Art & Science of Being Human
A conversation with Gopi Kallayil, Stephanie Lopez and Denise Hatch
The Art & Science of Being Human
(in-person + online)
A conversation with Gopi Kallayil, Stephanie Lopez & Denise Hatch
This event is part of the Conference and public are welcome, but pre-registration is required
More details about the Yoga Conference are below
Saturday, May 2 | 1:30–2:15pm
Hotel Kabuki - 1625 Post Street - SF
When you register - Use Access code Panel2 - (select Online or In-person )
In a time of rapid change, technological acceleration, and global uncertainty, many people are asking a profound question: How do we remain steady, compassionate, and wise amid complexity? This timely panel explores the intersection of ancient yogic wisdom and modern scientific research to illuminate how the practices of yoga support resilience, clarity, and human flourishing.
Join Gopi Kallayil—Chief Business Strategist, AI at Google, devoted yoga practitioner, and author of The Happy Human and The Internet to the Inner-net—in conversation with somatic educator Stephanie Lopez and mind–body expert Denise Hatch. Together they will explore how contemporary neuroscience, emotional research, and contemplative traditions converge to reveal powerful insights about the human nervous system, consciousness, and well-being.
Rooted in the theme of the conference—Yoga as Equanimity—this dialogue reflects on how yogic practices cultivate the capacity to remain centered even amid life’s most challenging moments. In the Bhagavad Gita, the warrior Arjuna stands on the battlefield overwhelmed by confusion, grief, and moral uncertainty. His teacher Krishna offers timeless guidance—revealing that the essence of yoga is samatvam, equanimity: the ability to act wisely while remaining grounded in inner balance. The teachings offered to Arjuna mirror the questions we face today as individuals navigating a rapidly changing world.
During this conversation, panelists will explore both the science and the wisdom behind the major branches of yogic practice, including asana (posture), pranayama (breath regulation), meditation, mantra, and kirtan. Drawing on emerging research in neuroscience and psychophysiology, the panel will discuss how these practices influence brain function, emotional regulation, and the nervous system—helping practitioners cultivate greater resilience, focus, and compassion.
Topics explored in this dialogue include:
• How yogic practices regulate the nervous system and support emotional resilience
• The latest research on meditation, breathwork, and chanting in brain and stress regulation
• The role of embodiment and somatic awareness in healing and transformation
• The relationship between ancient yogic philosophy and modern neuroscience
• How practices such as mantra and kirtan influence mood, connection, and collective experience
• Practical tools for cultivating equanimity and clarity in a time of global uncertainty
• Leadership, presence, and ethical action informed by contemplative wisdom
By weaving together insights from science, philosophy, and lived practice, this conversation highlights how yoga offers not only techniques for personal well-being but also a framework for wise action in the world. Just as Krishna guided Arjuna to rediscover his center amid crisis, these teachings invite us to return again and again to the ground of awareness—where steadiness, compassion, and insight arise.
This panel promises to be a thought-provoking and inspiring dialogue, offering both intellectual insight and practical guidance for anyone seeking to live with greater presence, balance, and purpose.
The event is open to the public. Pre-registration is required for both in-person and online attendance.
What will you walk away with?
• Practical tools to regulate anxiety and steady your nervous system
• A deeper understanding of how yogic practices and nature reshape the brain
• Insight into how compassion strengthens leadership and connection
• Renewed confidence that your personal practice matters—in your life and in the world
• A felt sense of hope rooted in evidence, not denial
You’ll leave with language for what you’re experiencing, tools to navigate it, and inspiration to embody resilience in a way that’s authentic, grounded, and contagious.
Because in uncertain times, well-being isn’t a luxury. It’s leadership.
Pre-registration is required for this FREE event –
Use Access code Panel2 to register on Eventbrite
Panel Presenters
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Gopi Kallayil
is Chief Business Strategist, AI at Google, a longtime yoga practitioner and teacher. He founded Yoglers, the yoga program at google and has released four kirtan albums. He is author of The Happy Human and The Internet to the Inner-net. His work explores the intersection of technology, mindfulness, and human well-being, bringing contemplative wisdom into modern leadership and innovation. A frequent speaker at global forums including TEDx and Wisdom 2.0, he shares insights on cultivating balance, creativity, and presence in a rapidly evolving world. Gopi also serves on the Board of Directors of the Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation, supporting initiatives that promote compassion and global harmony.
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Stephanie Lopez
L.I.S.W.-S., C-IAYT, is the President of iRest Institute and a Senior iRest Trainer. With a deeply embodied understanding of meditation informed by over 25 years of immersion in the nondual teachings of yoga, she leads retreats and trainings internationally with a focus on living an authentic and awakened life. As a Gestalt psychotherapist, meditation teacher, and certified yoga therapist she bridges eastern wisdom with western psychology and neuroscience to support healing and transformation. Stephanie also serves as the Vice-Chair on the Certification Committee for IAYT helping to promote standards and credentialing for the yoga therapy field.
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Denise Hatch
Founder of Power of the Mind and the Yoga Sports Performance Method. She blends yoga, hypnotherapy, and neuroscience. With over three decades of experience, she has trained, professional athletes creatives, leaders and high performers. Denise explores how stress imprints live in the body and nervous system. Breath, attention, and presence can transform those patterns and embodied awareness restores steadiness, clarity, and compassion