A Vision for the Dahdaleh Institute

The Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research has a bold vision for achieving global health through planetary health, humanitarianism, and foresighting themes. One might characterize these as ‘healing others, healing our world’. However, Harvey seeks to raise the prospect of an additional theme where the Dahdaleh Institute would foster ‘healing ourselves’ as a health promoting organization. This follows on the wisdom of Angel Kyodo Williams: Without inner change there can be no outer change. Without collective change, no change matters.

We all encounter stress in our daily lives that at times can be difficult to manage – affecting the health of our body, mind, emotions, and spirit. Many people have experienced traumatic stress due to circumstances such as: school/workplace pressure, prolonged illness/injuries, mental/physical abuse, bullying, conflicts, environmental disasters, poverty, racism and other forms of oppression. This is especially timely as we continue to be challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic. Practical approaches are needed that can help people, communities and even whole populations better manage their stress and foster wellbeing for all.

To be effective as an ‘Agent of Change’, we must focus on practices for fostering our own wellness and resiliency. Awaken our inherent wisdom and capacity to heal – energizing and balancing our body, mind, emotions, and spirit. Then, we are grounded and better able to help and heal others as well as our planet.

In this seminar, Harvey will begin with interactive learning for ‘Stress Busting’ via Qi Gong (Tai Chi) mind-body practices. This is a great way to prepare for the new year ahead with its foreseen and unforeseen challenges. A planning tool will be introduced that draws on the a) Tree of Contemplative Practices for identifying goals and b) SMART framework for moving goals into achievable actions. Then, Harvey will briefly review some of the evidence from empirical studies and systematic reviews supporting ‘Eastern’ practices including Qi Gong, Mindfulness Meditation, Acupuncture, Yoga, and Ayurvedic Medicine. Finally, participants will engage in dialogue about the Dahdaleh Institute broadening its vision to support members and associates in developing their personal practice plans for wellness and resiliency.

Speaker profile

Harvey Skinner is Professor Emeriti of Psychology & Global Health at York University and was Founding Dean (2006-2016) of the Faculty of Health. He is a Senior Fellow at the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research. Previously, he was Chair of Public Health Sciences, University of Toronto (now the Dalla Lana School of Public Health). Harvey is an internationally recognized scholar placed in the top 2% World Scientists by the Stanford University analysis with respect to his research citations and impact. His current focus is promoting global mental health drawing on Eastern, Indigenous and Western worldviews and practices (see mini-course link). With his partner Susan Harris, Harvey leads online sessions on Qi Gong (Tai Chi) and Mindfulness Meditation called Stress Busting: 30 Minutes of Magical Practices engaging York University students, staff, faculty, alumni and the broader community.

Stress Busting practices website

Global Mental Health online mini-course

Register below and join us on Wednesday, January 11, at 1 p.m.

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Please find the recap and recording here.