The Anatomy of Gratefulness: Guest Speakers
Br. David Steindl-Rast
Brother David Steindl-Rast — author, scholar, and Benedictine monk — is beloved the world over for his enduring message about gratefulness as the true source of lasting happiness. Known to many as the “grandfather of gratitude,” Br. David has been a source of inspiration and spiritual friendship to countless leaders and luminaries around the world including Desmond Tutu, the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, Thomas Merton, and more. He has been one of the most important figures in the modern interfaith dialogue movement, and has taught with thought-leaders such as Eckhart Tolle, Jack Kornfield, and Roshi Joan Halifax. His wisdom has been featured in interviews with Oprah Winfrey, Krista Tippett, and Tami Simon and his TED talk has been viewed almost 10,000,000 times.
Joel Wong, Ph.D.
Dr. Joel Wong is a Professor of Counseling Psychology at Indiana University, specializing in the science of gratitude, especially gratitude interventions and practices. Joel’s research explores various approaches to fostering gratitude, including gratitude journaling, interpersonal activities, group interventions, and psychotherapy. For the past decade, Joel has facilitated the Gratitude Group Program, an 8-week group program to help people cultivate grateful habits. Joel also teaches an undergraduate class, Living the Grateful Life, where he shares scientific insights and practical tips for cultivating gratitude with his students.
Diana Butler Bass, Ph.D.
Diana Butler Bass, Ph.D., is an award-winning author, popular speaker, inspiring preacher, and one of America’s most trusted commentators on religion and contemporary spirituality. Her popular newsletter, The Cottage, offers inspiration and thoughtful commentary on faith and spirituality. Diana’s passion is sharing great ideas to change lives and the world — a passion that ranges from informing the public about spiritual trends, challenging conventional narratives about religious practice, entering the fray of social media with spiritual wisdom and smart theology, and writing books to help readers see themselves, their place in history, and God differently. She holds a doctorate in religious studies from Duke University and is the author of eleven books, including the forthcoming title A Beautiful Year, which will be published this fall.