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Pre Conference Workshops:
Wednesday 13 May, 9am - 5pm
The Art & Science of Love or
The Mindful Brain
Conference Day One
Thursday 14th May,
8.30am - 5:30pm
Conference Day Two
Friday 15th May,
8.30am - 5:30pm
Post Conference Workshops:
Saturday 16th May
Morning Workshops 9am - 12pm
Workshop 1: The Architecture of
Sustainable Happiness
Workshop 2: Your Creative Intelligence - how to develop your key to the future
Workshop 3: Living the Examined Life - the practice
Workshop 4: Building Resilience in
Families and Australian Communities
Afternoon Workshops 2pm - 5pm
Workshop 5: Ordinary Children,
Extraordinary Teachers - unlocking
the brilliant child within
every student
Workshop 6: The Joy of Meditation and the Altruistic Spirit of Awakening
Workshop 7: Practical Tools for
Positive Relationships that Transform You and the Organisation
Workshop 8: Happiness and
Creativity: the wake-up workshop
› Add this to my calendar
or call +61 (2) 8719 5118
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Do you want to lend a hand at one of Sydney’s most successful conferences?
We have a variety of volunteer roles available including, guest services, registration, set-up, information desk, speaker escorts and more.
For more information or to confirm your availability, please call Helen at the Vajrayana Institute on 02 8916 7414.
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"The conference has been awesome! Really exceeded expectations and I had pretty high expectations...I will take a lot of this inspiration home with me where I hope to apply it both professionally and personally."
Holly Vitale, Alzheimers Australia, VIC
"The conference was wonderful. All the speakers were inspirational approaches were accessible and pragmatic confirming meditation and compassion for others does enhance our well-being."
Ann Dunn, Counsellor, QLD Corrective Services
"Fantastic once again, after the third time! Thank you"
Paul Russell, Mental Health Services
To see more testimonials click here
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TWO-DAY CONFERENCE PROGRAM |
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 Day 1: THURSDAY 14 MAY 2009 |
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| THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS |
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| SONJA LYUBOMIRSKY |
VEN ROBINA COURTIN |
DR VERA RANKI |
DR NORMAN DOIDGE |
RICHARD NEVILLE |
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9:00
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THE HOW OF HAPPINESS: IS IT POSSIBLE TO BECOME LASTINGLY HAPPIER AND IF SO HOW?
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Why are some people happier than others? |
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Can science decode the recipe for happiness? |
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How do gratitude, kindness and optimism affect our happiness? |
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Is happiness sustainable over the long term? |
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Harnessing our innate potential for joy and happiness |
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Professor Sonja Lyubomirsky, leading positive psychology researcher, Author: The How of Happiness, University of California, USA |
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9:30
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LETTING GO OF THE PERSON YOU USED TO BE: LESSONS ON CHANGE, LOSS AND SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION
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What can change teach us about ourselves? |
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What can we learn from suffering, death and other losses? |
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Do we need adversity to develop authentic happiness? |
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The Pearl Principle - no inner irritation, no pearl |
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Ven Robina Courtin, USA, Executive Director, Liberation Prison Project |
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10:00
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PANEL: LEADING AN EXAMINED LIFE
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Can we directly pursue happiness or is it a by-product of other actions? |
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What is the relationship between being happy and feeling happy? |
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Is happiness a momentary matter or something experienced over time - maybe even a complete life? |
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What is the examined life? |
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Does living an ethical conscious life lead to happiness? |
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Moderator:
Dr Vera Ranki, Founding Director, Examined Life Institute, multiple award winning author and academic
Panellists:
Professor Sonja Lyubomirsky, leading positive psychology researcher, Author: The How of Happiness, University of California, USA
Ven Robina Courtin, USA, Executive Director, Liberation Prison Project
Dr Norman Doidge, MD, psychiatrist, researcher and International Best-Selling Author: The Brain That Changes Itself on the neuroplasticity revolution, Columbia University, New York, USA, and University of Toronto, Canada
Richard Neville, Australia’s most controversial futurist, Co-founder and Director, The Neville Freeman Agency; Author: Footprints of the Future |
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MORNING COFFEE
10:40-11:20 |
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| HAPPINESS & THE HUMAN SPIRIT |
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| MARVA COLLINS |
GERALDINE COX |
JULIE MCCROSSIN |
INGRID POULSEN |
DR JIMMY LITTLE |
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11:20
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THE FULFILLING YOUR TRUE POTENTIAL
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Is it really possible for everyone to fulfill their true potential? |
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How can we rise above difficult circumstances? |
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What do the ancient philosophers have to offer us today in our search for happiness and fulfilment? |
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How can we develop our ability to believe in ourselves? |
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Success stories – an educational revolution from the heart |
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Marva Collins, one of the most inspiring and respected educators in the USA, Marva Collins Schools, USA, Author: Marva Collins Way Marva Collins, acclaimed, award-winning educator, has inspired thousands of disadvantaged and impoverished children to succeed. In Marva’s words, “There is a brilliant child locked inside every student.” |
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11:50
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A DIFFEREND KIND OF WEALTH
Inspiring Australian Geraldine Cox talks about the joys and the heartaches of her work as the founder of an orphanage in Cambodia. She paints a vivid picture of life in a war-torn country and shares the inspiring stories of her unforgettable children.
Geraldine Cox, AM, Founder, Sunrise Children’s Village, Cambodia, Author: Home is Where the Heart Is |
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12:10
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PERSONAL STORIES: TRANSCENDING ADVERSITY
How can we transcend tragedy and illness in our lives? Be inspired by the lived experience of Ingrid Poulsen, who lost her two young children and father at the hands of her estranged husband, and by Australian Living Treasure, Jimmy Little, who has lived with chronic kidney disease culminating in a kidney transplant. Both have gone on to found organisations to benefit others.
Moderator:
Julie McCrossin, MC, Journalist, TV & Radio Presenter
Panellists:
Ingrid Poulsen, Founder, Steadfast Training, Author: Rise
Dr Jimmy Little, AO, Australian Living Treasure, celebrated Indigenous musician, Founder, The Jimmy Little Foundation |
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LUNCH
12:40-14:00 |
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| SCIENCE OF HAPPINESS |
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| DR NORMAN DOIDGE, MD |
DR DANIEL GOLEMAN |
DR DANIEL SIEGEL, MD |
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14:00
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STORIES OF PERSONAL TRIUMPH FROM THE FRONTIERS OF BRAIN SCIENCE
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The neuroplasticity revolution – using thought to change our brains |
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Can we redesign our brains to improve perception, memory and learning? |
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How can plasticity help to stop worries, obsessions, compulsion and bad habits? |
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Rejuvenation – implications of the discovery of the neuronal stem cell and lessons for preserving our brains |
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Case studies of people whose lives have been transformed through the new science of neuroplasticity |
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Dr Norman Doidge, MD, psychiatrist, researcher and International Best-Selling Author: The Brain That Changes Itself on the neuroplasticity revolution, Columbia University, New York, USA, and University of Toronto, Canada |
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14:30
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EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE: INCREASING OUR "HAPPINESS IQ"
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The emotional brain – the latest research from neurosciencce |
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What are emotions for? |
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Is IQ destiny or is emotional intelligence more important in determining success and happiness in life? |
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How can we nurture and strengthen our emotional intelligence? |
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The cost of emotional illiteracy |
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Dr Daniel Goleman, Psychologist, International Best-Selling Author: Emotional Intelligence and Social Intelligence, USA
* A pre-recorded session exclusively for Happiness & Its Causes from one of the world’s most celebrated psychologists |
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14:50
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SOCIAL INTELLIGENCE: THE NEW SCIENCE OF HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS
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What does neuroscience say about our brain’s design to be sociable? |
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How do our interactions shape our emotional habits and sculpt the brain? |
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The role of a “resonance circuit” in mindfulness practice that enables an individual to attune to others and oneself |
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The importance of neural patterns set in childhood on how we do as parents, lovers, and in life. |
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Can we free ourselves from the hold of |
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Dr Daniel Siegel, M.D, psychiatrist and award-winning educator, Author: The Mindful Brain, Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA School of Medicine and Director of the Center for Human Development, USA |
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AFTERNOON COFFEE
15:20-15:50 |
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| THE FLIP SIDE OF HAPPINESS |
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| IRVING KIRSCH |
SOPHIE SCOTT |
RUTH GAWLER |
IAN HICKIE |
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15:50
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DO DRUGS MAKE US HAPPY?
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What are the most successful strategies for coping with mild depression and general unhappiness? |
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Do anti-depressants work for everyone? |
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Is this a happiness strategy that should be followed? |
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What is the evidence? |
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Are alternative remedies more effective? |
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Professor Irving Kirsch, Department of Psychology, University of Hull, UK
Professor Irving Kirsch’s research sparked world-wide debate and media coverage. Hear first hand about this research on anti-depressants. |
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16:10
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PANEL: IS UNHAPPINESS BEING OVER-MEDICALISED?
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When does unhappiness become a medical problem? |
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When do I need to seek help? |
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“Talking therapies” - the best prescription for depression and anxiety? |
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Antidepressants – friend or foe? |
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Strategies for dealing with a national epidemic of unhappiness and depression |
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Moderator:
Sophie Scott, National Medical Reporter, ABC; Author: Live A Longer Life
Panellists:
Professor Irving Kirsch, Department of Psychology, University of Hull, UK
Dr Ruth Gawler, General Practitioner, Group Leader and Therapist, The Gawler Foundation
Professor Ian Hickie, Executive Director, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney |
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| DEALING WITH DIFFICULT EMOTIONS |
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| DR BRIAN ROSNER |
DR NORMAN SWAN |
DR TOM DENSON |
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CYNTHIA MORTON |
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16:40
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ON DISAPPOINTMENT
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How do we handle our disappointments? |
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What have psychology and religion to offer? |
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Strategies to cope with setbacks and maintain hope and happiness |
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Learning from the extraordinary life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer |
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Dr Brian Rosner, Fellow of the Centre for Public Christianity; Lecturer, Moore Theological College; Author: Beyond Greed and Editor: The Consolations of Theology |
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17:00
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PANEL: IS "RAGE" THE NEW BLACK?
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Are we getting angrier or just talking about it more? |
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What usually provokes anger? |
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Do labels such as “road rage”, “computer rage” and “trolley rage” give us a license to vent our anger? |
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Is there anything to be done about angry emotions? |
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Managing anger in our relationships at home and at work |
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Moderator:
Dr Norman Swan, Broadcaster, Journalist, Doctor, Presenter: The Health Report, ABC Radio National
Panellists:
Dr Tom Denson, Lecturer, School of Psychology, University of NSW
Cynthia Morton, Author, Speaker, Founder: The Emotional Fitness Program |
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CLOSE DAY ONE
17:30 |
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| GALA DINNER for Sunrise Children’s Village, Cambodia |
The Star Room, Level 6 of the IMAX Theatre Complex, Darling Harbour, Sydney
After Dinner Speaker: Geraldine Cox, Founder, Sunrise Children’s Village
19:00 |
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| Day 2: FRIDAY 15 MAY 2009 |
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| CULTIVATING HAPPINESS IN DAY TO DAY LIFE |
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| HAPPINESS & RELATIONSHIPS |
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| DR JOHN GOTMAN |
JO LAMBLE |
DR DANIEL SIEGEL |
RENATE OGILVIE |
LIBBY KOCH |
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10:00
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THE RELATIONSHIP CURE: BUILDING BETTER CONNECTIONS WITH FAMILY, FRIENDS AND LOVERS
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What makes relationships change, for better or for worse? |
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If a relationship is in trouble, how can I turn it around? |
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How can I ensure that my relationships will continue to
grow? |
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How can I make lasting, positive changes in my relationships? |
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Creating thriving, happy and meaningful relationships |
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Dr John Gottman, international leader in the field of relationships, Co-Founder, The Gottman Institute, USA; Best- Selling Author: The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work |
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10:30
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MORNING COFFEE |
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11:05
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PANEL: BETTER PARENTS, BETTER SPOUSES, BETTER PEOPLE
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What does science say about our ability to relate? |
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Are some people born with more capacity to be good parents, spouses and friends? |
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How much effect do childhood experiences have on our later relationships? |
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Is it possible to overcome negative experiences earlier in life? |
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How can we increase our emotional and social intelligence? |
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Moderator:
Jo Lamble, Clinical Psychologist; Columnist, New Idea; Presenter Sunrise and The Morning Show, Channel 7, Author: The Partner Test
Panellists:
Dr John Gottman, international leader in the field of relationships, Co-Founder, The Gottman Institute, USA; Best- Selling Author: The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
Dr Daniel Siegel, MD, psychiatrist and award-winning educator, Author: The Mindful Brain, Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA School of Medicine and Director of theCenter for Human Development, USA
Renate Ogilvie, Psychotherapist, Senior Teacher, Vajrayana Institute; Director, World Happiness Forum
Libby Koch, Co-author: Kochie's Guide: Smart Couples Start with Nothing and Create Real Wealth and Women’s Guide to Going It Alone |
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| HAPPINESS & YOUNG PEOPLE |
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| MORRIS GLEITZMAN |
RICHARD AEDY |
MARVA COLLINS |
DR SUZY GREEN |
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11:45
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INSPIRING CHILDREN TO HAVE HAPPY, MEANINGFUL LIVES
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When are children old enough to learn about difficult things? |
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Are our internet and media-savvy children aware of too much,
too soon? |
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What is the best way to explain the inexplicable? |
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What role can books play in developing emotional understanding and ethical and moral values in children? |
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How can we help our children to live happy, meaningful lives? |
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Morris Gleitzman, Best-Selling Children’s Author: Once and Then |
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12:00
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PANEL: TEACHING OUR CHILDREN WELL
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What else do we teach children other than the 3R’s? |
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Are schools the best place for teaching children how to be
happy? |
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To think or not to think, that is the question - encouraging
critical, analytical thinking in children |
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What lessons do children learn from their teachers? |
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Can resilience skills for both teachers and children be taught? |
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Nurturing intellectual and moral autonomy, self-respect and
self-confidence in children |
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Moderator:
Richard Aedy, Presenter, Life Matters, ABC Radio National
Panellists:
Marva Collins, one of the most inspiring and respected educators in the USA, Marva Collins Schools, USA, Author: Marva Collins Way
Morris Gleitzman, Best-Selling Children’s Author: Once and Then
Dr Suzy Green, Clinical and Coaching Psychologist, Coaching Psychology Unit, University of Sydney
Paul Thomson, Principal, Kimberley College, Queensland |
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LUNCH
12:40-14:00 |
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| HAPPINESS & WORK |
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| DAVID ROCK |
PROFESSOR TIM SHARP |
RENATA CONSIGLIO |
DAVID CROSBIE |
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| DR CHRISTINE BENNETT |
SHANAKA FERNADO |
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14:20
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PANEL: HOW TO HAVE A HIGH PERFORMANCE, HAPPY WORKPLACE
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What are the secrets to a happy workplace? |
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How can positive psychology contribute to happiness at
work? |
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What contribution can you make to the “happiness” equation
at work? |
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Strategies for overcoming barriers to workplace happiness |
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Success stories – the happiness revolution at work |
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Moderator:
Professor Tim Sharp, Chief Happiness Officer, The
Happiness Institute; Adjunct Professor (Positive Psychology),
School of Business, University of Technology, Sydney
Panellists:
Renata Consiglio, National HR Manager, Camp Quaility Limited
David Crosbie, CEO, Mental Health Council of Australia
Dr Christine Bennett, Chief Medical Officer, Bupa Australia
Group; Chair, National Health and Hospitals Reform
Commission
Shanaka Fernado, Australia’s Local Hero 2007, Founder, Lentil
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HAPPINESS, OUR ENVIRONMENT & LIFESTYLE
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| PROFFESSOR ROB DONOVAN |
RUTH OSTROW |
TERRY ROBSON |
DAVID CROSBIE |
SHERRY STRONG |
Afternoon Coffee
15:15 - 15:55
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16:10
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PANEL: LIVING A GOOD LIFE WITHOUT IT COSTING THE EARTH
The food we eat, our spending habits and urban lifestyles all impact
not only on our own happiness and wellbeing but on that of the
planet. What can each of us do to make a difference? Our panelists
will explore the interface between the consumer society and
happiness, providing practical tips that can be easily incorporated
into our lives.
Moderator:
Terry Robson, Editor: WellBeing Magazine; Health
Reporter SKY News and ABC Local Radio; Author: Deep Health
and What's the Alternative?
Panellists:
Sherry Strong, Food Philosopher and Nutritional Strategist,
Foodlover's Workshop
Cath Armstrong, Founder, Cheapskates, Author: Debt Free,
Cashed Up and Laughing
Professor Rob Donovan, Professor of Behavioural Research, Faculty of Health Science, Curtin University, WA
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HAPPINESS & CREATIVITY
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