Ryan M. Niemiec, Psy.D. is a leading figure in the education, research, and practice of character strengths that are found in all human beings. He is creator of Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP), an evidence-based program that integrates the science and practice of mindfulness and character strengths. It is the first, and one of the only mindfulness programs in the world to offer an alternative to the deficit-based approach, by targeting what’s best in people rather than targeting problems.
Mindfulness, Character Strengths, and Meaningful Work, A Full-Day Virtual Retreat
Live Course
Engage your character strengths with a day of interactive practices on meaningful work.
$195.00 USD
- Live Interactive Community Experience Engaging and interactive online program, including small group experiences
- Guided by Mindfulness Leader Learn from Dr. Ryan Niemiec, the creator of Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice and a global leader in mindfulness and character strengths
- Latest Scientific Research Benefit from new findings on using character strengths as pathways to peace
- 8 Hours of Activities Full-day retreat for progressive learning
- Session Materials Live participation is most beneficial for developing your practice. A recording is provided for personal use after the retreat.
- No Prerequisites Available for anyone to join. A good Internet connection with audio/camera for this Zoom session and comfortable clothes are recommended.
- Language English offered (closed captioning available upon request)
When?
May 17th 9AM ET – 5PM ET
Who Should Join this Live Retreat?
Are you craving community and connection with people who share your interests?
The connections fostered during this retreat can elevate your well-being.
Want to experience the exciting connection between character strengths and meaningful work?
The science, concepts, and practices are sure to stimulate your learning.
Eager to cultivate stronger relationships and purpose in your work?
You’ll connect with others who share these priorities and collectively consider a call to action.
VIA Retreats offer you space and guidance to slow down, return back to yourself, and re-discover what is best within you. In today’s world, it is easy to function “at a distance” from ourselves. This is particularly common in the workplace, whether our work is at home or outside our home. Retreats, therefore, catalyze a deepening and a rejuvenation. This is why VIA offers Retreats several times a year for anyone to join for that personal refresher, connecter, and joyous uplift.
About this Live Retreat
You will engage in Meaningful Work practices relating to discovering your personal meaning at work, finding your purpose, and practicing mindful, strengths-based working.
You’ll learn the latest scientific findings on character strengths, the three types of meaning in life, and how to make sense of these in your work life.
You’ll discover that mindfulness and character strengths can be found in your body, your mind, and your interactions. Activities and breakouts will reinforce this.
You’ll engage in classic mindfulness activities, to support the theme and learnings.
This retreat will offer a blend of science, experiences, and some of the newest practices relating to character strengths and creating meaning in your life. You’ll learn scientific findings that are brand new or just discovered and not published yet! The greatest emphasis will be placed on your personal experiences, in small group discussions, and in meditations to lay the foundation for finding meaning at work and in life.
Introducing Your Retreat Leaders
You’ll learn from three experts in the field – Dr. Ryan Niemiec, founder of MBSP and a global leader in the science and practice of character strengths and mindfulness (he’s also our Chief Science & Education Officer). And, we have the honor to be joined by Dana L. Walden, MBA, PCC ICF and Lutz Hempel, MBA.
Dana L. Walden, MBA, PCC ICF, is the founder of Certo Coaching & Consulting Sàrl, where she is recognized for her extensive expertise in leadership development, emotional intelligence, and character strengths. With a career spanning multinational corporations and coaching practice, Dana brings a wealth of experience to our retreat. Her dedication to fostering growth and transformation in individuals and organizations perfectly aligns with our mission to empower individuals through character strengths and mindfulness. Dana's focus on fostering authenticity and resilience will enrich our discussions on meaningful work and personal fulfillment.
Lutz Hempel, MBA, is a seasoned consultant and facilitator renowned for his dedication to promoting conscious leadership and collaboration. With a background in management consulting and mindfulness, Lutz brings valuable insights into creating resonance and agility in work environments. His innovative approach, incorporating character strengths, music, and improvisation, offers fresh perspectives on cultivating resilience and thriving in the workplace. Lutz is also certified in Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) with an expertise in mindfulness and meaningful work.
A few of our scientific proof-points
24 | 3 | 1 |
|---|---|---|
Boost all of your Character Strengths in one retreat. | Studies show that Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) is superior to Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). | MBSP was the first positive-oriented, strengths-focused mindfulness program. |
We hope you can attend the whole event but partial attendance and those aiming to listen to the recording are welcome! Zoom allows for everything to be recorded except small breakout room activity).
Course Details
- Live Interactive Community Experience Engaging and interactive online program, including small group experiences
- Guided by Mindfulness Leader Learn from Dr. Ryan Niemiec, the creator of Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice and a global leader in mindfulness and character strengths
- Latest Scientific Research Benefit from new findings on using character strengths as pathways to peace
- 8 Hours of Activities Full-day retreat for progressive learning
- Session Materials Live participation is most beneficial for developing your practice. A recording is provided for personal use after the retreat.
- No Prerequisites Available for anyone to join. A good Internet connection with audio/camera for this Zoom session and comfortable clothes are recommended.
- Language English offered (closed captioning available upon request)
Course Faculty
“I've attended several high-quality mindfulness retreats, but this one is exceptional. Thankfulness to Ryan for leading and facilitating such a peaceful and insightful retreat!”
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I really do a retreat online? Shouldn’t I be in a beautiful setting in the forest or along the ocean or lake?
Sure. Beautiful settings are a wonderful place to practice and cultivate mindfulness and strengths use. But, our setting should not dictate whether or not we are mindful. Your mindfulness can be expressed wherever you are. We spend most of our days in settings relating to home and work so why not practice mindfulness and strengths use in those settings? That will make your future application more abundant. Ryan Niemiec/VIA Institute have offered nearly 20 MBSP Retreats virtually over the years and past participants have reached a consensus—the retreats are insight-generating, user-friendly, and remarkably applicable and beneficial. Numerous stories of personal transformation have emerged from these online retreats.
- Can I purchase the retreat for multiple individuals in my organization?
Yes. Please contact VIA Customer Service at info@viacharacter.org for more information.
- What is the schedule for the Mindfulness and Strengths Full-Day Retreat?
There will be a short orientation to the day, along with foundational points on peace psychology, mindful living, and character strengths. The retreat will include presentations, mindful intentions, weaving strengths into meditation, mindful walking, mindful food preparation and mindful eating. There will be at least three small group discussions. These breakouts will encourage the practice of mindful listening and speaking on retreat focal points, such as the creation of inner peace, relational peace and a strengths-based call-to-action. There will also be short open periods for participants to engage in “mindful strengths use,” where they will be encouraged to focus on their creativity, their gratitude, and their mindful use of other strengths (suggestions will be shared during the retreat).
- What should I bring to the Mindfulness and Strengths Full-Day Retreat?
Nothing is required to bring. A good Internet connection and good audio/camera is recommended. We’ll be doing gentle movements so comfortable clothes may be helpful. For the mindful eating element, you’ll be invited to mindfully prepare your food, snack, or drink so take that into consideration with the timing per your time zone and whether you’ll be at home, work, or elsewhere. But, most of all, bring 1) an open, curious, and accepting mind; and 2) a willingness to share/connect with others across the globe.
- Will a recording be available?
Yes. This retreat is hosted on Zoom. The entire retreat will be recorded and shared so you can re-engage with key points or experience any portion of the day you might unexpectedly miss. Live participation during the retreat is highly encouraged.
- How can I learn more about mindfulness and character strengths?
The Mindfulness and Strengths in Daily Life Course is an 8-session, on-demand course that can help you learn how to authentically engage with your strengths in everyday experiences. Research-based tips show how to actively bring forth the best parts of yourself to become happier, more engaged with life and better prepared to handle stress and challenges. Plus this course includes a personalized report on how to activate the 5 mindfulness skills.
Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) is a live, 8-week program offered several times throughout the year. Participants learn research-based skills to increase self-awareness, improve relationships and manage problems. Weekly sessions include group discussions, a variety of meditations and experiential activities, strengths practices, lecture/input, and homework exercises. Through the MBSP program, participants can grow in their understanding of who they are and how they bring their best qualities forward in their work, relationships, leisure, and daily life.