Born to Flourish: How to Thrive in a Challenging World

Grounded in decades of neuroscientific research as well as in the accumulated wisdom of ancient contemplative traditions, Richard Davidson, PhD will discuss how to promote human flourishing and enhance mental health across the life span through the cultivation of four transformative practices.
These practices include:

• Awareness – learning to be fully present with your emotions.
• Connection - grow meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging.
• Insight – learn to know yourself through self-inquiry.
• Purpose – connect with your core values to enhance clarity and make sound decisions.

Dr. Davidson will speak to the practical application and measurable benefits of developing these habits of mind for us as individuals as well as for integration into our therapeutic approaches.

Richard J. Davidson, PhD, received his PhD from Harvard University in Psychology in 1976. Davidson’s research is broadly focused on the neural bases of emotion and emotional style and methods to promote human flourishing including meditation and related contemplative practices. He has published over 600 papers, numerous chapters and reviews, and edited 20 books. Davidson’s newest book, “Born to Flourish” with Cortland Dahl, is set to release in March 2026. He is also author (with Sharon Begley) of "The Emotional Life of Your Brain"published in 2012, and co-author with Daniel Goleman of “Altered Traits” published in 2017. He was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time Magazine in 2006. He was elected to the National Academy of Medicine in 2017 and appointed to the Governing Board of UNESCO’s Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) in 2018. In 2014, Davidson founded the non-profit, Healthy Minds Innovations, which translates science into tools to cultivate and measure well-being.