Letter from Acting President October 2023
“The first wealth is health."
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
* * * * *
Dear Reader,
As summer ends, making way for the coolness of fall, programs at the Institute are in full swing. Our fall programs include exciting events, conferences, and ongoing initiatives, all marked by the unique and visionary approach that our team takes to exploring the relationship between spirituality and health. I'd like to take this opportunity to highlight some of them, in hopes that you will join us or help to spread the word.
Friday, October 13 - Annual Nursing Conference
Whether you’re a nursing professional, chaplain, or are simply interested in spiritual matters that emerge at the end of life, this conference is sure to inspire you with tools that can be used in life as well as in clinical practice. We are especially excited to welcome our keynote speaker, Debi Boyle, MSN, RN, who is back by popular demand to deliver a thought-provoking presentation which uniquely blend creativity, real-world experience, humor, and practical advice. If for nothing else, come for the presentation of our Spirituality in Nursing Awards Ceremony, which recognizes excellence in nursing within our collaborating Texas Medical Center institutions. Bring a tissue, because there’s often not a dry eye left in the audience!
Friday, November 3 - Psychotherapy & Faith Conference
One of the Institute’s most important and prestigious events of the year, the annual Psychotherapy & Faith Conference is celebrating its 32nd year. While this conference is billed for mental health professionals, I tell all my friends, family, and colleagues that if there is one event to come to during the year - this is it. This year’s conference focused on the theme of “Cultivating Wisdom,” and we will feature amazing voices from across the country, including a theologian, a physician, a panel of faith leaders, and a scholar of religion. Join us and take away knowledge that will be immediately applicable to your life and work.
Wednesday, November 15 - Life After Life: An evening with Dr. Raymond Moody
I generally approach things with a healthy dose of skepticism. That is the attitude I brought to my first Houston IANDS meeting several years ago, and since then I have been moved again and again by the thoughtful, inspiring, and meaningful presentations that IANDS is known for. Our next event will feature remarks by perhaps our most notable speaker yet - the “Father of Near Death Experiences” himself, Dr. Raymond Moody. Dr. Moody has spent his career carefully cataloguing thousands of personal accounts of NDEs, giving him unique insight into patterns across time. Prepare yourself for an evening that will leave you reflecting on this thought-provoking field of research for days to come.
Don’t let professional credentials keep you from coming to any of these events. If the topic piques your interest, by all means, join us!
With Peace,
Stuart
Stuart C. Nelson
Acting President