Along with the marvels of the 21st century come hurry, distraction, and distress and a compelling question:
How can we reconnect with our own humanity in the midst of a rapidly evolving technological society?
To discuss this question, Virginia Tech is organizing the conference,Contemplative Practices for a Technological Society, on April 11-13, 2013 in Blacksburg, Virginia.
We invite students, the academic community, professionals, and contemplatives from Education, Arts, Health, Business, Science, Technology, and other areas to engage in a conversation about the future of contemplative mind body practices in our emerging technological society. Applying the facilitation skills of The Center of Appreciative Practice at the University of Virginia, this conference will actively include all participants in an extended dialog designed to tap the participants’ collective wisdom for shaping our future.
This conference is the first of a series of regional conferences designed to lay the foundation for growing supportive networks of contemplative practice in and between education, research, business, and community programs through synergistic interactions.
Keynote Speakers:
Congressman Tim Ryan – Author of A Mindful Nation
Trungram Gyaltrul Rinpoche – Head of Dharmakaya Meditation Organization
Rich Fernandez, Ph.D. – Director of Executive Development, Google
Linda Lantieri – Director of The Inner Resilience Program, New York, NY
Ali and Atman Smith, Andres Gonzalez – Holistic Life Foundation, Baltimore, MD
Michael Carroll – Author: Awake at Work and The Mindful Leader
Rick Bowles – Executive V. P. and Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer for Merck & Co., Inc. (retired)
Mark G. McNamee – Provost, Virginia Tech
Charles Lief – President, Naropa University
Special Event: ICAT’s IMPACT Studio invites proposals for art, installations, and technology demonstrations.
Preconference Workshops on April 11 (conference attendance not required): Bringing The Wisdom Of Mindfulness Into Everyday Life, Michael Carroll and Patton Hyman; MindUP Workshop, Marc Meyer of The Hawn Foundation.
For the Call for Papers, to register, and for more information please visitwww.cpe.vt.edu/cpts/.
