Events

  In an era where the impact of human activities on the planet has reached critical levels, we come together to explore and promote mindful actions for climate change mitigation and adaptation. This symposium aims to bridge the gap between research, policy, and public awareness, fostering collaboration and inspiring actionable steps toward a sustainable future. As the urgency to address climate change intensifies, this symposium serves as a platform for interdisciplinary discussions, innovative solutions, and collective mindfulness towards sustainable practices and individual behavior change. ​ ​The day-long symposium will bring together leading academics, community leaders and activists, practitioners of mindfulness, and monastics who studied under Thich Nhat Hanh. Join us for an inspiring and informative day of discussion, networking, and mindfulness. This event is free and open to the public through an online webinar. Please register here by end of day on April 14th!  

VIRTUAL SYMPOSIUM SCHEDULE *Please note this schedule has been modified for virtual attendance. Those attending in person have a slightly different schedule. Registration & Welcome 8:45 – 8:50 a.m. Welcome from Dr. Harvey Fineberg 8:50 – 8:55 a.m. Mindful Breathing 8:55 – 9:05 a.m. Opening Remarks from Dr. Lilian Cheung 9:05 – 9:15 a.m. Opening Remarks from Dr. Walter Willett   Session 1: The Science & Practice of Global Initiatives 9:15 – 9:20 a.m. Introduction of Session 1 from Dr. Harvey Fineberg 9:20 – 9:40 a.m. Dr. Walter Willett 9:40 – 10:00 a.m. Dr. Rebecca Henderson | “Mindfulness, Climate & Business: Emerging Approaches” 10:00 – 10:20 a.m. Dr. Kari Nadeau | “Climate and Health and Wellness” 10:20 – 10:25 a.m. Summary of Session 1 from Dr. Harvey Fineberg   Break 10:30 – 10:50 a.m. Break & Conversation   Session 2: Transformative Climate Action in Academia 10:50 – 10:55 a.m. Introduction of Session 2 from Dr. Harvey Fineberg 10:55 – 11:15 a.m. Dr. Jim Stock 11:15 – 11:25 a.m. Dr. David Williams | “Physical/Chemical Exposures and their Potential to Exacerbate Social Inequities in Health: The Case of Early Childhood Development” 11:25 – 11:45 a.m. Dr. Afreen Siddiqi | “Goal-seeking structures for adapting socio-technical systems” 11:45 – 12:05 p.m. Smitha Haneef | “Designing hospitality programs to promote healthy diets from sustainable food systems” 12:05 – 12:10 p.m. Summary of Session 2 from Dr. Kari Nadeau   Lunch & Break 12:10 p.m. Lunch Break 1:40 p.m. Mindful Breathing   Session 3: Imperatives for Action 1:40 – 1:45 p.m. Introduction of Session 3 from Dr. Harvey Fineberg 1:45 – 2:05 p.m. Dr. K. “Vish” Viswanath 2:05 – 2:20 p.m. Leslie Jonas | “Mindfulness in Cultural Respect and Traditional Ecological Knowledge” 2:20 – 2:40 p.m. Melissa Hoffer 2:40 – 3:00 p.m. Sister The Nghiem (Sister True Vow) 3:00 – 3:30 p.m. Community Reflection Panel featuring Sister Dang Nghiem, Brother Phap Luu, Brother Phap Dung, Nieisha Deed, Momi Afelin, and Leslie Jonas   Mindful Reflections & Closing Remarks 3:30 – 4:00 p.m. Comments & Questions from Audience, moderated by Drs. Walter Willett & Kari Nadeau 4:00 – 4:20 p.m. Monastic Chant & Great Bell Chant  

SYMPOSIUM PRESENTERS & MODERATORS Momi Afelin, MPH
Alumni, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health  Lilian Cheung, ScD
Lecturer, Director of Health Promotion & Communication, and Director of Mindfulness Research and Practice, Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Nieisha Deed
Founder and CEO of PureSpark, Boston Brother Phap Dung
Monastic Disciple of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh  Smitha Haneef, MS
Managing Director for Harvard University Dining Services, Harvard University
Rebecca Henderson, PhD
John and Natty McArthur University Professor, Harvard University Co-Director, Business & Environment Initiative, Harvard Business School Harvey V. Fineberg, MD, PhD
President of the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation Melissa Hoffer, MEd, JD
Massachusetts’ First Climate Chief Leslie Jonas, MS
Indigenous Land and Water Conservationist and Elder Eel Clan member of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Brother Phap Luu
Monastic Disciple of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh  Kari Nadeau, MD, PhD
Chair of the Department of Environmental Health at Harvard School of Public Health and John Rock Professor of Climate and Population Studies, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Sister Dang Nghiem, MD
Monastic Disciple of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh  Sister The Nghiem
Monastic Disciple of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh  Afreen Siddiqi, SM, PhD
Research Scientist in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology James H. Stock, MS, PhD
Vice Provost for Climate and Sustainability and Director of the Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability at Harvard University, and the Harold Hitchings Burbank Professor of Political Economy, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University  K. “Vish” Viswanath, PhD
Lee Kum Kee Professor of Health Communication and Director of the Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness, Center for Translational Health Communication Science, and Harvard Chan India Research Center, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Walter C. Willett, MD, MPH
Director of the Thich Nhat Hanh Center for Mindfulness in Public Health and Professor of Epidemiology and Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health David R. Williams, MA, MPH, PhD
Norman Professor of Public Health and Chair of the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health  

MONASTIC PARTICIPANTS Brother Phap Dung Brother Phap Luu Brother Nam Sac Brother Minh An Brother Minh Niem Brother An Dinh Brother Phap Khong Brother Phap Chung Sister The Nghiem Sister Dang Nghiem Sister Tinh Nghiem Sister Tinh Nghiem Sister Quynh Nghiem Sister Hoc Nghiem

THICH NHAT HANH Thich Nhat Hanh was a Zen master, a peace activist, a teacher, and a driving force behind the introduction of mindfulness to the Western world. We are proud to have our Center named for this soft-spoken Buddhist monk, who devoted his long life to refining the practice of mindfulness and sharing those insights with the world. Thich Nhat Hanh (or “Thay,” which means teacher in Vietnamese) teaches us to live fully in the here and now, to recognize our connections with those around us, and to act with purpose to preserve and protect our planet. We hope our Center will spread those values around the world through the study and teaching of mindfulness. Born in Vietnam in 1926, Thich Nhat Hanh entered a Buddhist monastery at age 16. A life of contemplation suited him, yet in viewing the suffering in the world, he also felt compelled to speak up, mobilize, and actively work toward a better future. In so doing, he founded the “engaged Buddhism” movement. Throughout the Vietnam War, Thich Nhat Hanh traveled tirelessly to spread the principles of nonviolence, compassion, and solidarity, working alongside activists such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who nominated the Buddhist monk for a Nobel Prize at the height of the war. In his home country, meanwhile, Thich Nhat Hanh put his principles into action by founding an all-volunteer relief organization, known as the School of Youth and Social Service. Because of his activism, Thich Nhat Hanh was exiled from Vietnam. In November 2018, after suffering a stroke in 2014, Thich Nhat Hanh returned to Từ Hiếu Temple in Huế, Vietnam, where he ordained. He expressed a wish to stay there for his remaining days. At the age of 95, Thich Nhat Hanh passed away peacefully in the early moments of January 22, 2022, in the Deep Listening Hut at Từ Hiếu Temple, surrounded by loving disciples.  

THICH NHAT HANH CENTER FOR MINDFULNESS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
  Our Vision We envision a healthier and sustainable world, where people are mindful of their connections with all others and our planet. Our Mission

The Thich Nhat Hanh Center for Mindfulness in Public Health aims to:

1. Pursue evidence-based approaches to improving health and wellbeing through mindfulness by undertaking rigorous, scientific inquiry; and,

2. Provide mindfulness education and training for the Harvard community and beyond. By pursuing these dual tracks of academic research and public engagement, we aim to improve public health and inspire global action. * Harvard Chan School hosts a diverse array of speakers, invited to share both scholarly research and personal perspectives. They do not speak for the School, and hosting them does not imply endorsement of their views, organizations, or employers.

The Thich Nhat Hanh Center for Mindfulness in Public Health warmly welcomes Harvard Chan students, staff, and faculty to come together for an afternoon mindfulness practice every Thursday from 1 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. beginning January 11^th, 2024.

The drop-in mindfulness sessions include sitting and walking meditations, learning about mindfulness, and practicing mindfulness to enhance our energy of ease and rest.

The practice will start at 1 p.m. and aim to end at 1:50 p.m., however, you are permitted to come and go at any time.

Please see the schedule below: Thursday, January 11^th – Kresge, Room 110
Thursday, January 18^th – Kresge, Room 110
Thursday, January 25^th – Kresge, Room 110
Thursday, February 1st – Department of Nutrition, Room 375
Thursday, February 8^th – Nutrition Library, Room 317
Thursday, February 15^th – Department of Nutrition, Room 375
Thursday, February 22nd – Kresge, Room 110
Thursday, February 29^th – Department of Nutrition, Room 375
Thursday, March 7^th– Nutrition Library, Room 317
Thursday, March 14^th – Kresge, Room 110
Thursday, March 21st – Department of Nutrition, Room 375
Thursday, March 28^th – Kresge, Room 110
Thursday, April 4^th – Kresge, Room 110
Thursday, April 11^th – Kresge, Room 110
Thursday, April 18^th – No Session
Thursday, April 25^th – No Session
Thursday, May 2nd – Kresge, Room 110
Thursday, May 9^th – Kresge, Room 110
Thursday, May 16^th – Kresge, Room 110
Thursday, May 23rd – No Session (Commencement) Thursday, June 6^th – Kresge, Room 110 Thursday, June 20^th – Kresge, Room 110   Mindfulness and mindful living require no special equipment. It can be done anytime, anywhere. And if you fall away from the practice for a stretch, it is easy to get back into it. A few deep breaths can help you reset and refocus. We hope you can join us. 

Questions? Send us an email at mindfulpublichealth@hsph.harvard.edu

With deep gratitude,
The Thich Nhat Hanh Center for Mindfulness in Public Health    *Please note, at this time, these sessions are only available for Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health students, staff, and faculty. This schedule is subject to change.  As the Center develops, we will actively engage with the public to share our findings, providing resources to help individuals of every background practice mindfulness in their daily lives, including mindful eating, to protect both their health and the health of the planet.

  Find calm amidst the end-of-semester rush with mindfulness expert Lilian Cheung. She’ll lead a mindfulness exercise and share practical tips to center yourself before the holidays. After the session, enjoy snacks and fellowship in the Studio. This event is open and free to Harvard Chan students, staff, and faculty. Please register register here to attend in person. An on-demand video will be posted and available after the event for all to enjoy. SPEAKER Lilian Cheung, Director of Mindfulness Research and Practice in the Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.  

Dear Harvard Community,   The Thich Nhat Hanh Center for Mindfulness in Public Health is offering “An Invitation to Sit Together for Peace” this Thursday, Oct. 26, from 1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m.  In response to the violence in the Middle East, Dr. Lilian Cheung will read an open letter from the International Plum Village Community of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh and offer a guided meditation to help us cultivate solidity and stability, so we may open our hearts, radiate compassion, and support all who suffer from terrorism, conflict, and natural disasters.  This mindfulness session is a special opportunity for the Harvard community to practice mindfulness with a specific aim to promote oneness with humanity and peace in the world.   You are welcome to join us in person at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Kresge Room 110 or online via Zoom on Thursday from 1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. Everyone is welcome.   With deep gratitude,   The Thich Nhat Hanh Center for Mindfulness in Public Health Contact: mindfulpublichealth@hsph.harvard.edu

The Thich Nhat Hanh Center for Mindfulness in Public Health warmly welcomes Harvard Chan students, staff, and faculty to come together for an afternoon mindfulness practice every Thursday from 1 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. beginning September 7^th, 2023.

The drop-in mindfulness sessions include sitting and walking meditations, learning about mindfulness, and practicing mindfulness to enhance our energy of ease and rest.

The practice will start at 1 p.m. and aim to end at 1:50 p.m., however, you are permitted to come and go at any time.

Please see the schedule below:   1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. Thursday, September 7^th – Nutrition Library, Room 317
1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. Thursday, September 14^th – Nutrition Library, Room 317
1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. Thursday, September 21^st – Kresge, Room 110
1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. Thursday, September 28^th – Kresge, Room 110
1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. Thursday, October 5^th – Kresge, Room 110
1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. Thursday, October 12^th – Kresge, Room 110
1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. Thursday, October 19^th – Nutrition Library, Room 317
1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. Thursday, October 26^th – Kresge, Room 110
1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. Thursday, November 2^nd – Kresge, Room 110
1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. Thursday, November 9^th – Kresge, Room 110
1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. Thursday, November 16^th – Kresge, Room 110
1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. Thursday, November 30^th – Kresge, Room 110
1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. Thursday, December 7^th – Kresge, Room 110
1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. Thursday, December 14^th – Kresge, Room 110
1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. Thursday, December 21^st – Kresge, Room 110   Mindfulness and mindful living require no special equipment. It can be done anytime, anywhere. And if you fall away from the practice for a stretch, it is easy to get back into it. A few deep breaths can help you reset and refocus. We hope you can join us.   

Questions? Send us an email at mindfulpublichealth@hsph.harvard.edu  

With gratitude,
The Thich Nhat Hanh Center for Mindfulness in Public Health    *Please note, at this time, these sessions are only available for Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health students, staff, and faculty. As the Center develops, we will actively engage with the public to share our findings, providing resources to help individuals of every background practice mindfulness in their daily lives, including mindful eating, to protect both their health and the health of the planet.

Join us from September 26 to October 1, 2023, at Deer Park Monastery for an extraordinary retreat and symposium open to all, merging the timeless teachings of the Buddha with the forefront of scientific inquiry. REGISTRATION IS OPEN The Buddha the Scientist Retreat is a transformative journey into the present moment, empowering scientists and the wider community to cultivate mental stability amidst the multifaceted challenges of our time. The Buddha, as a true pioneer, ignited a revolution in understanding the mind and body. His teachings offer concrete methods to develop mindfulness, concentration, and insight—an invaluable compass for seekers throughout the ages. Moreover, he embodied a scientific mindset, continually adapting his teachings based on real-life evidence gleaned from his own practice and that of his students. In this retreat, offered in collaboration with Deer Park Monastery, we delve into this intersection of wisdom and scientific inquiry, revealing profound insights and a pathway to a more embodied understanding of our minds. We will learn how to practice: Mindful breathing, walking, eating, speaking, and listening Grounding attention in the breath and body to interrupt the torrent of conceptual thinking that perpetuates emotional turbulence, leading to a profound understanding of how our thoughts and perceptions shape our emotional landscape Cultivating conscious attention at a collective level, nurturing vitality and the capacity to thrive as a community Dissolving the illusion of separation through embodied mindfulness practices Engaging in research from a non-dualistic perspective, which extends from the personal to the collective Fostering inclusive and holistic approaches to public health through mindfulness practice, transcending regional, national, and global boundaries Forging deeper connections and harmonious relationships with others and the Earth Experience a groundbreaking exploration where ancient wisdom intertwines with scientific inquiry. Amidst the climate emergency, political divisions, conflicts, and social inequities, this retreat helps us cultivate inner stability. Embrace the transformative power of mindfulness and embark on a collective journey to cultivate compassion, understanding, and resilience in the midst of our complex world. Please visit Deer Park Monastery to learn more about registration, retreat costs, scholarships, contact information, and additional details. A detailed schedule and list of presenters will be available soon. Deer Park Monastery
2499 Melru Lane
Escondido, CA 92026 United States
Phone: 760-291-1003  

This day-long symposium will bring together leading academics, well-known practitioners of mindfulness, and monastics who studied under Thich Nhat Hanh, the global spiritual leader and peace activist in whose honor the Center is named.