I am happy to announce that registration is now open for the 2014 Bridging the Hearts and Minds of Youth conference in San Diego, February 7-9, 2014 at the Paradise Point Hotel. As you may know, this is the third annual offering of this conference that serves as a tremendous opportunity for community building, education, networking and overall growth of the field.
This year’s conference is shaping up to be the best ever. Highlighted by keynote presentations from Sharon Salzberg and US Representative Tim Ryan, Dr. Mark Greenberg and Dr. Amy Saltzman, the conference seeks to build connections and opportunities through drawing people from the diverse backgrounds of education, clinical work, research and mindfulness more generally.
In addition to a full array of breakout sessions included in conference registration, there are also five optional pre- and post-conference workshops on special topics and skills of interest, including Treating Anxiety with Mindfulness: Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Children with Dr. Randye Semple, Introduction to Mindful Chi Kung (Qigong) for Schools, with Timothy and Ryan Fox, and others.
Also planned is a half-day pre-conference “unconference” on Friday morning, February 7, dedicated to bringing those interested in discussing current challenges and opportunities in the field with their peers or who have their own pressing issue they’d like to discuss. A few issues that have already been raised include:
What are the best practices, core competencies, and common foundational aspects of the various programs and initiatives already in place and in development?
How do we foster collaborative and synergistic partnerships around research, policy-making, and dissemination?
How do we develop a long-range plan for collaboration, cooperation and shared vision for the field to assure the greatest positive impact and widest possible dissemination, while preserving the integrity and wisdom of the practice upon which the work is based?
What are the commonalities and differences between social emotional learning programs and mindfulness programs and how do we work with those similarities and differences skillfully?
What are the realistic next steps towards more collaboration and communication?
This plus yoga overlooking San Diego’s beautiful Mission Bay, chances to see old friends and meet new ones, and learn about the latest research efforts and results, all add up to an amazing experience that past attendees will tell you has been remarkable and fulfilling in many ways.
Please take the time to peruse the website and register today. If you know anyone else who might be interested, please forward this email to them and if you like what we’re doing, we’d be gratified if you shared this information via social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.) and consider “Liking” our conference Facebook page
Looking forward to potentially having you with us in San Diego in February!
Steven Hickman, Psy.D.
Conference Chair
Executive Director, UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness
Associate Clinical Professor
UC San Diego Departments of Psychiatry and Family & Preventive Medicine