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 Nature A Full-Day Virtual Retreat
Live Course
Engage your character strengths with a day of interactive practices on mindful living, nature connection and reducing conflict.
$195.00 USD
- Live Experience with Audience Participation 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)
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 nature?
The science, concepts, and practices are sure to stimulate your learning.
Want to actively care more for nature, the environment, and Earth?
You’ll connect with others who share these priorities and collectively consider a call to action.
Virtual retreats offered by the VIA Institute on Character have a decade-long, proven track record to be personally rewarding and transformative for participants across the globe.
You’ll walk away with deeper knowledge, applicable practices, and personal experiences that create insights and healthy action for the long run.
Come restore yourself. Give yourself the self-care. And reconnect with Mother Earth.
A few of our scientific proof-points
24 | 3 | 1 |
|---|---|---|
Boost all of your Character Strengths in one retreat. | Studies that show Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) is superior to Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). | 1 MBSP was the first positive-oriented, strengths-focused mindfulness program. |
Join us: May 19th 9AM ET – 5PM ET
About this Live Retreat
Do you know your core pathway to nature connection?
Researchers have discovered 5 central pathways by which people connect with nature – beauty, compassion, sensory, emotion, and meaning .
And, brand new research has found that certain character strengths can help activate each pathway!
During this retreat you will activate your heart and mind throughout the day.
This retreat will offer a blend of science, experiences, and some of the newest practices relating to character strengths and nature connection. 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 nature, in small group discussions, and in meditations to lay foundation for nature connection.
You’ll learn from two 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 Dr. Ryan Lumber, a professor from England, who has extensively guided people in their journey with nature. Dr. Lumber is the chief figure who discovered the 5 core pathways to connecting with nature and has published widely on this framework (1).
All of this learning, reflection, and personal retreat experience will be happening in the space and energy of mindfulness and character strengths. You’ll use your best qualities to connect with nature, and re-discover your interbeing with nature. You’ll use your mindful attention to see what your eyes and ears have been glazing over. You’ll rediscover your passion for this planet you are communing with. You’ll see and feel the interconnection that is right there, ready for you to tap.
Don’t think a retreat can be virtual AND powerful?
Think again! Join us on May 19th from 9AM EDT/New York – 5PM EDT/New York.
We hope you can attend the whole event but partial attendance and those aiming to listen to the recording are welcome!
Remember: Zoom allows for everything to be recorded with the exception of small breakout room activity).
Join us: May 19th 9AM ET – 5PM ET
Cost for this full-day online retreat: $195.00
Virtual retreats offered by the VIA Institute on Character have a decade-long, proven track record to be personally rewarding and transformative for participants across the globe.
You’ll walk away with deeper knowledge, applicable practices, and personal experiences that create insights and healthy action for the long run.
Come restore yourself. Give yourself the self-care. And reconnect with Mother Earth.
This live, online event includes real-time instruction, activities, group discussions and meditations for you to practice alongside fellow attendees from around the globe. Apply lessons to your life, and expand your view as you learn from others with a range of diverse perspectives during small group breakouts.
While the retreat is one day, you will discover new practices and tools that you can continue for months to come. You will be guided to create your personal “call to action” for greater nature connection.
Course Details
- Live Experience with Audience Participation 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.