Dr. Imani Maat-Kynes

The Healthy Haiku Method is an Award winning approach to teaching that was created by Dr. Imani Ma'at Kynes in 2006. The Healthy Haiku Method is an Educational Series evaluated with a post-doctoral grant from Morehouse School of Medicine, Tuskegee & Univ. of Alabama Birmingham. The goal of the talk is to invite people to the training for educators, parents and mentors to use Haiku poetry and creativity to promote health, literacy, and creativity. Haiku is an ancient form of Japanese poetry usually configured on 3 lines with 5-7-5 syllables on the three lines. The method is simple, engaging, easy for all ages. The program encourages reflection, creativity, and memory retention. The Healthy Haiku Method includes: • Infusing wellness topics (nutrition, fitness, self-esteem) • Brainstorming topics with students • Writing and sharing poems aloud • Group role-play and discussions

This talk is based on fourth book in the Healthy Haiku Series and application and expansion of the Healthy Haiku method to teach in a local county jail. The first three books in the series address health and wellness and introduce the Healthy Haiku method as a strategy to teach about important health topics while capitalizing on the natural creative abilities and talents of the students. This book does all of the above as a starting place while adding other tools and techniques that flow into the realm of meditation, Ho'oponopono - an ancient Hawaiian strategy for resolving conflict, energy, and spicy soul stirring. I share this talk with excitement fueled by my passionate desire to assist county jails and other correctional institutions with achieving a level of rehabilitation and reduced recidivism that has formerly not seemed attainable.

Starting a health regimen can offer numerous benefits, but without a holistic approach, focusing on only one or a few components can lead to challenges and may even sabotage your efforts. This talk offers a breakdown of the potential issues associated with each of the seven points and the benefits of combining all components into an integrative health plan, especially with the guidance of an Integrative Health Practitioner (IHP). Comprehensive Approach: An integrative health plan ensures that all components of well-being (exercise, diet, hydration, detoxing, supplementation, and proper tools) work in harmony. When all aspects are addressed, your body can function optimally, leading to better physical, mental, and emotional health. This is a great presentation for those planning to launch a new wellness regimen in their lives in order to give them the most effective health outcomes not only for the short term, but for the long term also.