Mouse over the images to learn more about each speaker and their session!
Happiness Is An Inside Job
with Ed & Deb Shapiro
Ed and Deb are the authors of Be The Change: How Meditation Can Transform You and The World, and are featured columnists on Oprah.com, HuffingtonPost.com, and vividlife.me, where they host their own LIVE radio show, Going Out of Your Mind.
In this talk you'll learn about:
-
Meditation is not only your best friend but it is the greatest gift you can give yourself
-
When you go within you find it is joyful, peaceful, and loving
-
Meditation is a time to let go of difficult issues, such as anger, fear, greed, and delusion, and discover you are much bigger than the issues. You become the witness and no longer the victim
-
When we are in touch with our inner joy there is one less person suffering
-
Meditation is a delicious time to enjoy being with yourself
Ed & Deb Shapiro
Aligning to Love
with Marianne Williamson
Marianne Williamson is an internationally acclaimed spiritual author and lecturer. Six of her ten published books have been New York Times Best Sellers. Four of these have been #1 New York Times Best Sellers. A Return to Love is considered a must-read of The New Spirituality, and her latest book is The Law of Divine Compensation.
In this talk you'll learn about:
-
Meditation shifts and deepens our brain waves, very different to just relaxing
-
Meditation reconnects us to source, a return to the truth in our heart, and leaves an imprint within us so it affects our whole day
-
Aligning to love allows universe to work through us. Negativity blocks universal energy and creates more negativity. We cannot be peaceful with a violent heart
-
More and more people are seeking an inner-directed life
Marianne Williamson
A Mindful Nation
with Congressman Tim Ryan
Congressman Ryan has a daily mindfulness meditation practice. He has been an outspoken advocate for promoting mindfulness practice as an aid to dealing with the variety of complex problems facing the nation. During his tenure in the House, he has helped to get mindfulness and social and emotional learning programs established in several schools in his district.He is the author of bestseller Mindful Nation. He also spearheaded a conference at a medical school in his district on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction.
In this talk you'll learn about:
-
Meditation is cultivating awareness of present moment, of what is inside ourselves and what is outside of us
-
We can catch ourselves in a negative thought loop and see it as just a thought, which we can let go of; in the same way we get to see our blind spots and weaknesses and develop compassion for ourselves. This improves our ability to see clearly
-
You may be sitting in silence, but noisy conversation going on in your head. Rumi’s poem, The Guesthouse, shows how to embrace negative thoughts as guests; don’t have to fight emotions but see them as part of being a human and welcome them as guests passing through
Congressman Tim Ryan
The Meditating Brain
with Richard J. Davidson
Richard J. Davidson is the William James and Vilas Research Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry, Director of the Waisman Laboratory for Brain Imaging and Behavior and the Laboratory for Affective Neuroscience, Founder and Chair and the Center for Investigating Healthy Minds, Waisman Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison dedicated to the study of positive qualities, such as kindness and compassion. He is the co-author of The Emotional Life of Your Brain. He is particularly known for studying the physiological and emotional effect of meditation on the brain.
In this talk you'll learn about:
-
Meditation means familiarization with our own minds
-
Affects mental and emotional circuits
-
3 types, all affect brain differently: 1) Practices that Cultivate Focused Attention by focusing on single object such as mantra, breath; 2) Open Monitoring, which has a more panoramic awareness of whatever is present: sound, sensation, thought, feeling; 3) Positive Affect Training -- cultivating compassion, loving kindness etc
-
30 minutes once a day for two weeks can have profound effect and discernable changes in brain
-
Can witness thoughts are just thoughts, do not define us
-
For long term meditators, the goal is not to have amazing meditation (that is like taking drugs), but that there is no difference between meditation and non-meditation, as it transforms every aspect of life
Richard J. Davidson
Loving Kindness
with Sharon Salzberg
Sharon Salzberg is cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) in Barre, Massachusetts. She has played a crucial role in bringing Asian meditation practices to the West. The ancient Buddhist practices of vipassana (mindfulness) and metta (lovingkindness) are the foundations of her work. "Each of us has a genuine capacity for love, forgiveness, wisdom and compassion. Meditation awakens these qualities so that we can discover for ourselves the unique happiness that is our birthright." Her books, Loving Kindness and Real Happiness are international bestsellers.
In this talk you'll learn about:
-
Deep suffering can be manure for transformation and meditation
-
Loving Kindness meditation invites us to look in a different way, to embrace what we find,and to hold that tenderly.. If we normally focus on negativity, then Loving Kindness helps us stretch to include positive view. Have to confront assumptions, prejudies, and stretch beyond them
-
Loving Kindness meditation invites us to look in a different way, to embrace what we find, and to hold that tenderly
-
If we normally focus on negativity, then Loving Kindness helps us stretch to include positive view. Have to confront assumptions, prejudices, and stretch beyond them
-
Does not make us like a doormat or overly lovey-dovey. Very grounded and practical.Fosters connectivity: connection and friendship with self and others-- we all want to be happy -- limited by aversion, fear and attachment
Sharon Salzberg
Being Surprised by Oneself
with Gangaji
Gangaji travels the world speaking to seekers from all walks of life. A teacher and author of Hidden Treasure and The Diamond In Your Pocket, she shares her direct experience of the essential message she received from Papaji and offers it to all who want to discover a true and lasting fulfillment. Through her life and words, she powerfully articulates how it is really possible to discover the truth of who you are and to be true to that discovery.
In this talk you'll learn about:
-
Where is our attention? Is it focused on truth or chaos?
-
Self-reflection turns toward self-realization. Surprise at the great beauty that is within. What do I truly want?
-
Discover what comes and goes (thoughts, feelings) so we can see what is always here (who we always are within). Real maturity, not dependent on a particular state of mind, but on presence
Gangaji
Miracle of Universe
with Gabrielle Bernstein
Featured on Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday as one of the next generation thought leaders, Gabrielle Bernstein is making her mark. Gabrielle is the New York Times Bestselling Author of the book May Cause Miracles, A 40-day Guidebook of Subtle Shifts for Radical Change and Unlimited Happiness. Her earlier titles include Add More ~ing to Your Life – A hip guide to happiness and Spirit Junkie – A Radical Road to Self-Love and Miracles. Gabrielle is also the founder of the social networking site HerFuture.com for women to inspire, empower and connect.
In this talk you'll learn about:
-
Meditation expands our capacity, is a container to receive gifts of the universe
-
Releases blocks to presence of love within us
-
Opposite of what we are normally taught: to be a success, drink coffee, externalize. This is dedication to inner world
Gabrielle Bernstein
Just do it!
with Brian Johnson
Brian Johnson is the Philosopher + CEO of en*theos. He also created PhilosophersNotes, taught Optimal Living 101, wrote a little book called A Philosopher's Notes, is featured in the documentary Finding Joe and has a monthly "Big Ideas" column in Experience Life magazine.
In this talk you'll learn about:
-
What am I here to do? I’ve been given these gifts to share and give to others.
-
Meditation -- just do it! Doesn’t matter what you do, just make 100% commitment to do it
-
Don’t try to be heroic or think you can meditate perfectly immediately. Be gentle with yourself. It changes everything.
Brian Johnson
Attention in Action
with Tara Stiles
Named “Yoga Rebel” by the New York Times, Tara Stiles has inspired a wide audience around the world with her relatable approaches to yoga, meditation, exercise, awareness, nutrition, and everyday well-being. Tara is the founder and owner of Strala Yoga, widely known for its unpretentious, inclusive, and straightforward approach to yoga and meditation.
In this talk you'll learn about:
-
Through meditation we remember we are all connected and here to help each other, all a part of a bigger picture and not just our own story
-
Yoga is moving meditation, attention in action, brings us into present moment
-
Pay attention to walking, making tea - any activity if done in the present moment becomes meditation.
-
We are body, mind and spirit -- one package -- help one and you help them all
Tara Stiles
Expanding the Mind To New Possibilities
with Mark Becker
Mark Becker is a Master Yogi with over 30 years experience and has trained over 1000 instructors. Yogi Mark is the disciple of Swami Satchidananda, Swami Vishnudevananda and Swami Bua, the three swamis who brought yoga to the USA. In 1981, Yogi Mark taught Omega Institute's first Yoga Teacher's Training Course.
In this talk you'll learn about:
-
If you want to be a light, pick a dark place
-
Anxiety stops us, resistance stops us, fear of our own minds stops us, and so we say thank you! Thank you for creating obstacles. if sound distracts you, say thank you!
-
Opening the mind without drugs, opening to new possibilities, so we can listen to God
-
Anxiety may arise, which usually means something in our life is bothering us, so keep meditating and it will reveal itself and release
Mark Becker
Everything Is Meditation
with Robert Thurman
Robert A.F. Thurman is the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University, and co-founder and President of Tibet House US. He was the first Western monk to be ordained by the Dalai Lama in India. He writes and lectures frequently on Buddhism, Asian history, and critical philosophy.
In this talk you'll learn about:
-
We all meditate, so we need to be clear about what we meditate on -- fear, anger and violence or kindness, tolerance, and compassion
-
If we cultivate wisdom, that will lead us to compassion
-
Take baby steps. Do not have to do it all at once, but the kinder we are to ourselves, the kinder we will be to others
Robert Thurman
Soul Food
with Deva Premal & Miten
Deva Premal & Miten began their journey into love and music in 1990 when they met at the ashram of controversial Indian mystic, Osho. Their worldwide concerts and best-selling albums have since introduced millions of Westerners to the joy and deep relaxation found in spiritually based songs and chanting mantras from the Eastern meditation traditions
In this talk you'll learn about:
-
Chanting is a heart opening experience
-
Music as meditation enhances inner peace and is soul food
-
Listen and become aware of sound all around us -- key to meditation
Deva Premal & Miten
Abiding in Being
with Robert Holden
Robert Holden’s work on psychology and spirituality has been featured on Oprah, Good Morning America, PBS, and in two BBC-TV documentaries: The Happiness Formula and How to Be Happy, shown in 20 countries to 20 million viewers worldwide. He coaches leaders in business, education, health, and politics. He is author of Happiness NOW!, Shift Happens!, and Loveability: Knowing How to Love and Be Loved.
In this talk you'll learn about:
-
My happiness depends on how much I meditate as it connects me to my true self
-
Meditation is a coming home. Abiding in natural state, just to be, and in being I understand that happiness is within
-
People don’t need more therapy, they need more clarity. In meditation we listen to innate intelligence that gives us clarity and insight
-
Happiness is not an “it” to chase, catch or keep. It is our true nature that we long to know. That gives us great joy, compassion. Do not need to earn happiness
-
Abundance is when I am totally grateful for what I already have
-
We are light sitting in light
Robert Holden
Waking up to the Truth
with Eli Jaxon-Bear
Eli Jaxon-Bear is a spiritual teacher who infuses his teaching with a living transmission of silence. He presents a unique map of egoic identification as a vehicle for ruthless self-inquiry and final realization of true freedom. He is the author, among other books, of Sudden Awakening into Direct Realization.
In this talk you'll learn about:
-
Meditation is focusing attention on whatever we are doing
-
Willingness to be in the present without any idea of what may come next
-
Intention motivates and underlies every action
-
Need to find the truth of our being and rest in that
Eli Jaxon-Bear
Meditation is Kindness
with Andy Puddicombe
Andy Puddicombe is a registered clinical mindfulness consultant and a former Buddhist monk. He is the author of Get Some Headspace and is the founder of Headspace, a project that aims to make meditation accessible and easy-to-learn.
In this talk you'll learn about:
-
Meditation is mirror that reflects our many aspects and gives us the ability to step back from identification with thoughts. We can meet our thoughts and feelings with kindness, toward both ourselves and others
-
We can carry mind baggage along or let it go. Meditation invites us to let it go
-
Life is not meditation and non-meditation, but can be full of awareness and presence
-
No shoulds or should-nots -- our job is to witness, not to judge
Andy Puddicombe
Passionate Presence
with Catherine Ingram
Catherine Ingram is an international dharma teacher with communities in the U.S., Europe, and Australia and the author of, Passionate Presence: Seven Qualities of Awakened Awareness. Since 1992 she has led Dharma Dialogues, which are public events that focus on directing awareness toward greater wellbeing in an ethical and happy life. Catherine also leads numerous silent retreats each year in conjunction with Dharma Dialogues. She is president of Living Dharma, an educational non-profit organization founded in 1995.
In this talk you'll learn about:
-
Meditation is way of directing attention into present awareness, ease of being, kindness and generosity toward oneself. Sitting in quiet and insights naturally arise, and feelings of extraordinary tenderness
-
We are streaming, not downloading
-
Tremendous spaciousness around emotions, sadness, anger, that allows us to witness without owning, so emotions dissolve into the silence
-
Passionate, juicy embodiment, joyful existence
-
Ease of being even for just half a second, taste of being oneself in enjoyable silence
Catherine Ingram
More Being Than Doing
with Mark Matousek
Mark Matousek is the author of award-winning Sex Death Enlightenment: A True Story, When You're Falling, Dive: Lessons in the Art of Living, and Ethical Wisdom: The Search for a Moral Life. His second memoir, The Boy He Left Behind, was a Los Angeles Times Discovery Book. He received a National Magazine Award nomination for "America's Darkest Secret", a piece about the epidemic of incest in the U.S., and has published essays in O: The Oprah Magazine, The New Yorker, Yoga Journal, The Utne Reader, Harper's Bazaar, and others. He is the Creative Director of V-Men, the male arm of Eve Ensler’s V-Day, an organization to end violence against women and girls.
In this talk you'll learn about:
-
Get to know our interior being, shadow, screaming voices, emotional body. Suffering has value, can use it to deepen ourselves
-
Meditation interrupts cycle of suffering, of negativity, projections, storytelling, anxiety and fear. Human condition is impermanent, meditation enables us to be at peace with this
-
Witness is large self observing small self, beyond biography and personality, essential being observing moment-to-moment existence, softening and embracing existence
Mark Matousek
Families That Meditate Together Stay Together
with Mallika Chopra
Mallika Chopra is an author and businesswoman. She is the founder and CEO of Intent.com, a lifestyle dotcom. Earlier in 2000, she had co-founded the dotcom mypotential.com along with her father Deepak Chopra. She is also the president of Chopra Media LLC and sits in the board of directors of Liquid Comics (previously known as Virgin Comics). She also blogs for Beliefnet and Huffington Post.
In this talk you'll learn about:
-
Meditation clarifies and connects with inner self
-
Children can easily learn and ground themselves
-
Not to take oneself too seriously
-
Daily intent gives direction and purpose
Mallika Chopra
Little Moments of Awareness
with Robert Gass and Judith Ansara
Robert Gass and Judith Ansara are both inspirational and transformational teachers. Robert is an architect of social transformation, working with leaders who have a high degree of leverage in the progressive and political worlds. He is also a recording artist, best known for his chanting album, Om Namaha Shivaya. Judith is as a spiritual guide, coach and teacher for Progressive leaders and those committed to their own evolution. Robert and Judith also run couples retreats.
In this talk you'll learn about:
-
Falling away of self-image, of trying, and opening to who we really are
-
Practice little moments of awareness and attention
-
Meditative experience is of presence, awareness and attention
-
Welcome everything, every feeling, every thought, without resistance
Robert Gass and Judith Ansara
Self and Other Than Self
with Joan Halifax Roshi
Joan Halifax Roshi is a Buddhist teacher, Zen priest, anthropologist, and author. She is Founder, Abbot, and Head Teacher of Upaya Zen Center, a Buddhist monastery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She has worked in the area of death and dying for over thirty years and is Director of the Project on Being with Dying. For the past twenty-five years, she has been active in environmental work.
In this talk you'll learn about:
-
We practice meditation with the aspiration to awaken, so compassion, gratitude, loving kindness become natural expressions of our heart
-
Focusing attention with deep ethical base of service
-
Contemplating our own death or that of others wakens us to beauty of impermanence. Inhale truth of suffering, exhale mercy and compassion
-
All done within the context of an open and loving heart
Joan Halifax Roshi
From Addiction to Awakening
with Noah Levine
Noah Levine is a Buddhist teacher, author and counselor. He is trained to teach by Jack Kornfield of Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, CA. He teaches meditation classes, workshops and retreats nationally as well as leading groups in juvenile halls and prisons.
In this talk you'll learn about:
-
All thoughts and feelings show us impermanence, resting in truth of impermanence
-
Meditation shows non-volitional nature of mind as thoughts just come and go, as if mind has a mind of its own. Mind may be chaotic but do not have to pay attention to it. Then can bring awareness to contents.
-
Noise is everywhere, really little difference between jail and monastery -- noise is in our own head.
-
To be thankful for challenges and enemies, instead of resisting, as they show us where we need to grow in compassion and understanding of the human condition
-
Enlightenment doesn’t change personality, but does change perspective and attitude. It expands awareness of self and others
Noah Levine
Be The Change
with Bonnie Reiss
Bonnie Reiss has led a remarkable life , with a career that includes ground breaking accomplishments. Whether running non profits, advising socially conscious companies, or serving on boards, Bonnie is committed to helping improve the lives of others.She has worked for U.S. Senators, Presidents and the Governor of California, as well has having started and run three national non profit foundations.
In this talk you'll learn about:
-
Internally- meditation calms and grounds. Externally- it brings clarity and compassion
-
Can’t talk about meditation without talking about love -- we have the power to change the world now if we act with our heart
-
We can focus on what is wrong or we can see what is right
-
Change yourself rather than expecting others to change -- where can I bring more love and kindness?
Bonnie Reiss
Loving Ourselves
with Cyndi Lee
Cyndi Lee is a dancer, choreographer, has taught yoga for over 20 year, and founded the OM Yoga Center in New York. She is equally influenced by hatha yoga and her practice of Tibetan Buddhism, and is known as a nurturing and compassionate instructor with an offbeat and playful style. She is the author of Yoga Body, Buddha Mind, OM Yoga in a Box, and May I Be Happy.
In this talk you'll learn about:
-
Meditation is conscious placing of our mind
-
Most of us have strong negative self image -- loving kindness meditation encourages us to love and care for ourselves
-
Mindfulness enables us to become aware of constant self-criticism and how it is not OK
-
Being kind to ourselves awakens kindness and generosity toward others. Awareness that negativity means us or someone else is stuck in the moment and compassion dissolves this
-
Loving kindness meditation is saying May I be Happy, May I be Healthy, May I be Safe, and May I Live with Ease
Cyndi Lee
Meditation as Medicine
with Joan Borysenko, Ph.D
Joan Borysenko, Ph.D is a distinguished pioneer in integrative medicine is a world-renowned expert in the mind/body connection. She is the author of many bestselling books, including Minding The Body, Mending The Mind. Her work has been foundational in an international health-care revolution that recognizes the role of meaning, and the spiritual dimensions of life, as an integral part of health and healing.
In this talk you'll learn about:
-
Fearful thoughts feed into fearful emotions and resistance. Meditation enables us to step back and see the story without becoming it
-
Stress affects every system and creates numerous illnesses. Meditation calms, relaxes stress response, and allows healing to take place through getting control of negative thoughts
-
No separation between mind and body, so meditation has immediate effect on body
-
Allows us to stay peaceful in the center and not go to extremes
Joan Borysenko, Ph.D
Courage to Let Go
with Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor
Richard Freeman has been a student of yoga since 1968 and is the founder of the Yoga Workshop. He has spent nearly nine years in Asia studying various traditions which he incorporates into the Ashtanga yoga practice as taught by his principal teacher, K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India. Richard’s background includes studying Sufism in Iran, Zen and Vipassana Buddhist practice, Bhakti and traditional Hatha yoga in India.
Mary Taylor studied yoga in India with K. Patabhi Joyce, and began to see the overlay of yoga with her interests in food, cooking, movement, anatomy, and art. She is the author of three cookbooks, and co-authored What Are You Hungry For? This explores yoga, meditation, and finding one’s personal dharma as a means to bring lasting meaning and happiness.
In this talk you'll learn about:
-
Meditation enables us to see where ego is holding onto difficulties and projections about another person
-
We discover ourselves in yoga through sensations and breath-- discover body as sacred -- then add mindfulness to everything we do
-
Come to trust the unknown. Courage to let go into unknown. Courage for mind to not be in charge
-
Meditation gives us subtle and mischievous intelligence
-
Great patience, boring moments are the most important time to never give up
Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor
Be Completely Who You Truly Are
with Seane Corn
Seane Corne teaches at Yoga Works in Santa Monica, Calif., and travels extensively teaching workshops, conferences and retreats internationally. She is a devoted supporter of programs for at-risk girls and women and has joined with her friend Ashley Judd in supporting fundraising and awareness-campaigns for the educational nonprofit YouthAIDS.
In this talk you'll learn about:
-
Meditation enables us to be fully ourselves, just as we are
-
Yoga and meditation both enable us to tap into the present moment that leads to deep stillness -- yoga releases stress in the body, meditation transforms it
-
Meditation enables us to deal with the darkness, the shadow, and make friends with it, with fear, rage, grief
-
Meditation can mean hours of practice for just one glimpse of insight and joy, but it is deeply life changing
Seane Corn
A Deep Awakeness
with Tim Freke
Tim Freke is pioneering an accessible way to experience profound spiritual awakening. He is the author of over thirty books, including the bestselling The Jesus Mysteries. In his latest book, The Mystery Experience, he creates a new language of awakening, which makes profound ideas simpler to understand, so that it’s easier to experience a real transformation of consciousness. He is the founder of The Alliance for Lucid Living, (The ALL), an organization dedicated to our collective awakening.
In this talk you'll learn about:
-
Meditation is time to step out of the drama of me into the mystery of being, into the conscious awareness that I exist
-
Meditation is pleasurable! Make it your friend, a safe place to go, something you love to do. A deep awakeness, opposite of deep sleep
-
Accepting one’s humanness and how love holds everything. Not separate from life but fully engaged, held in big love
Tim Freke
I Am Not That
with Shayne Traviss
Shayne Traviss is a rainmaker, meditator, yogi, believer of miracles, producer of all things inspiring, and the founder of VividLife.me/ and VividLifeRadio.
In this talk you'll learn about:
-
Resistance to meditation is natural -- we are human beings with busy minds -- so go for a walk instead, be aware of the world around you, until you come to naturally quiet space. Be kind to yourself, be kind to monkey mind
-
Be aware of mind state, be aware of breath, be aware of thoughts, then be aware of space behind thoughts
-
Unbiased compassion, allows us to see clearly, not take another’s pain personally, can witness deep trauma and let it go
Shayne Traviss
Making Fear Your Best Friend
with Kiri Westby
Kiri Westby was raised as a Buddhist and taught meditation from six years old. She has traveled extensively since 2000, working as an activist for human rights. Her work has taken her into some of the hardest and most challenging parts of the world.
In this talk you'll learn about:
-
Meditation is a vehicle to calm the mind and be at ease with what is there, including fear. We look at suffering of others and ask how can I help to alleviate that suffering
-
Emotions are like waves in the ocean that come and go. Wait and the emotion will pass
-
We all experience fear, but meditation can dismantle fear, make friends with it, go beyond it
-
By being present with what is, fear don’t run the show
Kiri Westby
Breathing, Relaxing, Releasing
with David Welch
David Welch has an extensive background both in front and behind the camera in film, TV and commercials, as an actor, stuntman, assistant director, and award-winning producer of the movie, Peaceful Warrior. He was Tony Robbins’ head trainer in Los Angeles, and is now the CEO of Awaken World Media and co-founder of awaken.com, a site promoting transformation, enlightenment, awakening, personal growth, health and wellness.
In this talk you'll learn about:
-
Thoughts just come and go, do not have to label them as “mine," not to be held onto
-
Not trying to defeat or get rid of mind/ego, but to be in right relationship and make friends with ego
-
Prayer is focusing the mind on specifics, on details, rather than sitting quietly with bigger picture. Through prayer we release the ego’s need and merge with the big mind
David Welch
