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WEDNESDAY November 7, 2007
7:30 am – 8:00 pm REGISTRATION
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS
Joseph Chilton Pearce, Lift Up the Stone and I Am There
This workshop draws on neuroscience, neuro-cardiology (the “brain” in the heart,) the evolutionary nature of our fourfold brain and the sequential or “stage-specific” development of those inherent structures from birth. We will explore how nature’s plan can be preserved and developed in a child in the midst of the mounting hostility, chaos, confusion and danger present in today’s dominator-world.
- PMH Atwater, The Great Shifting - Evolutionary Changes in the Human Family
This workshop we will explore some of the latest DNA/Blood Group research, learning disorders/mutations, evolutionary changes in the human family and how that challenges parents, schools, and society itself. Also included are mystical revelations about root races (our gene pool) and the coming of the Fifth Root Race and the Fifth World, generational studies and energy "signatures."
In this workshop, you will learn a series of developmentally appropriate yoga postures and movement activities that inspire confidence, creativity, and body awareness in children. We will explore the benefits of problem solving and spatial relationships through games and storytelling. We will also practice some breathing and relaxation techniques and discuss when and where these techniques might be helpful for children.
- 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm LUNCH on your own
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS continued
Cynthia Bourgeault, Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening
Meditation not only reduces stress and collects the mind, but actually rewires the way we perceive reality. We will explore Centering Prayer, a simple but profound form of Christian meditation, with a particular interest in this “rewiring” process initiated by its methodology of surrender, or “letting be.” Instruction and practice will be combined with reflection on some of its remarkable resonances with discoveries emerging from Pearce’s The Biology of Transcendence.
Amy Arrendell, Brain Gym: Movement is the Door to Learning.
Learn simple movement activities for the classroom that activate and integrate eyes, ears and the brain hemispheres for greater ease in learning. These Brain Gym activities also relax muscles and restore a calm nervous system to support the whole child.
THURSDAY November 8
7:00 am – 8:00 pm REGISTRATION
8:15 am – 8:45 am WELCOME
9:00 am – 10:00 am
KEYNOTE: Cynthia Bourgeault, E. Jane Garland and Tobin Hart
10:00 am – 10:15 am BREAK
10:00 am – 10:50 am
BREAK OUT SESSIONS
Amy Arrendell, Brain Gym: Movement is the Door to Learning.
Learn simple movement activities for the classroom that activate and integrate eyes, ears and the brain hemispheres for greater ease in learning. These Brain Gym activities also relax muscles and restore a calm nervous system to support the whole child.
Roxanne Daleo, The Inner Self: The Greatest Source of Healing
A guided audio-visual slide/music presentation will focus on appreciating the richness of our inner life. Guided imagery is the practice of using music, visualization, breathing exercise, and affirmations for the purpose of calming and centering. From this calm center, children will have an opportunity to be empowered in a healthy way.
E. Jane Garland, Taming Worry Dragons
With “Taming Worry Dragons”, young people mobilize their unique strengths and imaginative capacities to master anxiety symptoms using well-researched cognitive-behavioral strategies reformulated in the language of the archetypal heroic quest. A case-based interactive approach will demonstrate the model and its practical applications for self-help, classroom and psychotherapy settings.
Carolyn Toben, Peggy Whalen-Levitt, The Inner Life of the Child in Nature; Presence and Practice
The Center for Education, Imagination and the Natural World has worked closely with ecotheologian Thomas Berry to re-imagine the child’s relationship with the natural world. Join Co-Directors Carolyn Toben and Peggy Whalen-Levitt for a presentation about the Center’s co-research with educators: “The Inner Life of the Child in Nature: Presence and Practice.”
11:05 am – 11:15 am BREAK
11:15 am – 12:05 pm
BREAK OUT SESSIONS
Susan Dermond, Spirituality - Not Just for Indigo Children
It is important for children to have inner experiences, but what if they cannot calm down enough to allow this to happen? Learn techniques that help children focus and develop spiritual receptivity. Activities that give children an uplifting experience will also be demonstrated. Come prepared to be playful!
William Stillman, The World Needs Autism
In his work to support those who love and care for individuals with autism and Asperger’s Syndrome, William sets a tone for our collective understanding of the autistic experience. Autism should not be defined as an “affliction endured by sufferers,” but as a truly unique and individual experience to be respected and appreciated by all. In so doing, Stillman highlights the sensitivities of our most valuable, wise and loving “teachers.”
E. Jane Garland, Taming Worry Dragons
With “Taming Worry Dragons”, young people mobilize their unique strengths and imaginative capacities to master anxiety symptoms using well-researched cognitive-behavioral strategies reformulated in the language of the archetypal heroic quest. A case-based interactive approach will demonstrate the model and its practical applications for self-help, classroom and psychotherapy settings. This presentation will be covered in two consecutive sessions.
Trish Alley, Drex Wright, Leah Pontius, Between Wonder & Wisdom: Creating Sacred Spaces with Children
Between Wonder & Wisdom: Creating Sacred Space with Children draws on eight years of the presenters’ experience offering enrichment programming with a strong focus on open heart learning for children 6-12. This session is fun and designed to give you key concepts and concrete tools to take home with you.
12:15 pm – 2:00 pm LUNCH on your own
2:00 pm– 3:05 pm
BREAK OUT SESSIONS
PMH Atwater, The New Kids are Here
Toss the labels of indigo/crystal/starseed, and look instead at the characteristics of today's children. What you find defies labeling. An in-depth look at the talents and weaknesses of our newest citizens and how they challenge society in ways no other generation ever has. Tips for parents and educators.
Pamela Chubbuck, Girls and God: Teachings about Passage & Spirit for Girls
Is God a man? Are girls powerful? Is Blood sacred? Participants will learn, discuss, and do ritual around the importance of teaching girls their sacred nature. Puberty is a perfect time to support girls to honor themselves as powerful, spiritual, creative beings. Join us in celebrating the feminine God!
Forrest Green & Kathi Barnhill, Experiencing Rhythms of Life
Based on the intention of honoring the whole child, Kathi and Forrest create highly supportive, active expression opportunities for children. Children are encouraged and allowed to express experiences, senses, and ideas traditionally not often acknowledged or accepted in other settings. In drawing forth higher sense perceptions and keeping creative energy active and alive a greater sense of personal wholeness becomes possible.
Elana Viviano, Tammy Pike McPherson, Spirituality Without the G-O-D Word
Children of the 21st century face a number of new challenges as the energy on Earth continues to transform. More children are experiencing spiritual moments, but how do they handle that in a public school classroom? This session will be a sharing of those experiences and open discussion. Hands-on activities and take-home lesson plans will be provided.
Mary Hart; Opening Presence
Mary will offer an overview and simple activities in this experiential session from Opening Presence, a unique integrative approach, that emphasizes drawing out four universal dimensions of awareness, love, wisdom, and expression designed for children and adults alike. Essential for bringing a spiritual life to earth, these easily teachable experiences can be adapted to any setting.
3:05 pm – 3:15 pm BREAK
- 3:15 pm – 4:15 pm
- BREAK OUT SESSIONS
Daniel Scott, Making Your Own Sacred Story
This process is based on a guided story exchange in which participants working in pairs listen to, reflect on and respond to accounts of significant life moments as told by their partners bringing depth and meaning to life stories and the experiences they present.
Nancy Baumgarten, Living Aware in 360 Degrees: Experiencing Through Our 55+ Sense Perceptions
All experiences arrive to us through our sensory awareness’. Exposure to our internal and external environments only becomes empowering if we can create meaning. What we don’t have a word for becomes unnoticed. Science knows of 55+ biological receptors for expanded information processing. Lecture, research data, hands-on interactive and inner-active practicum.
Marya Michael, Tending Inner Culture
Acquired knowledge, experience, values, and personality are examples of what contributes to the inner life of an individual, or what might be called “inner culture.” Acknowledging the power of spirit as one with aspects of one’s inner resources is the focus of this presentation. Marya will provide key concepts, experiences and tools designed to inspire a teaching practice that is delightfully divine and masterfully human.
Kelli Williams, Spiritual Life Program at Alaska’s Children’s Services
Find out how a 117 year old agency whose treatment is primarily funded with government dollars operates a thriving full-time Spiritual Life Program. Participants will hear and share diverse ideas about what can nurture young people’s spiritual lives, as well as participate in a powerful, healing peace prayer.
Robert A. Rees, HeartSmarts: Teaching and Learning from Children about the Heart
Children are naturally a-tuned to their hearts—and to the hearts of others. Their open, intuitive and imaginative qualities make them ideal students of what might be called heart-based learning. This session presents a new program developed by the Institute of HeartMath to teach children about the relationship between their hearts, minds, and bodies and spirits.
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm Book signing
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm DINNER on your own
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
KEYNOTE: Joseph Chilton Pearce and Rafael Bejarano
FRIDAY November 9
8:00 am – 12:00 pm REGISTRATION
7:30 am – 8:15 am YOGA: Ajeet Khalsa
8:45 am – 10:00 am
KEYNOTE: Rafael Bejarano and Jean Houston
10:15 am – 10:30 am
BREAK, Book signing with Jean Houston
10:45 am – 11:50 am
BREAK OUT SESSIONS
Ann Trousdale, Jacqueline Bach, From Delight to Wisdom: Spiritual Gifts of Poetry
It was Robert Frost who said that poetry goes from delight to wisdom. Children have a natural affinity for poetry: for rhyme, for rhythm, for the play of the imagination. In this session we shall invite the audience to participate in ways of using poetry to support children’s spiritual lives, leading them from delight to wisdom.
Catherine Maresca, Children and Language of Sacred Signs
Children and the Language of Sacred Signs is an exploration of children’s ability to read sacred signs and the need to offer children a rich experience of these signs to nurture their spiritual lives. This work is rooted in the work of Sofia Cavalletti in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd with children ages 3-12.
Catherine McTamaney, Spiritual Preparations of the Teacher
Based on the Montessori theory, this session is about preparing ourselves to be with children. It's based loosely on her book, The Tao of Montessori
Pamela Taylor, Carol B. Herron, Finger Labyrinth as a Spiritual and Healing Tool
Finger Labyrinths as a Spiritual and Healing Tool: An overview of a multidisciplinary study at Texas Children’s Hospital to determine the effects of using finger labyrinths with hospitalized children undergoing Bone Marrow Transplant and their care givers will be presented. Qualitative research including artwork and poetry will be presented as an illustration of the benefits of this ancient exercise.
Aostre Johnson, What is Contemplative Development in Childhood and Adolescence?: Controversies, Paradoxes and Opportunities.
An increasing focus on "contemplative" highlights heightened interest in more attentive, meditative, thinking/being/living in this speedy, acquisition-oriented culture. But how does “contemplative” relate to early consciousness? This question and many others will be explored during the presentation and subsequent discussions
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm LUNCH
2:00 pm – 2:50 pm
KEYNOTE: Linda Hooper, Paper Clip Project
In 1998 eighth grade students at Whitwell Middle School began an after-school study of the Holocaust. The goal of this study was to teach students the importance of respecting different cultures as well as understanding the effects of intolerance. This project created an inspiring memorial to those six million Jews who were exterminated by the Nazis.
3:00 pm – 4:05 pm
BREAK OUT SESSIONS
Randee Garretson, The Davis Dyslexia Correction® Programs - Medication-Free Strategies and Tools to Allow Your Child to Overcome Dyslexia and ADD/ADHD.
The Davis Dyslexia Correction Programs address the cause of the learning disabilities and give your child the tools and strategies to learn the way he/she learns best so he/she can succeed in social, physical and educational settings. Because the programs affirm the individual's natural talents and strengths, it increases self-confidence and boosts self-esteem.
Robert Rees, On wings of Love: Children’s Intuition, Quantum Holography and the Future
Can children literally communicate their love to others who will live in the future? Recent research suggests both that our intuitive processes have access to a field of information not limited by the boundaries of time and space and that it is possible for us to communicate across the liminal threshold that divides the present from the future. Laboratory studies suggest that some aspect of our perceptual apparatus is continuously scanning the future, which may mean that the time symmetries commonly described by quantum physicists may also occur on macroscopic scales and in the realm of the human heart and brain.
Margrit Spear, What I Wish I Had Known Before Becoming A Parent.
Holographic Psychology® exposes an evolutionary process within the human being, as a result of the individual awakening to the predominant unconscious psychological role s/he plays in life, dramatically affecting parental stability. It points to reflective thinking, based on brain conditioning that is either liberating or impeding a person’s life.
Jennifer Elam, The Universe Aches for Change: Reframing Children’s “Behavioral Problems”
Using cases from my practice, I suggest a spiritual, nonpathological paradigm for framing many child behaviors that are presently being labeled as psychological disorders. The drastic increase in children’s “behavioral problems” is a reflection of the spiritual condition of the planet/our culture and I propose that many aspects of “childhood disorder” would more productively be framed within a spiritual realm.
Mollie Painton, Encouraging Children’s Spiritual Intelligence, and Rediscovering Your Own
Spiritual intelligence is defined as boys’ and girls’ capacity to be awake and aware of another deeper dimension of themselves that leads to wisdom and intuition beyond their years, to compassion, and to other-worldly experiences. Adults can become wise and compassionate spiritual partners for the children in their lives, especially if they understand the phenomenon of children’s spiritual worlds in the framework of spiritual intelligence.
4:05 pm – 4:15 pm BREAK
4:15 pm – 5:30 pm OPEN SPACE
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm BOOK SIGNING
5:00 pm – 7:15 pm DINNER on your own
7:15 pm – 9:00 pm
KEYNOTE: Tobin Hart and Rafael Bejarano
SATURDAY November 10
7:30 am – 8:15 am Rosemary Clough; yoga, optional
8:30 am – 10:00 am
KEYNOTE Rachael Kessler, The Soul of Education
Rachael Kessler will provide a theoretical framework illustrated through the powerful stories and questions of young people to address the following:
What do we mean by soul? What does a classroom look like in which soul is present? What are the gateways through which parents can nurture the souls of their children? Why should schools consider addressing the inner life? How do we nurture the inner life at school without violating the separation of church and state or the deeply held beliefs of families? What are the conditions that nourish soul in the classroom, youth groups,, or other group settings?
In this keynote, Kessler supports parents in becoming advocates for integrating soul into their child’s school by providing the theoretical links between welcoming the inner life and ensuring academic excellence, safe schools, and character development.
10:10 am – 10:20 am BREAK
10:20 am – 11: 05 am
BREAK OUT SESSIONS
Terri Glass, Aligning with the Spirit Nature: Children and Poetry Writing
This workshop introduces the topic of nature in children’s writing as a means for greater awareness of themselves and earth around them to enhance a sustainable future for the planet. Creative writing exercises will be given, followed by discussion of programs that can be implemented in educational settings.
Sarah Wood Vallely, Sensational Meditation for Children
Fun and imaginative meditation for children based on the five senses. Sensation helps children nurture their inner-selves by better understanding and processing, and becoming aware of their needs and purpose.
Carol Bowman, Healing and Honoring the Past Lives of Children
It is natural for children to remember their previous lives. It is important for us to acknowledge and honor these memories in children to help nurture and heal their souls. Carol Bowman will explain how these memories manifest through children’s statements, behaviors, wisdom, and fears, and will show how these memories can often be healing moments for a child.
Julia Walker, Oneness Blessing
The Oneness Blessing (also called Oneness Deeksha) is a transfer of Divine energy by an initiated facilitator. It is not associated with any one religion, but enhances the receiver’s relationship with the Divine in the form (or formlessness) of his or her choosing. It is designed, over time, to bring about a state of Oneness with all creation.
Peter Perkins, Spirituality of Wellness: Context for Adolescent Spiritual Development
This workshop will help those who work with adolescents examine the wholeness of an adolescent’s individual development. We will explore how the Five Dimensions of the Self holistic developmental model can open the conversation and provide a context for middle to late adolescent youth to heighten their own awareness and even embrace that inner dimension of their life. We will see how a health and wellness model, the Six Dimensions of Wellness can provide a public opportunity to explore holistic wellness in schools.
11:05 am – 11:15 am BREAK
11:15 am – 12:15 pm
BREAK OUT SESSIONS
Louise Hviid, Mealing and Mindfulness – from research to teaching
Every day children, adolescents and adults meet with food, sometimes alone and sometimes together. But what is the quality of our “meetings”, as we embrace our own nourishment. Research explores a certain quality of communicative “meeting” that occurs in the context of a meal, which is rather different than when we eat alone or together.
- Bob Lancer, Raising Children To Be Who They Are
This session explores the myths regarding what children need to fulfill their glorious potential. Learn the natural and spiritual laws that govern the behavior and development of children and how to raise children in peaceful harmony, with true awareness, for a peaceful, harmonious world.
Rosemary Clough, Creative Yoga
You will learn a series of developmentally appropriate yoga postures and movement activities that inspire confidence, creativity, and body awareness in children. We will explore the benefits of problem solving and spatial relationships through games and storytelling. We will also practice some breathing and relaxation techniques and discuss when and where these techniques might be helpful for children.
Linda Reppond, Spiritual Bridges: Making the Leap from Teen to Young Adult
We will explore ways of providing spiritual support for young adults as they launch their lives. By honoring the passage from teen to young adult, offering appropriate support and activities, we can assist tomorrow’s leaders in holding their own spiritual ground as they broaden their horizons.
Francesco Palmirotta, Lucia Dipalo, Vera Baltieri, Visceral Soul
Onians R.B. spoke, amongst the ancient Jewish conception, of "those who speak from the belly" (engastrimythoi), as people possessing a spirit which predicts (which gets to know) inside the man, and only today are some people (M. Gershon) beginning to talk about visceral intelligence. For this, the logical-scientific idea of knowledge-wisdom of the being before or projectual or prognostic or before the somatic phenomenisation is deduced: Psychosomatic Ontosophy.
12:15 pm – 2:00 pm LUNCH on your own
*2:00 pm – 5:30 pm Optional Trip to Look-out Mountain
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm PANELS
3:00 pm – 3:15 pm BREAK
3:15 pm – 4:45 pm OPEN DISCUSSIONS
4:45 pm – 5:30 pm Book signing
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm DINNER BANQUET
SUNDAY November 11
8:15 am – 8:45 am Interfaith service; optional
8:00 am – 8:30 am Yoga; optional
9:00 am – 10:05 am
BREAK OUT SESSIONS
Tom Peterson, Pathway to Wisdom
Wonder represents a large piece of learning that has, by in large, been abandoned in schools in favor of information. Children do not suffer for lack of information, but they do suffer when learning is stripped of awe and wonder. This paper describes how wonder breaks down children’s resistance to conventional forms of learning and clears a pathway to wisdom.
- James Dillon, Ignatian Discernment: Helping Kids Become Contemplatives-in-Action
One of the major goals in life is to become a ‘contemplative-in-action.’ To become a contemplative-in-action, discernment--the ability to apprehend spiritual guidance in the circumstances one finds oneself in--must be cultivated. Stages of the development of discernment in children and youth are discussed and ways to facilitate it in children within their developmental constraints.
Michael Mendizza, The Nurturing Project and Transcendent Mentoring of This and Future Generations
Experience shapes the developing brain. Experience, of which information is a small part, determines what kind of human being, and upon that foundation, what kind of parent, and upon that what the future of humanity will be. Government and existing social structures have not and cannot meet this challenge. New models are needed that embody the experiences we need to develop in young people if they are to master the parenting paradigm.
Marigrace Vandeventer, Life Journey of Dr. Masuro Emoto and A Mothers Inner Knowing
The unique communication between Mothers and Babies, in utero and then later while breastfeeding, and the interest in the “Hidden Messages in Water” has led Marigrace to attend Dr. Emoto’s Hado Instructor School in June 2006 and has afforded her the privilege of representing his work and applying it to the work that she loves.
Penny Honeycutt, Tom Harris, John Wilbur
10:05 am – 10:15 am BREAK
10:15 am – 11:00 am
KEYNOTE: Inner Harbour drummers
11:00 am –11:30 am CLOSING CEREMONY
11:30 am – 12:00 pm Evaluation and Departure
2:00 pm –5:00 pm
POST-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS
Michael Mendizza, Kids are Not the Problem
Child development is dependent on adult development. The question is: “Who is parenting today’s and tomorrows parents?” We will explore what ‘experiences’ are necessary to develop skills and capacities needed for the next generation and how the ‘state’ of the adult, as they meet and mentor the child, represents the key to transforming both child and adult development. Find how your local community and resources play a vital role in this transformation.
Rachael Kessler, Welcoming Soul into Learning
This workshop will combine presentations with experiential activities to introduce participants to the core principles and practices for integrating social, emotional and spiritual dimensions into learning. Theoretical foundations include Goleman’s fundamentals of emotional intelligence, brain research, and Kessler’s “Seven Gateways” and “The Teaching Presence.” The focus is on linking emotional literacy to academic performance, safe schools and personal and social responsibility.
We will focus on methods for cultivating learning readiness through presence and for fostering communication for meaning and deep connection. Methods include play, stillness and reflection, deep listening and authentic speaking, questions of wonder, and symbolic expression. Principles include “welcoming the unwelcome” and redefining “classroom participation” to honor the sanctity of personal pacing and boundaries, cultivating what Parker Palmer refers to as “relationships that are neither invasive nor evasive.”
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Wisdom and Wonder Youth Program
Thursday
8:15 – 9:00 am Welcome
9:00 - 10:00 am Art project
10:00 – 10:10 am Snack
10:15 – 11:00 am Cynthia Bourgeault; Centering Prayer
11:00 – 12:00 pm Rafael Bejarano; Indigenous musician
12:00 – 2:00 pm Lunch and time with parents
2:00 – 5:00 pm Field trip
5:30 – 7:00 pm Dinner with parents
7:00 – 9:30 pm Evening program; Nancy Baumgarten; Profound Awareness
Friday
8:15 – 8:30 am Arrive; check-in
8:30 - 9:00 am Yoga with Rosemary Clough
9:00 - 10:00 am Art project
10:00 – 10:10 am Snack
10:10 – 11:15 am Robert Rees; HeartMath
11:15 – 12:00 pm Forrest Green and Kathi Barnhill; music and movement
12:15 – 2:00 pm Lunch and time with parents
2:00 – 3:00 pm Paper Clip Project
3:00 - 5:00 pm Carousal Field trip
5:30 – 7:00 pm Dinner with parents
Saturday
8:15 – 8:30 am Arrive; check-in
8:30 - 9:00 am Yoga with Ajeet Khalsa
9:00 - 10:00 am Art project
10:00 – 10:10am Snack
10:15 – 11:00 am Pamela Taylor and Carol Herron ; finger labyrinths
11:00 - 12:00 pm Mollie Painton; puppets
12:00 – 2:00 pm Lunch and time with parents
2:00 – 5:00 pm Look-out Mountain and Rock City
6:30 – 7:30 pm Banquet
Sunday
8:15 – 8:30 am Arrive to room
8:30 – 9:00 am Art project
9:00 – 9:45am Amy Arrendell; Brain Gym
9:45 – 10:15 am Snack, closing of Children’s Program
10:15 – 11:00 am Keynote: Inner Harbour drummers
11:00 – 11:30 am Closing Ceremony
11:30 – 12:00pm Evaluations and departure
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