Educating World Citizens for the 21st Century

Mind & Life Institute: Educators, Scientists and Contemplatives Dialogue on Cultivating a Healthy Mind, Brain and Heart

I drove to Washington D.C. this past week to hear great minds discuss our education system and how we can evolve to meet the challenges of the 21st century. This was an incredible meeting of the minds as the Dalai Lama, Daniel Goleman, Linda Darling-Hammond, Arne Duncan and many others discussed issues surrounding educating "compassionate, competent, ethical, and engaged citizens in an increasingly complex and interconnected world."

Neuroscientists and psychologists talked about learning theory and mindfulness and the need for developing compassion, empathy (and emotional intelligence in schools). There was also great discussion about what we can learn in education about contemplative traditions and how ideas could be borrowed for our educational systems. There was much research presented and information discussed about the importance of social and emotional intelligence and that it is undervalued and represented in our schools. The Mind & Life Institute (http://www.educatingworldcitizens.org/) was the most incredible professional development session I have ever attended.

I am working on compiling over 50 pages of notes: http://camillenischal.wikispaces.com/Mind+%26+Life+Institute+Conference

Daniel Goleman served as day 1 moderator. He talked about emotional intelligence and contemplative traditions.













Richard Gere was in attendance (pictured below in the center box seat).




























Linda Lantieri