Heart-Mind Conference 2013

What is the Heart-Mind Conference ?

It brings together some of the leading minds in child development and contemplative practice – from scientific researchers to practitioners – to address the Dalai Lama’s question,:

 “How can we educate the hearts of children?”

The theme of this year’s conference is Mindfulness and its role in helping children thrive physically, socially and emotionally.

For me, mindfulness is a beautiful way for all of us to live our lives. I am looking forward to learning more about how we can incorporate these simple practices into our schools and homes to help our children thrive from the wise and wonderful, Shawn Achor, Paul Tough, Goldie Hawn, Adele Daimnond, Roy Henrty Vickers, Kim Schonert-Reichl, Linda Lantieri, Robeser  and Clifford Saron …

I had the pleasure of hearing Kim Schonert-Reichl speak about compassion and mindfulness at the UBCO last Fall, truly inspirational and it made me want to learn more. This weeks conference provides a wonderful opportunity to network with like-minded people who are committed to integrating mindfulness into the lives of children.

So where and when is the conference happening:

Where: University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC

When: Thursday, May 9, 2013 - Saturday, May 11, 2013

Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way, on purpose, in the present moment non-judgmentally. - Jon Kabat-Zinn

As a children’s author and illustrator I am very interested in hearing Roy Henry Vickers special presentation on: Life Lessons In Mindfulness. (Friday May 10th)

Roy Henry Vickers is a celebrated Canadian artist, storyteller and recognized leader in the First Nations community. His storytelling provides an elevating experience that transcends cultural boundaries and brings a sense of peace and wonder to all those who are fortunate enough to enjoy his many tales of life.  Roy will share stories of inspiration that provide a glimpse into the life lessons that he has learned and that his ancestors have passed on to him.

A New Heartbeat – Roy Henry Vickers

Here is a link to the Dalai Lama’s Centre website where you can access all the information on the event and the guest speakers. Here are just a few of the wonderful presentations taking place this week at the conference:

Plenary Sessions, Moderated Dialogue and Activities

May 10th

Featuring:  Adele Diamond, Linda Lantieri, Maria LeRose, Kimberley Schonert-Reichl and Rob Roeser.

Linda Lantieri, MA, is an internationally renowned expert on Social and Emotional Learning, and one of the founding board members of the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL). Currently she serves as the Director of The Inner Resilience Program whose mission is to cultivate the inner lives of students, teachers and schools by integrating social and emotional learning with contemplative practice.

With over 40 years of experience in education as a teacher and director of a middle school in East Harlem, and faculty member at Hunter College in New York City, Linda Lantieri has shown a lifetime of commitment to enriching the daily lives of adults and children alike. Although she has worn many hats in the field of education, her occupation and vocation have always coincided – her professional life has also been her calling.

Linda is co-founder of the Resolving Conflict Creatively Program (RCCP), a research-based K-12 social and emotional learning program that has been implemented in over 400 schools worldwide.

She is the coauthor of Waging Peace in Our Schools (Beacon Press, 1996) editor of Schools with Spirit: Nurturing the Inner Lives of Children and Teachers (Beacon Press, 2001), and author of Building Emotional Intelligence: Techniques to Cultivate Inner Strength in Children (Sounds True, 2008).

She has received numerous awards including Educational Innovator by the National Education Association; the Richard R. Green Distinguished Educator Award; the Spirit of Crazy Horse Award for “creating courage in discouraged youth” and the International Education and Resource Network (iEARN) 2001 Making a Difference Award.

Big Conversations in Small Groups

May 11th

Featuring:  Shawn Achor, Victor Chan, Adele Diamond, Linda Lantieri, Kimberley Schonert-Reichl, Rob Roeser, Clifford Saron and Roy Henry Vickers.

Presenter profiles and more on whats happening at : Dalai Lama’s Centre

I do hope we get to meet some of you at the conference this week, wishing you all a beautiful and joy-filled Monday.

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