Program for SpiritHeals Conference, an exploration of spirituality in health and healing, May 29-31, 2009, Victoria, BC Canada

Program (jump to detailed schedule)

Program Overview

Detailed Schedule

FRIDAY - MAY 29, 2009		Continuing Education Credits CME: This program meets the accreditation criteria of the College of Family Physicians of Canada and has been accredited by the BC Chapter for up to 10 MainPro M1 credits. This program also qualifies for 21 Continuing Education Credits for Massage Therapists from the College of Massage Therapists of BC. Credits available for: Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctors Acupuncturists Herbalists Counsellors and Psychologists Naturopaths Homeopaths
9:00am-12:00pm	Morning Pre-conference Workshop (University of Victoria) Open to the public. Separate fees apply. Michele Pujol Room, SUB Building, University of Victoria (map) Dr. Joan Borysenko, PhD bio Saying Yes to Change: Essential wisdom for your journey Description
1:30-4:30pm	Afternoon Pre-conference Workshops (University of Victoria) Open to the public. Separate fees apply. (map) Dr. Raymond Moody, MD, PhD bio Humour and the Spirit of Revitalization for Health Practitioners Description Room D288, MacLaurin Building, UVic Dr. Leila Kozak, PhD, MSc; Paul Vlasuk, and Cedron Sterling, LMP *Healing at the End of Life: Integrative care practices in palliative and hospice care* Description Room D114, MacLaurin Building, UVic Dr. Mark Sherman, MDCM, CCFP Peace Begins with Me: An exploration into mindfulness Description MacLaurin D110, MacLaurin Building, UVic
3:00-7:00pm	Early Registration for Conference Delegates (McPherson Playhouse, #3 Centennial Square, Victoria, BC)
7:00-9:30pm	Public Keynote (McPherson Playhouse) Open to the public. This event is included for conference delegates. For public tickets call 250.386.6121 or toll-free 1.888.717.6121. Dr. Joan Borysenko, PhD bio Author, New York Times best seller, Minding the Body, Mending the Mind, Founding Partner of Mind/Body Health Sciences, and the Director of The Claritas Institute Interspiritual Mentor Training Program Introduction of Public Keynote Speaker by Todd Howard – President, Pacific Rim College of Complementary and Integrative Medicine Spirituality and Healing: Making the great global shift together One of the deepest forms of modern suffering is a sense of alienation from the deeper currents of life. The resultant feelings of emptiness often lead to hostility, depression, anxiety, addiction, prejudice, and stress. Unable to live and love from the fullness of our humanity, we lose health, resilience, and creative potential. Spirituality heals the rift between human beings and Life by restoring a sense of deep connection to a larger, meaningful whole. That connection results in a constellation of positive emotions including awe, gratitude, compassion, forgiveness, love, peace, and joy. Research demonstrates that these emotions lead to better physical and emotional health, inspired leadership, and the enhanced creativity so needed in this historic time of shift in global values, goals, and cooperation.

SATURDAY - MAY 30, 2009

6:30-7:30am

Healthy Start (University of Victoria) (map)

Opportunities for delegates to begin the day with a choice of concurrent activities including: Meditation, Sufi Whirling and Labyrinth.

7:00-8:30am

On-Site Registration MacLaurin Building

8:30-8:45am

Opening Ceremony (David Lam Auditorium)

Chief Andrew Thomas,Hereditary Chief of the Esquimalt First Nation,
brings welcome

Oldhands of the Tongna Shoshone First Nation provides an opening song

8:45-8:55am

Opening Remarks

Dr. Warren Bell, MD
Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment; Past-President, Association of Complementary and Integrative Physicians of BC

8:55-9:10am

Spiritual Leadership

Dr. Graham Dickson, PhD
Director, Centre for Health Leadership and Research,
Royal Roads University

" What does spirituality have to do with leadership? Well, everything."

9:10-10:00am

Opening Plenary Speaker

Dr. Joan Borysenko, PhD bio
Author, New York Times best seller, Minding the Body, Mending the Mind, Founding Partner of Mind/Body Health Sciences, and the Director of The Claritas Institute Interspiritual Mentor Training Program

The Science of Compassion in Healing and Health Care

10:00-10:30am

Nutrition Break

10:30-11:30am

Concurrent Workshops (time slots subject to change)

Read workshop descriptions

Therapeutic Applications of Contemplative Wisdom in Psychiatry
Dr. E. Jane Garland, MD, FRCPC

Discerning Religious, Non-religious and Metaphysical Spirituality:
A socio-historical perspective for researchers
Siobhan Chandler, Masters degree in religious studies, PhD Candidate Wilfrid Laurier University

Places for Whole Beings: Perspectives on the impact of city design on our physical and spiritual wellbeing
Mark E. Holland, MSc, LEED Accredited Professional

Keeping in Touch with Persons Who Have Died: Solace for persons who have lost a loved one
Christine Upright, RN, BScN, MN (c) and Dr. Deborah Sally Thoun, RN, BN, MN, PhD

Healing: A spiritual inquiry – moving toward wellness one question at a time
Dr. Nelie C. Johnson, MD

The Theatre of Asclepius: A performance ritual project
Robert Birch, Ryerson Theatre School, BFA; University of Victoria, MA candidate, Applied Theatre

Spiritual Anatomy: Our embodied map for healing & transformation
Leslie S. Black, MA, BA, CHTP

Bringing in the Heartbeats: Sensorial dimensions of aboriginal spirituality within biomedical contexts
Elena Papadakis, MA, BA, Therapeutic Touch Practitioner

Touching The Divine: Understanding the science and spirit of energy medicine
Karen Ledger, RN, BScN

POSTER: Metta – a Loving Kindness approach with hard to treat symptoms
David Greenshields, MA, RSW

11:30-11:40am

Transition

11:40am-1:00pm

Panel Discussion

The Deep Dive: What is the nature
of spirituality, faith and belief?
Selected representatives from a range of healing and spiritual traditions.

Christopher Page (moderator), Arch Deacon of Tolmie Rector of St. Philip Anglican Church
Rev. Doris Trinh-Lewis, Unity Church of Victoria (Unity, Buddhism)
Oldhands, Traditional Healer and Spiritual Leader of the Tongna Shoshone First Nations
Edgar Mitchell, PhD, Former Astronaut, Founder of the Institute of Noetic Sciences (Cosmology)
Allen Schoen, MS, DVM, Author and Veterinarian (Nature’s Voice, Judaism-Kabbalah)
Jane Garland, MD, FRCPC, Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia (Sufism, Islam)

1:00-2:15pm

Lunch on-site (optional)

2:15-3:15pm

Concurrent Workshops (time slots subject to change)

Read workshop descriptions

Scientific Evidence for the Persistence of Consciousness after Physical Death
Dr. Warren Bell, MD

Spirit: The basis of indigenous healing practices
Oldhands, Traditional Healer and Spiritual Leader, Tongna Shoshone First Nation

The Unfolding of a New Medicine: Emerging evidence in spirituality, consciousness & healing research
Leila Kozak, PhD

What Love Has to Do with It: Love and spirituality in professional practice
Michèle Butot, MSW, RCSW, E-RYT

The Healing Power of Intuition
Grace Dale, BSc, Intuitive Consultant

Vulnerable Moments, Spiritual Moments: A story of spirit in everyday clinical practice in the neonatal intensive care unit
Linda Shea, RN, PhD (c)

Horses & Healing
Michelle Atterby, DipAccup, AEH, BMS and Oriane Lee Johnston, BA, SGG

Spiritual Emergence, Ecopsychology, Khoisan Vision Quest and the Global Sustainability Crisis
Graham S. Saayman, PhD., R. Psych.

3:15-3:45pm

Nutrition Break

3:45-5:00pm

Introduction of Plenary Speaker by:
Dr. Mark Sherman, MD – President, Victoria Community Health Cooperative

Second Plenary Speaker

Dr. Edgar Mitchell, PhD bio
Founder Institute of Noetic Sciences,
Apollo 14 Astronaut

Outer Space, Inner Mind

All who have been in space flight and observed our planet from afar, have to some extent experienced the phenomenon called “The Overview Effect”. For me, this meant a sense of unity with all that exists, accompanied by a feeling of ecstasy. It required for me, as one of the first generation of space farers from Earth, to seriously re-examine the ancient questions from this new perspective. The ancient questions are: “Who are we”? “How did this all begin”? Where is it going”? “What is our relationship to the larger cosmos”? It was that impetus that was the basis for creating, in 1972, the Institute of Noetic Sciences to use the tools of science to investigate the phenomenon of consciousness, as that has been a major omission in science for almost 400 years. Particularly my interest was drawn to the role of mind in alternative methods of healing, as I had witnessed that phenomenon among certain health practitioners.

5:00-7:00pm

Free Time

7:00-10:00pm

Celebration Reception and Dance at the University Club (map)

A catered reception featuring the bopping sounds of the Brooke Maxwell Trio and a magical percussion experience with Lyle Povah

SUNDAY - MAY 31, 2009
6:30-7:30am	Healthy Start (map) Opportunities for delegates to begin the day with a choice of concurrent activities including: Meditation, Sufi Whirling and Labyrinth.
8:30-9:10am	Poem-Prayer, Dr. Conrad Sichler, MD Opening Remarks Dr. Anita Tannis, MD, CCFP, ABHM Integrative medical physician,West Vancouver; Youth program physician, Vancouver Coastal Health Experiential Plenary Workshop Shivon Robinsong Co-Director, The Gettin' Higher Choir The Healing Power of Harmony A growing body of research points to the health benefits of singing. But what about the legions of people who’s voices have been silenced by the belief that they can’t sing, that their voices aren’t good enough? In a society where singing is largely seen as something best left to the professionals, there is a resurgence of people reclaiming singing as a birthright. How did singing evolve in the first place? What have we lost by keeping this precious tool under wraps? Experience the thrill of hundreds of voices raised together in harmony. Shivon Robinsong is founder / co-director of The Gettin' Higher Choir, a 300+ member non-audition community choir in Victoria. She views singing as a basic human birthright, and an essential practice for vibrant personal and community health. In her many workshops throughout North America, Shivon has re-connected thousands of people with their singing voices. www.shivon.com
9:10-10:20am	Introduction of Plenary Speaker by: Dr. Heather Botting O’Brien and Angela Wood – UVic Chaplaincy Services Third Plenary Speaker Dr. Raymond Moody, MD, PhD bio Author, Life After Life *Exploring Spiritual Experiences of the Dying: Clinical dimensions of near-death experiences and related phenomena* Since the 1960's, Dr Raymond Moody has interviewed thousands of people form all over the world who survived close calls with death and reported extraordinary spiritual experiences. In this presentation, Dr Moody describes the common features of near-death experiences and offers practical clinical suggestions for helping patients who return from the brink of death. Dr Moody will also discuss other astonishing phenomena associated with the dying process, including the empathic death experiences of bystanders at the bedside of the dying and the swan song phenomenon in which the dying sing or recite poetry. All in an effort to find answers to the greatest question of all, What Happens When We Die? In his book, Life After Life, Raymond Moody investigated more than one hundred case studies of people who experienced "clinical death" and were subsequently revived. First published in 1975, this classic exploration of life after death started a revolution in popular attitudes about the afterlife and established Dr. Moody as the world's leading authority in the field of near-death experiences. Life After Life forever changed the way we understand both death -- and life -- selling millions of copies to a world hungry for a greater understanding of this mysterious phenomenon.
10:20-10:45am	Nutrition Break
10:45-11:45am	Concurrent Workshops (time slots subject to change) Read workshop descriptions *African Drumming and Spirituality: The emergence of spirit in the daily rhythms of life* Lyle Povah, Musician and Educator and Colleen Steel, RN The Spirit in the Substance Roland Guenther, MD, PhD Healing the Split Between Science and Spirit John Shields, MA; Director, The Haven *Kindred Spirits and Co-Species Healing: How the remarkable bond between humans and animals can change the way we live and heal* Allen M. Schoen, DVM, MS Illness as a Call to Consciousness Dr. Conrad Sichler, BSc, MD, CCFP, CCSAM How Spirituality Shapes the Practice of Community Health Nurses Who Work in First Nations Communities in British Columbia Karen A. McColgan, RN, BN, MN, Certified Practice Midwife Wash, Rinse, and Renew: Hand washing as a centering practice Cindy Schell, RN, graduate of a two-year Spiritual Guidance training program Loving Our Egos: A vehicle for healing and spiritual growth Dr. Penny Whillans, Ed.D., R.Psych
11:45-11:55am	Transition
11:55am-1:05pm	Panel: *Healing Stories* Raymond Moody, MD, PhD (moderator) Joanne Thomson, GN BA MAdEd Pat Hoglund, MA, SGG Penny Whillans, Ed.D., R. Psych Carol Anne Munro, M.Div., Healing Facilitator, Writer, Artist Indrus Piche, MA, CCA, ATP, SDI Many healing stories go untold because they are private experiences between practitioners and their clients, between patients and their families, or as solitary journeys. We rarely hear through clinical studies or the media that healing can be about a heart-centred personal passage, the knowledge and wisdom gained, the relationships built and broken, the false hopes, the moments of joy, the web of connections traversed. These five women have dealt with issues from chronic pain and burn out to near death experiences, from abuse and alcoholism to multiple personality disorders and cancer. They will recount their journeys of profound healing, transformation, open hearts and peace.
1:05pm-1:30pm	Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements Dr. Warren Bell, MD Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment; Past-President, Association of Complementary and Integrative Physicians of BC Closing Performance with Zav RT "...an innovative, spunky violist, composer and storyteller." and Adrian Dolan "...everything he touches turns to brilliant sound." Main Conference Ends
1:30- 2:30pm	Lunch on-site (optional)
2:30-5:30pm	Post-conference workshops (University of Victoria) Open to the public. Separate fees apply. (map) Dr. Edgar Mitchell, PhD (in-depth lecture, 2:30-5:00pm) The Planet in the Window: Exploring Space, Consciousness and Cosmic Connections David Lam Auditorium, MacLaurin Building, UVic Description Christopher Page, MDiv, ThM *Finding Centre: The Path Beyond Burnout* Description Room D114, MacLaurin Building, UVic Michelle Atterby, DipAccup, AEH, BMS and Oriane Lee Johnston, BA, SGG Horses & Healing at Spirit Gate Farm (3:00-6:00pm) Description Spirit Gate Farm Joanne Thomson, MAdEd, BA, GN Drawing Inward: Using a pencil to create your own portable oasis Description Room C108, David Strong, Building, UVic