If the Spirit Moves You ...

Harvard-trained quantum physicist John Hagelin -- who in the past has argued that transcendental meditation can boost the gross national product and bring peace to the Balkans -- displays complex diagrams to illustrate his theory of "global brain-wave coherence" and "unified consciousness."

"It's a scientific fact," Hagelin asserts. "You and I are one."

Ultimately, though, this conference is more about inner truth than overhead slides. On Monday morning, the attendees divide into groups of 10 for a "dialoguing" exercise led by consultant Suzanne Maxwell. First assignment: Ask a question "that emerges from a deeper place, a place of inquiry."

"As we're dialoguing, let's be respectful of other people's opinions," suggests Ti, from Sherman Oaks, California, who is sitting in a small circle of people at one end of the Fiesta Ballroom. "When I offer a dissenting opinion, I preface my thoughts by saying, 'I respectfully disagree.' I recommend everyone do the same."

"I have a question that comes from a deeper place," says Juda, of Love & Light Enterprises. "How can we help executives look at things in a different way and enter into real, soulful conversation?"

"I feel great sadness that so many executives are on a lower level of consciousness," laments Ti.

"I respectfully disagree," dialogues Amy, a University of Delaware finance manager. "I feel joy that I'm able to recognize when people are on a different level of consciousness than I am. Whether they're above or below me, they have something to teach me."

"Thank you," Ti gasps. "I say those words to other people -- 'I respectfully disagree' -- but no one has ever said them to me. You've added enormous safety and peace to my life."

Juda of Love & Light is similarly moved. "This is authenticity," she says. "We're really dialoguing now. Let's go deeper. What are we experiencing from our hearts?"

"I feel air and journey, unity and community," offers Matt, founder of American Credit Systems.

"I feel we're speaking from the heart and encircling and sharing love and community," says John, of Capilano Pacific/Wildfish.

Of course, after a strenuous day of soul-searching and sharing, conferees are also eager to unwind. For this purpose, the ICBC schedules an evening event led by Onye Onyemaechi. "By drumming, dancing, and praying, we communicate in the village, we celebrate our ancestors, and we awaken our tribal selves," the Nigerian tells the pasty-faced assemblage. Meanwhile, the crowd improvises. The piper takes up his flute; someone else clacks maracas. Ti goes skipping through the ballroom like an ebullient schoolboy, and Ardagh unbuttons his shirt to his navel, displaying a hairless chest.

Then the group stands in a circle and offers prayers.

"I pray for economic justice and for the indigenous people of this land," says one person.

"I give thanks for each breath I take, knowing that we are, each of us, a divine emanation of God," says another.

"I pray for the enlightenment of all those who work on Wall Street," says a third.

Now that would be one heck of a shift in consciousness.

Learn more about the next International Conference on Business and Consciousness on the Web (www.bizspirit.com/business).