Among the few things I remember from Philosophy 201 is the quote from the French philosopher Michel de Montaigne: “It is good to rub and polish one’s brain against those of others.”

But for most of us grown-ups (personally, despite my advanced age I still feel compelled to add italics when thinking of myself that way), our days are spent in a mode of relentless multi-tasking—constantly putting out three fires at once, but hardly ever thinking.  How sad is it to be absent-mindedly checking your Blackberry while another person is standing there in the room trying to talk to you?  But we’ve all done it.

OK, constant distraction probably won’t kill you (smashing into a tree “texting while driving” being one notable exception), but to lead a truly satisfying life, it’s important for all of us to occasionally slow down and make the time to THINK.  To have a “spa day” to polish your brain.

That’s why this is one of our favorite times of the year at CEC—because we’ve just now opened up registration for our 2010 executive meeting series, Influencing Stakeholders in a Networked Environment. Though any “day away from the madness” is a good thing, many communicators have told us that CEC sessions are different from any other meeting or seminar they’ve ever attended.  I’ve been hosting these sessions for the past four years, and for those of you who haven’t ever joined us (or haven’t been with us in a couple of years), I promise that there are three things you can count on:

• You’ll be part of an incredibly rich discussion with some of the smartest people in the world of Communications. (CEC members always tell us, “I can’t believe how much value I get from being with people who do the same thing as me, but in totally different industries and situations.”)
• You’ll get to expand your own thinking—to make yourself smarter—in a way that will enrich your career.  (Since there’s no “career development plan” for Comms at most companies, you have to create your own—that’s one thing we at CEC are here to help you with!)
• You’ll leave with practical new ideas that you can bring right back to your team, and begin putting into action immediately.

And…I might as well add a fourth thing:

• Cocktails immediately afterward (no more need be said!)

You can choose dates from May to November, in seven locations from DC to Sydney (if you’ve never been to Australia, now that’s a gift!).  There are sessions exclusively for Heads of Communications, and others for direct reports and team leaders.  If you need any assistance picking the right date, location and session, we’ll happily guide you.

I’d like to extend my personal invitation to you.  Take just one day, even if you have to force yourself to break away.  Your brain will thank you.