S8E16: Contemplative TA: A Japanese Lens on Presence, Nature & Integration with Aya Konoike

In this special episode of the Transactional Analysis Podcast, hosts John Fleming and Matt Taylor are joined by Aya Konoike, an organisational development and DEI consultant based in Kamakura, Japan, and a Shugendo practitioner of over thirteen years - to introduce Contemplative TA: a somatic, experiential integration of Shugendo, Zen and transactional analysis.Built from Aya’s own practice, Contemplative TA sets out to reconnect what modern, individualist life tends to split apart, mind from body, self from other, people from the natural world. It’s learned somatically rather than cognitively, through movement and ritual as much as reflection, and grounded in a distinctly Japanese understanding of presence, nature and connection.It’s a warm, wide-ranging and often moving conversation about what transactional analysis still offers a fast, commodifying world.You’ll hear them explore:Aya's own journey into discovering TAAn exploration of Contemplative TA: a somatic, experiential integration of Shugendo, Zen and TA, built around the integrating Adult and "negative capability"Presence as connection to your resources, and the Japanese idea of "ba"Shugendo, and Aya's own training and experienceWhy "contemplative" needn't mean "still," and what that opens upHow Aya's view of nature parts ways with eco-TA: not using nature to grow ourselves, but remembering we already belong to it"Worldly" versus "global" (after Henry Mintzberg)TA as a "catalyst" between a capitalist world and ancient wisdomJapanese references mentioned in the episode- Shugendo: 修験道- Dewa Sanzan: 出羽三山- Ba: 場- Uketamo: うけたもう- Shinto: 神道Literature mentionedBarrow & Marshall (2023), Transactional Analysis Journal 53(1)Guest InformationAya Konoike (PTSTA-O)Aya Konoike is an organisational development and DEI consultant based in Kamakura, Japan, working with both Japanese and international companies on diversity, equity and inclusion, workplace transformation and organisational culture change. Alongside this she facilitates management training and leadership development programmes, and offers one-to-one counselling. She is also a Sendatsu (senior guide) in Shugendo, supporting practitioners who travel from abroad to undertake training.A practitioner of Zen for around twenty years and of Shugendo for over thirteen, she has drawn these traditions together with TA to create Contemplative TA -a somatic, experiential approach built around presence, connection to the natural world, and the cultivation of the integrating Adult.Email: [email protected]: https://six-eight.jp/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayak-sixeight/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ritzcats/Support The TA PodcastWant to help keep the podcast accessible for everyone? Join our community of supporters: https://www.patreon.com/TransactionalAnalysisPodcastOr leave us a review if you enjoyed this episode.  Leaving a review allows more people to discover the podcast. Simply scroll down to ratings and reviews on Apple Podcasts and click: write a review.Your support makes it all possible. Thank you.Follow Us On Social Media:Instagram: @ta_podcastFacebook: podcast.taTikTok: @ta_podcastLinkedIn: ta-podcastWebsite: https://www.tapodcast.comEmail: [email protected] You To Our PartnersThis podcast is brought to you in partnership with the United Kingdom Association for Transactional Analysis. We’re proud to have the UK Association for Transactional Analysis (UKATA) as our Patronage Partner. UKATA is a vibrant professional body committed to supporting the growth and ethical practice of Transactional Analysis in the UK and beyond. They support practitioners, trainees, and the public through professional standards, events, and access to TA education. Learn more: www.uka4ta.co.ukWe are also supported by our wonderful Patreon supporters.Support the show