What is the Self? Our notions of how we see the `SELF’ is changing in contemporary psychology. With the influences of mindfulness and contemplative wisdom traditions in the past few years as well as the advances in neuroscience, interpersonal neurobiology and various aspects of contemporary psychotherapy we are invited to freshly examine how we view Self and how we can approach applications in mental health and community from a view of seeing `Self as Presence’.

Eastern contemplative perspectives have long held pathways, practices and explorations on examining the self. Western contemporary perspectives shine light on the embodiment of the self and ways to facilitate greater embodiment in a human way. What if we were to approach how we see ourselves and the world from a more unifying view of `being’ and `presence’. The time has arrived more than ever before to have a more unified view and approach, shared globally across cultures. What if we are getting ourselves in knots by arriving at complex solutions to societal issues rather than having a clearer viewing lens rooted in heart-based compassion and wisdom. .

The conference is an invitation to examine this forming tapestry to better enable us to navigate the challenges of contemporary society as well as provide a platform for discussion and engagement from seemingly diverse perspectives and practices to find common ground, that we as mental health professionals, educators and community workers can stand on and from where we can meet ourselves, others as well as challenges of modern living in a holistic way. .

We bring to you our second edition of an international conference on Mindfulness as a Pathway to Presence. This round is centered around perspectives on `Self’ and seeing `Self as Presence’ as the viewing ground from where we can examine various emerging perspectives, practices and applications in the field of psychology.