Many of the problems we experience today, both personally and globally, can be traced to poor metaphysical choices, specifically epistemic closed-mindedness or dogmatic belief. Essentially, the cosmos has become disenchanted, either governed by an external authority beyond human experience or perceived through a nihilistic lens, rendering it cold, pointless, random, and arguably cruel and cynical. We are invited to re-enchant ourselves with the spectacular design of reality, recognizing its magnificent and purposeful intelligence and its interconnected unity. Cultivating symbolic cognition allows us to detect the archetypal forces shaping our reality. In essence, spirituality involves engaging with our own consciousness and being mindful of every experience. We inhabit a transcendental multiverse of pure experience, waiting to be explored by anyone brave enough to venture beyond the comforting familiarity of consensus reality. In this talk, you will: o Understand the psychological factors threatening the social fabric of society and allowing for the alarming destruction of the biosphere. o Be invited to explore your own vision of spirituality. o Begin to see the world through a radically new lens. o Awaken to the possibility of a symbolically meaningful, purposeful, and teleological cosmos. PRESENTERS: Dr. James B. Glattfelder is an author, academic, quantitative researcher, and entrepreneur. He holds an M.Sc. in theoretical physics next to a Ph.D. in the study of complex systems, both from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. His research focuses on decoding complexity, the metaphysics of existence, and the limits to knowledge while being concerned about societal and environmental challenges. For over a decade, James worked as a quantitative researcher, both in traditional finance and in the distributed ledger ecosystem, where he was involved in various startups. In 2025, his latest book will appear, called "The Sapient Cosmos: What a Modern-Day Synthesis of Science and Philosophy Teaches Us about the Emergence of Information, Consciousness, and Meaning." Website: https://jth.ch/jbg #Spirituality #Consciousness #Metaphysics #Reenchantment #SymbolicCognition #TranscendentalMultiverse #Archetypes #Unity #CosmicIntelligence #Mindfulness #PurposefulLiving #Philosophy #SpiritualGrowth #Awakening #InnerJourney #scientificspirituality

Implicit in the practice of science is a metaphysical belief that has hardly ever been scrutinized. However, inspired by the pressing challenges related to quantum mechanics and consciousness, more and more scholars are open to pondering radical new metaphysical ideas. As a result, idealism, a consciousness-only view of reality, is witnessing a renaissance in science and philosophy. In this workshop, you will: - Discover the history of idealism - Be introduced to modern variations, including syncretic idealism - Be exposed to the defects of scientific metaphysics - Entertain the concept of empirical metaphysics About Presenter: Dr. James B. Glattfelder is an author, academic, quantitative researcher, and entrepreneur. He holds an M.Sc. in theoretical physics next to a Ph.D. in the study of complex systems, both from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. His research focuses on decoding complexity, the metaphysics of existence, and the limits to knowledge while being concerned about societal and environmental challenges. For over a decade, James worked as a quantitative researcher, both in traditional finance and in the distributed ledger ecosystem, where he was involved in various startups. In 2025, his latest book will appear, called "The Sapient Cosmos: What a Modern-Day Synthesis of Science and Philosophy Teaches Us about the Emergence of Information, Consciousness, and Meaning." Website: https://jth.ch/jbg #Metaphysics #Idealism #ConsciousnessStudies #PhilosophyOfScience #QuantumMechanics #ScientificMetaphysics #SyncreticIdealism #EmpiricalMetaphysics #ConsciousnessAndReality #IdealismRenaissance #PhilosophyWorkshop #MindAndMatter #QuantumPhilosophy #ScienceAndConsciousness #ExploringReality

Have you ever wondered what happens to your mind during meditation? While many of us know that meditation brings calmness and stress relief, the practice also triggers profound changes in the brain. Studies have shown that long-term meditators exhibit distinct brain states that differ significantly from those of non-meditators. These changes are not just temporary but can lead to lasting benefits in emotional regulation, focus, and overall mental well-being. In this enlightening session, Diego, a seasoned Buddhist meditator with years of experience, will delve into the neuroscience behind meditation. He will explore how regular practice alters brain activity, enhances neuroplasticity, and fosters a deep sense of inner peace. Diego will also share insights from his own meditation journey, offering a unique perspective on how these brain changes manifest in daily life. In this talk, you will: - Understand the Science of Meditation: Learn how meditation impacts brain function and why long-term practice can lead to lasting changes in mental and emotional health. - Enhance Your Practice: Gain practical insights on how to deepen your meditation practice and achieve greater focus and calm in your daily life. - Explore Personal Insights: Hear from a seasoned practitioner about the real-world effects of meditation on the mind and how these changes can transform your life. ABOUT DIEGO: Since early childhood I have been fascinated by the questions: "What is reality?" "What is consciousness?" "What is a healthy mind?" My main interest is to understand the mind and the processes that lead to mental flourishing or dissatisfaction - all with the aim to help people find mental balance and wellbeing. I dedicated over thirty years to external scientific research and internal meditative exploration of the mind and consciousness within their respective settings (ETH Zürich; Dialectic School IBD, India). For the purpose of sharing these years of experience and insights, I have developed the Wheel of Mental Balance to teach the tools and methods proven to realize mental balance. Another area of keen interest has always been the relationship between mindset and performance: mental performance and physical performance. Accordingly, endurance sports have been an integral part of my learning and practice. In order to deepen the mind’s capacity to develop healthy qualities, and depending on a person’s inclinations and capacities, I have acquired many coaching methods and I am a MCC (Master Certified Coach), together with other expert certifications like Personal Coaching (CPCC), Organization Relationship Systems Coaching (ORSC), Red Team Coaching, and Team Performance Coaching (CTPC). Website: https://www.diegohangartner.org #MeditationMind #NeuroscienceOfMeditation #BrainChangesThroughMeditation #MindfulnessBenefits #EmotionalRegulation #FocusAndWellbeing #MeditationJourney #BuddhistMeditation #MeditationScience #Neuroplasticity #InnerPeace #StressRelief #MeditationPractices #BrainAndMind #WellnessThroughMeditation #MentalHealthTips #CalmMind #MeditationBenefits #MindfulnessJourney

The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence forces us to reconsider our felt cognitive supremacy. What does this emergence of novel cognitive faculties mean in the context of consciousness? What would artificial consciousness manifest as? Crossing the line from organic sentience to digital sentience raises many ethical questions. In this talk: - Discover the intelligence inherent in nature - Be introduced to artificial intelligence - Rediscover the enigma of consciousness in a novel context - Be invited to form your own opinion on the matter About Author: Dr. James B. Glattfelder is an author, academic, quantitative researcher, and entrepreneur. He holds an M.Sc. in theoretical physics next to a Ph.D. in the study of complex systems, both from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. His research focuses on decoding complexity, the metaphysics of existence, and the limits to knowledge while being concerned about societal and environmental challenges. For over a decade, James worked as a quantitative researcher, both in traditional finance and in the distributed ledger ecosystem, where he was involved in various startups. In 2025, his latest book will appear, called "The Sapient Cosmos: What a Modern-Day Synthesis of Science and Philosophy Teaches Us about the Emergence of Information, Consciousness, and Meaning." Website: https://jth.ch/jbg #ArtificialIntelligence #ConsciousnessExploration #ArtificialConsciousness #DigitalSentience #AIPhilosophy #EthicsInAI #FutureOfIntelligence #AIvsHumanMind #EmergingTechnologies #NatureAndConsciousness #MindAndMachine #PhilosophyOfTechnology #AIEthicsDebate #AIAndConsciousness

Mindfulness and meditation have become popular relaxation techniques in the West, often used to calm the mind, center oneself, and restore energy and focus to return to work more effectively. These practices are seen as valuable tools for stress reduction and mental clarity, helping individuals to manage the demands of modern life. However, in Eastern traditions, meditation holds a much deeper significance. It is not merely a method for relaxation but a transformative practice that can fundamentally alter one’s perception of reality. Meditation in these traditions is a profound journey that opens individuals to a vast, interconnected web of consciousness, where innumerable data points converge, and new, simple solutions can emerge. It transcends being a mere lifestyle choice, integrating seamlessly into daily life as a path to spiritual growth and enlightenment. Furthermore, meditation in the Eastern context is seen as a way to cultivate a deep sense of harmony with the universe. It encourages the development of inner peace, compassion, and a profound sense of interconnectedness with all living beings. This holistic approach fosters not only personal well-being but also a greater sense of community and empathy towards others. About Deepak: Deepak is deeply rooted in Indian philosophy, particularly the Vedas and Vedanta. A passionate explorer of the question, 'What does it mean to be human?', he stands at the intersection of technology (MTech - India), business (MBA, HSG Switzerland), and humanity (MA, Philosophy, California; coach CPCC, ACC). With over 15 years in the corporate world, he has held executive positions, including COO and Director, in consulting firms and multinational companies such as Accenture, Deutsche Post DHL, and Zurich Insurance Company. As the founder of the EduQua-certified humanistic skills academy, MQ Learning, he combines Eastern and Western philosophical traditions to make Eastern wisdom more applicable to global minds. Deepak lectures on topics related to self-leadership, philosophy & consciousness, digital ethics, and Eastern wisdom traditions. Website: https://www.mq-learning.com/conscious-studies #Mindfulness #meditation #EasternMeditation #MeditationBenefits #MindfulnessPractice #SpiritualGrowth #MeditationJourney #EasternWisdom #InnerPeace #ConsciousnessExploration #StressReduction #MentalClarity #TransformativeMeditation #SpiritualAwakening #HolisticWellbeing #Interconnectedness #MindfulLiving #EasternPhilosophy #SelfAwareness #InnerHarmony #MeditationForLife

Shamanism, one of the world’s oldest spiritual practices, offers a unique and profound understanding of consciousness that has been cultivated over millennia. This ancient wisdom is our heritage as human beings, a treasure trove of knowledge that has guided humanity throughout history. Yet, in the Western hemisphere, it has been ostracized for centuries, overshadowing our natural abilities to perceive and understand the world beyond our physical senses. In this session, Simone will guide us through how shamanic cultures view consciousness—not just as a state of mind, but as a fundamental aspect of existence that connects us to the natural world, the spirit realm, and the cosmos. We’ll delve into the ways this ancient wisdom has shaped the lives, rituals, and belief systems of shamanic practitioners. Whether you’re new to shamanism or have experience in spiritual practices, this session promises to offer valuable insights and a direct experience of the shamanic approach to consciousness. Prepare to open your mind and explore the profound connections between ancient wisdom and modern consciousness. About Simone: Simone Junod, the founder of Athena InsideOut Education is a qualified HR and finance professional as well as business consultant with extensive corporate experience. She is also a respectable wisdom keeper & practicing shaman. She very deftly brings the best of both worlds together to nurture and groom future business professionals and entrepreneurs through Athena’s programs. She gathered experience in large organizations as well as in SME’s, including startups in the following economic sectors: machine, watch & sports industries, wealth management and information technology. After a commercial apprenticeship she obtained a Bachelor in Business Administration from FHNW (University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Northwestern Switzerland). She grew up in the French part of Switzerland, together with eight siblings and it is within the family that she started developing her first leadership skills. Her true passion are people, lifelong learning and empowering others. For them to blossom and unfold their highest potential. It is the school of life which brought her other – non cognitive – capabilities to light, as well as intensive trainings with worldwide known wisdom keepers and shamans of different traditions. Website: https://www.athena-ioe.com/teachers #Shamanism #AncientWisdom #Consciousness #Spirituality #ShamanicPractices #MindfulLiving #SpiritRealm #CosmicConnection #SpiritualAwakening #ShamanicJourney #HealingThroughTradition #ModernConsciousness #SacredWisdom #CulturalHeritage #SelfAwareness #InnerPeace #MindBodySpirit

What do plants have to do with consciousness? Human beings perceive plants and trees utilizing our own sensory experience. Certain plants, such as those considered psychedelic or entheogenic, can alter human consciousness. Scientists and scholars in the humanities have debated whether plants themselves can be considered intelligent, sentient, cognitive, or even conscious. Spanning from plant souls to plant signalling and behaviour, this presentation and discussion seeks to bring the “vegetal turn,” a move toward recognizing plants as intelligent agents with their own lives, to conversations regarding consciousness. Laura Pustarfi, Ph.D., is adjunct faculty in Philosophy and Religion and Director of the Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies and Research Certificate Program at California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) in San Franscisco, California. Her scholarly interests include plant studies, integral ecology, psychedelic philosophy, and environmental humanities, especially environmental philosophy, eco-phenomenology, and religion and ecology. She is currently working on a volume co-edited with Dr. David Macauley, The Wisdom of Trees: Thinking Through Arboreality, forthcoming in 2025 from SUNY Press. Laura has presented at the several conferences on both plant studies and psychedelic-assisted therapy nationally and internationally. #Consciousness #PlantConsciousness #ConsciousnessStudies #MindAndNature #PlantIntelligence #NatureAwareness #ConsciousLiving #SpiritualityAndScience #Mindfulness #EnvironmentalAwareness

Psychedelic states of consciousness open the door to remarkable experiences. Despite popular perception, the spectrum of those experiences is wide - from delicate, gentle opening of senses to out-of-body experiences. The exact mechanisms behind psychedelic consciousness are still uncertain, but the prevailing therapeutic belief is that psychedelic substances don't introduce anything new into your system. Rather, they offer deep access to your implicit self and the experiences that have shaped it. Just like no healer can heal anyone directly but fosters an experience that represents the healing state, which the client chooses to integrate. Consequently, psychedelics are catalysts that reveal our inner world, activating the natural biological, psychological, and spiritual processes. Dr. Kasia Kopanska strives to bridge the experiential, scientific and mystical spaces. She is passionate about exploring the relationship between the body and altered states of consciousness. With a wide-open heart, she guides individuals and groups to experience nature within to transform and embrace trauma into belonging, aliveness, and authenticity. Kasia is somatic educator and psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) facilitator. She is a cell and tissue biology scientist (PhD from the University of Cambridge). Kasia is a scholar of feminine mysticism and oracular arts. She has extensive experience working with various tools and methodologies, including bodywork, touch, breathwork, sound, movement, parts inquiry, ritual, expressive arts and more. Website: https://www.kasiakopanska.com Instagram:    / kasia.embodied   Facebook:    / integral.embodied   LinkedIn:    / katarzynakopanska #somatictherapy #embodiment #embodiedexpanding #psychedelictherapy #psychedelicscience #psychedelicart #consciousnessstudies #consciousness #cellularconsciousness #bodyconsciousness