in social cohesion as a result of sympathy and prosocial development. There are various theories as to why learning to play music may contribute to changes in these behaviors. One idea is that the ability of music to bring humans together may have played a role in the survival of our ancestors. In related studies, music lessons have been associated with cognitive functioning improvements in language skills, visuospatial abilities and memory. Such findings even linked music classes to higher intelligence and academic success. Clearly, listening to and playing music is beneficial to our mental health as well as our social interconnectedness. And what better way achieve both than to add a little ukulele to your life? Those who have tried out ukulele classes rave about the joy of learning to play the instrument. Luckily, because of a recent increase in ukulele workshops and classes in and around Sydney, it is a great time to take up the hobby. For a traditional class, try signing up for the nf!ukulele class in Bondi Beach with Dan Allen. References: (1) museumofmakingmusic.org (2) theatlantic.com (3) tandfonline.com (4) journals.plos.org ...
Grab a Skateboard and Get Rolling
For various reasons, many people overlook skateboarding as a hobby. It is reserved mainly for young, cool kids with trendy fashion sense and a seemingFor various reasons, many people overlook skateboarding as a hobby. It is reserved mainly for young, cool kids with trendy fashion sense and a seeming imperviousness to pain. So it may come as a surprise that skateboarding as a sport and a hobby has been creating buzz in various professional fields, with physical therapists, metal health experts, and community organizers coming together to change the public discourse about skating. What conclusions are they making? That we should all grab a board. But first, the history: Skateboarding is a relatively new sport, first appearing on the West Coast of the U.S. in the 1950’s. At this stage, the concept was crudely obvious: find a wooden plank, four wheels, a screwdriver, and a hill. Of course, the danger of the sport soon tainted its reputation, and many considered skateboarding to be a passing phase in popular culture, especially when it disappeared throughout the 60’s. Thanks to die-hard skaters, the 70’s saw a resurgence of skateboarding in California. One of the innovations of this period was the transition from downhill slalom-style skating to more street-style, trick-based work. This was made possible by some key improvements to the sport, such as better wheels and board design, allowing skaters to discover and master previously unattainable techniques and tricks. It was during this time that the hobby became particularly popular with the anti-establishment culture of the time, a relationship that would shape societal prejudice against skaters for decades. Despite the distaste, skateboarding was quickly becoming an iconic pastime in California, one that would prevail for the next forty years. Skateboarding gained international credibility when technological advances allowed videographers to portray skater culture in wildly popular films such as Thrashin’ (1986) and Video Days (1991). Skateboarding video games soon took over the market, creating a following with millennials, who would grow up with skateboarding as a legitimate, established, and cool sport. Today, the quintessential image of the skater is alive and well. However, more than just young, male skaters are enjoying the sport. With backing from various health professionals, the future of skateboarding looks to be broadening. The Many Health Benefits of Skating Perhaps the most visible benefit of learning to skateboard is the improvement in physical health. Skating requires muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility, all areas which are known (1) to contribute to physical wellbeing. It also helps our body in less noticeable areas, such as coordination and balance. According to various fitness sources (2), honing these skills is particularly beneficial in injury prevention and joint health. Physicality is just the tip of the iceberg. Skateboarding offers an array of mental health benefits, as well. On the one hand, general physical exercise is proven (3) to improve mood, increase energy, and combat feelings of stress and depression. This is because the brain reacts to physical exertion by releasing serotonin and dopamine, two chemicals closely related to mood. Yes, but what makes skateboarding so special? Surely those looking for a cure for the blues can run on a treadmill, no training (or bruises) required. Well, there are a few aspects to skateboarding that separate it from other forms of physical exercise. One hidden advantage of skateboarding is the need to be outdoors. Though there are many indoor skateparks in this period of skating revival, most skaters practice their craft in the streets, where the tradition began. Studies (4) suggest that simply being outdoors can improve mental health as a result of increased circulation of Vitamin D in the body. The effect on depression is accentuated in green environments as opposed to urban settings, but anything is better than hitting the gym. Let’s put physiology aside completely for a moment and highlight the other impacts of skating on mental health. For example, a key element to skate culture is a laid-back attitude, but could it also be considered zen? The technicality of skateboarding requires enhanced attention to the body and the present moment, similar to yoga and other meditative practices. In the field of psychology (5), this process is known as mindfulness and has been proven to ease depression and anxiety by redirecting negative thought cycles and reducing stress. Some skaters, like Melani Hatter and Michel Loranger, have documented the role that skateboarding has had in their struggles with mental illness. Skateboarding has one more altruistic trick up its sleeve, namely its sense of community. Groups like Skateboarding is Positive in the United States, lead by Nathan Kolar, are bringing the societal benefits of skating to light. Their advocacy covers topics like public safety, primary and secondary education, autism, and more. In their view, and with the backing of reputable Sociologists and not-for-profit organizations, skateboarding offers invaluable societal advantages, from alternatives to delinquency to transferable life skills that make the entire community a better place. So, Why Aren’t We All Skating? Who knows. Maybe skateboarding’s affiliation with anti-establishment sub-groups of the 80’s has lingering effects on new membership. Maybe those who didn’t start early feel uncomfortable trying later in life. Or, maybe it just really hurts to fall the first few times. But hopefully, all this talk of physical health, mental wellbeing, and societal improvement will open a few minds to the potential of skateboarding. If you’re considering trying out the sport yourself, the best first step is to sign up for a beginner’s class, where an instructor can help you lay the foundation of your craft in a safe and controlled environment. An introductory class will go over basics like balancing on the board, turning, stopping, and falling safely. There are plenty of nf!Sydney skateboarding lessons available, in which beginners can learn from professionals and life-long skaters. Alternatively, many beginners find one-on-one instruction to be particularly helpful and less intimidating than trying out their skills in front of a group. Whatever appeals to you, just don’t forget your helmet and knee pads! From there, skateboarding offers endless possibilities for improvement, from learning new tricks to downhill events. Even if you’re just in it for a reliable form of transportation, skateboarding can drastically improve your mental and physical wellbeing. Happy skating! References: (1) sciencedaily.com (2) passionateaboutfitness.com (3) rcpsych.ac.uk (4) health.harvard.edu (5) apa.org ...
The Colourful History of Jewellery Making
I'd never tried jewellery classes in Sydney before. When I was a kid, my mother took me to meet one of her friends for an afternoon lunch. WeI'd never tried jewellery classes in Sydney before. When I was a kid, my mother took me to meet one of her friends for an afternoon lunch. We had to pick her up at her house, she explained, because Betty was blind and couldn’t drive herself. Having never met a blind person before, a flood of wonder and curiosity washed over my young mind: What would she be like? Would she be sad? What did she do if she couldn’t watch television? When we pulled up the gravel driveway, Betty was already at the doorway, ready to greet us. She was smiling and waving, and with her dark sunglasses, you wouldn’t even suspect that she wasn’t look straight at us. After introductions, Betty invited us inside for some iced tea before we went to the restaurant. As she turned to lead us into the house, I was mesmerized by her beautiful cascade of silver hair, pinned back with the most intricately beaded hair clip I had ever seen. The clip was an oval about five centimeters long and a few centimeters high and was adorned with blue, red and yellow beads arranged in symmetrical patters. It reminded me of the mosaics we had learned about in school, yet somehow more impressive because of the minuscule size of the beads (I later learned that they were called seed beads.) They were so small; you could almost mistake the entire thing for patterned fabric. My mother smiled. “She makes those herself, you know,” she said. Though she couldn’t see my expression, Betty sensed my surprise and laughed. “It’s true,” she said. “Come on, I’ll show you my collection.” Betty lead me to a spare room, where she had set up a workshop. On top of her desk, she had everything to make the intricate clips: rows and rows of brightly colored beads, spools of thread, various sizes of scissors and pliers, and strips of leather. Pinned up to the wall in neat columns were her finished products. Reds, blacks, oranges, greens, and blues. They were impossibly beautiful. Watching Betty show off her art made me realize how important beadwork was in her life. Just standing in her workshop, she was relaxed and full of joy. For the rest of the day, I couldn’t stop thinking about Betty making those incredible hair clips. I had always enjoyed making crafts with beads at school, but I couldn’t imagine creating something so detailed. My mother explained to me that the beadwork was an integral part of Betty’s heritage as a Native American of the Owen’s Valley Paiute Nation in the United States, and she had probably learned very young. Not a lot of people have an interest in learning the craft anymore, she told me sadly. Intrigued, I started researching the history of jewellery and beadwork on my own, finding a cultural history as elaborate as Betty’s art. History of Jewellery Making Jewellery, which in its most primitive form constituted decorative shells, bones, and colored rocks, is thought to be older even than clothing. As humans began settling into communal agrarian societies, in Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt, jewellery developed into more ornate and sophisticated forms of art, alongside concepts like religion and governance. At this moment in history, jewellery began gathering social significance. For example, the tomb of the pharaoh Tutankhamen, whose treasures are housed at the Egyptian Museum (2) in Cairo, is still the largest collection of jewellery in the world, and gives modern historians a good idea of the opulence afforded only to the most powerful royal figures of the time. The next few centuries saw an explosion of jewellery trading that solidified the art as a staple of almost every European, North African, and Middle Eastern civilization. A historian can dedicate a lifetime to a single island in the Mediterranean, like Crete, and never learn everything there is to know about jewellery in the Ancient World. The waters are simply too deep. At the same time, on two completely separated continents, jewellery was weaving another historical thread in North and South American settled societies. In Central and Southern civilizations, like the Aztecs and Mayans, silver and gold were popular materials for ornamental pieces. For Western tribes, like Betty’s, early forms of jewellery consisted of natural materials, such as shells, silver, ivory, colorful stones like turquoise, etc. European colonists, surprised no doubt to see such beautiful jewellery in the New World, introduced glass and seed beads in the 16th century, revolutionizing Native American art. Today, Native American nations throughout the United States continue to produce beaded moccasins, hair pieces, and baskets to preserve the tradition. With such a diverse and vast history of jewellery in human civilization, it is no surprise that jewellery continues to be a key part of almost every society in the world. But in this age of mass-production, is there a way to preserve the age-old tradition of jewellery making? Is it even worth it to try? Scientists say we have a very strong incentive to keep jewellery making around, namely its potential to improve our mental health. One study (3), lead by Carolyn Adams-Price and Bernard Steinman of Mississippi State University, reviewed the impact of jewellery making on the mental wellbeing of 29 Canadian and American women, aged 31- to 64-years-old. All participants reported a psychological benefit, while 24% said that they experienced an increase in happiness and self-worth in particular. The organization, Bonita Bead Boutique (4) in the United States, has recorded similar effects, from reduction in stress-related illness to improved cognitive function, in individuals participating in jewellery making for the first time. Getting involved in jewellery making is incredibly easy. Jewellery making workshops are taught all over Sydney. Check out the long list of beginner’s classes by Chris Smalley: 1) colour master class 2) beading basics and 3) wire wrapped stones Because of the broad definition of jewellery, there are endless options for beginner’s classes, based on your personal preferences. A typical introductory class will teach the basics of anything from beadwork to simple silver- or silicone-molding to creating your own porcelain beads and pendants. References: (1) britannica.com (2) sca-egypt.org (3) aginghorizons.com (4) promedicahealthconnect.org ...
Dragon Boat Racing Origins
Imagine the perfect morning on the bank of a tranquil river. The water is slow-moving and glassy. The only sounds are birds chirping and a gentleImagine the perfect morning on the bank of a tranquil river. The water is slow-moving and glassy. The only sounds are birds chirping and a gentle breeze whispering through the grass. You are relaxed. Now, imagine you begin to hear some distant sounds of movement coming from up river. Maybe you hear splashing, maybe faint yelling, as if a group of people is chanting. You can hear them only shortly before their figures start to become visible in the distance. Before you can believe it, they are upon your stretch of tranquility. The first thing you notice in detail is the giant carved head of a dragon, painted in vibrant colors, its lips peeled back in an intimidating smile. Sitting directly behind the beast’s white horns, a man straddling a giant drum is facing a crew of what looks like two dozen rowers sitting side by side in the narrow hull of the boat. Each is paddling in time with the drum, each blade slicing into the water at exactly the same time. You cannot believe how quickly and technical their movements are. At the back of the boat sits a woman, shouting orders and counting along with the drum. Directly behind her, the graceful tail of the dragon sweeps up out of the water, leaving a sizable wake behind the boat. Then, they are gone. In just a few seconds, the boat traversed a space you would previously have thought impossible. The water is still churning behind their frenzied motion. In the sudden silence, your heart is beating. Your adrenaline is pumping. You don’t want your tranquil setting back; you want to get onboard. The best place to start is to join a dragon boat racing introductory class. Luckily, Naga Spirit Dragon boating in Pyrmont, Sydney offers a beginner’s course that is the perfect way to ease into the complex sport. Before you begin, you may want to review the historical context of dragon boat racing, so that you can impress your new teammates and gain an appreciation for the sport. Let’s start with the most important aspect of dragon boat racing, the boat. According to Chinese tradition (1), the ornate design of the boat is very specific: an ox-like head, deer’s antlers, a stallion’s mane, reptilian scales, and the tail of a fish. The paddles in between are reminiscent of the animal’s many claws, moving in time while the dragon flies through clouds. The boats are thought to have ancient religious origins, with some believing their role to be appeasement of the rain god. The Dragon Boat Festival, recorded over 2,000 years ago, boasts of several origin stories, varying by region. A popular one (2) tells the story of Qu Yuan, a beloved advisor to the king turned exiled poet whose suicide by drowning in the river sparked widespread grief. In looking for the deceased hero, his followers rowed into the river and threw rice into the water to distract the fish. Subsequently, the festival has become a large cultural tradition, and people from all over the world have adopted the invigorating sport. In accordance with racing rules, there is always a drummer (sitting at the front) and a steer (at the rear.) Traditional festivals can boast of crews of up to 50 rowers, but standard rules allow for 18 to 20 in the large boats, and 8 to 10 in the smaller versions. So, now that you’re equipped with a foundational knowledge of the sport’s cultural roots, what does an introductory class look like? Well, you’ll probably spend a lot of a time on land. As a technical sport with some risks, there are a few things to learn before getting into the water, like safety procedures, basic paddle technique, and how to get in and out of the boat (it may sound silly, but that is one squirrely vessel when you’re stepping onto it from dry land.) This class is also good time to go over the rhythm and timing that are so crucial to a cohesive crew. Speaking of the crew, the initial class, while informative, is a great opportunity for the crew to start bonding. As an inherently social sport, the integration of individual members into a team is an incredibly important element to successful dragon boat racing. In other words, don’t be shy! Get to know your team! Each subsequent class will incorporate more water time, but be prepared to start most sessions with dry land training. After all, dragon boat racing is an athletically demanding sport, so be prepared to put in that physical training! During your first few sessions, you will probably experience some of the obvious joys of dragon boat racing. The teamwork. The beautiful setting. The sense of accomplishment that comes from hard work. Yet, there are a few hidden benefits to dragon boat racing that you may not even realize. For instance, did you know that dragon boat racing can positively affect your mental state and have long-term effects on your physical health? It’s true: dragon boat racing is shown (3) to decrease stress levels, improve self-esteem and increase energy levels while creating an overall sense of accomplishment and confidence in rowers of all ages. Many agree (4) that that teamwork can have a positive effect on mental health, as well. Without a doubt, the physical advantages of dragon boat racing are also well worth the effort. Rowing requires the toning of several muscle groups in the body: neck, shoulders, back, chest, abdominals, obliques, hips, and thighs, to name a few. Within a few weeks of intense training, you’ll start to notice the results (try not to break too many fragile objects with your new strength in the process.) Your practices will increase your overall cardiovascular health as well as heighten your coordination as a result of working so closely with your fellow rowers. Of course, we all know the vast benefits of being physically fit, from reduced risk of heart disease to improved stamina. So, if you’re looking for adventure, community, and fun, dragon boat racing might just be the sport for you. Look into classes in your area to get training today! References: 1.idbf.org 2.chinahighlights.com 3.dragonboatco.com 4.journals.lww.com ...
Why So Serious? Hobbies Vs. Burnout
Think back to your earliest childhood memories of school. Do you remember playing outside? Do you remember finger painting? Do you remember singingThink back to your earliest childhood memories of school. Do you remember playing outside? Do you remember finger painting? Do you remember singing songs? For most children, early education is all crafts, coloring, games and music. It is a time for exploration, expression, happiness. It is care-free. It is wonderful. Somewhere along the way, though, the things that make learning fun fade out of curriculum. Pens replace paintbrushes. Songs become rote memorization. Physical education picks up where games of tag left off. Put bluntly, it’s time to get serious. As we get older, the things that characterized our early childhood don’t completely fade out of our lives, but they do undergo a tragic transformation. For, when an adult wants to sing, play an instrument, join a sports team, or take up knitting, there is a special name for it: a hobby. The Cambridge Dictionary defines a hobby as, “an activity that someone does for pleasure when they are not working.” Examples include traveling, sailing, and restoring motorcycles. Okay, that doesn’t sound so bad. But, there’s something about the definition that suggests a hierarchy of responsibility. The understanding is: you work, and when you are not busy working, you can engage in a hobby. So inherently, hobbies are done in our free time, when we have nothing better to do. Dealing with workplace burnout Ironically, this work-minded mentality may actually be limiting our productivity. Sources like Forbes and Harvard Business Review (1) agree that increases in work-related stress can culminate in a debilitating sense of burnout, characterized by disengagement and a dip in job performance. Just how serious is the problem? Dealing with a burnout in a high-intensity job is kind of like sprinting through the first three kilometres of a marathon. You’ll feel overwhelmed and frustrated and probably think of dropping out of the race. And if you don’t find a way to fix the problem quickly, you might even damage your body and your mental state in the process. Workplace burnout can also be characterised by a lack of motivation, antipathy towards coworkers and family, physical ailments, and cognitive breakdowns. Negative effects on productivity aside, employers who care about the wellbeing of their workforce should take burnout very seriously, making sure to implement preventative measures and be able to identify the signs early. Try out a nf!arts and craft workshop The same studies that outline the dangers of burnout put forward an exciting suggestion: take up a hobby. Leisure-time activities are shown to combat the feelings of anxiety and exhaustion that characterize burnout, and should thus be considered a necessary part of employment. Of course, no two hobbies affect a person the same way. Tufting, for instance, offers a completely different array of benefits than taking a pottery class. So, to help you on your search for the perfect hobby, let’s get down to some specifics. Each of the categories listed below contains its own set of unique advantages, so you may even want to dabble in a bit of everything! 1. Build something beautiful (or not so beautiful, as long as you’re having fun!) Creative activities like crocheting, nf!painting, woodworking or pottery are all great hobbies for anyone interested in reducing stress while also creating something practical or artistic. The New York Times (2) has laid out a long list of the health benefits of knitting, from reduced chronic pain to the “development of neural pathways in the brain that help to maintain cognitive health.” Perhaps one of the best ways for these types of hobbies to address the concerns of burnout is the disruption of rumination which is a common indication of workplace unhappiness and exhaustion. Alternatively, hobbies like painting and drawing are shown (3) to increase emotional intelligence, hone communication skills and again reduce stress. Indeed, an article from the Huffington Post (4) suggests that creating art instead of consuming it is great for emotional health. 2. Hold a game night From board games to cards games to charades, engaging in social fun is the perfect antidote for work-related stress. Much like the effects on the mental health of the previous two categories, playing games with family members, friends, or coworkers can reduce stress and disrupt rumination patterns. These benefits can also aid in the improvement of your immune system. Board games have an additional bonus. They strengthen social relationships, which is important because research (5) indicates that strong, positive social connections are critical for physical and mental wellbeing. 3. Get physical! Whether you want the competitiveness of tennis or the wackiness of inner tube water polo, there are sports teams available for you to explore. In addition to being simply fun, athletic games have both physical and mental advantages that will help beat the workplace blues. Physical exercise is widely considered (6) crucial for overall health, leading to reduced blood pressure, improved stamina, stronger bones and mitigated risk of heart disease, just to name a few. Yet, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (7) in 2011, only 43% of adults met the sufficient threshold for daily physical exertion. Research (8) shows that athletic pursuits aren’t just good for your body. Exertion releases certain chemicals in the brain related to overall good mood, elation, and brain cell growth. It is also responsible for lower stress levels and decreased likelihood of depression or anxiety. There are even physical hobbies that exclusively teach mindfulness and meditation, such as yoga and tai chi. As you have probably already noticed, each type of recreational class listed above offers the potential to create a fulfilling, stress-free life that can not only make you happy outside of work, but can also greatly reduce the risk of professional burnout. The key is to find a hobby that truly makes you happy and stick with it. After all, prioritizing your wellbeing is perhaps the best way to ensure that work-related stress doesn’t creep up so that you can be at the top of your professional game. One article couldn’t possibly cover the expansive world of art and crafts workshops and recreational classes in Australia but hopefully, you have a few good ideas to get started. Let us know if you’d like to share your own remedies for workplace burnout! References: 1) hbr.org/2016/01/help-your-team-manage-stress-anxiety-and-burnout 2) well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/01/25/the-health-benefits-of-knitting 3) goodrelaxation.com/2015/01/health-benefits-of-painting-and-drawing 4) huffingtonpost.com/james-clear/make-more-art-the-health-benefits-of-creativity_b_8868802 5) ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3150158 6) betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/sports-and-physical-activity 7) abs.gov.au/ausstats/[email protected]/Lookup/4364.0.55.004Chapter1002011-12 ...
Adapting the Workplace for Millennials
After graduating from a university in Sydney in 2013, I felt confident in my ability to get a job. I had good references, a list of diverse workAfter graduating from a university in Sydney in 2013, I felt confident in my ability to get a job. I had good references, a list of diverse work experience, and had often been complimented on my interviewing skills in the past. Much to my dismay and confusion, though, I could not land a job in any of the fields in which I had the most experience. The phone was just not ringing. With a mound of student debt looming over me, I was beginning to feel desperate to find a position. From close to twenty applications, I was finally granted one interview – as a junior account executive at a small agency in Glebe, Sydney. I took the offer, gratefully. My first few days were tough. I felt my commitment and ability tested, constantly, by those who had been there longer. Many of my senior co-workers were cold and mistrusting. Most didn’t bother to learn my name. It was not a place to make mistakes. Luckily, I adapted to the high-stress environment quickly. Within a few months, I was training new employees, and higher-ranking account managers were requesting to be scheduled with me. I was offered a promotion and a raise a few months later. When I had been with the company for several months, my hiring manager offered an explanation for why my start had been so rocky. She admitted that she had been tempted to throw out my resume simply because of my age. In her experience, millennials, especially those with a university degree, were not dependable. Though she had meant to compliment me on my uniqueness, her words were troubling. I realized that in a workforce that expected me to fail, I could not simply work as hard as everyone else. I had to excel, to exceed expectations, to be extraordinary. And that was if I even got hired in the first place. Soon, I was questioning the notion of turnover in my generation. After all, my boss had a point: I seriously considered quitting early in my employment simply because I felt I was being unjustly treated. But my unfair treatment was rooted in an understandable mistrust of my loyalty (which, based on my willingness to quit, was shaky.) One thing is clear: the rule of generations suggests that existing companies need to hire younger workers to remain relevant just as much as younger workers need to be hired. It is the natural cycle of history. The real question is how we can adapt the modern workplace to meet the needs of millennials and the established workforce today? For more ideas on how to enhance team motivation read our article here. To achieve this equilibrium, a few attributes common to millennials need to be explained. First, the issue of loyalty. The expectation that millennials cannot commit to any one job creates tension in the workplace for the company and the worker, alike. But where did this trend come from, and how can it be addressed constructively? According to a report by PwC (1), the wariness that millennials feel towards settling down with a company may be the result of their intimate relationship with the global economic crisis. In other words, sparsity in the job market may have pressured millennials to take positions that did not align with their professional goals. Indeed, a survey conducted by Deloitte (2) suggests that, while not actively looking for other employment, many millennials maintain an eye on alternative positions and are highly motivated to move up in the professional world when opportunities arise. One way to combat this tendency to jump ship: invest a little time into your younger workers. The same Deloitte survey showed that the majority of millennials are happier with employers who act as mentors and role-models, providing constructive feedback and support. This can be tricky for employers who grew up in a cut-throat work atmosphere, but there is a lot of literature (3) out there to get the positive feedback mill churning. Another key factor driving millennial turnover: a discrepancy in the definition of the workplace. Surveys show that young people want and have come to expect a balance of work and home-life. This is partly due to a gradual blurring of the line between professional/personal divide. Consider, for example, a typist’s job in the 1950’s. On an average day, the typist would arrive at work in the morning, sit down at her typewriter, and work for an eight hour shift. At the end of the day, she would put her cover on her typewriter, say goodnight to her boss, and head home. Once she left the building, her workday was finished. There was no way around it. The typist went home. The typewriter stayed at the office. Alternatively, the work environment, by today’s standard, doesn’t just refer to physical space. Advances in technology have allowed us to take our work not only home, but anywhere that our smartphones can connect to the internet (e.g. the line at Starbucks, on a family vacation, in the waiting room of the dentist’s office.) This new way of working has blurred the lines between our personal and professional lives, especially for the millennial generation, who are constantly reshaping what the workspace looks like. It’s not very surprising, then, that millennials seek a work/life balance that doesn’t leave them feeling like a rung-out dishrag at the end of the day. That is not to say that they are not willing to put in that out-of-office work, but it has to be leveled out with some pretty flexible personal time. When it comes down to the nuts and bolts, millennials aren’t asking for much. We want to to be rewarded fairly for our value, we want some guidance, and we want the opportunity to be a person away from the desk. And when millennials are granted these conditions, we can offer incredible skills for our employers. We are the generation with a handle on technology, a ready willingness to collaborate with our peers, and an intense ambition to create a better society for the next generation. Want to find methods to keep your millennial team members engaged and excited? Let's create a positive and supportive environment together for our workforce today. References: 1) pwc.com/gx/en/managing-tomorrows-people/future-of-work 2) deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/global/Documents/About-Deloitte/gx-millenial-survey-2016-exec-summary.pdf 3) forbes.com/sites/work-in-progress/2015/10/07/how-to-give-concise-positive-feedback/3/#325dc1d99e3b ...
