To arrange a workshop or talk, contact me by email (kmcg @ stanford "dot" edu).

Upcoming Events

National Conferences/Events

August 2010. Omega Being Yoga Conference in Rhinebeck, NY. This conference is being held at the Omega's retreat campus again. 2009 was phenomenal; join us this year for an amazing get-away!

October 9-10. Life Extension Conference in San Francisco, CA. Experts on health, longevity, nutrition, technology, and other fields present research and innovation in extending lifespan and healthspan. I'll be speaking about the role of meditation and stress reduction.

April 29-May 1 2011. American Society of Journalists and Authors annual conference in NY, NY. This is a great event for established and aspiring writers. I'll be moderating a panel on health journalism.

Stanford University/San Francisco Bay Area Trainings and Special Events

September 26, 2010. Yoga Therapy Workshop at Downtown Yoga in Pleasanton, CA

October 24, 2010. Befriending the Body workshop at Yoga in the Middle, Castro Valley, CA.

Summer/Fall 2010 Avalon Yoga Center's 200-Hour Teacher Training Program (Aug-Nov) now accepting applications. See Avalon's website for details on schedule, fees, and how to apply. Kelly McGonigal is co-director of the program.

Psychology Courses (at Stanford University)

Fall 2010 Compassion Cultivation Program, offered in the Psychology Department by the Stanford Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education as part of a research program. Participation limited to those who meet study recruitment criteria. If you are interested, contact the CAAN Lab.

Winter 2010 The Science of Will Power Registration not yet open.

Physical health, emotional well-being, social relationships, and professional success all require the ability to regulate our thoughts, emotions, and actions. Advances in psychology, neuroscience, medicine, and mind-body research are beginning to paint a new picture of what willpower is, why it matters, and how to develop it. Is willpower in the mind or in the body? Is it possible to run out of willpower, and how do you build a bigger reserve? What motivates people to change? Why do we talk ourselves out of things we really want or need to do? How much control over our thoughts and feelings do we really have, and what are the healthiest ways to regulate them? This course will address these questions through lectures, readings, and discussion, and give you the opportunity to apply the ideas of the course to making an important change or pursuing a major goal in your life.Offered through Stanford University's Continuing Studies Program, with open registration to Stanford students, staff, faculty, and the general community.

Summer 2011 The Science of the Calmed Mind Registration not yet open.

For thousands of years, meditation has been practiced to calm the mind. But only in the last few decades has science investigated how meditation changes the mind. This class will explore through lecture and practice how meditation influences the mind at many levels, including thoughts, emotions, brain activity, and even the structure of the brain. We will explore the most important research on how meditation can improve focus, self-control, self-acceptance, empathy, happiness, and physical health. Importantly, you will also learn the different meditation techniques used in each study, and investigate the effects of these techniques through direct experience. This class will give you the tools to establish a personal meditation practice as
well as insights into why and how meditation works. This is an ideal class for anyone interested in the healing power of meditation, whether it is to support your personal well-being or learn tools to share with clients/patients. Offered through Stanford University's Continuing Studies Program, with open registration to Stanford students, staff, faculty, and the general community.

Health and Wellness Classes

Drop-in Yoga Classes at Avalon Yoga Center, Palo Alto, CA :

Slow Flow Yoga, Fri 5-6:15 PM, Drop in $18
Unwind for the weekend with a feel-good flow yoga practice designed to let go of the week's stress and restore mind and body. If you've been rushing all week, now is the time to slow down and savor the joy of moving your body with the breath. (All levels)

Hatha Yoga, Sat 4:30-6 PM, Drop in $18
A breath-centered flow yoga practice that integrates asana, meditation, mudra, sounding, and relaxation. The aim of each practice is not to perfect the poses, but to use the poses to experience your own strength, courage, patience, and compassion. Beginners to experienced teachers will find an opportunity to connect more deeply to themselves through mindful practice and supportive community. (All levels)

Stanford University School of Medicine's Health Improvement Program

Fall 2011 Classes: Healthy Back Strength and Stretch, Tues/Thurs 12-1, Relax and Thrive with Yoga Tues 5:39-6:30 PM. Must register in advance at the HIP website. All classes are appropriate for beginners and people with health challenges.

Healthy back class recordings for participants to continue their practice at home/over winter break:
Class 1 * Class2 * Class 3 * Class 4 (these are very big files -- whether you are downloading or streaming, be patient!) If you are not a regular class participant, the instructions may be difficult to follow. Take care of yourself, and don't do anything that seems unclear, unsafe, or unappealing for your body!

The Health Improvement Program (HIP) seeks to enhance the health and quality of life of the Stanford community through health classes, programs, and services. Educational programs include health behavior consultations, wellness coaching, group fitness classes, and mind-body approaches to stress reduction. Classes are open to the general community. Visit the HIP website to find out about upcoming classes, program descriptions, and registration information.

Walter J. Gores Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, Stanford University

Centennial Teaching Award, School Humanities and Sciences, Stanford University

Distinction in Teaching Award, Department of Psychology, Stanford University
Wallace Sterling Award Faculty Recognition, School of Humanites and Science, Stanford University