Along with the marvels of the 21st century come hurry, distraction, and distress and a compelling question:<\/p>\n
How can we reconnect with our own humanity in the midst of a rapidly evolving technological society?<\/i><\/p>\n
To discuss this question, Virginia Tech is organizing the conference,Contemplative Practices for a Technological Society<\/b><\/a>, on April 11-13, 2013 in Blacksburg, Virginia.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Keynote Speakers:<\/b> Special Event:<\/b>\u00a0ICAT’s IMPACT Studio invites proposals for art, installations, and technology demonstrations.<\/p>\n Preconference Workshops on April 11<\/b>\u00a0(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.<\/p>\n
\nCongressman Tim Ryan<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Author of A Mindful Nation
\nTrungram Gyaltrul Rinpoche<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Head of Dharmakaya Meditation Organization
\nRich Fernandez<\/a>, Ph.D. \u2013 Director of Executive Development, Google
\nLinda Lantieri<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Director of The Inner Resilience Program, New York, NY
\nAli<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Atman Smith<\/a>,\u00a0Andres Gonzalez\u00a0<\/a>\u2013 Holistic Life Foundation, Baltimore, MD
\nMichael Carroll<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Author: Awake at Work and The Mindful Leader
\nRick Bowles<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Executive V. P. and Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer for Merck & Co., Inc. (retired)
\nMark G. McNamee<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Provost, Virginia Tech
\nCharles Lief<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 President, Naropa University<\/p>\n