We are excited to offer a professional development opportunity this spring, at the University of Victoria, for healthcare practitioners and interested public who are involved with or exploring the positive health outcome potentials of spiritual belief and phenomena. Join leaders from across North America who will expand the boundaries of knowledge and clinical practice to encompass one of the most intriguing areas of health care research. Partners in organizing this event include the University of Victoria and Royal Roads University.

SpiritHeals: An exploration of spirituality in health and healing, May 29-31, 2009, is an integrative medicine conference for physicians, nurses, counsellors and a wide range of integrative practitioners. It will present an academically-oriented body of knowledge and research, as well as offer opportunities for deeper exploration in workshop settings and rejuvenating activities. Our plenary speakers include Dr. Joan Borysenko, PhD, who completed a doctorate and post-doctoral fellowships at Harvard Medical School and studies the spiritual dimensions of health; Dr. Edgar Mitchell, PhD, founder of the Institute of Noetic Sciences and the 6th man to walk on the moon; and Dr. Raymond Moody, MD, PhD, best-selling author of Life After Life and originator of the term “near-death experience.”

Health professionals are facing an increasingly complex work environment of emerging health trends, demographic shifts and challenging economic factors. As individuals, we are all looking for balance, authenticity, insight, centeredness, and a renewed outlook that increases our resiliency in uncertain times. SpiritHeals will explore these emerging challenges through in-depth lectures, experiential workshops, integrative panel sessions and networking opportunities with leading researchers and practitioners.

In addition to the main conference program, a growing list of pre- and post-conference workshops are available to deepen your educational experience, recharge your batteries and extend your personal journey. The program will also include a unique combination of culture, music, visual art and health-promoting activities.

You can register online at www.spiritheals.ca/register.htm or by calling 250.472-4747. We look forward to seeing you in May.

Sincerely,

Nicole Moen and Geoff Gosson
Animate Community
info@spiritheals.ca
www.spiritheals.ca

The SpiritHeals program will explore the growing research and clinical applications of spiritual belief and phenomena in the health care setting. We invite practitioners from all cultural and philosophical backgrounds and from the diverse range of faith communities to participate in this important exchange of experiences and study.

The conference streams include:

• research
• clinical practice
• education
• practitioner self-care and rejuvenation
• healing journeys