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psychology conferences

Ancient Wisdom & Modern Psychology

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Dr Josie Malinowski, PhD

The Psychology of Dreaming

Dr Josie Malinowski, PhD
Dr-Steven-Stanley

Mindfulness, Buddhism & Modern Psychology

Dr Steven Stanley, PhD
Dr Mark Vernon, PhD

The Evolution of Consciousness

Dr Mark Vernon, PhD
Ancient Wisdom & Modern Psychology

A full day of talks putting ancient ideas to the test of modern scientific research.

What are dreams, and why do we have them?

When did human consciousness first emerge? And how has it evolved since?

Do early Buddhist descriptions of the mind, and of the human condition, make sense in light of modern science?

These are just some of the questions we’ll explore at this coming day on ‘Ancient Wisdom & Modern Psychology’ at The Weekend University.

In this series of talks, we’ll put ancient ideas to the test of modern science. Drawing on perspectives from neuroscience, philosophy and cognitive psychology, we’ll discuss dreams, consciousness, and mindfulness, and examine them in light of modern psychological research.

Content

Attendees will learn:

  • How to understand your dreams; modern psychological theories of dreaming, from classical psychoanalysis (was Freud right after all?) to 21st Century Cognitive Neuroscience
  • The psychological effects of ancient buddhist practices; what the latest research reveals about the link between mindfulness and wellbeing
  • The evolution of consciousness; how the human experience has changed from the time of Socrates to Freud, the birth of philosophy, and the emergence of psychotherapy in the 20th Century.

You’ll leave with a clear understanding of how these ancient ideas, when paired with the latest psychological research, can benefit your own life, and your ability to help others.

Event Schedule:

The format will be similar to a TED event, but with in-depth lectures and focused on the theme of Ancient Wisdom and Modern Psychology.

  • 10:00am – 12:00pm: Session 1
  • 12:00 – 1:00pm: Lunch break
  • 1:00pm – 3:00pm: Session 2
  • 3:00pm – 3:15pm: Afternoon break
  • 3:15pm – 5:00pm: Session 3
  • 5:20pm – 7:00pm: TWU Social & Networking (optional)

Lectures & Speakers

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The Psychology of Dreaming

Human beings all across the world, and for all of recorded history, have been fascinated by what happens when we sleep. What are dreams, and why do we have them? These two most basic, fundamental questions about dreaming have been asked by religion, philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience across the entire world throughout the ages – and yet we still don’t have a definitive answer.

This lecture will consider some modern psychological theories of dreaming, from classical psychoanalysis (was Freud right after all?) to 21st century cognitive neuroscience, to try and understand what dreaming is and why we do it, according to contemporary psychologists. You will learn about whether dreams are really a hotbed for your suppressed thoughts, the theory that dreams are “overnight therapy”, and whether we really do dream in metaphors and symbols.

Dr Josie Malinowski, PhD
Dr Josie Malinowski, PhD

The Psychology of Dreaming

Dr Josie Malinowski is an oneirologist (dream-researcher), oneironaut (dream-explorer), and lecturer in psychology at the University of East London. Her academic research interests are primarily within the fields of sleep and dreaming, altered states, and consciousness.

Her forthcoming book: The Psychology of Dreaming, will be published by Routledge next year. You can keep up to date with Josie’s work on www.oneirology.co.uk

Reading Recommendations:

Mindfulness, Buddhism & Modern Psychology

The United Kingdom arguably represents the leading front in the globalised therapeutic culture of ‘mindfulness’. Promoted predominantly as an effective therapeutic technique for the relief of stress, depression, and anxiety, mindfulness has moved rapidly from the Buddhist monasteries of Southeast Asia and into the mainstream of Western societies.

In this talk, Dr Steven Stanley, will discuss the multiple ways in which ‘mindfulness’ is made manifest across sectors of health, education, work, politics and spirituality, and analyse the mainstream turn to mindfulness against the background of cutting-edge work at the borderlands of psychology, religion, and spirituality.

Dr-Steven-Stanley
Dr Steven Stanley, PhD

Mindfulness, Buddhism & Modern Psychology

Dr Steven Stanley is a critical psychologist and Senior Lecturer in the School of Social Sciences at Cardiff University, Wales. His academic background is in Psychology, and his research is focused on the therapeutic cultures of late modernity, with a particular focus on social studies of mindfulness.

Dr Stanley has a 20-year meditation practice, and has undertaken the two-year Committed Dharma Practitioner Programme at Gaia House, Devon, and Pāli Summer School at Oxford Centre for Buddhist Studies, Oxford. Currently, he is collaborating internationally on a series of studies of mindfulness, meditation, and mind wandering. You can follow him on twitter @Dr_SteveStanley.

Reading Recommendations:

  • Mindful America – Jeff Wilson
  • Mindful Nation UK
  • Beyond McMindfulness – Ron Purser and David Loy
  • The Making of Buddhist Modernism – David McMahan

The Evolution of Consciousness

It’s been noted that the human experience of life has changed over time, and that during an “axial age”, in the middle of the first millennium BCE, a consciousness that is akin to our own first began to emerge. It’s why, in the west, we feel that philosophy began with figures like Socrates who lived then.

So what are the features of this consciousness, what preceded it, and how has it evolved in the centuries since, particularly in the modern period during which it may have been shifting again?

This lecture will explore how the human experience has changed over time, and how this can account for the birth of philosophy, as we tend to think of it, and the emergence of psychotherapy in the 20th century.

Dr Mark Vernon, PhD
Dr Mark Vernon, PhD

The Evolution of Consciousness

Dr Mark Vernon is a writer, broadcaster, psychotherapist and former Anglican priest, with an interest in Ancient Philosophy. His work focuses on the skills and insights that illuminate our inner lives. He contributes regularly to programmes on the BBC, comments and reviews for the national press, as well as giving talks and leading workshops.

Dr Vernon has degrees in physics and theology, and a PhD in Ancient Greek philosophy. He is a member of the teaching faculty at the School of Life, and works as a psychotherapist in private practice and at the Maudsley hospital. For more information, please see www.markvernon.com

Reading Recommendations:

Buy tickets

attendee testimonals

What TWU students are saying

The Weekend University is amazing! They recently hosted the Holistic Change Summit where such great minds were brought together to discuss a wide variety of topics relevant to change, growth and living a meaningful life. The facilitator, Niall, asked excellent questions which really gave the speaker the chance to discuss ideas that many of us wonder about. It was brilliant and I loved it.
Kiden Shae
Summit Attendee
Extremely stimulating events! It brings together great professionals who share their experience in their respective fields to pass their knowledge in a way accessible to the general public and other professionals alike. It is a great way to bring motivated people in the same place! Also, Niall is extremely thoughtful, considerate and driven person. His personal approach and professionalism in making those events happen does not go unnoticed!
Nikolay Petrov
Event Attendee
This event is nourishment for my mind! The kind of subjects usually reserved for academics is now open to us all and the information is delivered in a way that anyone can understand. The audience was filled with interesting people, hungry to learn and engage in fascinating conversations. We had all day to connect, to learn and to share. Just like a delicious cool drink on a very hot day, my mind felt quenched! Thank you, Niall, for creating this. I will be back!
David Saville
Event Attendee
Absolutely excellent day with The Weekend University last Saturday on Attachment and Psychotherapy. Superb speaker who was totally engaging, really useful practical insights, and great organisation. Thank you!
Helen Jane
Event Attendee
I attended an Existential Coaching seminar out of curiosity and ended up being supermotivated and serious to get more into this subject! The event was really went organised, the venue was central and easy to find and the organisers and facilitator were amazing. Totally recomend!
Fiora Maya Touliatou
Seminar Attendee
My first time at the Weekend University on their day of Wellbeing a fantastic event. Excellent venue, thought provoking speakers, interesting topics, really well organised, communication, support material a 5 star rating.
Viryapushpa Nolan
Event Attendee
I attended 'A Day on Sleep and Dreams’ and it was fantastic - excellent speakers and thought provoking content. The Weekend University has been a great discovery and I will defiantly be attending more lectures. The event was really well organised by Niall - informative emails, follow ups etc. I recommend that everyone takes the opportunity to go, you won’t be disappointed!
Hannah Durhager
Event Attendee
Click here to see what a day at The Weekend University looks like

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Date and time

26/08/2018

09:30 – 17:00 BST

Location

Birkbeck, University of London, Malet Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1E 7HX

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