The Greater Good Gratitude Summit

The Institute is grateful to be connecting with the The Greater Good Science Center of US Berkeley and co-sponsoring their Greater Good Gratitude Summit: A Day of Science, Stories and Inspiration, June 7 in Richmond, California. Among the presenters are contemplatives Jack Kornfield and Brother David Steindl-Rast, leading gratitude researcher Robert Emmons, and Olympic women’s swimming head coach Teri McKeever.

The GGSC’s mission, which aligns in many ways with ours, is to “study the psychology, sociology, and neuroscience of well-being, and teach skills that foster a thriving, resilient, and compassionate society.” Part of that mission is a three-year project to study the “new science of gratitude” — the practice of feeling and expressing thanks.  In our culture it’s easy to take things for granted, but when we do get in touch with gratitude, research indicates it can strengthen our sense of joy and social connection, our relationships, our ability to cope with adversity and even our immune systems.

Convening scientists, educators and members of the public, the Gratitude Summit will review the latest findings from research in accessible, relevant terms, and explore the role gratitude plays in health and happiness, and how to cultivate it in ourselves, our children, schools, workplaces, homes, and communities.  Speakers will share practices for boosting gratitude in diverse contexts, “from kitchen tables to clinics to boardrooms to mobile devices.”  You’ll find the agenda, speakers’ bios and other information here.