This conference was created for adults, although it is about children. It is also about the dream that every child has the opportunity and tools to learn how to live in health and well-being, in peace and positivity, so that they can lead healthier, fuller, and happier lives. It is accompanied by a supportive and present adult.

This is a shared dream of many of us. However, the statistics tell a different story. They present a world where children and teenagers experience many difficulties - stress, anxiety, depression, anger, bullying, helplessness. We want to respond to their support needs through education and increasing awareness within their surrounding environment.

We know that mindfulness practices can help children learn better ways to cope with their emotions and/or manage stress. This may lead to happier teenagers and calmer adults. These tools can also contribute to improved academic performance and have a positive impact on the people around us, supporting the creation of lasting and quality relationships.

That is why the "In the Heart of Mindfulness" conference is directed to school and preschool teachers, parents, caregivers, psychiatrists, psychologists, educators, speech therapists, and social workers.

Three organizations have joined forces to create a space that, through a wide range of invited speakers, becomes a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experiences. The aim is to deepen the understanding and experience of mindfulness and compassion and their application in various aspects of a child's life and growth.

We warmly invite you to be a part of this event. Registration will open soon (the conference is free, but registration will be required).

Confirmed Speakers: Conference Schedule (subject to change):

09:00 - 09:15 Conference opening.
09:15 - 09:30 Opening lecture - Dr. Julia E. Wahl, SWPS University.
09:30 - 10:00 A Few Words About Mindfulness. Anna Zubrzycki and Dr. Krystyna Boroń-Krupińska.
10:00 - 10:30 Parenting between a Saber-Toothed Tiger and a Smartphone - How Mindfulness, Compassion, and Cultivating the Good can be Helpful for Parents. Jörg Mangold.
10:30 - 11:00 Mindfulness for Parents and Caregivers - How Mindfulness Can Support Parents of Children with Special Needs or Diagnoses. Weronika Chmielewska.

11:00 - 11:10 Break.
11:10 - 11:40 Exercises in "Not-Thinking" or Mindfulness for Children. Agnieszka Jankowska-Figaj.
11:40 - 12:10 Introducing Mindfulness into Schools: Facing the Dragons. Dr. Heather Grace Bond.
12:10 - 12:40 How Can Mindfulness Support Teenagers? Dorota Piasecka.
12:40 - 13:45 Lunch break.
13:45 - 14:15 Mindfulness in Education - Shifting the Focus Point. Kevin Hawkins.
14:15 - 14:45 Mindfulness in Polish Schools - Hopes and Challenges of Mindfulness Training for Teachers. How Mindfulness Transforms Schools from Places of Stress and Struggle into Spaces of Peace and Connection. Ewa Sanko Orłowska.
14:45 - 15:00 Break.
15:00 - 15:30 Mindfulness in Therapeutic Work with Children and Adolescents. Dr. Christopher Willard.
15:30 - 16:00 Super-Mindfulness in Therapy for Children and Adolescents. Effectively Utilizing Mindfulness in Psychotherapy. Beata Kamińska-Suchanek.
16:00 - 16:30 Panel discussion on mindfulness in education and therapy. Fundacja O, Fundacja EduMind, Mindfulness Association Polska.
16:30 - 17:00 Question and Answer session (Q&A).
17:00 - 17:15 Conference closing.

Organizers: Fundacja O (O Foundation) Mindfulness Association Polska (Mindfulness Association Poland) Fundacja Edumind Uważność w Edukacji (Edumind Foundation Mindfulness in Education)"