Astronaut Edgar Mitchell Returns to the Bay Area to Marshall Community Leaders to Support Consciousness Science Research

Astronaut Edgar Mitchell Returns to the Bay Area to Marshall Community Leaders to Support Consciousness Science Research

Innovative health and education programs that apply consciousness science to real-world environments top the agenda for a gala fundraiser to benefit the Institute of Noetic Sciences, founded by Dr. Mitchell. The sixth man to walk on the moon, who initiated the consciousness science movement in the Bay Area, will join cosmology and consciousness leaders at Chabot Space and Science gala Feb. 20 to call on community leaders to support consciousness research applications aimed at healing societies in new ways.

Petaluma, CA (Vocus) January 29, 2010 -- The Institute of Noetic Sciences (http://www.ions.org) (IONS), a world-leader in consciousness science research, will be focusing the non-profit organization’s efforts on innovating pro-social education and alternative health expansion, announced Dr. Marilyn Mandala Schlitz, CEO of IONS. Schlitz will outline its 2010 mission at a gala fundraiser celebrating the 80th birthday of its founder, legendary Apollo 14 astronaut Dr. Edgar Mitchell (http://www.edmitchellapollo14.com), who will return to the Bay Area to marshal business, science, and health leaders to support consciousness science.

The fundraiser, benefiting IONS’ research, takes place February 20 at the Chabot Space and Science Center (http://www.chabotspace.org) in Oakland.

“In 2010, IONS will focus our research and educational programs on expanding world views from those that emphasize the individual to those that explore our fundamental interconnectedness – from the outer cosmos to the inner cosmos,” said Dr. Schlitz. “It is a mandate to steer our communities toward the greater good, and so many trends point to 2010 as a time of global and national readiness.” One such program taking shape in Bay Area classrooms is IONS’ Worldview Literacy program, designed to increase students’ capacity for self- understanding and compassion.

Festivities begin at 6 p.m. and include dinner, live auction, and narrated media and laser show in the Chabot Center’s planetarium. Individual tickets are $250, and tables of 8 are $2000. Early registration is $150 through February 9. Tickets for the fundraiser can be purchased online at www.ions.org/emails/events/2010-02_chabot_invitation.htm, by calling 707-779-8214 or emailing rose(at)noetic(dot)org.

Proceeds from the gala will go toward IONS research, specifically for its Worldview Literacy in the Classroom program, as well as “consciousness in healing” programs. Highlights of the evening’s program, focusing on “Ancient Traditions and Modern Science” include:

-Dr. Mitchell’s presentation on his spiritual epiphany en route from his historic moon landing in 1971.

-A rare silent auction item: an American flag that traveled to the moon with Dr Mitchell.

-Siddha Master Sri Dattatreya Siva Baba (http://www.sivababa.org/), an international spiritual leader, humanitarian and scholar-mystic from the Tamil Siddha tradition of Southern India, leading an experiential exploration of inner space.

-Cherokee/Navajo spiritual teacher, Nancy Maryboy (http://www.indigenouseducation.org/index.html), president and founder of the Indigenous Education Institute who collaborated with NASA, bringing insight into Native American cosmology.

-Mathematical cosmologist and author Brian Swimme (http://www.brianswimme.org), sharing insights on the nature of the evolutionary dynamics of the universe

-Dr. Schlitz, previewing IONS’ plans for continued global outreach in 2010, including a World Tour with scheduled stops in England, France, Portugal, New Zealand, India, Russia, and Bali; new research into consciousness transformation, pioneering educational initiatives for elementary and high school students, health practitioners; and repositioning IONS as an online organization to foster interactivity between IONS and its growing constituency.

Trends Show Consciousness Science at the Tipping Point

“The importance of joining the inner and outer worlds in our celebration is reflected in the trends that show consciousness has come a long way from being an individual pursuit,” said Schlitz. “People are moving it into highly visible, collective and mainstream pursuits.”

A health-care amendment, for example, was introduced last fall, requiring insurers to consider covering "religious and spiritual health care” with bipartisan support by Senate heavyweights like Orrin Hatch, John Kerry, and the late Ted Kennedy. Additionally, Mary Jo Kreitzer, Director of the Center for Spirituality & Healing at the University of Minnesota, was invited by the U.S. Senate to testify from her perspective as an integrative healthcare educator, administrator, researcher, and leader. In literature, Dan Brown’s new book “The Lost Symbol” used noetic sciences a central theme and catapulted IONS into the international spotlight. And the film industry launched GATE, the Global Alliance for Transformational Entertainment, led by Jim Carrey and Eckhart Tolle.

About the Institute of Noetic Sciences

Located in Petaluma, CA, the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) is a nonprofit, global membership organization that conducts and sponsors leading-edge research into the potentials and powers of consciousness. In addition to mind-matter research, IONS has developed applications now being implemented through education and healthcare programs. As part of its mission, IONS convenes thought leaders who champion the transformation of individual and collective consciousness in service to a healthier, more sustainable and peaceful world. IONS includes more than 200 community groups worldwide. Contact IONS.org or call 707.775.3500.

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Contact Information Heidi Fuller

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