Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars. – Khalil Gibran
What is vitality? Exuberance, vibrance, sparkle, spirit and verve — terms rarely found in psychology textbooks. Vulnerability to depression and anxiety is widespread, and our culture’s traditional emphasis is on reducing symptoms with drugs that alter certain neurotransmitters. Yet this is only part of the picture. We are living in a new era where vulnerabilities become strengths, and where what used to be stigma becomes common humanity. Good mental health is being redefined in terms of stress resilience, post-traumatic growth and vitality.
This workshop focuses on exploring new, evidence-based tools for living a vibrant life, even in the presence of symptoms of stress, depression, anxiety or pain. We will explore ways of fostering vitality and purpose through caring for the brain, body and gut — such as hot and cold exposures, optimal physical challenges, breathing techniques, meditation, embodied movement and certain nutrients.