Intentional Presence: Relearning Focus in a Distracted World

In a world of constant notifications, multitasking, and mental overload, the ability to be fully present has become both more difficult and more essential than ever for well-being, focus, and meaningful connection. 

This interactive workshop explores the concept of presence through movement, music, and social connection, helping participants reconnect with their natural ability to be fully engaged in the moment. Rather than relying on theory alone, the session is designed as a series of guided, experiential activities that allow participants to directly feel the difference between distraction and presence. Each activity is paired with structured reflection and journaling to help individuals identify the techniques that most effectively help them slow down, focus, and feel more present. By the end, participants will leave with a personalized set of simple, practical techniques they can integrate into their daily lives to become more focused, grounded, and engaged.

*This workshop will feature 3 live piano performances by Dr. David von Behren, an acclaimed organist and choirmaster. *

You’ll walk away with:

• A clear understanding of what “presence” means and why it matters for focus, well-being, and meaningful connection in everyday life
• A set of simple, practical techniques that are personalized for you and can be applied immediately
• Personal insight into what works best for them, gained through reflection and journaling, to help them stay more grounded and attentive daily
• Exposure to how cutting-edge technology is uncovering the hidden patterns of social interaction and revealing what it truly means to be present

Join us to step out of the noise, reconnect with yourself, and walk away with practical tools to feel more present, focused, and alive in your everyday life.

Agenda:

6:00  //  Welcome

6:20  //  What is presence?

6:30  //  Physical Movement

6:50  //  Music

7:10  //  Social Interaction

7:40  //  Closing Reflections

8:00 //  Community Connect @ Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

About the facilitators:

Dr. David von Behren is the Associate University Organist and Choirmaster of the Memorial Church at Harvard University. He holds his Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Boston University College of Fine Arts, his Master of Music degree at Yale University’s School of Music/Institute of Sacred Music, and his Bachelor of Music degree from Cleveland Institute of Music. David has released six albums on all streaming platforms, and his recordings have been featured on American Public Media and NPR. Most recently, David collaborated with Grammy award-winning cellist, Yo-Yo Ma, in a recording featuring the Harvard University Choir releasing this month. David is the chair of the American Guild of Organists’ National Committee on Educational Programming. David concertizes extensively throughout the United States and Europe under the auspices of Concert Artist Cooperative III management. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling and scuba diving as a certified divemaster.

George Usmanov is a sociologist and social network scientist. George’s work explores how people interact with social networks that interact with people in daily life. As a postdoctoral fellow at Brigham and Women’s hospital and Harvard Medical School, he investigates the role of our personal social connections as we respond to personal challenges and crises. He is passionate about finding tangible and practical solutions to loneliness, social isolation, and fostering feelings of belongingness, particularly as they relate to our health. Recently, he is applying his background to create human-centered design interventions that enhance our social interactions and connections. 

Evan Chan is a civic designer, facilitator, and community-builder dedicated to improving government services and advancing equitable outcomes. He currently serves as a Senior Service Designer at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, where he works to create meaningful change within the affordable housing system. Across his career in public service and consulting, Evan has navigated complex bureaucracies while centering the voices of residents and frontline workers at every level of government.

About the HCD Lab

The Human-centered Design Lab (HCD Lab) is a volunteer-run professional community. It is a welcoming space for professionals of all backgrounds to connect and gain skills related to design, creativity, and collaboration through hands-on learning experiences.​

The HCD Lab is the place for you if...

• You’re hungry to learn, grow, and level up—whether in your career, your personal life, or both.
• You want to collaborate and build real connections with professionals from a wide range of industries and perspectives.
• You believe in the power of hands-on learning and are ready to roll up your sleeves and dive in.

Learn more about the HCD Lab and our past events at: https://www.hcdlab.com

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