Popular notions of mindfulness and contemplation tend strongly toward “calming.” Yet “calming” only tells half the story, which can be deeply problematic when clarity and action are desired or called for. Alternatively, “grit and grace” resonates better with the professional audiences in business and healthcare that I work with. “Grit” captures focus and determination, while “grace” captures composure and compassion. In this salon, I invite reactions to this framing and seek ideas about how to support “grit and grace” with evidence-based research and wisdom traditions.

Led by innovators in contemplative sciences scholarship, computer science, and contemplative facilitation, Virtual Reality Meditation explores how ancient meditative practices are being innovated to simulate experiences within the virtual landscape, particularly the aNUma “numadelic” aesthetic experience. Demos of Virtual Reality will accompany the discussion. Join us to discuss these new worlds of meditation.

Join the Contemplative Sciences Center on October 8 for a discussion on "Contemplation" facilitated by Michael Sheehy. This session is the first in a monthly series of salons, open dialogues, held at the Contemplative Commons and centered around cutting-edge research related to contemplation and flourishing. The gatherings convene scholars, scientists, and practitioners from diverse perspectives to exchange ideas, generate knowledge, and seek solutions to global challenges.