Elegant Aging: Cultivating Grace and Gratefulness During Life Transitions

How can we navigate life’s transitions with elegance, grace, and gratitude? This is a fundamental question for growth and transformation, no matter where we are in our stages of life. This workshop is designed for anyone pondering their aging process as well as active caretakers for those entering their third act. Using an experiential approach, we will move through concrete steps, including nine simple evidence-based practices, for achieving personal goals.

Together, we will discuss how to embrace challenges as opportunities by cultivating curiosity and a growth mindset at every stage of life. We will explore ways to engage in the practice of purposeful intention — to gain insights into how attention shapes our worldview and where our cognitive biases get in our way.

Building new skills and capacities is essential, much like training muscles, and we will discuss how to strengthen personal growth practices with trusted guidance, both from external mentors and our own inner wisdom. Additionally, we will explore ways to apply what we learn—accepting aging and the developmental stages of life, from adolescence to adulthood, to make peace with our mortality. Finally, we will consider steps to engage the world and bring this elegant aging program into our lives, work, and communities.

This workshop offers hands-on tools for aging with grace and elegance, empowering each of us with new insights and practices to embrace the fullness of our lived experiences. Please bring a journal to support and document your experience.

Elegant Aging: Cultivating Grace and Gratefulness During Life Transitions
July 18–20, 2025
The Esalen Institute

This workshop is hosted by the Esalen Institute. Please visit their website for more information.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER AT ESALEN’S WEBSITE

Cultivating Vitality in Body, Mind, and Spirit: The Ecosystem of Mental Well-Being

What is vitality? Exuberance, vibrance, sparkle, spirit, and verve — terms rarely found in psychology textbooks. Vulnerability to depression and anxiety is widespread, and our culture traditionally emphasizes reducing symptoms with drugs that alter certain neurotransmitters, which is only part of the picture. We are living in a new era where vulnerabilities can become strengths, and what used to be stigma becomes common humanity. Good mental health is being redefined in terms of stress resilience, post-traumatic growth, and vitality.

This workshop explores evidence-based tools for living a vibrant life, even in the presence of stress, depression, anxiety, or any pain we may be carrying. We will help you build your own ecosystem of mental well-being — including new ways to foster vitality and purpose through caring for the brain, body, and gut. In this workshop, we’ll review the latest scientific findings on practices such as:

  • Hot and cold exposures
  • Optimal physical challenges
  • Breathing techniques
  • Meditation
  • Embodied movement

A mental health renaissance is underway. Mental well-being is being redefined, and a range of evidence-based, whole-person approaches are gaining ground. Learn from renowned authors and cutting-edge scientists to create a flourishing ecosystem of mental well-being for yourself and your clients.

Additional embodiment practices will be provided by Guest Faculty Member Nichol Chase.

Nichol’s yoga practice is informed by a vast and eclectic set of influences that blend invigorating flow with precise and insightful instruction and extensive study with a variety of innovative teachers. She is a Garrison Institute Fellow and a faculty member and teacher trainer for The Mazé Method.

Cultivating Vitality in Body, Mind, and Spirit: The Ecosystem of Mental Well-Being
May 30 – June 1, 2025
The Esalen Institute

This workshop is hosted by the Esalen Institute. Please visit their website for more information.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER AT ESALEN’S WEBSITE

How We Change and Why We Don’t: The Art and Science of Transformation at the Esalen Institute

Have you ever worked hard to make a change, only to find yourself slipping back into old habits? Want to supercharge your ability to stimulate behavior change in others when it comes to the issues you care about the most? Is it time to break free from old patterns and build your next chapter? This workshop is for people in the process of change and those who work as change agents with individuals, groups, and organizations and in society.

Through dialogue, experiential practice, and creative process, we will bridge the science of breakthroughs with indigenous, religious, spiritual, and secular models of transformation. You will:

  • Learn what works and what doesn’t to inspire lasting change in yourself and others.
  • Explore how peak experiences, a-ha! moments and awe can stimulate change.
  • Examine how we and those we work with can get stuck or lost, and find ways to shake free from periods of inertia or patterns that prevent us from moving forward.
  • Investigate the transformative potential of pain, hitting bottom, and post-traumatic growth.
  • Delve into stories, symbols, and metaphors of transformation to guide your path.

Join IONS Fellow Cassandra Vieten, PhD, for this transformational exploration of our most deeply entrenched behaviors. Learn how to break free from the patterns that no longer serve you — and create new habits that will change your life.’

Additional embodiment practices will be provided by Guest Faculty Member Nichol Chase.

Nichol’s yoga practice is informed by a vast and eclectic set of influences that blend invigorating flow with precise and insightful instruction and extensive study with a variety of innovative teachers. She is a Garrison Institute Fellow and a faculty member and teacher trainer for The Mazé Method.

How We Change and Why We Don’t: The Art and Science of Transformation
May 26 – 30, 2025
The Esalen Institute

This workshop is hosted by the Esalen Institute. Please visit their website for more information.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER AT ESALEN’S WEBSITE

Three Steps to Authenticity: The Key To Good Mental Health And A Life Of Thriving

Discover how to embrace a life of truth and authenticity in this transformative three-part series. Through three 90-minute live sessions, you’ll be guided to:

  • Understand Your Programming – Unpack the limiting beliefs and patterns that shape your behaviors and outlook.
  • Learn to listen to Your Heart – Cultivate the stillness needed to hear your inner wisdom, your deepest truths.
  • Embody and Enact Your True Self – Align your actions with your authentic nature.

Each session includes meditation practices, experiential activities, and a supportive space to help you identify misalignments in your life and redirect your beliefs and actions toward self-love and authenticity.

Our core wounds and early traumas often create limiting beliefs that shape our personalities, leading to misalignments that can cause anxiety, depression, existential dread, and chronic health challenges. This course helps you let go of these harmful beliefs and create a life rooted in self-compassion and genuine alignment.

Perfect for anyone ready to break free from limiting patterns and embrace a more authentic, empowered version of themselves.

Can’t be there live? A recording of each session will be made available online after each session so you can catch up.

Three Steps to Authenticity: The Key To Good Mental Health And A Life Of Thriving
Begins January 23, 2025
Online

This course is hosted by Wisdomfeed. Please visit their website for more information.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER AT Wisdomfeed’S WEBSITE

Is Idealism Enough? A dialogue between Bernardo Kastrup and Rupert Sheldrake

IONS Fellow Rupert Sheldrake recently made a series of criticisms of Bernardo Kastrup’s Analytic Idealism on Curt Jaimungal’s Theories of Everything channel. Kastrup soon responded to Rupert’s points and subsequently Rupert sent Kastrup a rejoinder.

In a spirit of true collegiality and intellectual pursuit, The Pari Center will turn this clash into an opportunity to better understand each other’s position and inquire further into the nature of reality itself. The trialogue between Kastrup, Sheldrake, and Alex Gomez-Marin will be followed by Q&A from the audience.

You can view Sheldrake’s initial criticisms here.

Kastrup’s responses to the video can be found here.

Sheldrake’s rejoinder to Kastrup can be found here.

This event is LIVE and FREE. All registered participants will receive the recording.

Is Idealism Enough? A dialogue between Bernardo Kastrup and Rupert Sheldrake
Tuesday, January 21st
9:00 – 11:00am PST,
Online

This program is hosted by The Pari Center. Please visit their event page for more information!

LEARN MORE ON The Pari Center’S WEBSITE

Illuminate: Your Journey Begins

Do you have the courage to live the life of your dreams?

How do you want to remember your life? Will you look back with a sense of fulfillment, knowing you have lived each day to the fullest, have chased the dreams others thought were unattainable, and have embraced your true self with unwavering sincerity?

Or will you look back with regret, noticing the opportunities you didn’t seize, the connections you missed, the relationships you turned away from, and realizing that you didn’t show up as your most authentic self.

And maybe that’s because you never found a way to express who you truly are, or perhaps never figured out who you want to be? As Dr. Edith Eger says, it’s time to stop being a passenger in your life, and step into the driver’s seat.

At Illuminate, you will connect deeply and powerfully with yourself, and other Soul Searchers, while you enjoy guided workshops, skill-building sessions to give you the tools you need to embrace life’s challenges, therapeutic release practices, soulful moments and connection circles to nurture your need for community and a sense of togetherness.

In these 2 immersive days, you’ll dive deep with Dr. Eger and Soul Search to help you: 

  • Activate new methods of healing and empowerment that you can regularly call upon
  • Release your past and the cycles of suffering that have been holding you back
  • Connect with a community of Soul Searchers who embody curiosity, compassion, and commitment
  • Guided workshops from leading voices like IONS fellow Michael Sapiro, PsyD., & profound wisdom from Dr. Eger

Illuminate: Your Journey Begins
November 16 – 17, 2024
San Diego, California

This workshop is hosted by Soul Search. Please visit their website for more information.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER AT Soul Search’s WEBSITE

Shamanism, Dreams, and Visions: Honoring Distinguished Prof. Stanley Krippner

IONS Fellow Stanley Krippner, PhD, stands as a true trailblazer in the realm of consciousness exploration, pushing boundaries by delving into cross-cultural perspectives and the intriguing realm of non-ordinary experiences that boldly challenge conventional paradigms. With an extensive body of work, he is an award-winning prolific author (Personal Mythology and Varieties of Anomalous Experience) and an esteemed researcher, diving into diverse subjects such as dreaming, psychedelics, creativity, shamanism, parapsychology, and trauma.

His insatiable curiosity has carved out a distinguished path, earning accolades and recognition across multiple disciplines. His intellectual prowess is evident through his membership as a Fellow in five Divisions of the American Psychological Association, and his leadership acumen evidenced in service as President of Division 30 (Psychological Hypnosis), and Division 32 (Humanistic Psychology).

Join The Society of Indigenous and Ancestral Wisdom and Healing for a special online event celebrating the incredible work and contributions of Prof. Krippner in the fields of dreams and shamanism.

This event will feature presentations, a dream group led by Prof. Krippner, discussions, and tributes to honor his legacy. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or simply curious about these fascinating topics, this event is a must-attend!

Shamanism, Dreams, and Visions: Honoring Distinguished Prof. Stanley Krippner
September 21 – 22, 2024
Online

This workshop is hosted by The Society of Indigenous and Ancestral Wisdom and Healing. Please visit their website for more information.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER AT The Society of Indigenous and Ancestral Wisdom and Healing’s WEBSITE

 

Healing Grief, Healing Trauma Summit

Whether you are dealing with grief, trauma, or both, this Summit is designed to meet your needs… 

You can attend sessions focused specifically on grief to help you process loss and find peace, or participate in trauma-focused sessions to heal past wounds and build resilience. Many sessions will address the intersection of both grief and trauma, offering a holistic approach to healing. No matter your unique journey, you’ll find the support and tools you need at this new Summit.

The event features an incredible group of presenters including grief counselors, trauma specialists, health professionals, spiritual leaders, experts in psychedelic therapy, and many more. Join IONS Director of Research Helané Wahbeh, IONS Fellow Michael Sapiro, actor Eric Roberts, meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg, collective trauma teacher Thomas Hübl, energy healing scientist Dawson Church PhD and almost 40 more presenters.

Take a look at how the Summit can help you:

  • Heal Your Grief – Find solace and practical guidance to navigate the complexities of grief and discover pathways to acceptance and peace
  • Transform Your Trauma – Learn effective strategies to heal from past traumas, manage triggers, and build resilience for a healthier future
  • Address Ancestral and Collective Trauma – Explore the impact of inherited trauma and gain tools to heal and strengthen your connection to your heritage and community
  • Embrace the Process of Letting Go – Gain comforting perspectives on death and dying that offer peace, acceptance, and a deeper understanding of the art of letting go
  • Beyond This Life – Engage with sessions on near-death experiences and after-death communications, providing profound insights and hope for what lies beyond
  • Learn about Psychedelic Healing – Learn about the groundbreaking use of psychedelics in healing grief and trauma, with expert-led sessions offering transformative insights
  • Utilize Comprehensive Healing Practices – Participate in sessions that cover a range of healing modalities, from integrative medicine to energy healing, supporting your journey towards wholeness
  • Empower Your Healing Path – Leave the Summit equipped with actionable steps, inspiration, and a renewed sense of hope, ready to transform your life and embrace resilience

PLUS the Summit includes a free screening of the award-winning film on healing grief, Life With Ghosts.

If you’re ready to embark on a journey of healing and transformation — and you want to experience how addressing grief, trauma or both can help improve your life — then you are highly encouraged to register for this powerful event.

Healing Grief, Healing Trauma Summit
September 10-16, 2024
Online

This event is hosted by the Wisdom for Life. Please visit their website for more information.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER AT Wisdom For Life’s WEBSITE

American Psychological Association 2024 Conference

The American Psychological Association’s (APA) annual convention is one of the largest gatherings of psychologists and psychology students in the world.

It’s your chance to meet the future of psychology, participate in interactive sessions like Psych-Science-in-3, hear directly from emerging voices in psychology, and stay on the cutting edge of psychological science.

Join APA CEO Dr. Arthur C. Evans, Jr. on the Main Stage as he engages in thought-provoking conversations with innovators and leaders from public policy, research, health care, and beyond. Together, they will explore some of the inspiring ways that psychology is being used to address critical societal issues and improve people’s lives, giving you a fresh perspective on the power psychology has to create positive change in our world.

IONS Fellow Stanley Krippner will also be celebrated for the many contributions he has made to the understanding of hypnosis and many related hypnotic phenomena. His contributions to the understanding of dreaming, trauma, indigenous wisdom traditions, states of consciousness, and hypnotic ability will be discussed.

American Psychological Association 2024 Conference
August 8 – 10, 2024
Seattle, Washington
Online

This event is hosted by the American Psychological Association (APA). Please visit their website for more information.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER AT APA’S WEBSITE

Imagination: Exploring Your Inner World for an Extraordinary Life

Imagination is the foundational ingredient in problem solving – the ones in your own life as well as problems in society. Yet how many courses in imagination did you take during your K to 12 education? Were you ever taught how to explore, harness, and apply it? How many healthcare professionals have taught you evidence-based ways to use imagination to enhance healing and recovery? Have you ever been taught how negative forms of imagination can contribute to depression, anxiety, or worse?

This workshop focuses on the science, power, and magic of imagination.

  • The science: You’ll learn about newly discovered territories of imagination and how it is being redefined as one of the most important skills we can cultivate. You will explore the neurodiversity of imagination and create your own imagination profile.
  • The power: You’ll take away tools to implement imagination into your physical and emotional healing, your relationships, and your work to powerfully imagine the next steps in your own life’s journey.
  • The magic: You’ll explore the further reaches of imagination to create an extraordinary life. Discovering how altered states of consciousness, shamanism, psychedelics, and virtual reality/AI can provide access to a wellspring of wisdom and embodied imagination. Let whimsy and wonder re-enchant your life and our world.

Imagination is the seed of every invention and every social movement. It has led to nearly every scientific discovery, every building that has been built, every piece of art, film, story, every ship that has ever sailed, and every mission to outer space. Almost every human advancement has been sparked by the question, “What if?”

Through interactive presentations, experiential practices, self-inquiry, thought experiments, and speculative dialogue, you will explore truths that emerge from art, fiction, and fantasy — and return with new knowledge, tools, and inspiration.

Imagination: Exploring Your Inner World for an Extraordinary Life
December 6 – 8, 2024
The Esalen Institute

This workshop is hosted by the Esalen Institute. Please visit their website for more information.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER AT ESALEN’S WEBSITE

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