A Path Forward: How To Live More Mindfully In Our Modern World
By Rachel Nichols
Wisdom 2.0, an annual conference held in San Francisco that explores the intersection of wisdom and technology, will be returning to the city for its 10th year on March 1-3, 2019. This year, the conference will focus on the transformation needed in business, technology, politics and society to create a world that is not only livable, but one where humans can thrive.
Wisdom 2.0 will be asking us: in a world with such division, how do we find a path forward? With 3,000 people in attendance from more than 30 countries, the conversation should get interesting.
The Power of Connection
Two of the speakers I am most excited about this year are the founders of the Gottman Institute--Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman. The Gottmans are best known for their research, books and workshops on healthy marriages and relationships.
While Dr. John Gottman is known for his work on marital satisfaction and divorce prediction, his wife Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman is an expert advisor on marriage, sexual harassment and rape, domestic violence, gay and lesbian adoption, same-sex marriage, and parenting issues.
I've been seeing studies everywhere lately that point to the importance of healthy relationships and how they not only contribute to our wellbeing but are actually essential for happy, fulfilling lives. One example is a 75-year Harvard study - the longest study on human happiness - which found that good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period.
Personally, I have spent much of the last two years studying human connection and relationships, and take the view that all relationships can be a spiritual path where we learn about ourselves, our shadows, our needs and the places we still need to heal. That view has helped spur a lot of personal growth for me, so I am very much looking forward to hearing the Gottmans speak and allowing their wisdom to further expand my awareness in the realm of relationships.
Other noteworthy speakers in this year’s lineup include the CEO of the Obama Foundation David Simas, mindfulness teacher Spring Washam and author and activist Michael Pollan, who wrote How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness.
Additionally, Chelsea Handler, comedian, actress, writer, producer and activist, was just recently announced as one of the big speakers for Wisdom 2.0 this year. She will discuss her own development, including cultivating mindfulness and her effort to support social justice.
Community, Networking + Exploring the Wisdom of the Body
In addition to the speakers at the Main Stage, there will be breakout sessions, community conversations, an Embodiment Lounge and community dinners all included in the ticket price. I attended Wisdom 2.0 last year, and the Embodiment Lounge was one of my favorite places to hang out and is not to be missed! Sponsored by Oakland-based Strozzi Institute, the Embodiment Lounge is a place for attendees to explore the wisdom of the body through somatic and holistic practices, neuroscience, action-oriented communication and mindfulness.
Wisdom 2.0 is also an excellent place to network with like-minded community. I met several people last year who I still keep in touch with--some whom I even collaborated on a few projects with. I look forward to meeting new people at the conference this year and reporting back on all the lessons and takeaways here at SF Yoga Mag. For last year’s lessons from Wisdom 2.0, click here.
Register for Wisdom 2.0 here. And, by the way, if you can’t attend Wisdom 2.0 in person, the Main Stage will be live streamed for free at www.wisdom2conference.com - a really cool freebie, as the Main Stage offers up some incredible speakers. See the full line-up of speakers here.
