First annual ACC Lecture on Mindfulness and Society

On Sunday May 10, 2015, a sunny Mother’s Day afternoon, Barry Boyce delivered the first annual ACC lecture of Mindfulness and Society at the sparkling new Halifax Library. The audience of twenty-five, some of who had traveled a considerable distance to hear the talk, and including a number of ACC faculty, helped create an engaged environment within which Barry explored, with both humour and deep insight, the current state of the world of secular mindfulness and the key issues involved if mindfulness is to further integrate into the fabric of society. Of particular interest was the issue of teacher training, which Barry identified as the “rate limiting step”. He pointed out the necessity for proper teacher training, certification and ongoing supervision if the integrity of mindfulness practice is to be maintained. He directly addressed a number of recent articles criticizing the mindfulness movement, including concerns about commercialization. Through his many contacts with leaders in the field, Barry attested to their sense of deep practice and their intention that mindfulness be presented in an ethical and moral context. A lively conversation between Barry and the audience stretched the event to a full two hours in duration, and it was obvious it could have gone on even longer. The ACC is very appreciative of the participation of everyone involved.

Watch the video below: