Ready to Soar

Success

2011-08-31T02:53:00.000-07:00

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a little better; whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is the meaning of success. " - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Read More at the Homepage

What is the Purpose of Life?

2011-08-29T05:18:00.000-07:00

What is the Purpose of Life?
Wisdom, Compassion, Creativity

By Jay McDaniel

Many years ago I was giving a talk at a university in China on Whitehead’s philosophy. At the end of my talk there was time for questions and a student from the school of business administration raised his hand and asked: “You have studied philosophy. I have a serious question for you. Do you think that life has a purpose?”

There was nothing cynical about his question. He was not challenging me to prove that life has a purpose. He was not trying to impress his peers. There was a purity in voice, a freshness. I asked him to explain to me what experiences gave rise to his question.

Read More

Go to Ready to Soar`s Homepage

How to become an environmentalist

2011-06-25T00:27:00.001-07:00

How to become an environmentalist

By David Suzuki

Young people often ask me what they have to do to be environmentalists. They want to make a difference. My answer is, "Follow your heart. Do what you love most and pursue it with passion."

You see, environmentalism isn't a profession or discipline; it's a way of seeing our place in the world. It's recognizing that we live on a planet where everything, including us, is exquisitely interconnected with and interdependent on everything else.

Read More

Humans may have loaded the bases, but nature bats last

2011-06-14T01:38:00.000-07:00

Humans may have loaded the bases, but nature bats last

Humanity is facing a challenge unlike any we've ever had to confront. We are in an unprecedented period of change. Exponential growth is causing an already huge human population to double in shorter and shorter time periods.

When I was born in 1936, just over two billion people lived on the planet. It's astounding that the population has increased more then threefold within my lifetime. That staggering growth has been accompanied by even steeper increases in technological innovation, consumption, and a global economy that exploits the entire planet as a source of raw materials and a dumping ground for toxic emissions and waste.

We have become a new kind of biological force that is altering the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the planet on a geological scale. Indeed, Nobel Prize-winning chemist Paul Crutzen has suggested that the current geologic period should be called the Anthropocene Epoch to reflect our new status as a global force - and a lot of scientists agree. Read More

Lifeforces Newsletter, June 2011

2011-06-05T14:40:00.001-07:00

http://www.lifeforces.org/newsletter/2011/June2011.shtml

Welcome to the June 2011 Lifeforces newsletter

We are offering many workshops over the next few months. If you are interested in taking a class that is not listed, please contact us: hari@lifeforces.org tel/fax 03-3472-1714 or petya@tokyo.com tel/fax 03-3357-2067

Directions to Lifeforces locations in Shinagawa and Shinanomachi:
www.lifeforces.org/directions.shtml

To subscribe or unsusbscribe to this newsletter please email hari@lifeforces.org

Free Energy Share Meetings in June & July

Sunday June 12th & 26th
July 10th & 24th 18:00-21:00
Lifeforces 2, Shinanomachi, Free

Rainy season is on the way, but it's cool and dry at the free Energy/Reiki Share!
Meet new people and share experiences. Learn more about channeled energy/healing and how it can enhance your life.
Contact petya@tokyo.com for more information

Workshop schedule:

All of these classes can be taken by distance!

Angelic Opening & Shielding of
the Base Chakra level 2
Click here for course description
Monday 6th June 19:00 - 21:00
By distance only Fee 7,000 yen
Contact hari@lifeforces.org for more information

Drisana level 1
Offered with Japanese translation
Click here for course description
Saturday & Sunday 11th, 12th June 13:00 - 17:00
Fee 33,000 yen
Contact hari@lifeforces.org for more information

Red Ankh level 1
Click here for course description
Wednesday 15th June 19:00 - 22:00
Lifeforces 2, Shinanomachi, Fee 5,000 yen
Contact hari@lifeforces.org for more information

Neriya level 3
Offered with Japanese translation
Click here for course description
Wednesday 22nd June 20:00 - 22:30
Lifeforces 2, Shinanomachi, Fee 45,000 yen
Contact petya@tokyo.com for more information

Phoenix Rising level 2
Click here for course description
Wednesday 29th June 19:00 - 22:00
Lifeforces 2, Shinanomachi, Fee 9,000 yen
Contact hari@lifeforces.org for more information

Quote of the Month:

“Oneness - the destination you never left.”

Oneness

The basic premises of any political system, be it capitalist, socialist or whatever, are fundamentally flawed as they are all based on the idea of limitless resources. Domestic product, wealth and so on cannot keep growing indefinitely. Yet this is what we are promised by politicians and is touted as the solution to our 'problems'.

War and poverty exist, though, because those in power see resources as being scarce. Resources are something to be fought for, and the rich get richer while the poor get poorer. This situation is continued by the promotion of the 'us vs them' mentality, amongst other things.

The fact is, neither viewpoint is accurate. While resources are not infinite, there is no scarcity. Scarcity is something that is manufactured by a consumer economy to give so-called 'value'. Diamonds, for example, are not particularly rare, but the major mining companies tightly control the amount on the market. Motor vehicles could be built that are very fuel-efficient and easily last 50 years.

We don't even need to have a fossil fuel-based economy; solar, wind, wave, and especially geothermal energy could provide our energy needs for thousands of years to come, safely, cleanly and renewably. This is a sustainable economy.

The only 'catch' to meeting everyone's needs is the lack of a global consciousness. Nations, religions, political groups, etc. all emphasise uniqueness and separation from the rest, instead of emphasising sameness.

To an an extraterrestrial, our similarities far outweigh our differences, and as a species we must seem insane as we harm ourselves with war, pollution, habitat destruction, bad food, etc.

Most people gain great satisfaction from helping others, but most of the time we look at others as, well, other, instead of realising we are all one.

Book of the Month:

Oneness

Great teachers tell us that no amount of intellectual understanding will help us realise that we are all one, and that only love can bring about this realisation. Yet author John Greven has done a pretty good job of overcoming the intellectual barrier.

To quote, " This book will offer no path, no exercises, no teacher no guru, no mantra, no nothing! It is not about self-improvement, spiritual growth, or hocus-pocus.

"This is about totally radical discovery. It is about seeing who you are, who you have always been, and who you will always be."

Should You Try Tai Chi?

2011-06-05T14:38:00.000-07:00

Should You Try Tai Chi?
Published: 6/5/2011

Today's Q&A:
Do Cell Phones Cause Brain Cancer?

Related:
Technology & Health

If you've been searching for an exercise that is great for your overall health and provides mental and physical stimulation, try tai chi. Considered by many to be a gentle martial art, the term "tai chi" refers to a harmonious balance between the yin and the yang - the two forces of the universe. Those who practice tai chi work to perfect a series of physical motions that flow into one another very smoothly and gracefully, while the body is held straight and upright. The movements are gentle, continuous and circular, exercising every part of the body.

Tai chi is especially beneficial for those with osteoarthritis. It can help strengthen leg muscles, improve posture and promote balance, flexibility and mobility. It also can teach relaxation and focus, and is a way to synchronize the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. In addition, it helps many to develop concentration and coordination, and can reduce the risk of falls, a common concern of older people. Learn more about tai chi, including what to expect when you participate in a class and where to locate an instructor.

On Being Politically Correct

2011-05-19T16:13:00.001-07:00

On Being Politically Correct The great movement to be politically correct has helped lead us to mediocrity. Writers, professors,
doctors and others live in fear of offending the wrong person. Professors are hauled in front of university
boards having to defend something they may or may not have said in a given lecture. Doctors must be
very careful about the way they examine patients and do disease preventing research.
The intimate nature of being a doctor sometimes causing doubt and misunderstanding.
I am not saying that all are innocent. There are people out there doing
terrible things and they must be punished. However, it has gone to far. The new McCarthyism is a reality.
In the realm of writing, I can no longer rave about the beauty of Japanese women, without coming under
some scrutiny from my readers. Poets have long raved about the beauty of many things including men and women,
but it seems one can no longer do this, without having to defend the act. Why not? I can rave about the beauty of a flower
and that is okay, why not women? Are women not beautiful? How can this possibly be offensive? I do believe that
outer beauty is skin deep, and we all have a lot of inner beauty too. To be politically correct, one must deny the existence
of the former. Why not acknowledge it, while also stating that personality is the most important thing. If you want to
rave about the beauty of men do it. I will be happy in knowing that I am not a physical object nor a sexual one.
I am simply me and there is more to me than my physical appearance. I feel that this anger over raving about
physical beauty, primarily comes from those who are not very confident about their own inner beauty and strengths.
It is a comment about them in other words.
One friend with more experience at living than I, said that this movement to be politically correct is simply a furthering
of the women's liberation movement--a step too far. I agree with this argument. Women's lib was a necessary protest
movement, and great strides were made, but now it is getting ugly. One woman at Simon Fraser University in Canada
decided that she wanted one of the coaches at the university, and she was willing to do almost anything to get him.
After being repeatedly rejected she accused him of sexual harassment. Due to her physical beauty, she was believed.
Us men are animals you know. This SFU coach hired himself a good lawyer, held some press conferences and took to battle.
Proving himself innocent and hounded by a horny young woman. He had been fired over the allegations. I will repeat that: he was fired over
allegations--nothing had been proven. That is the problem too. Doctors, teachers and other professionals can be destroyed
simply by irresponsible and erroneous allegations.
The final chapter of this SFU story had the woman in disgrace but unpunished, the Dean of the
university lost his job for firing the coach in the first place. The coach was finally vindicated and got back to teaching
and trying to win championships. This whole movement has gone to far, and would make a great comedy if it were not so
tragic and stressful for so many people.
No I say rave about the beauty of men, women or flowers. Don't let any narrow minded person tell you otherwise. If they do,
you have to ask them what axe they have to grind? What are they bitter about? Acknowledge beauty, don't be afraid to tell
someone they are beautiful in whatever way they are. I do draw the line at bosses telling their employees they are very attractive;
the same goes for teachers telling students. But in general, let's stop with this nonsense of believing that it is morally wrong.

Recognize that the real beauty comes from inside, and this should
be acknowledged too. All of us are beautiful, and physical beauty really is only skin deep.

Lifeforces Newsletter, May 2011

2011-05-03T15:28:00.001-07:00

http://www.lifeforces.org/newsletter/2011/May2011.shtml

Thank you to everyone for all your support in raising funds for disaster relief in Japan hari@lifeforces.org tel/fax 03-3472-1714 or petya@tokyo.com tel/fax 03-3357-2067 To subscribe or unsusbscribe to this newsletter please email hari@lifeforces.org
Upcoming Free Energy Share Meetings Sunday May 8th and 22nd 18:00-21:00 Lifeforces 2, Shinanomachi, Free Everyone is welcome to come and relax with the warm vibrations of healing energy at the Reiki/Energy Share! It is a great opportunity for you to receive a free mini-healing session (regardless of whether you already are a practitioner of energy healing or a ‘novice/beginner’)! And for those of you who have already been attuned to Reiki - or any other healing energy - it is a great opportunity to share with others, and to deepen your ability to work with and learn more about channeled energy/healing and how it can enhance your life and the lives of people around you. Contact petya@tokyo.com for more information Workshop schedule: All of these classes can be taken by distance! Angelic Opening & Shielding of the Brow Chakra level 2 Click here for course description By distance only Fee 7,000 yen Monday 9th May 19:00 - 21:00 Contact hari@lifeforces.org for more information Neriya level 2 Click here for course description By distance only Wednesday 18th May 19:30 - 22:00 Fee 41,000 yen Contact petya@tokyo.com for more information Bliss of Osiris level 1 Click here for course description If taken by distance, CD provided Wednesday 25th May 19:30 - 22:00 Lifeforces Shinanomachi, Fee 23,000 yen Contact hari@lifeforces.org for more information Infinite Light of Huna level 2 Click here for course description By distance only Friday 27th May 20:00 - 22:00 Fee 14,000 yen Contact petya@tokyo.com for more information Drisana level 6 Click here for course description By distance only, CD provided Sunday 29th May 11:00 - 13:00 Lifeforces Shinagawa, Fee 47,000 yen Contact hari@lifeforces.org for more information Quote of the Month “Desire is half of life; indifference is half of death. ” Kahlil Gibran	Desire In spiritual circles, desire is often seen as the obstacle to happiness and enlightenment. It is said that only because we desire we are unhappy. Yet without desire we would not live. There would be no movement, no desire for change. The content of your desire is a reaction to the situation in which you exist, and is partly dependent on culture and upbringing. It is the mind that gives you desire, while your body is happy to just exist. The problem is not that we have desires; not having one's desires met is the problem. However, once one desire has been met, another pops up, creating an endless chase. Furthermore, even wanting to give up desire is a desire in itself. The nature of living is that you will always have desires, therefore having desires is a given and natural part of being alive. However, it is important to realize that at every step your desire will create an illusion. This is the illusion that after your desire is fulfilled you will be happy. Therefore, the content of your desire is unimportant, though at any given moment you may think it very important. One good thing about desire is that it causes you to reach for something beyond what you have. It allows you to stretch your boundaries. Or, in other words, there is something in you that wants to be boundless. Since we are in a physical body, in order to be boundless we have to go beyond the physical. In fact, desire can be seen as part of the spiritual process as it encourages you to look for something more than your body or mind can provide. Life did not make a mistake in giving humans desire. A life without desire would be as uplifting as that of a cow in a field. Book of the Month On Desire - Why We Want What We Want William Irvine An amusing and insightful book on the nature of desire. Irvine talks about evolution, the science of desire and religion, and above all, offers some practical and amusing advice on being eccentric and 'mastering' desire. Philosophy and spirituality do not have to be serious, and this book, although sincere, is an easy read.

Weight Loss Part 1: 5 Steps to a Healthful Weight

2011-05-03T15:27:00.000-07:00

Weight Loss Part 1: 5 Steps to a Healthful Weight
Published: 5/3/2011

Today's Q&A:
Is Astaxanthin A Better Antioxidant?

Related:
Supplements & Herbs

We all know the "secret" of successful weight loss: Eat less and exercise more. It's not always easy, but by adopting healthy eating habits and a regular exercise routine, you are sure to lose weight without depriving yourself of nourishing, satisfying food. And if you continue those good habits after you reach your goal, you will have an excellent chance of maintaining your desired weight. Here are some tips for successful weight loss:

Avoid artificial sweeteners and synthetic fat substitutes. They are unhealthy and don't help you develop good eating habits.
Dietary supplements or "fat-burning herbs" are usually just stimulants - don't rely on them. The pounds will surely return once you've stopped taking them.
Build lean body mass. Strength training burns excess calories and influences the way your brain regulates hunger, making you less susceptible to food cravings.
Pay attention to the mental and spiritual aspects of weight control. Use relaxation exercises - instead of food - to combat anxiety.
Accept your body. You may see it as less than perfect, but it is beautiful just the same.

3 Ways to Support Your Stomach

2011-05-02T03:11:00.001-07:00

3 Ways to Support Your Stomach
Published: 5/1/2011

Today's Q&A:
Is Electroacupuncture Worthwhile?

Related:
Integrative Medicine

Gastrointestinal health is an important, if often overlooked, aspect of overall health. While bowel function may not be at the top of your list of health priorities, it should be - irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer are all serious issues. To help keep your bowel healthy, try the following supplements. Each can be found in health food stores or at your local grocer.

Psyllium. This dried seed husk derived from the plantain does double duty: it can be used as a laxative when you experience constipation, but may also prevent diarrhea by adding bulk to your stool. It is helpful for those with IBS, and is good for general bowel maintenance. Always take psyllium with plenty of water.
Probiotics. If you plan on traveling, are taking antibiotics, have slow digestion or experience excessive gas, probiotic supplements may help by promoting healthy levels of friendly bacteria. Choose a probiotic supplement containing at least one billion colony forming units (CFUs) or more per standard dose, and always take them with food.
Triphala. This ayurvedic herbal mixture is designed for ongoing use. Triphala promotes regular bowel function through its mild laxative properties and helps regulate bowel tone. Consider using triphala (capsules only) for 10 weeks, then taking a two-week break.

Help for Bowel Irregularity
Constipation and irregular bowel movements are common problems, especially among women and older people. A diet rich in fiber and antioxidants, along with a regular exercise routine and stress reduction techniques can help to keep your bowels healthy.

Read More

Suffering From Back Pain?

2011-04-28T16:34:00.000-07:00

Suffering From Back Pain?
Published: 4/28/2011

Today's Q&A:
Curcumin or Turmeric?

Related:
Supplements & Herbs

If you are experiencing pain in the lower back or hip that radiates down into the buttock and back of the leg, possibly even to your feet, you may have sciatica. A result of a pinched or inflamed sciatic nerve, sciatica can occur following an injury, muscular strain or herniated ("slipped") vertebral disc that presses on the nerve.

Fortunately, sciatica usually goes away on its own within a few weeks - only 10 to 25 percent of all cases last more than six weeks and 80 to 90 percent of all people with sciatica recover without surgery. Simple measures such as applying hot and cold packs, stretching exercises and a short course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can help. Doctors may also prescribe a muscle relaxant or a stronger medication for pain lasting more than two to three months. If pain continues or worsens, an epidural steroid injection or even surgery may be recommended.

The best therapy for sciatica is prevention: maintain ideal body weight, engage in regular physical activity several times a week and avoid prolonged sitting as much as possible. If you are diagnosed with sciatica, Dr. Weil recommends these treatment options:

Acupuncture: The National Institutes of Health recognizes acupuncture as an acceptable alternative to conventional therapies for low back pain.
Bodywork: The Alexander Technique, Trager Approach and Feldenkrais Method can help overcome back pain.
Therapeutic Yoga: Yoga can help relieve pain and protect against recurrences by strengthening your back. It also can balance nervous system function, promote flexibility and neutralize stress, all of which can help address the root cause or factors contributing to back pain.
Osteopathic Manipulation: This system of manual treatment of the musculoskeletal system can be a highly effective treatment and usually requires only a few visits with a qualified practitioner.

Learn more about these treatments, as well as mind-body approaches, in the Wellness Therapies section on Dr Weil.com.

Dr. Weil on Getting a Good Night`s Sleep

2011-04-08T18:36:00.001-07:00

Here are my recommendations for getting a good night's sleep:

Check your mattress for signs of wear at least twice a year, and consider new pillows if yours aren't comfortable. A worn-out mattress can contribute to sleeping problems.
If your bedroom is noisy, buy an inexpensive "white noise" generator that makes soothing sounds to mask disturbing ones.
Try my Relaxing Breath to help banish thoughts that are causing sleep deprivation.
If you get up frequently to urinate and can't get back to sleep afterward, eliminate caffeine and alcohol. Don't drink beverages containing caffeine or alcohol within 3 to 4 hours of bedtime.
If you can't sleep, get up and read or do some light stretching. This may take your mind off the problem of not being able to fall asleep and help you relax so that you can doze off.
Consider using melatonin or valerian occasionally to help you fall asleep.

Lifeforces Newsletter, April 2011

2011-03-31T04:38:00.000-07:00

On 11th March 2011, an earthquake and tsunami struck north-eastern Japan, killing tens of thousands of people.
We honour the dead and give our compassion and support to the living.

Lifeforces will donate 50% of all class and session fees in April to disaster relief in Japan.

Lifeforces would also like to deeply thank the people of Shanghai,
especially The Little Green Door, for their financial contributions, which we are matching and will donate to disaster relief.

hari@lifeforces.org tel/fax 03-3472-1714 or petya@tokyo.com tel/fax 03-3357-2067

To subscribe or unsusbscribe to this newsletter please email hari@lifeforces.org

Upcoming Free Energy Share Meetings

Sunday April 10th and 24th 18:00-21:00
Lifeforces 2, Shinanomachi, Free

Everyone is welcome to come and relax with the warm vibrations of healing energy at the Reiki/Energy Share! It is a great opportunity for you to receive a free mini-healing session (regardless of whether you already are a practitioner of energy healing or a ‘novice/beginner’)!

And for those of you who have already been attuned to Reiki - or any other healing energy - it is a great opportunity to share with others, and to deepen your ability to work with and learn more about channeled energy/healing and how it can enhance your life and the lives of people around you.

Contact petya@tokyo.com for more information

Workshop schedule:

All of these classes can be taken by distance!

Drisana level 4
Click here for course description
If taken by distance, CD provided
Saturday 2nd April 13:00 - 18:00
Lifeforces Shinagawa, Fee 38,000 yen
Contact hari@lifeforces.org for more information

Angelic Opening & Shielding of
the Throat Chakra level 2
Click here for course description
By distance only Fee 7,000 yen
Monday 11th April 19:00 - 21:00
Contact hari@lifeforces.org for more information

Nectar of the Sphinx
Click here for course description
If taken by distance, CD provided
Wednesday 13th April 19:30 - 22:00
Lifeforces Shinanomachi, Fee 7,000 yen
Contact petya@tokyo.com for more information

Infinite Light of Huna level 1
Click here for course description
Offered with Japanese translation
Sunday 17th April 14:00 - 18:00
Lifeforces Shinanomachi, Fee 10,000 / 12,000 yen
Contact petya@tokyo.com for more information

Moving Toward Freedom
Click here for course description
Wednesday 20th April 19:30 - 22:00
Lifeforces 2, Shinanomachi Fee 10,000 yen
Contact petya@tokyo.com for more information

Meridian Flush level 1
Click here for course description
If taken by distance, CD provided
Wednesday 27th April 19:00 - 22:00
Lifeforces Shinagawa, Fee 7,000 yen
Contact hari@lifeforces.org for more information

March 11 Earthquake

The Japanese earthquake of 11th March has brought out many great characteristics of humans; compassion, care, understanding and support. It has also brought out many other characteristics, such as sensationalism, and wanting to be part of the drama.

Thousands of people have lost their lives, tens of thousands have lost loved ones, and hundreds of thousands have lost their homes and possessions. These are the people who need our support, and the world has responded.

For others, the greatest drama was that they had to walk home or stay the night with friends. There were even people looking for connection to the tragedy by saying that they had recently been in Japan.

Media driven sensationalism has made the tragedy into entertainment, with so-called news programs containing music to evoke emotions, and hard facts hard to come by.

Some people say that the earth is 'sending us a message' and 'fighting back' against nuclear power, and that this has happened at this time and place 'to teach people a lesson'. This is projection by those who have an agenda, and dishonours the dead, those who are suffering and those who are risking their lives to ameliorate the situation.

Many others, however, have realised once again that what is important is love, family and friendship, and that the greatest possessions are in our hearts.

Quote of the Month:

“Happiness resides not in possessions and not in gold, the feeling of happiness dwells in the soul. ”

Democritus

If you wish to donate to earthquake relief for Japan, these are some organizations we suggest.

Institute of Cultural Affairs Japan:
http://www.icajapan.org/icajapane/indexe.html

Second Harvest Japan:
http://www.2hj.org/index.php/eng_home

Peace Winds Japan:
http://www.peace-winds.org/en/

Association of Medical Doctors of Asia (AMDA)
http://www.amdainternational.com/english/index.php

Doctors without Borders (Medecins sans Frontieres)
http://www.msf.org/msf/about-msf/about-msf_home.cfm

http://www.lifeforces.org/newsletter/2011/Apr2011.shtml

Synchronicity and all that Stuff

2011-03-31T00:32:00.000-07:00

Synchronicity and all that Stuff

by Kevin R Burns
(Kanagawa, Japan)

" I'm convinced God put me here to accomplish a certain number of things;
right now, I'm so far behind I'll never die."

--Petya Lowe, Circle of Light

Synchronicity and all that Stuff

"Everything in this universe is part of an uninterrupted sequence of events."

--Mamoru Mohri, Japanese astronaut

Tokyo, Japan
Japanese astronaut Mamoru Mohri, feels that in the borderless era we live in now, the acceptance of cultural diversity and globalization is very important. "Once people take a broader , more long-term view of the things going on around them, it can give them a totally new perspective on life," said Mohri according to a press report. Read More

Are we Spirit & Live Forever?

2011-03-31T00:31:00.001-07:00

Are We Spirit & Live Forever

by Kevin R Burns
(Kanagawa, Japan)

Or When We Die, Do the Little Buggies Eat Us?

"Hello, I'd like to connect with my higher self."
"Is this a collect call sir?"
"Yes."
"Okay, I'll put you through now."............
I'm sorry sir, your higher self will
accept the charges."

"The story of my life!"

--Kevin Burns

Are We Spirit & Live Forever?
Or When We Die, Do the Little Buggies Eat Us?

This is my current life question. James Redfield in the Celestine Prophecy alludes to the
fact that we don't need to figure out the answers, rather we need to figure out our current life question. The above is mine. What's yours? If you can figure out the question Redfield observes, the answer will come.

Read More

On the Future of the Whole World

2011-03-30T04:16:00.001-07:00

Though I agree that we need to start thinking about what kind of alternative forms of power we are going to use not just in Japan, but worldwide. I don`t think now is the time to debate this in Japan. We need to deal with first things first, which is getting the people up north houses and safe, and fixing the reactors or burying them if that is what is needed.

Most importantly we need to stay positive that we can get all of the above done in a timely manner. It is still winter up north and will be cold for a few months more.

Read More

Japan still needs YOUR Donation

2011-03-26T18:53:00.001-07:00

The fickle media is all ready deserting Japan for other if it bleeds it leads stories.
the biggest disaster in Japanese history continues and we need your help!

Imagine America losing her west coast. This is essentially what has happened for a much smaller and less populous nation. This disaster
is unprecedented in Japanese history.

The Latest News from Japan

The Psalm Of The Good Teacher

2011-03-22T20:49:00.001-07:00

The Psalm Of The Good Teacher

The Lord is my Teacher;
I shall not lose the way to wisdom.
He leadeth me in the lowly path of learning,
He prepareth a lesson for me every day.
He findeth the clear foundation of instruction—
Little by little He showeth me the beauty of truth.
The world is a great book that He has written,
He turneth the leaves for me slowly;
They are all inscribed with images and letters—
His voice poureth light on the pictures and the words.
Then I am glad when I perceive His meaning.
He taketh me by the hand to the hilltop of wisdom;
In the valley, also, He walketh beside me,
And in the dark places He wispereth in my hear.
Yea, though my leson be hard, it is not hopeless,
For the Lord is very patient with His slow scholar.
He will help me to read the truth through tears—
Surely Thou wilt englighten me daily by joy and by sorrow,
And lead me at last, O Lord, to the perfect knowledge of Thee.

Henry van Dyke

Barbara Brennan Workshops in Japan

2011-03-03T15:15:00.001-08:00

名古屋 2011年3月18日〜20日プレゼンター：講師養成コースアドバンス・スタディー修了伊藤　英高	その他のワークショップの情報はグローバルイベントカレンダーをご覧下さい。スクールオフィスの連絡先： bbii@barbarabrennan.com +1-561-620-8767 or +1-800-924-2564 www.barbarabrennan.com

場所：シードホール (最寄り駅：JR名古屋駅) 時間：金曜日のレクチャー：午後6時〜9 時土曜日のワークショップ：正午〜午後7時 (学校説明会：午後7時〜8時) 日曜日のワークショップ：午前11時〜午後7時	お問い合わせ：伊藤　英高 web.me.com/hide_it/FBHS/ info.html 090-7606-5999 費用：金曜日の講演会のみ：5千円ワークショップ：3万5千円 (金曜日の講演会の費用も含む)

ブレナンヒーリングサイエンスの基礎ワークショップではハンズオンヒーリングのテクニックと共にスピリチュアルと心理学的プロセスを統合させたパーソナルプロセスのシステムについて学んで頂けます。あなた自身のためにヒーリングの場を体験し、人生を新たに開き変容させて下さい。
本ワークショプの開催についてご家族、ご友人の方にもお知らせ下さい！

5 Ways to Curb Cold Feet

2011-02-27T15:16:00.000-08:00

5 Ways to Curb Cold Feet
Published: 2/25/2011

Today's Q&A:
The Acid, Alkaline Diet: Eating to Protect Bones?

Related:
Diets & Weight Loss

You don't have to be getting married or making a commitment to experience cold feet. Often this condition is simply due to cold weather or exposed feet and toes, but some people can experience cold feet even when the weather is very warm - and some have cold feet year-round.
If you tend to get cold feet, discuss your symptoms with your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Circulatory disorders, anemia, diabetes and Raynaud's disease (a circulatory problem in which the hands and feet are hypersensitive to the cold) may be to blame, and should be addressed if they are determined to be the cause. If no medical condition is found, try the following - each can help to prevent or lessen your symptoms:

Sprinkle a small amount of ground cayenne pepper in your socks and shoes.
Make time to get regular physical exercise to help improve your circulation.
Quit smoking: Nicotine constricts blood vessels, disturbing normal circulation.
Wear shoes that are comfortable and not too tight in order to avoid restricted circulation.
Don't forget the most obvious solution: a relaxing foot soak in warm (not hot) water followed by a pair of warm socks!

Lifeforces Newsletter March, 2011

2011-02-27T00:36:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the March 2011 Lifeforces newsletter

We are offering many workshops over the next few months. If you are interested in taking a class that is not listed, please contact us: hari@lifeforces.org tel/fax 03-3472-1714 or petya@tokyo.com tel/fax 03-3357-2067

Directions to Lifeforces locations in Shinagawa and Shinanomachi:
www.lifeforces.org/directions.shtml

To subscribe or unsusbscribe to this newsletter please email hari@lifeforces.org

Free Energy Share Meetings in March & April

Sunday March 13th & 27th
April 10th & 24th 18:00-21:00
Lifeforces 2, Shinanomachi, Free

As winter ends and spring starts, come and relax with warm vibrations at the free Energy/Reiki Share!
Meet new people and share experiences. Learn more about channeled energy/healing and how it can enhance your life.
Contact petya@tokyo.com for more information

Workshop schedule:

All of these classes can be taken by distance!

Drisana level 5
Offered with Japanese translation
Click here for course description
Sunday 6th March 10:00 - 18:00
Wesley Center, Aoyama, Fee 41,000 yen
Contact hari@lifeforces.org for more information

Huna level 5
Click here for course description
Sunday 6th March 10:00 - 18:00
Lifeforces 2, Shinanomachi, Fee 28,000 yen
Contact petya@tokyo.com for more information

Meridian Flush level 2
Click here for course description
Wednesday 9th March 19:00 - 22:00
By distance only Fee 7,000 yen
Contact hari@lifeforces.org for more information

Awakening the Pineal Gland level 2
Offered with Japanese translation
Click here for course description
Tuesday 15th March 19:00 - 22:00
By distance only Fee 7,000 yen
Contact petya@tokyo.com for more information

Neriya level 1 (prerequisite Drisana 3)
Offered with Japanese translation
Click here for course description
Sunday 27th March 10:00 - 18:00
Lifeforces 2, Shinanomachi, Fee 37,000 yen
Contact petya@tokyo.com for more information

Angelic Opening & Shielding of
the Heart Chakra level 2
Click here for course description
Monday 28th March 19:00 - 21:00
By distance only Fee 7,000 yen
Contact hari@lifeforces.org for more information

Quote of the Month:

“Reality leaves a lot to the imagination.”

John Lennon

My Higher Self

2011-02-15T20:57:00.001-08:00

"Hello, I'd like to connect with my higher self."
"Is this a collect call sir?"
"Yes."
"Okay, I'll put you through now."............
I'm sorry sir, your higher self will
...accept the charges."

"The story of my life!"
--Kevin Burns

Lifeforces Newsletter

2011-01-31T16:04:00.001-08:00

http://www.lifeforces.org/newsletter/2011/Feb2011.shtml

Welcome to the February 2011 Lifeforces newsletter

We are offering many workshops over the next few months. If you are interested in taking a class that is not listed, please contact us: hari@lifeforces.org tel/fax 03-3472-1714 or petya@tokyo.com tel/fax 03-3357-2067

Directions to Lifeforces locations in Shinagawa and Shinanomachi:
www.lifeforces.org/directions.shtml

To subscribe or unsusbscribe to this newsletter please email hari@lifeforces.org

Free Energy Share Meetings in February & March

Sunday February 13th & 27th
March 13th & 27th 18:00-21:00
Lifeforces 2, Shinanomachi, Free

As winter ends and spring starts, come and relax with warm vibrations at the free Energy/Reiki Share!
Meet new people and share experiences. Learn more about channeled energy/healing and how it can enhance your life.
Contact petya@tokyo.com for more information

Free S.U.N. Introductory Evening
Click here for course description
Offered with Japanese translation
Wednesday 23rd February 19:00 - 22:00
Lifeforces #2, Shinanomachi, Free
Contact petya@tokyo.com to book a place

Workshop schedule:

All of these classes can be taken by distance!

Angelic Opening & Shielding of
the Third Chakra level 1
Click here for course description
Monday 7th February 19:00 - 21:00
By distance only Fee 7,000 yen
Contact hari@lifeforces.org for more information

Lifeforces in Singapore
Click here for course description
February 11th - 20th
Contact hari@lifeforces.org for more information

Awakening the Pineal Gland level 1
Offered with Japanese translation
Click here for course description
Wednesday 16th February 19:00 - 22:00
Lifeforces 2, Shinanomachi, Fee 7,000 / 9,000 yen
Contact petya@tokyo.com for more information

Drisana level 7
Click here for course description
Saturday 26th February 10:00 - 18:00
Lifeforces 2, Shinanomachi, Fee 50,000 yen
Contact petya@tokyo.com for more information

Miraculous Vessels level 5
Click here for course description
Monday 28th February 19:00 - 21:00
By distance only Fee 28,000 yen
Contact hari@lifeforces.org for more information

Huna level 5
Click here for course description
Sunday 6th March 10:00 - 18:00
Lifeforces 2, Shinanomachi, Fee 28,000 yen
Contact petya@tokyo.com for more information

Drisana level 5
Offered with Japanese translation
Click here for course description
Sunday 6th March 10:00 - 18:00
Lifeforces 1, Shinagawa, Fee 41,000 yen
Contact hari@lifeforces.org for more information

Sin

"God loves us all, but he loves sinners more." Putting aside the question of whether there is God or not, why would this be?

Sin is a concept created and defined by man, and different cultures and religions have different ideas about sin. So if sin is something 'wrong' maybe it is up to each person to decide how his/her life is 'wrong'.

When we are 'on the path' or 'in the flow' we say our life is going well. When we have 'strayed' and things are not going as we would like it is as if life is throwing obstacles in our way. This is a good thing because it shows us that we are not on the path!

If we did not feel pain when we put our hand in the fire, we would not know to do something else, i.e. take it out of the fire. So when life seems to be blocking our attempts to do something, this is a form of 'pain' telling us to do something else.

In the TV series Star Trek, whenever the ship was approaching a dangerous situation, the captain would order a 'yellow alert' and the deflector shields would go up. If the danger increased, a red alert was issued and the weapon system brought on line. In other words, there was a response to a perceived difficulty.

In our lives however, when something does not go right, we tend to dismiss it or complain about it - and then carry on as if nothing had happened, or try to force our way through.

Perhaps the only 'sin' people commit is not following their own path. So when we stray, God sends a message in the form of a difficulty to help guide us back on our path.

This is how God loves us all, but loves sinners more since he looks after them, which is something people on their right path do not need.

Book of the Month:

The 4-Hour Body

While at Lifeforces we like to consider mind, body and spirit as a continuous whole, sometimes we suggest a book that focuses on only one of these areas.

And how. The author, Tim Ferriss, brings together a host of techniques to lose weight, become fitter, improve ones sex life, sleep less and better, get stronger, and live longer. Wow.

While this book cannot be considered a fitness bible in the standard definition, and should be read selectively, there are many interesting points and tips to living a healthier and happier life.

Quote of the Month:

“If there is sin against life, it consists in hoping for another life and in eluding the implacable grandeur of this life.”

Albert Camus

How to make Green Tea

2011-01-06T20:12:00.001-08:00

How to make Green Tea - one of Japan`s many gifts to the world.

I`ve been drinking Japanese green tea for over 20 years and it is very healthy!

Dr. Andrew Weil reports that it is a great source of catechins which are antioxidants that inhibit cancer.

Moreover there are more benefits of Green Tea:

* Lowers cholesterol levels and risk of heart disease

*Protects against some infections

*Promotes joint health and stronger bones

*Reduces inflammation Read More

Meditation Is the Springboard to Astral Projection

2011-01-03T17:51:00.001-08:00

Meditation Is the Springboard to Astral Projection

Meditation Is the Springboard to Astral Projection

By Lizzy J. Brown

Have you ever found yourself wanting to find out more about yourself? Not personality wise but more what makes your inner person tick. What is that form that you take when you are dreaming, flying around in the sunshine over the ocean or levitating plates of spaghetti. This is called your spiritual body and yes you can take this form for a conscious spin while your mind is awake and not sleeping.

The key here to keep in mind is keeping the mind awake while your body is sleeping and yes this is possible to do. First start off by laying down in your bed or someplace warm, comfortable and quiet. Someplace that you can have no interruptions, and turn the ringer off on your phone. Then lay down and close your eyes and try to quiet your mind from the useral cares that run through your mind. Quiet and calm mind. If your mind starts thinking how you have to cook 12 dozen cookies for the annual bake sale, just caringly clear your mind back to quiet. After sometime of this you will totally relax and don't be surprised if you start seeing flashes of color or shapes in the dark blackness while your eyes are relaxed and closed.

Then you might be even surprised to start seeing 3-D shapes for instance a 3-D ball I sometimes see Lego toys which is strange because I am pushing 40. Also take notice if the blackness takes on a 3-D effect. Instead of a 2-D black, the darkness expands outward to an never ending expanse of space. Then you might see faces or voices flashing by just remember to quietly keep your mind awake. And if you calmly catch yourself if you fall asleep, this means you are close to Astral projection. And you might hear a loud noise or someone calling your name while you are meditating. Don't be alarmed, this is your unconscious trying to become consciously active with you. Strange I know but don't be frightened by these noises.

If you don't suddenly start floating in another room or out somewhere else, then don't worry. Astral projection takes practice. But the key is to get as close to sleep as possible without actually going in sleep mode. But don't just write off that you did not astral project. Recalling memory during an astral projection is tricky sometimes. And don't be surprised if you think you didn't astral project, get up out of bed and try to turn the door knob and your hand goes right through the door. This means you are astral projecting or Out of Body right at that very moment!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lizzy_J._Brown

http://EzineArticles.com/?Meditation-Is-the-Springboard-to-Astral-Projection&id=5102454

Love is all you Need

2010-12-17T19:27:00.000-08:00

Love is all you Need

(Picture of White Heron by Richard Baladad)

After living in the Middle East for several years, Yemen (3), Egypt (2) and
Cyprus (l) I feel that the only way to combat terrorism is through education
and the ability to trust yourself. I loved the poor, Yemeni muslim people
and Afghanistan reminds me of them and it is especially like Yemen in
terrain and mountain size and color. I know there are extremists in all of
these countries, but they are a minority. Unfortunately, the easiest thing
in the world is to stereotype people. All Muslims are now the enemy.

Read More

Book Donations

2010-11-28T03:48:00.000-08:00

Have books cluttering up your apartment? Donate them!

Donate them to a worth cause! A library in Nepal!

You can send the books to the following address:
Ashish Chandra Shrestha
Post box no: 20306
Kathmandu
Nepal

Thank you for your concern.

regards,
Ashish Prakash Community Library

http://www.pcl.org.np/

Left Handers

2010-11-25T23:41:00.001-08:00

Left Handers

Left Handers, how are they different and how do they excel?

I often watch ice hockey. It is interesting how many of the great players shoot left--are left handed. Look at any sport and you will see that many of the stars are left-handed: tennis, baseball, lacrosse and others. (Pictured, My son, a southpaw)

Read More

英会話の学習方法について

2010-11-25T19:01:00.000-08:00

Q1e) How can I improve my English? Part 1:英会話の学習方法について
by Kevin Burns
英会話の学習方法について by Kevin Burns, owner of Kevin`s 英会話スクール日本に居ながらにして英語が話せるようになるのはなかなか難しいことです。だけど、できないというわけではありません。英語を習うに当っては「ローマは一日にしてならず」という諺があてはまるのを忘れないでください。 Kevin & Friends 英語が流暢に話せるようになるには時間がかかります。英会話を習うのはちょうどクラシックピアノを習うようなもので、自転車の乗り方を覚えたり水泳を習ったりするのとは訳が違います。例えば水泳を習う場合はその成果が短期間に分かります

Read More

翻訳 - KES Translation Service

2010-11-25T02:22:00.000-08:00

翻訳 - KES Translation Service
(See the English Explanation Below) KES　翻訳サービスネイティブスピーカー（英語）と日本語を話せるスタッフがおります。あなたの翻訳文を正確にします。翻訳をする人ケビンバーンズ、バーンズ郁美、須貝綾子国籍　　カナダ、日本 eメール、手紙、契約書、会社資料、エッセイ、履歴書、推薦状、報告書、論文、学校の論文、ウェブサイトのコンテンツ、パンフレット、記事、マニュアルなど、なんでも翻訳いたします。過去のクライアント富士フイルム、富士機器、内科医、GSユアサ、化成オプトニクス（現三菱化学）、諸星産業、たまご薬局、南足柄郵便局のスタッフ、など。翻訳代金日本語から英語　漢字１文字につき５円英語から日本語　英単語１つにつき１０円見積もりが必要であれば、メールでファイルを送信してください。
Read More

Need a Teaching Position in Japan?

2010-05-17T15:08:00.001-07:00

Post your resume for free!

http://www.how-to-teach-english-in-japan.com/teach-in-japan.html

Motivating Japanese Students

2009-09-03T23:42:00.001-07:00

Motivating some Japanese students to learn English is a challenge to say the least.
Here are some ideas for getting them to study.

Read More

Kevin`s has Finished Hiring

2009-09-02T16:12:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all who applied. For the present time, we have finished hiring.
Be sure to check out our homepage to learn more about us and know about us before you
apply for future positions http://www.eikaiwa1.com

And for more information about teaching in Japan plus many job offers visit my
other site: How to Teach English in Japan

Teach at Kevin`s English Schools

2009-08-16T00:05:00.000-07:00

We are hiring fulltime teachers to begin training in Feb.
2010.

We also need part-time teachers who live in or near the Odawara area now.

http://www.eikaiwa1.com/teach-at-kevins-english-schools.html

How to Teach English in Japan?

2008-12-28T21:52:00.000-08:00

If you are hoping to teach English in Japan,
check out How to Teach English in Japan

Interviewing Prospective Teachers in Vancouver,BC this Summer!

2008-07-22T16:09:00.001-07:00

Kevin`s English Schools of Odawara, Kanagawa, Japan will be interviewing
prospective teachers for April 2009 in Vancouver, BC this summer.
For more information about our small chain of Canadian owned schools visit our homepage: http://www.eikaiwa1.com
For an interview in Vancouver during summer 2008, Email owner
Kevin Burns at kevinsenglishschools@hotmail.com
Teach in a Canadian, Victorian style house, a small,riverside cottage like
school and downtown city school, all in a very beautiful area of Japan.
Near the mountains, the sea and Yokohama and Tokyo.

Contract With Kevin's English Schools

2008-04-09T19:57:00.000-07:00

Contract With Kevin's English Schools

This contract is made by and between Kevin's English Schools 2659-4 Tsukahara, Minami Ashigara City,
Kanagawa Prefecture, 250-0117, Japan and _______________________. Hereafter called the teacher.

This contract will remain valid for the period of one year, beginning the______ day of______________ and ending on the _____of _________________________.

During the first twelve weeks probationary period of the contract, the teacher may be terminated by
Kevin's English Schools with two weeks written notice, for failing to perform his/her duties to the satisfaction of Kevin's English Schools. The twelve week probationary period clause can be waived if marked with an 'X'
here__X_. By marking the previous blank with an "X' Kevin's English Schools agrees to waive the probationary
period. (This is sometimes done for teachers with previous training and/or experience.

The teacher agrees to use his/her skills and expertise as an English teacher at Kevin's English Schools and cooperate with Kevin's English Schools in attaining its' educational goals.

Kevin's English Schools will renumerate the teacher and assist him/her to secure the proper visa status by guaranteeing her/his employment. After the probationary period, or if it has been waived, this contract may be terminated with one month prior written notice by either the teacher or Kevin's English Schools.

Kevin's English Schools shall pay the teacher a salary of 250,000 Yen/Month for up to 28 hours of teaching per week. Overtime shall be paid at the rate of 14,000 Yen/Month for work over 28 hours per week and up to 29 hours per week. Another 14,000 Yen/Month shall be paid for overtime work over 29 hours per week and up to 30 hours per week. A contract completion bonus of 100,000 Yen will be paid within two weeks after completing this contract.

The teacher agrees to attend school events approximately once per month. These school events
are paid for by the 250,000/Month salary. No extra salary is paid for attending these events unless
the teacher reaches overtime.

School events may be parties, picnics, hiking trips, staff meetings or other enjoyable activities. The teacher shall be paid for the cost of commuting to work. This will entail the payment of the teacher's public transportation costs. The teacher shall be paid train or bus fare to and from work.
The teacher will not be paid for transportation to and from Japan.

The teacher will receive ten working days of paid holidays in the summer and ten working days of paid holidays during the
Christmas vacation. Exact dates will be given to the teacher later. This means the teacher will be paid her/his usual
salary for these vacation days. The teacher will have two regular days off that may or may not be consecutive. For example.
The teacher may have Sundays and Wednesdays as regular days off. All Japanese national holidays are observed except for
a few on Mondays. The teacher will be given a list of which Mondays national holidays are work days.

The teacher agrees to never teach his/her own private lessons in any of our schools or school apartments, nor to allow anyone else to teach lessons within our schools or school apartments.

The teacher may teach part-time at another English school, as long as her/his work performance is kept to a high level, as deemed by Kevin's English Schools.

The teacher agrees to encourage potential students to study at Kevin's English Schools, and to promote our schools in general.

The teacher agrees to allow some events to be held in his/her classroom. This is required as the teacher is living in one of our schools. No pets are permitted in the school or apartment. The teacher agrees to keep the apartment clean and in good order. The teacher agrees to pay rent for the apartment of between 60,000-70,000 Yen/Month, and the following utilities:
_____All Utilities____________________________. The teacher pays her/his own telephone fees. The teacher does not have to pay key money nor a damage deposit for the apartment they live in.

This is to certify that this contract was signed this_______________day of____________, in the year,______________,by

______________________________ ________________________
Manager Teacher

1

Ayako Sugai, Assistant Manager

2007-10-31T03:11:00.000-07:00

Pictured: Our Anne School in the snow.

Ayako Sugai is our Assistant Manager. She manages our store and schools.
She has worked for Kevin's English Schools for about eight years.
She really enjoys working our school.
She graduated from English professional school in Hon-Atsugi.
Even now, she is studying English to speak fluent English.

Chris Zanella

2007-10-31T03:10:00.000-07:00

Chris Zanella graduated from University of California Davis.
He majored in Nutrition Biochemistry.
He teaches in our Anne(Sekimoto), Kamonomiya-Odawara and
our Tsukahara School, as well as our company classes.
Chris runs many events for KES and is a very devoted teacher.
He is looking for Japanese instructor.

Teacher Testimonials on Teaching at Kevin`s English Schools

2007-06-07T02:57:00.000-07:00

Kevin and Ikumi are great people to work for. They let me experiment a lot with teaching ideas and in my first and most important year of teaching I learned a lot about what to do and what not to do. It was a great place to get started.

Jonathan DeNardis

Disclaimer:
None of our teachers were held at gun-point while giving their testimonials. That is just a vicious lie. Some though were poked with
little pointy sticks at times. We feel badly about that, but our
children are young and they didn`t know any better. That`s
our excuse anyway. Our lawyer has advised us not to talk about
this any further. The rumours about Chinese water torture are just
that, rumors.

Ian Slesinger on Teaching for our schools:

On a typical day at Kevin's English Schools you work from about 3pm to 9 or 9:30pm although some days are longer or shorter. You get weekends off which is nice, since you have to work Saturdays at most English conversation schools.

The job involves teaching a very diverse range of students in terms of age and ability level. I teach everything from preschoolers to business classes for engineers. This instills flexibility as a teacher and allows you to gain experience in many areas of teaching. It also provides an excellent opportunity to evaluate your preferences and strengths and weaknesses, which is helpful if you plan to pursue a career in EFL.

The majority of work tends to be with elementary students and junior high school students. The position would be apt if you enjoy working with children.

In most classes teachers use textbooks and supplement them with other games, songs and activities.

Working for KES you have freedom to develop your own teaching style and to try out new ideas. Kevin gives you a lot of control in designing your lesson plans and choosing material as long as you generally follow a core curriculum from the textbooks.

Special emphasis is placed on phonics and reading for children. The main textbooks we use are the Finding Out and English Land series for elementary school students, Side by Side for teenagers, and New Interchange and Cutting Edge for adults.

Sarah O`hagan on Teaching for Kevin`s English Schools

Choosing to work for Kevin's English Schools was the best choice I made in terms of my employment in Japan. It's difficult to decide which school to go with as there are so many out there - and most of them sound really good on paper, or when you speak with them on the phone. But I can guarantee you that this school is different than most and that's why I stayed with them for 3 years!

KES more than a school, it's like a tight-knit community. Teachers and students regularly go sightseeing, play sports, and go out for meals together outside of class time. Of course you are not required to do any of this, it just seems that's the way things unfold!

Kevin and his family warmly welcome new employees into their lives and are always there for you. Teachers need not worry about resources as they are provided. However, the great thing about teaching for Kevin is that he gives you the freedom to choose your own materials and textbooks, so long as they are reasonable.

The apartments KES provides for their teachers are clean, comfortable, fully equipped, and conveniently located. The rent is reasonable and, most importantly, there are no hidden fees or deposits (common among rental units in Japan) that can put you out thousands of dollars.

If you are looking for a casual yet professional teaching environment where you can form strong bonds with your students and other staff members then you should seriously consider Kevin's English Schools.

Chris Weber, Australia on KES:

As Kevin mentioned, I'm an ex-employee of his and we've become good friends too. He's a really great guy and as a boss he gives the teachers freedom to have their own teaching style and implement their own lesson plans (within reason).

At the schools there are many text books and materials to use, so you don't need to worry about having to start from scratch using your own materials.

I'm very glad that I worked for KES as my first job in Japan. I stayed with them for 2 years and only moved on because I wanted to see what it was like to work in public elementary schools. I often go back to the area around Odawara and now that I don't live there I appreciate even more what a nice place it is. It's near the coast and hasmountains and forests nearby, so the air is much cleaner than where I live now (the South of Saitama Prefecture, right near the Tokyo border).

I can't really give you any more advice except that my 2 years with KES gave me some great memories and certainly a better introduction to Japan than if I'd worked for one of the big companies like Nova etc, which have a reputation for being more like fast food companies in terms of the turnover of staff and students. KES is more like a family-run restaurant with a friendly atmosphere and more personal approach with students and teachers alike.

If Kevin and Ikumi do hire you, I have to give you my congratulations as I'm sure that you'll feel at home there.

Good luck

Chris

James Pelikan on Kevin`s English Schools

Dear Kevin- I was just remembering how you were a good boss to me, and I wanted to pass that thought on. I coudn't have been a better one myself. Please believe this. And I hope you and Ikumi are doing very well. Also, if you remember, say hi to my host families and Masahiro. with care, - James

Originally Posted at the forum for Kevin`s English Schools:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KevinsEnglishSchools In fact you can still find this post there.

"Kevin I know Nora from university and she raved about working for your school. I
have looked at your website and I am very impressed with what your schools are like.
I feel I would be a perfect match for a position with your schools."
--Name Withheld

Kevin`s English Schools, Serving Japan Since 1991

2006-12-24T20:36:00.000-08:00

Kevin`s English Schools was established in 1991. We now have three schools in Kanagawa, Japan and teach over 150 students. Two of our schools are in Minami Ashigara City, and one is in Odawara`s beautiful Kamonomiya area.

Many schools in Japan are huge corporate enterprises, literally hiring a thousand teachers per year. Sometimes small is better!

We have a few teachers in very homey schools. We care about our students and teachers and from that attitude, we make money. We realize that the former leads to the latter.

In our schools it is common to find wooden tables and chairs. It helps to give the feeling of coziness we strive for. Teachers and students seem to enjoy the difference.

Kevin Burns and his wife Ikumi are both teachers. Ikumi not only teaches at KES, and at local junior high schools but she is the manager as well. Kevin teaches at KES and at Tokai University in Kanagawa.

About Us

2006-12-24T20:26:00.000-08:00

"Share everything. Play fair...When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together."--Robert Fulghum, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten

My wife and I established our first school in 1991: our Tsukahara School, and we now have four schools located in Minami AshigaraCity, Odawara and Hadano (Shibusawa Station.)

At these schools we have a huge collection of teaching materials,enough to rival or surpass many colleges and universities teaching EFL. All of our schools are equipped with a computer and students and teachers may use them. We have an EFL software library which studentsmay use at our schools. Students are also encouraged to borrow books,CDs and cassettes, from the small libraries we have at each school.

Most students come once or twice a week for 50, 60 or 90 minutelessons. As this adds up to only 8-12 hours per month or so ofEnglish study, we encourage them to use software, books, and videos athome. Slowly their time in the classroom and doing home study addsup, and reaches a point where there is noticeable improvement.

We have some classes for "returnees," or children who have lived abroad or speak English at home and are fluent or nearly fluent.

Pictured: Dustin Hoffman playing tennis with KES staff and students

In terms of curriculum, for the most part we allow our teachers to choose what teaching materials they will use. But for childrenaged 6-12 the first two texbooks they will use are Finding Out 1 and 2 by David Paul. If new students aged 6-12 can read well,then they can study in an existing class using a different textbook. So far we haven`t found a better method for teachingstudents to read than David Paul`s Finding Out method.

Teachers will betaking over existing classes, and they will need to finish the materials(textbooks etc) that were used by the previous teacher. Afterfinishing the previous teachers text, you would be able to chooseyour own textbooks subject to the approval of the manager`sIkumi and Kevin. We rarely veto a teacher`s choice however.

Currently, we use a variety of textbooks. The Finding Out series byDavid Paul is used in most of our children's classes. We alsoare using English Land in some. We also have the children read story books from our extensive collection. We supplement these texts with other activities encouraging speaking.

For adults some of the texts we use include: the NewInterchange series, Talk Your Head Off, J-Talk, Expressways, Passport and others. Some teachers use the many free articlesavailable on the internet as a point of departure for these classes. Many links to teachers resource sites can be foundin the forum for Kevin`s English Schools at Yahoo Groups:

We encourage all of our teachers to bring in materials which theythink are of value. If teachers use what they like, and believe in,what they are using, they will be happier about it, and will do abetter job of teaching our students. For this same reason we allowteachers to choose the next textbook they will use. We feel this alsomakes students happier too. They get more variety in their Englishlessons than if we dictated what book the teachers would have to useand how they would have to teach it.We don`t abide by the robo-teacher training method that some of theBIG schools in Japan espouse, of training otherwise good teachers toact like English teaching automatons; to take away their freedom toteach in the manner they think best, and to have them teach the sametextbook in the same way as all of their other teachers in Japan.While that leads to a uniform product for students, for teachers itleads to boredom and burnout. Perhaps that`s why the turnover ofstaff at the large chain schools is so high.

Indeed those schools offer exactly the same, very high pricedclasses to their students whether in Sendai or Fukuoka. Some studentslike that. Again some people like McDonald`s and some like a niceItalian dinner. But no one likes paying Parisien restaurant pricesfor a hamburger, yet that is what students frequently do, they aretaken in by the high priced advertising they see all around them.Sometimes small is better! Sometimes small means we care more aboutour customers, and our teachers; because if we don`t we go out ofbusiness.

Indeed, we try to offer an Italian dinner for the price of a familyrestaurant., and our prices and how you pay is very flexible. We arevery low pressure. Our company is not about sales, sales, sales. Wedo our selling by offering good teachers and good classes to ourstudents. Like the oldcliche, our classes sell themselves.

We try to keep our classes fun but every activity we do must useEnglish and have some kind of English goal, be it simply to practicequestions and answers or a more lofty one. Games are great as long asthey use ENGLISH and have a GOAL. Typically you would work 4-10PM with some morning classes twice a week or so. You may go off campus onceor twice a week to teach a company class nearby.

Currently our youngest students are three years old. Fuji Film and other large companies are located here, and many of our adult students tend to be highly educated professionals from companies like Fuji, engaged in various types of research projects. We also have homemakers and retired people studying here. You will teach a huge variety ofpeople and learn a lot about all walks of life in Japan just by teaching here.

Many of my friends are current or former students. I count myself lucky that I get to be paid for what I do. If you are the right kindof person,who enjoys people, enjoys teaching, is open-minded, and enjoys learning, then you willfind a position with our school chain rewarding.

In our children's classes we emphasize learning to read to a largeextent, as after they can read, they can do many things. Once theycan read, studying at home becomes possible. They can use a textbook in class which makes it easier to teach themand of course they can read storybooks. The ability to read in English opens upa whole new world. Those Disney books are now a possibility for littleHaruko, as is having a penpal. There is English all around us, evenin Japan, and now Haruko can read the signs. She can go on the internet to see her favourite Hello Kitty site in English. English becomes real for her and not some far off reality shecan`t understand. She is now experiencing it right in front ofher, and even she though she is only eight, realizes there is aworld outside of Japan that uses English.

Schools which don't emphasize learning to read from the start, tendto have students that are very parrot like and can regurgitate Englishon command but don't really seem to know what they are doing or why.Unfortunatelymany schools here are of this ilk. Students of these "repeat aftersensei" schools cannot read in my opinion. They can identify the word`dog` but cannot read `log` or `bog.,` because they haven`t beentaught phonics. We emphasize phonics very much in the first few yearsof study here., along with teaching all the other things one needs toknow.

We do emphasize learning to ask and answer questions, which areimportant to the children: "Do you like Pokemon?" Not: "How waswork today?"

Although we are one of the more reasonably and flexibly pricedEnglish schools here, English study in Japan is not cheap, and we needto havesomething tangible to show the parents after their children havestudied here for a year or more.

Indeed, English study is not like learning how to swim. With swimmingyou can take lessons for a couple of months, and then wow Mom and Dadwith your fantastic back stroke. This is not so when learning Englishof course. After two months of study you don't have much to show theparents. English study is more akin to learning classical piano thanlike swimming. It takes years to become fluent. Think of your ownexperience with high school Spanish or French. How many of us arefluent?

Now that I have depressed you, remember that all hope is not lost.Language study is really an art that one must spend years at. At riskof alienating our students and becoming destitute, we emphasize thispoint to all of our new students rather than hide it or white-wash it.Why lie to them? They should know what they are in for. We emphasizeit during our demolessons and in our classes. We also talk about it in Japanese in thearticle below, and on our front page in both English and Japanese.

We pride ourselves on honesty and doing our best to teach ourstudents. We don`t want to hide the truth of what students arecommitting themselves too behind glossy advertising.

We have two schools in Minami Ashigara City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Oneof them is called Tsukahara School.

It has a pleasant river side cottage atmosphere, with an all woodfloor, and wooden tables and chairs from Italy. There is a gardenaround the school with many trees and flowers to add to this ambience.There is even a giant chess board in the parking lot, and we have anannual chess tournament there.

Our Anne School, is a large Canadian, Victorian stylehouse. This is where my family lives and we also have a classroomhere. All of our teachers teach at "Anne" at least one day a week. Itis a great place to teach and study! I think we may have some of thenicest English schools to study and teach in, in Japan!

All the materials for our Anne School were imported from Cloverdale, British Columbia. It has oak floors, and all wood tables, chairs and bookcases. It is alocal landmark. There is also a garden around it with trees and flowers.

All of our schools are pleasant places to work, where we havesuccessfully created an "at home" atmosphere in each of them. Thatsets us apart from many of the schools that think arbarite tables andvinyl chairs are invogue.

On the down side, it can be a lonely place to work in that you donot have co-teachers in the same school with you usually. If having alarge teachers room with many teachers to chat with is imperative foryou, we are not the best choice. However,most have found they reallyenjoy the freedom, with support that we offer. Several teachers havecommented we are the best bosses they had ever had. "You are there,but not looking over our shoulders all the time," is what one teachersaid.

You will see us at least once a week. You will be living a shorttrain ride away from fellow K.E.S. teachers so you can always visitthem too. You can always pick up the phone or Email us or anotherteacher to get together for a coffee or a beer.

We have no rule against socializing with students. We like it infact. It is good for them and fun for you too. It is up to you ofcourse whether you want to socialize with them outside of class time.

Why are English Conversation Schools Necessary in Japan?

English conversations schools provide a valuable and necessaryservice in Japan. Not only do we help to internationalize a veryinsular and isolated society, but we provide another opportunityfor Japanese citizens to learn English.

If the other institutions in Japan were truly doing a superb job at this, perhaps English schools would not be needed. However, the way English is taught in Japan, with the lack of innovation at many schools, make English Conversation schools a vital necessity for Japanese English learners, and indeed for the future of Japan.

Furnished Apartments for Teachers

2006-12-24T20:16:00.000-08:00

Kamonomiya School & Apartment

It is a 2DK apartment. One room doubles as the classroom and living room, with a wooden table and covered wooden chairs, as well as a Sony TV, and video machine. There is satellite TV equipment there so you can get hooked up for satellite TV if you are willing to pay the charges. It is a great space to teach in and relax in after class. The apartment is very clean and eight years old. It is a two story, four apartment building. The classroom and bedroom are 6 tatami mats in size and the kitchen isabout 6 tatami mats in size. So each room is 2.7 metres by 3.6 metres. There is a western style unit bath and western style toilet.There is a small laundry area next to the sink with a large washing machine. It comes fully funished with all your essentials right down to cutlery. There is a small garden in the back with a small patio. There is a supermarket about five minutes on foot from the apartment.

The neighbourhood is very nice and Kamonomiya is probably the most desirable area of Odawara. It is near the Robinson's, the largest shopping centre in Kanagawa. It reminds me of a Canadian shopping centre--it is huge with many great stores.On one side of it is a great department store Ito Yokado which sells everything. Also nearby, is The Odawara City Mall,featuring Nittori, Toys `R Us and a great 100 Yen store amongst others.You can even get your burger fix at McDonalds. There are many palm trees out front. As well there is a pleasant, tree lined main street running through the area with many interesting shops. It is as "left-bank" as Odawara gets. There are many little restaurants and shops. Kamonomiya train station is on one of the biggest train lines-The Tokaido line, which runs to Yokohama and Tokyo, and to southern Japan. It is a very long line.

For More on Living in Odawara See:
Odawara Living
Kanagawa Living
Japan Living
in our links section on the right of the homepage.

Pictured: Nora with students

Shibusawa School & Apartment

Pictured: Nora with her students in Shibusawa School

The school/apartment is located about one minute from Shibusawa Station on the Odakyu Line. It is in an attractive white, three storey concrete building. It is one of the few apartments in Japan to have double-paned glass. It is Japanese style with tatami mat floors. It is probably the nicest apartment to live in! The apartment is convenient to many stores as it is right downtown. The apartment is furnished like all of our school apartments. It is large by Japanese standards--a 2DK with a slight view as it is on the 2nd floor.

The classroom is to the right as you enter the apartment.

Hadano is a nice, mid-sized city of 163,000 people, with a meandering river going through the centre of town and many nearby mountains that are great for hiking and cycling. It is also convenient to get to Tokyo, Odawara, Atsugi, Yokohama, Izu, Mount Fujiand Kamakura.

In Hadano you can enjoy the many festivals throughout the year including the tobacco festival. Don`t worry it isn`t like it sounds! The city boasts a great public library, with hundreds of books and videos in English. You can search for books on the computers there by entering the title or author's name, or simply browse the stacks. There is also a great sports centre--The Hadano Taikukan. For 200 Yen you can play many sports in their gyms. They have very modern facilities so you have no excuse for not being in shape! (He writes while sitting like a sloth in front of the computer).

There are many people of different nationalities living here.

Pictured: Our "Anne" School in the snow. This school is located in the Iizawa area
of Minami Ashigara City

Contract

2006-12-24T20:14:00.000-08:00

First Year Contract With Kevin's English Schools

This contract is made by and between Kevin's English Schools 2659-4 Tsukahara, Minami Ashigara City,Kanagawa Prefecture, 250-0117, Japan and Tom Smith.Hereafter called the teacher.

This contract will remain valid for the period of one year, beginning the 1st day of March, 2006and ending on the 28th day of February, 2007.

During the first twelve weeks probationary period of the contract, the teacher may be terminated byKevin's English Schools with one week written notice, for failing to perform his/her duties to the satisfactionof Kevin's English Schools. The twelve week probationary period clause can be waived if marked with an 'X'here__X_. By marking the previous blank with an "X" Kevin's English Schools agrees to waive the probationaryperiod. (This is sometimes done for teachers with previous training and/or experience.

The teacher agrees to use his/her skills and expertise as an English teacher at Kevin's English Schools andcooperate with Kevin's English Schools in attaining its' educational goals.Kevin's English Schools will renumerate the teacher and assist him/her to secure the proper visa status by guaranteeing her/his employment. After the probationary period, or if it has been waived, this contract may be terminated with one month prior written notice by either the teacher or Kevin's English Schools.

Kevin's English Schools shall pay the teacher a salary of 250,000 Yen/Month for up to 28 hours of teaching per week. Overtime shall be paid at the rate of 14,000 Yen/Month for work over 28 hours per week and up to 29 hours per week. Another 14,000 Yen/Month shall be paid for overtime work over 29 hours per week and up to 30 hours per week. A contract completion bonus of 100,000 will be paid after all bills related to the teacher`s apartment have been paid.

The teacher agrees to attend school events and staff meetings approximately once per month. The teacher isn`t paid any extra for attending these. School events may be parties, picnics, hiking trips, or other enjoyable activities. Theteacher will be paid the cost of commuting to and from these events.

*The teacher shall be paid for the cost of commuting to and from work. This will entail the payment of the teacher's public transportation costs. The teacher shall be paid train and/or bus fare to and from work.

*The teacher will not be paid for transportation to and from Japan.

The schools will have two weeks of holidays in August and during the Christmas/New Year`s period. Teacherswill be given exact dates later. The teacher will be paid her/his usual salary for these vacation days.

All Japanese national holidays are observed except for a few on Mondays. The teacher will be given a list of which Monday national holidays are work days.

* The teacher will receive the following regular days off: Saturday & Sunday.

The teacher agrees to never teach his/her own private lessons in any of our schools or apartments, nor to allow anyone else to teach lessons within our schools or apartments. The teacher agrees to not start her/his own English school (defined as five or more students taught English by the teacher) within 6 kilometres of one of our schools, for a period of up to three years after the termination or expiration of this contract.

The teacher may teach part-time at another English school, as long as her/his work performance is kept to a high level, as deemed by Kevin's English Schools.

The teacher agrees to encourage potential students to study at Kevin's English Schools, and to promote our schools ingeneral.

During the two week training period the teacher shall be paid 1,000 Yen/hr for the two weeks of training,plus transportation expenses to and from work and home. The training salary consists of the time the teacherspends in classes observing teachers, teach.

The teacher agrees to allow some events to be held in his/her classroom. This is required as the teacher is living inone of our schools. No pets are permitted in the school or apartment. The teacher agrees to keep the apartment cleanand in good order. The teacher agrees to pay rent for the apartment of 63,000 Yen/Month, and all utilities.

The teacher pays her/his own telephone fees.

The teacher does not have to pay key money.

This is to certify that this contract was signed this_______________day of____________, in the year,______________,by

Manager Teacher

Where We Are

2006-12-24T20:06:00.000-08:00

"Finally found a place that I might like to live. Went to Odawara today. I've been torn because I have wanted to live near the Pacific Ocean and the mountains and have easy access to Tokyo. Odawara has all three and is so close to Hakone, Atami and Izu. Also, there are so many trains passing through Odawara....easy to connect to various cities."--Neil Stalnaker

Pictured: Odawara Castle Moat, one of the must-see places in Kanagawa, Japan

We are located about 80 minutes south of Tokyo and 60 minutes south of Yokohama by regular train. You can get to Tokyo in 40 minutes andYokohama in 15 minutes however. On this map we are located between Hakone andKamakura. Hakone is beautiful and well worth the 30 minute drive there. Hakone is in the mountains--the lake is a former volcanic crater I believe and Minami Ashigara and Odawara are in a picturesque river valley. There are many rivers in our valley. Kamakura of courseis a former capitol of Japan and has many historical buildings and temples.

Visit our Locations Page in the links section on the right of the site, to see where our schools are. The page is in Japanese but click on the links to see maps of our area. Some of the maps are bilingual and some are entirely in English.

Aims

2006-12-24T19:51:00.000-08:00

Pictured: Saijoji Temple, located near our "Anne" School in Minami Ashigara City,
Kanagawa

"To bring fun, friendship, and the joy of service back into teaching English."

Kevin Burns says:

To have fun while learning English. The experience of learning at KES should be fun for all. I subscribe tothe Patch Adams style of life and work, with David Letterman and Jay Leno thrown in for spice. Teaching andlearning English at our schools, should be a fun adventure.

Let`s laugh and learn.

To give teachers the freedom to grow and become the teachers they were meant to be. As opposed todictating what and how they shall teach.

To create an "at home" atmosphere, and with that a warm and cozy place to work and study.

To help Japan become a little more international in scope and thinking. To broaden our students minds.

To be good members of the community.

Pictured, Shibusawa School, our school in Hadano City, Kanagawa

Jonathan DeNardis says:

My objectives for this year are:

1. To condition myself both physically and mentally so that I become an inspirational teacher and motivator.

2. To foster an attitude of mutual respect between the students and myself.

3. To give the students a simple yet strong structural foundation in English. A strong foundation shall consist of:

A. The ability to speak, read, and write the alphabet.

B. The ability to pronounce, read, write, and spell a large vocabulary of words.

C. The ability to understand basic sentence structures.

D. The ability to read and understand books, short stories, proverbs, and maybe a poem or two.

4. To give the students a clearly defined set of goals and objectives:

A. Therein that they know what is expected of them both as a group and as individuals.

B. Therein that they be awarded as group and as individuals upon completion.

Employment

2006-12-24T19:45:00.000-08:00

Pictured, the entrance to our Shibusawa School in Hadano City

One Year Contract -- Renewable

*Must have a University Degree. B.ed or other teaching relateddegree preferred but not necessary. TESL, TESOL, TEFL, RSA or other TESL or TEFL Training and/or previous experience preferred.

*Teach in a Canadian, Victorian House (materials imported from Cloverdale, British Columbia, a river-side cottage like schoolwith a Canadian style General Store on the first floor, and someother very cozy schools in Kanagawa, Japan.

Our Tsukahara School is in a cottage-like building a stone`s throw from the Kari River. Both of our Minami Ashigara schools are in a pretty river valley. This school has a cowboy townlike veranda surrounding the first floor`s General Store.

Our Anne School (Minami Ashigara) is a Canadian Victorian style house. The materials were imported from Cloverdale, British Columbia.

Our Hadano School is in a very nice and bright apartment in Hadano`s interesting Shibusawa area. It is conveniently located one minute from the train station.

Our Kamonomiya school is in the most desirable area of Odawara, near shops, restaurants,and the train station.

We try to create a very warm environment for our teachers and students.

Title of position:Fulltime Native English Teacher

Address:

____Iizawa 242-23, Minami Ashigara City, Kangawa Pref. 250-0122 Japan_

Telephone: _81-(0)465-74-4458_________________ Fax: ___Same

E-Mail: kevinsenglishschools@hotmail.com

WWW address: http://www.eikaiwa1.com

Contact person: ___Ikumi or Kevin Burns

Inquiries should include (please mark with an "X"):

_X_CV/resume __diploma(s) _X_letter of introduction __essay

__publications (# __) _X_photo __teaching certification(s)

__transcripts __letters of recommendation __video/audio Tape

__Other (health certificate, etc.) _

Describe position/duties: (please use additional lines if necessary)

We hire native speakers from all English speaking countries. One Year Contract.Teach children to adults and some company classes. 20-28hrs per week.Very attractive furnisheded apartment provided. Rent ￥63,000/Month No Key Money!

Free Japanese lessons provided while you work for us. Canadian owned andco-managed. The Canadian still teaches, so understands what it`s like "in thetrenches." No long crowded train travel!

You will not be a number! You will be a very important part of our team. It isour family business. If we don`t keep our teachers and students happy, we don`teat! Our business is not just about making money. We care about our teachers andstudents. When you finally leave us, you will probably shed more than a fewtears. Four weeks of paid vacation (2 weeks at Christmas and 2 weeks in thesummertime). No cliche! It is a great area to live in!

Special skills/requirements:

__Required: A university degree. We want people who don`t view teaching English as "something to do until they get a real job." This is a real job.

We want people who regard teaching English to Japanese people,as something that is very valuable to our students and to themselves asteachers; even if they don`t want to pursue teaching English as a long-term career.

Teaching English for our schools, should be something you really, really want todo. This isn`t just a job. It is an adventure. We truly believe that.

Application deadline:

None

MUST APPLICANT CURRENTLY RESIDE IN JAPAN? (Y/N) __No_________

Hours/week: _20-28Salary: _￥250,000/Month________Class load _20-28 hours per week.

*We also require part-time teachers who live in our area now, and can coverclasses when teachers are sick or on vaction. Contact Ayako Sugai if you are interestedin part-time teaching work: 74-4458. Give her your name and phone number and askher to keep you on file for vacation relief and sick leave work.

Minimum university degree(s) REQUIRED (please indicate all):

_x_BA _x_BS __MA __Ph.D. __Other _Any university degree is fine.*

We don`t accept diplomas, you must have a degree. We prefer someonewho has shown the intelligence and perseverence to complete a university degree.

University degree(s) PREFERRED

_x_BA _x_BS __MA __Ph.D. Other

Subject specialization (please indicate all):

__Education, English

Prfessional certification(s) REQUIRED (please indicate all):

__TESL/ESL __Teaching __RSA __Other

Professional certification(s) PREFERRED (please indicate all):

_x_TESL/ESL _x_Teaching _x_RSA _x_Other ___CELTA_

Experience required (years/level/etc.):

None, we will train you! We have a two week training program, in which youwill observe all of our teachers, teaching. You will be given some teachingmethodology books to study as well.

Japanese speaking ability not required.

Applicant's visa status (please indicate one):

We will sponsor and we will renew visas. *Commonwealth citizens 30 years of ageor younger can obtain a working holiday visa, which is a great visa to start with!

Accommodation is (please indicate):

_x_Included __Partially provided __Not included

__Other (or details) __x__Rent for our furnished apartment is 60,000-65,000 Yen/Month*Must pay 2,000 Yen per month leasing fee for furniture and utilities.

Position includes (please indicate all):

_x_Paid holidays _x_Completion bonus __Travel allowance

__Moving/relocation allowance _x_Paid vacation __Airfare

__Health insurance __Research allowance

__Other (or details) _____We don`t pay for airfare but you will get a \\100,000One year contract completion bonus after completing your contract.

*The best health insurance in Japan is Japanese National Health Insurance. That is what Ihave had for the past 16 years. It is very inexpensive and teachers pay for their own health insurance.

Contract information:

Length: ___1yr_____ Renewable? _Yes_______ How many times? _Until death.____

Instruct applicants to contact your institution by:

_x_Mail __Fax __Telephone _x_E-mail __In-person

__Other (or details) ______________________________________________

Other important information:

We are proud that we are very different from the large schools here. We feel that ourstudents and teachers recognize our caring attitude towards our business. Take a look at our homepage to see what I mean. Our schools are very homey and that empitomizes theteaching environment we have.

Our attitudes towards life and work are very down to earth. If that sounds likeyou then please apply!

I am a school owner, but I also teach, study yoga, write, play tennis and raisemy three beautiful children. One of our teachers Chris and I regularly playtennis together. Nora, Chris and I play soccer.

My wife Ikumi is the main manager of our schools. She is a loving wife andmother, and as well as play tennis, she paints, and does a lot of work for the kindergarten andthe community. She is fluent in English. She studied English in Scotland andCanada.

All in all, we have a great place to work.

E-Mail: kevinsenglishschools@hotmail.com

WWW address: http://www.eikaiwa1.com

Be sure to join our Forum, to see pictures of our schools and see what`s happening at Kevin`s.: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KevinsEnglishSchools

Contact person: Ikumi or Kevin Burns

Kanagawa Living will give you a good idea of what it is like to live and work here. Also you may wantto join the Japan Living Forum this is where we talk about living and working in Japan. You can postquestions there and many knowledgeable people will answer about life and employment here.

Head Office: Ikumi & Kevin Burns, Kevin`s English Schools, Iizawa 242-23, Minami Ashigara City,Kanagawa Pref. 250-0122 Japan Fax 81-(0)465-74-4458 You don`t dial `0` from outside Japan.Best to Email us though.

TEFL Articles

2006-12-24T18:40:00.000-08:00

Advice on Teaching English to Japanese

by Chris Weber

Pictured: The Yano sisters and their mother on graduation day in Oklahoma. The Yano`s studied with us from age 14 until they entered university in the US.

1. Slow down your speech (you already know this! but I'll just mention it to remind you)

2. Give students more time to formulate a response. This includes all levels of students. Don't worry about there being an un-naturally long silence between you asking a question and getting a response. Just because they don't respond right away doesn't mean they haven't understaood the question, it's often because they are mentally rehearsing their answer in their head to self-correct any grammar mistakes (according to their current conception of English grammar). You'll get better at reading (from body language etc) when it's a case of not understanding and when it's the situation I've just mentioned, but in the meantime it's better to leave that extra space for the student to answer.

3. "...Make use of wrong answers to elicit the correct answer when the kids are sitting sliently not guessing at the answer to your question. Rather than giving them the right answer it's much better to make them say it. For example, if you ask "What is it?" (holding up a "dog" card) and for some reason nobody has answered you should ask them "Is it a hippopotamus?" or alien or something else (sometimes something funny or crazy is best) and usually that gets them joining in right away and you don't have to prompt them after that. On the other hand if you tell them "It's a dog" then they are less likely to join in with as much enthusiasm on the following questions.

4. When you assign homework for the youngsters make sure they know what to do. This might involve explaining the first question on the page, but before you explain it you should try and get them to tell you what it is. Then for the next question you try and get them to tell you only giving them the minimum amount of help and gradually they should be able to explain it to you without any more cues. Cos you're not gonna be there when they do the homework, if they haven't been able to demonstrate that they can do the qeustion verbally, then there is a high chance that they won't do it at home. Following on from this, sometimes when kids haven't done homework it's for this very reason, so if they tell me they didn't do their homework, I ask in a friendly way to see their homebook. I make sure they realise (by my smiling and tone) that I'm not angry at them, but I just wanna see their book. I don't use any Japanese at all, but they understand. Then, I get them to tell me the answers to the questions that they should have done for homework. Then you'll know if they need more explanation from you or whatever."

About the Author:
Chris Weber, former English Teacher for Kevin`s English SchoolsHe is also a professional jazz musician.
Pictured: Former KES students the Yanos, graduated from university in
Oklahoma

Top secret: Teaching English in Some of Japan`s Top Companies

by Kevin Burns

Lucky for me, my Japanese is not very good. Because of this, I can teach in some of the most sensitive areas of Japan. I teach English in some of the top companies of the world. At one of them, part of the interview was conducted in Japanese. They wanted to see how good my command of the language was. It wasn`t to deal with problems that might come up, we have a bilingual office staff at our school for that. No, I suspect it was to insure the safety of company secrets. How much could he comprehend if he overheard something? That was their concern.

If you teach English at a Japanese company. You enter a secretive world. As you walk towards your company, you may notice what looks like a moat all around it. You can be forgiven for thinking you are entering a fort or some other military complex. In a way you are. You cannot enter freely. The enclosure is fenced in, sometimes with barbed wire at the top of the fence or at least with a wall and perhaps more. There may be video cameras. There is a guard house, and the security guards will decide if you can enter. You must report to them.

Being the company English teacher the guards get to know you and will admit you with a wave of their hand after a while, but still they keep track of your comings and goings. You are scrutinised by any new guards. Company secrets are worth money, and closely guarded.

When teaching at your Japanese company you may be politely asked to change classrooms some days. Sometimes it is simply for a lack of space, but sometimes it is to insure that company meetings stay secrets. Excuses are made: "This room is more comfortable," your student will politely say.

Plans are being formed for Japan`s newest assault on the world. No more does Nippon attack her neighbours, instead she ships her factories abroad and produces her products more cheaply in China, Malaysia, and Thailand. For new ideas, she sets up factories and research centres in the United States and other nations. These plans are well guarded though, and as an English teacher you are not privy to them. You can`t be fully trusted no matter how long you have taught there. I understand this. To some extent I work in a war zone. Business is war, and Japanese companies are battling it out for survival.

Shintaro slumps into his chair. He worked another twelve hour shift last night. Business trips to China and other locales require him to study English once a week with me. He is a good student. In spite of exhaustion, he comes to class with a smile. He was transferred to Odawara a couple of years ago. Due to this, he had to leave his pregnant wife back in Osaka, and wasn`t around when his mother passed away. Ironically, his son was born the same day. I admire Shintaro. He is a pleasant man. He obviously loves his wife and baby and is a nice guy to be around. He is loyal to his company and never complains. Many Japanese are like that. Gaman is a Japanese word that is entrenched here. It really means grin and bear it or do your best. It is said before a sports event and it is entrenched in business.

In a land with virtually no natural resources, the people are all it has. Her people become the most important asset of the country. Other nations pay lip service to this in presidential speeches, but all Japanese know this to be true. If her people fail, Japan fails. There is no oil money to fall back on.

It is common practice for Japanese companies to loan employees money to buy a house - a very expensive commodity here. The company often seizes this chance to promptly transfer the employee to a new city - perhaps in the countryside or up north. Being obligated to pay the loan, the employee can`t say no in most cases. She or he is usually trapped. The brand new house is usually rented, most often to another employee of the company. The employee then rents an apartment in the new town she/he has been transferred to. Five years later he may return to finally live for the first time in his house.

Often the wives and children do not accompany their husbands to the new locale. A friend`s husband is alone in China and has been for three years. This isn`t strange at all to Japanese. It is all too common. One can imagine what this can lead to. Fifty percent of Japanese women have affairs. For men the percentage is higher. The sex industry brings in billions of yen and even offers host clubs for women.

The ageing head of one company I work for feels English is unnecessary. I cannot understand why. Fortunately some of the general managers feel otherwise and hired me to crack the whip and get their employees in shape for negotiations abroad in arguably the most difficult language in the world. It is a Fuji-like uphill climb. The classes are largely occupied by unmotivated, unconfident English students. When I say unconfident, I mean they don`t believe they will ever be good at speaking English. With this belief, they can`t. I try to motivate by being friendly, witty and caring. I try to get to know them and take an interest in their lives. A few become pretty good students and attend class regularly. It is slow, but they do improve year by year.

I tell myself I am making Japan a little bit more international. I am educating the people about other nations. I am making this country a better place, and I keep the company secrets to myself. Not that I know any. My Japanese is still not very good.

About the Author:
Kevin Burns is the owner of Kevin`s English Schools. He teaches at KES and at a
university in Kanagawa. He also loves to write!

Pictured: The interior of our Tsukahara (Minami Ashigara City) School.
This was our first school, we now have four.

On Teaching & Studying English

by Eric Keuling

My purpose with this short article is to offer you advice on improving your English skills. Most importantly, please try to have fun along the way.I think in one respect, learning a second language can sometimes be like exercising at the gym. We all know it is good for us in the long run, but boy can it be both boring and tiresome!!! Studying Englishcan really be mentally and physically challenging. Whenever possible, we have to make learning English fun. Therefore, I think teachers need to strive to make their classes both productive and fun and enjoyable.

Now I would like to say a few words in regards to studying English. Without question, becoming a great speaker of English requires the interested learner to possess many positive traits. It requiresambition, motivation, commitment, time, energy, patience, and mostimportantly it requires the right game plan. You need a solid,well-conceived, organized plan in order to succeed. You must deservesuccess. As Winston Churchill told the British people during hisrallying cry back in World War II: "Hoping and praying for victory isfine, but deserving it is what really matters." Simply put, if youdo not contain the proper game plan, chances are you will not reachyour goals.

I would like to hear both your goals and "plan of attack" for learningEnglish. Feel free to send me a post. I will try to help you as muchas I can. Good luck! You can post about how you learn or teachEnglish here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TeachingJapan

Eric Keuling is a former teacher of Kevin`s English Schools
Pictured: Our Shibusawa (Hadano) School

On Students Use of their First Language in the Second Language Classroom

by Stephen McAtamney

A short time ago a discussion point was submitted regarding students use of their first language in thesecond language classroom.I recently read a comment in relation to this point,connected with 'task-based learning', which is often how teachers present classroom activities to their students. The comment reads as follows:

"One of the problems connected with task-based learning is that students very often resort to use of their first language. How should you react to this? It depends of course on what they use the L1(FIRSTLANGUAGE)for.They may use it to exchange informationquickly on the lexis required for the task, with onestudent saying to the other "please, how do I say 'X'in English?'.They may use it to help organise and stage the task, saying things like 'You go first'.I don't think you should worry too much about this.By all means encourage them to use English, but do notinsist on this if you risk demotivating them altogether. When you first introduce tasks into the classroom you may find that the use of L1 predominates, but students will soon learn that it isvery difficult to carry out a task in L1 and then report that task in English. They will probably comeround to using English because, if you take the taskcycle as a whole, this is the most efficient way to doit".(Burmingham University: 2001)

I have at times worried myself at the escalating use of the students' first language in the classroom afterhaving been assigned a task, however, as the articlequote suggests, this is usually used just to get thetask underway. Students are well aware that they haveto eventually produce English to complete the task sowill alter their language accordingly.However if students, in the process of discussing a task, wanderoff the subject and begin general conversation intheir first language then this of course is adifferent matter that needs to be approached with cautionary classroom management skills.

by Stephen McAtamney a former teacher of Kevin`s English Schools. This article was originally posted at Kevins English Schools`sYahoo Group -- our main forum.
Pictured: Kevin and friends at the tennis court

FAQ

2006-12-24T18:35:00.000-08:00

1. Most obviously, do you have arrangements/positions for couples (with the assumption that both are more than adequately qualified for the position)?

It really depends. Sometimes we need to hire more than one teacher, and other times just one. We are a small chain of schools.

Our furnished apartments are suitable for couples.

2. When your page says that an apartment is "2DK", what does that mean?

2DK is Japanese apartment lingo for 2 rooms plus a dining kitchenarea. It means you get two rooms of roughly 3x4 metres anda dining/kitchen area of around the same size or a little bigger.Basicly apartments are small here. If you expect your apartmentto be small but clean, then you won`t be disappointed. Don`texpect the big North American style apartments we have back home.

3. If a teachers stays more than one year, does the pay increase?

Yes. If we rehire you then you get a raise. Or we may choose not to rehire you if your teaching and attitude is not up to standard.

4. Are their opportunities for promotion or more advanced positions?

Possibly. We are a very small company with four small schools.We might consider working with an ambitious teacher we know who wants to buy a Kevin`s English Schools franchise, but we would need to get to know you. We would need to know we can work together well. Then this teacher could start a Kevin`s EnglishSchool in another part of Japan and we would act as your advisorand office staff. We would sponsor you for a visa and take a percentage of your student fees for that service.

We might also need to hire a manager at some point. But we have no set plans for that at this time.

5. How much does that national health insurance cost in Japan?

I don`t know exactly. It depends on your individual situation.Please ask at some of the Japanese related forums on the internet, or best contact them directly.

6. Does the salary provided allow individuals to save any money (with the understanding that we are generally fiscally prudent)?

Yes it does. Some have saved a lot. Others have gone broke.It really depends on who you are. Japan is a very expensiveplace if you go out and party a lot. If you don`t you can savea lot of money. One teacher was able to easily save 100,000 Yen per month on our starting salary of 250,000, another teacher wasn`t able to save anything. So it really depends on the person.

7. Why do you require a university degree?

We and our students feel that at a minimum, a university shows a certain
degree of academic achievement. We also prefer some more advanced training
in TEFL. Some kind of training in TEFL is definitely preferred.

名古屋 2011年3月18日〜20日プレゼンター：講師養成コースアドバンス・スタディー修了伊藤　英高	その他のワークショップの情報はグローバルイベントカレンダーをご覧下さい。スクールオフィスの連絡先： bbii@barbarabrennan.com +1-561-620-8767 or +1-800-924-2564 www.barbarabrennan.com

場所：シードホール (最寄り駅：JR名古屋駅) 時間：金曜日のレクチャー：午後6時〜9 時土曜日のワークショップ：正午〜午後7時 (学校説明会：午後7時〜8時) 日曜日のワークショップ：午前11時〜午後7時	お問い合わせ：伊藤　英高 web.me.com/hide_it/FBHS/ info.html 090-7606-5999 費用：金曜日の講演会のみ：5千円ワークショップ：3万5千円 (金曜日の講演会の費用も含む)

ブレナンヒーリングサイエンスの基礎ワークショップではハンズオンヒーリングのテクニックと共にスピリチュアルと心理学的プロセスを統合させたパーソナルプロセスのシステムについて学んで頂けます。あなた自身のためにヒーリングの場を体験し、人生を新たに開き変容させて下さい。
本ワークショプの開催についてご家族、ご友人の方にもお知らせ下さい！

Ready to Soar

Success

What is the Purpose of Life?

What is the Purpose of Life?Wisdom, Compassion, Creativity

How to become an environmentalist

How to become an environmentalist

Humans may have loaded the bases, but nature bats last

Humans may have loaded the bases, but nature bats last

Lifeforces Newsletter, June 2011

Should You Try Tai Chi?

On Being Politically Correct

Lifeforces Newsletter, May 2011

Weight Loss Part 1: 5 Steps to a Healthful Weight

3 Ways to Support Your Stomach

Suffering From Back Pain?

Dr. Weil on Getting a Good Night`s Sleep

Lifeforces Newsletter, April 2011

Synchronicity and all that Stuff

Synchronicity and all that Stuff

Are we Spirit & Live Forever?

On the Future of the Whole World

Japan still needs YOUR Donation

The Psalm Of The Good Teacher

Barbara Brennan Workshops in Japan

5 Ways to Curb Cold Feet

Lifeforces Newsletter March, 2011

My Higher Self

"Hello, I'd like to connect with my higher self.""Is this a collect call sir?""Yes.""Okay, I'll put you through now."............I'm sorry sir, your higher self will...accept the charges.""The story of my life!"--Kevin Burns

Lifeforces Newsletter

How to make Green Tea

Meditation Is the Springboard to Astral Projection

Love is all you Need

Book Donations

Left Handers

英会話の学習方法について

翻訳 - KES Translation Service

Need a Teaching Position in Japan?

Motivating Japanese Students

Kevin`s has Finished Hiring

Teach at Kevin`s English Schools

How to Teach English in Japan?

Interviewing Prospective Teachers in Vancouver,BC this Summer!

Contract With Kevin's English Schools

Ayako Sugai, Assistant Manager

Chris Zanella

Teacher Testimonials on Teaching at Kevin`s English Schools

Kevin`s English Schools, Serving Japan Since 1991

About Us

Furnished Apartments for Teachers

Contract

Where We Are

Aims

Employment

TEFL Articles

FAQ

What is the Purpose of Life?
Wisdom, Compassion, Creativity

"Hello, I'd like to connect with my higher self."
"Is this a collect call sir?"
"Yes."
"Okay, I'll put you through now."............
I'm sorry sir, your higher self will
...accept the charges."

"The story of my life!"
--Kevin Burns