PRESS RELEASE | How can we live a good life in spite of all the problems of addiction, depression, violence, and political tumults? This challenging question will be addressed by the world’s leading experts on meaning and happiness at the 10th Biennial International Meaning Conference, August 2-5, 2018 at the Executive Hotel Vancouver Airport, Vancouver, Canada.
The main conference theme is: “Courage, Faith, and Meaning: Existential Positive Psychology’s Response to Adversity.” The conference advances the view that the best way to survive and flourish is to confront the dark side of life—the pathway to transformation and growth is through despair. It explores the “how” of finding mature happiness and hope through overcoming hardships and suffering.
The conference boasts of a distinguished faculty from almost all continents. Notable speakers include Carol Ryff, Emmy van Deurzen, Robert Niemeyer, and Michael Steger. The public may also be interested in Bruce Alexander, author of The Globalisation of Addiction: A Study in Poverty of the Spirit; Kennon Sheldon, author of Optimal Human Being: An Integrated Multi-level Perspective; and Philip Watkins, author of Gratitude and the Good Life: Toward a Psychology of Appreciation.
There will be a public forum on Decoding Jordan Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life. “Is the Peterson phenomenon created by intensive media coverage of his political controversies?” asks Paul T. P. Wong, Conference Chair. “Alternatively, is it because of his ability to integrate science and religion in providing a map of meaning for living?” Wong along with Gordon Carkner will provide a balanced assessment of Peterson’s book. The public is invited to attend this informative forum.
There will be a special Celebration Banquet on Friday, August 3 evening to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the International Network on Personal Meaning and the 80th birthday of its founder, Paul Wong. At the Awards Banquet on Saturday, August 4, scholarships will be given out to graduate students and achievement awards will be given to Michael Bond, Bruce Alexander, Harriet Wu, and Melanie Alsager. The Awards Banquet is open to the public.
The Meaning Conference is organized by the International Network on Personal Meaning (INPM) and Sunshine Coast Health Centre. Registration information can be found online at www.meaning.ca/conference. Inquiries can be directed to Dan Jordan, Conference Manager, at danielj@schc.ca.