Alana Chavez, Author at The Wellbeing Project

Remembering, Renewing, and ReweavingRemembering, Renewing, and Reweaving

Ecological Belonging x Regional Hearth Summits

With a name inspired by the fires around which humanity has gathered since the dawn of time, regional Hearth Summits are built on a profound appreciation for ritual, tradition, and culture. They epitomize a harmonious fusion of local traditions and global connectivity, fostering a profound discovery of cultural heritage and our intrinsic bond with nature. At the core of this exploration of Ecological Belonging: living in an ongoing interconnected relationship with ourselves, each other and our broader natural world.

These locally-led, globally-connected, and universally human events serve as vibrant hubs where communities converge to celebrate and preserve their unique customs. Through storytelling, workshops, and experiential learning, the Hearth Summits invite changemakers to a global dialogue rooted in the authenticity of local identities and a shared reverence for the natural world.

Across the regional Hearth Summits, discover how local communities are remembering their inherent bond with the world, reweaving ancient rituals into modern-day life, and reconnecting with the natural environment. Want to go deeper into the world of Ecological Belonging? Join our global movement.

Want to get involved with the Hearth Summits?

Members of our global network are co-creating regional wellbeing for social change movements around the world.
Express your interest in getting involved and we’ll share your information with them.

RECONNECTING WITH NATURERECONNECTING WITH NATURE

“Nature is the source of all true knowledge.”

Leonardo Da Vinci

With many events hosted in the heart of local landscapes, changemakers immerse themselves in the raw beauty of their surroundings, allowing nature’s awesome wisdom to permeate every aspect of the Hearth Summit experience.

Nestled in the gardens of Tamarind Brasserie, Hearth Summit Nairobi offered changemakers a serene retreat into nature, with forests, flowers, and even new friends: cats, hares, tortoises, and monkeys regularly roamed through the space throughout the event.

Immersed in the magical landscape of the Omega Institute, changemakers at the first regional summit in North America were able to connect to each other and themselves, all in the awe-inspiring environment of the 250-acre campus.

Nestled on the banks of the Guarapiranga dam, The Wellbeing Summit São Paulo offered a pristine view of the Brazilian coast, including 200,000 m2 of preserved Atlantic forest, home to 290 native species that have been re-introduced to the environment, thanks to Clube de Campo’s conservation efforts.

A “Planting Manifestation” station let changemakers contribute to Bangalore Creative Circus‘ permaculture garden. The activity guided them through a meditation as they held their plants, touched the soil, watered the sapling, and planted seeds of dreams into the earth.

Nestled on the banks of the Guarapiranga dam, The Wellbeing Summit São Paulo offered a pristine view of the Brazilian coast, including 200,000 m2 of preserved Atlantic forest, home to 290 native species that have been re-introduced to the environment, thanks to Clube de Campo’s conservation efforts.

The permaculture garden at Bangalore Creative Circus offered participants a serene space to reflect on the Summit’s theme of Ecological Belonging, enjoying a full multi-sensory experience with the garden’s different landscapes and treasures.

ENTERING IN DIALOGUE WITH THE EARTHENTERING IN DIALOGUE WITH THE EARTH

“Nature is the source of all true knowledge.”

Leonardo Da Vinci

Ecological Belonging and planetary wellbeing were key themes at Hearth Summit Nairobi, hosted in the biodiverse Karen neighborhood. A diverse group of experts – Fridah Kiboori, Nyaguthii Chege, Constant Cap, and Kevin Juma – shared perspectives on contributors and inhibitors to ecological wellbeing in Kenya. Reflecting on the drastic environmental changes over the years in Kenya, they offered ideas for different solutions to promote conservation, regeneration, and healthy cities, focusing on common themes like justice, grassroots empowerment, equity, and financing.

In Bangalore, a diverse panel on Ecological Belonging brought three perspectives on social change in India and the importance of reconnecting with nature. Abhayraj Naik, Co-Founder of the Institute of Climate Action, discussed the profound spiritual dynamic of the human-nature relationship; Dr. Mala Kapadia, Director of the Anaadi Foundation Center for Indigenous Knowledge Systems, reflected on India’s unique cultural traditions and their roots in nature; and Naveen Vasudeva, Co-Founder of Ritambhara, presented the deep wisdom and hope one can find in Yoga.

INTERGENERATIONAL EDUCATION

SESSION AT HEARTH SUMMIT HIGHER ED
In México at the annual Wellbeing in Higher Education gathering, Papalii Dr. Tusi Avegalio, an Elder of the student-led Ecological Belonging fellowship, shares his wisdom and vision. He discusses the power of ancestral wisdom to meet contemporary challenges; how Pacific community values can guide innovation and entrepreneurship; and strategies to boost community wellbeing through education and research. Watch the session (in English).

INDIAN WISDOM AND CONSCIOUS LEADERSHIP

SESSION AT HEARTH SUMMIT HIGHER ED
In México at the annual Wellbeing in Higher Education gathering, Nilima Bhat, distinguished professor in gender and conscious leadership studies, introduced changemakers us to the concept of Shakti Leadership: a powerful fusion of ancient Indian wisdom and emerging knowledge. Learn about the essence of Shakti Leadership, which balances feminine and masculine energies, and the practices that can strengthen your leadership. Watch the session (in English).

REWEAVING RITUALSREWEAVING RITUALS

“Learning to touch deeply the jewels of our own tradition will allow us to understand and appreciate the values of other traditions, and this will benefit everyone.”

Thich Nhat Hanh

Bringing together people from all backgrounds, the regional Hearth Summits invite local communities to share their vibrant cultural heritage and wisdom. This celebration of diversity enriches us all, inviting cross-cultural, intergenerational dialogues and preservation of treasured indigenous ways of life.

YOGA AND CONSCIOUS HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

SESSION AT Hearth Summit São Paulo

In São Paulo, Marco Schultz, coordinator of Simply Yoga, shared a profound, transdisciplinary approach to human development, drawing on various traditions of India and other Eastern and Western cultures. This approach to self-awareness and self-knowledge encompasses the spiritual and integral aspect of the human condition. Watch the session (in Portuguese).

On the Philippine island of Siquijor, traditional healers have been practising spiritual forms of healing for generations. Their rituals are deeply connected to the immense biodiversity of the Philippines and the island itself — one of the most remotely populated within the nearly 8,000 islands in the Philippines, of which only about 2,000 are inhabited by humans. Today, these practices have become intertwined with Catholicism, the primary religion in the country, though traditional spirituality remains taboo at times. Hearth Summit Philippines, hosted in collaboration with the Siquijor Healers Association, invited Filipino changemakers to reconnect with Indigenous ways of knowing and their overall impact on wellbeing. Learn more about the Siquijor healers and a Philippine take on wellbeing.

In Brussels, Buddhist monk Bart Weetjens led the crowd in a chant of the ancient Shigu Siegan Mon, or the four great vows of the Boddhisatva. This sutra represents the ideal of all Buddhists: to liberate all beings by practising the ways of the Buddha. Watch the magical moment here of changemakers chanting alongside Bart, and practice it yourself:

Shujō muhen sei gan do: Living beings are limitless, I vow to to liberate them all / Bon-no mujin sei gan dan: Delusions are inexhaustible, I vow to understand them all / Ho mon muryō sei gan gaku: Gates of Truth are incalculable, I vow to count them all /Butsu do mujō sei gan jo: The way of awakening is unsurpassable, I vow to attain it

THE SIQUJOR HEALERS

AT HEARTH SUMMIT PHILIPPINES

On the Philippine island of Siquijor, traditional healers have been practising spiritual forms of healing for generations. Their rituals are deeply connected to the immense biodiversity of the Philippines and the island itself — one of the most remotely populated within the nearly 8,000 islands in the Philippines, of which only about 2,000 are inhabited by humans. Today, these practices have become intertwined with Catholicism, the primary religion in the country, though traditional spirituality remains taboo at times. In 2025, Hearth Summit Philippines will take place on the island, hosted in collaboration with the Siquijor Healers Association, as a way to connect Filipino changemakers with Indigenous ways of knowing and their overall impact on wellbeing. Learn more about the Siquijor healers and a Philippine take on wellbeing.

Reigniting Rituals Through the Arts, the Universal Language of Wellbeing

In an exciting collaboration with Community Arts Network (CAN), we are excited to launch a global initiative around the arts to create a unique and magical vision, along with local communities, around the concept of Ecological Belonging. Passionate and dynamic individuals in Austria, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, India, Japan, the Philippines, and Senegal have taken on the role of Ritual Alchemist. Through the arts, they will delve into a local ritual or practice and engage the community in a journey to renew it for today.

The Ritual Alchemists have been chosen and are embarking on their journey of Ecological Belonging! Meet them on the Ecological Belonging Hub.

THE BASSARI

AT HEARTH SUMMIT Thiès

Both editions of the regional summit in Thiès welcomed members from the Bassari country, led by Black Keme (Antoine Indega Boubane) — an Ambassador of Bassari Culture and the 2024 Ritual Alchemist — who guided participants on an artistic, intellectual, and experiential journey exploring the Bassari’s coming-of-age traditions. Want to delve deeper into Bassari traditions and craftsmanship? Watch this introductory video to their nature-based coming-of-age practices (in English and French).

SOUTH INDIAN MYTHOLOGY

AT HEARTH SUMMIT BANGALORE

In Bangalore, Ritual Alchemist Poornima Sukumar allowed changemakers to practice making south Indian kolams: intricate, symmetrical designs drawn with rice flour or chalk powder, traditionally at the entrance of homes. They are a daily ritual in many households, symbolizing welcome, prosperity, and harmony. The practice dates back thousands of years, blending art, spirituality, and science. In mythology, kolams are said to please Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and ward off negative energies. The use of rice flour also reflects an offering to small creatures like ants, embodying the principle of coexistence. Over time, kolams have evolved into a cultural art form while retaining their deep-rooted spiritual significance.

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Dive Into Ecological Belonging Stories From Around the World

Experiencing Wellbeing Around the World Experiencing Wellbeing Around the World

Wellbeing Practices x Regional Hearth Summits

The regional Hearth Summits gather changemakers from a diverse range of cultures, backgrounds, and fields to explore the intersection of wellbeing and social change. The emotional and intellectual journey of a Hearth Summit inspires us not only to think about the presence of wellbeing in our lives — but to feel it too. We are offered a space to co-create global understandings of what wellbeing is, all the while believing strongly that wellbeing has no one true definition. It must be lived to be understood — and each of us has our own way of being well.

Throughout the regional Hearth Summits, changemakers are invited to explore how they can get in touch with and embody their wellbeing through a variety of practices. With options like physical movement, philosophical explorations, traditions and rituals, and evidence-based approaches, the regional Hearth Summits invite everyone to be well in their own unique way.

Explore the different ways the regional Hearth Summits are encouraging us to look inward and cultivate a sense of inner wellbeing.

Want more ideas for how you can practice wellbeing? You can also find other wellbeing tips here and tell us about your wellbeing practices.

Art as a Creative Outlet Art as a Creative Outlet

“Art has the power to transform, to illuminate, to educate, inspire and motivate.”

Harvey Fierstein

In Dhaka, participants were invited to explore the therapeutic benefits of painting, especially with bright colours, as part of a wellbeing workshop on the emotional boost of light and colours.

In Nairobi, artist Lindsay Dawn Obath guided participants in a self-portrait painting session, inviting them to reflect deeply on their inner worlds and identities, all the while playfully enjoying the simple act of painting.

Changemakers in Dakar-Thiès tried their hand at traditional African basket weaving led by IMADI, who taught them techniques that have been passed down for generations, from grandmothers to mothers to daughters.

In Dhaka, the workshop “Life is an Art” encouraged changemakers to slow down, pause, and enjoy a mindful moment before, in silence, using the arts to express their emotions and reflect on life experiences.

In Nairobi, changemakers took time to delight in the colorful art of floral bouquet design with a workshop guided by Floral Design Studio Kenya, a training studio led by three generations of family florists in Nairobi. The best part: taking your creation home to remember the extraordinary summit!

Awa Fall, who attended Tostan’s training programmes during her incarceration in the Thiès prison and then went on to establish her own tie-dying business, taught changemakers how to dye fabric. With Awa’s expert guidance, participants left the Summit with a hand-dyed scarf, a souvenir of their wellbeing practice.

The Healing Power of SoundThe Healing Power of Sound

“Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.”

Confucius

In TheMerode’s “Zen Room”, Maïté Herkins guided guests through a therapeutic sound bath during session breaks during The Wellbeing Summit Brussels.

Harp therapist Alix Collin brought the beautiful, healing presence of the harp to The Wellbeing Summit Brussels, even inviting participants to sit against the harp to feel its healing vibrations as she played.

Reggie Hubbard created a harmonious blend of sound by performing a crystal bowls concert amidst the natural melodies of nature thriving at the Omega Institute.

Complimenting the natural soundtrack of birds chirping and leaves rustling in the gardens of Bangla Academy, Swayambhu led participants through a tranquil journey of sound and breath.

MINDFULNESS AND BREATHWORKMINDFULNESS AND BREATHWORK

“Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky, conscious breathing is my anchor.”

Thich Nhat Hanh

Amid thought-provoking talks, captivating art performances, and energizing social activities, the regional Hearth Summits remind us there is always time to slow down and notice our breath.

Find your own breath with our guided meditations here.

THE WISDOM OF MEDITATION

SESSION AT Hearth Summit São Paulo

In São Paulo, Daniel Calmanowitz, Vice President of Lama Gangchen Foundation for the Culture of Peace, shared the wisdom of meditation with changemakers and how it can impact individual and collective wellbeing. As a disciple of the Tibetan Buddhist master H.E. Lama Gangchen Rinpoche, a Buddhist practitioner since 1987, and an ordained monk since 2011, Daniel offered profound wisdom from the Buddhist tradition in a cross-cultural dialogue at Hearth Summit São Paulo. Watch the session (in Portuguese).

THE GREAT OUTDOORS THE GREAT OUTDOORS

“Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat.”

Laura Ingalls Wilder

Taking in the pristine setting of the Omega Institute‘s campus in upstate New York, changemakers enjoyed guided nature walks throughout the gathering. Delegates explored the natural curiosities of the 250-acre campus, filled with gardens, hiking trails, and a lakefront, which invited them to imagine a new season of life for themselves — and the world.

Nestled in the gardens of Tamarind Brasserie, Hearth Summit Nairobi offered changemakers a serene retreat into nature. The forested space not only provided space for changemakers to immerse themselves in nature, but also to interact with some new friends: cats, hares, tortoises, and monkeys regularly roamed through the space throughout the event.

In Dhaka, participants could try on a green thumb by planting seedlings of trees and flowers at a gardening station. Within the gardens of Bangla Academy, a serene oasis of vegetation in the heart of the bustling streets of Dhaka, the Summit allowed changemakers to connect with the Earth, create beauty, and strengthen local biodiversity.

Exercise and Movement Exercise and Movement

“He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything.”

Arabian Proverb

Shamima Akhtar Tulee, the first Bangladeshi woman to earn the Shotokan Karate Blackbelt, got changemakers moving in an invigorating chair workout in Dhaka, perfectly adapting movements for all types of abilities and experiences.

In Dakar-Thiès, changemakers discovered capoeira, a Brazilian martial arts practice, with Grupo Africa Capoeira – Ilha de Gorée. In between sessions and discussions, the opportunity to move with a unique fusion of different cultures brought fresh energy and power to the afternoon.

At many Hearth Summits, gentle movements like yoga and stretching invite everyone to turn inwards and develop a stronger connection with their physical selves. Here in Bogotá, a secluded rooftop space for yoga created an extra special moment for mind, body, and soul.

DANCE DANCE

“The drums are humanity’s common pulse.”

Shannon Thunderbird

Since the dawn of humanity, people have gathered around fires to be in community by sharing rituals and practices, such as dances. Our Hearths are no different!

MINDFUL MOMENTS

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”

LAO TZU

In Brussels, Buddhist monk Bart Weetjens guided changemakers through a silent, mindful lunch. Offering prayer and gratitude for the food before them, changemakers ate together in silence, savouring the taste and nourishment of the meal along with the tranquillity of the moment spent together. A delicious moment for body and soul!

FUN AND GAMES

“A little nonsense now and then is cherished by the wisest men.”

Roald Dahl

Who says playtime is just for children? In Nairobi, time for fun and games was scheduled intentionally throughout the program to create space for joy, fun, and bonding among participants. Different games and activities created moments of lightness amidst deep conversations and interactive workshops — a delightful reminder of the value of creating balance in the world of social change.

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Dive Into Wellbeing Practices From Around the World

How I’m Transforming My Social Change Approach With Wellbeing How I’m Transforming My Social Change Approach With Wellbeing

Stories from the Hearth

Guest post by:

Amos Leuka

Director, Living Culture and Climate Alliance (LCCA)
🌍 Loita Maasai community, Loita, Narok County, Kenya

Amos Leuka, director of the Living Culture and Climate Alliance (LCCA), from the Loita Maasai community in Loita, Narok County, Kenya, attended The Wellbeing Summit Dakar-Thiès in November 2023. Listen to his journey of learning, inner reflection, and motivation as he shares his reflections on the gathering.

The LCCA promotess culture and climate adaptations in Africa and in particular, Kenya. It enables indigenous communities to promote their bio-cultural rights and supports them to be economically and culturally resilient, capable of managing their land systems and biodiversity. By building this solid base, providing leadership, technical and facilitative support, and using Participatory Video, LCCA creates a space to connect all indigenous communities and enable them to gain influence on climate issues affecting them, maintain their languages and use indigenous knowledge systems to manage their lands, social change and shape their future.

EXPLORE THE REGIONAL SUMMITS FURTHEREXPLORE THE REGIONAL SUMMITS FURTHER

Dive Into Stories From Around the World

Discover the Wellbeing Movement in Africa Discover the Wellbeing Movement in Africa

Meet and hear stories from the changemakers championing the wellbeing movement in Africa.

Adriana Azpurua

Hearth Summit Travel and Accommodation Senior Manager

Bogotá,
Colombia

Connect with Adriana Azpurua :

Hello My name is Adriana, I am Venezuelan-Colombian, mother of twins.
For the last 11 years of my professional life, I have worked in the travel and tourism industry, creating memorable experiences for my passengers.
I graduated with honors in Public Relations and Corporate Image in Madrid, Spain.
I have a specialization in MANAGEMENT, in the Advanced Management Program of IESA in Venezuela; in addition, I obtained a certification from IAB Colombia in Digital Marketing.
I have nearly 25 years of experience in management positions as a Marketing and Communications Manager for the Latin American and Caribbean market, leading the area of different corporations and industries such as Banking, Mass Media, Hospitality, and Tourism.

What does inner wellbeing mean to you?

It is being present in the today and in the now.

How would you define wellbeing in one word?

Empathy

Are there any rituals or practices you use to enhance your wellbeing?

Dancing

Why is it important that we prioritize individual, organizational and societal wellbeing?

Because we are part of the ecosystem of life and as an important element of organizations and society we must be in wellness for the ideal balance in presence and interaction.

Interconnected Healing From Intergenerational Trauma Interconnected Healing From Intergenerational Trauma

Healing x Regional Hearth Summits

With a growing collective consciousness about the impacts of intergenerational trauma, the regional Hearth Summits are a space for changemakers to explore those impacts in the social change sector. In social change work, trauma can be found at the roots of the biggest challenges facing the world today—and in the lives of the people working to address them. Trauma-informed approaches to social change have the power to help unlock healing, wellbeing, and social transformation for all. The regional Hearth Summits offer an invitation for local communities of changemakers to explore this power, contributing to our global call to move from cycles of trauma to journeys of wellbeing.

Discover how the Hearth Summits’ deep conversations, moving art performances, and embodied workshops create a platform for us to encourage healing and wellbeing for everyone—everywhere.

Want to get involved with the Hearth Summits?

Members of our global network are co-creating regional wellbeing for social change movements around the world.

Express your interest in getting involved and we’ll share your information with them.

COLLECTIVE HEALING FOR SYSTEMIC CHANGE COLLECTIVE HEALING FOR SYSTEMIC CHANGE

“It’s when we start working together that the real healing takes place.”

David Hume

Opening a Dialogue on Intergenerational Trauma

Research From the Being and Transforming Think Tank

In Brussels, The Wellbeing Project launched the first part of “Cycles of Trauma and Journeys of Wellbeing: A Framework for Trauma-Informed Practices and Positive Social Change” — the first co-creation from the Being and Transforming Think Tank’s 3-year exploration of intergenerational trauma and social change. The research was published on the Think Tank’s brand-new hub for research, stories, tools, and other resources about IGT and trauma-informed social change work. Changemakers are invited to explore the database of resources and add to it.

Intergenerational Trauma, Ancestry, and Race | Trauma Intergeracional, Ancestralidade e Raça

Session From Hearth Summit São Paulo

In São Paulo, Raquel Barros, Coordinator, Emotional Collaboration Laboratory (ENLACE) and the Possible Worlds Community Extension Program, FACENS University, and Isabel Santos Mayer, Coordinator, Brazilian Institute of Studies and Community Support (IBEAC), joined in a conversation on intergenerational trauma, ancestry, and race in Brazil. Watch the session (in Portuguese).

Katherine Milligan, Director of the Collective Change Lab, educated changemakers on the basics of trauma’s physiological effects on the body, including how the central nervous system initiates the fight-flight-freeze response, and leading changemakers in embodied practices.

Shawan Mahmud, daughter of intellectual martyr Altaf Mahmud, touched souls with her tale of healing from intergenerational trauma in the aftermath of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, calling for accessible mental health services to support all who struggle with the ongoing impacts of the war.

Human rights activist and political refugee Marguerite Barankitse shared her inner and outer journey of peacebuilding after surviving ethnic cleansing campaigns in her home country of Burundi and starting an organization, Maison Shalom, to care for orphaned children.

Psychologist Edgar Gonzalez-Hernandez hosted a workshop on Compassion-Based Cognitive Therapy for participants in Bogotá in a session on how to recognize and start healing from trauma through an evidence-based approach.

Wellbeing Is Community, Resilience, and Inclusion

Interview With Okong’o Kinyanjui

In this interview at the first regional Hearth Summit in Nairobi, meet Okong’o Kinyanjui, Founder and Executive Director of the Queer African Network, as he shares how wellbeing inspires welldoing in his work to support the queer Pan-African community, whose wellbeing continues to be impacted by colonial-era penal codes across Africa.

Mapping the Impacts of Colonialism in Latin America

Workshop with Dr. Laura Calderon de la Barca

In Bogotá, psychotherapist Dr. Laura Calderon de la Barca, a specialist in collective trauma and senior associate of the Collective Change Lab, led changemakers in a reflection mapping the ongoing impacts of colonial history in Latin America and the Caribbean. Changemakers identified the parts of society where the trauma of colonialism is still visible as well as where they see opportunities to act for healing. As a group, they saw trauma manifesting the most within gender dynamics, and they saw the biggest window of opportunity for action in the arts.

You can learn more about Dr. de la Barca’s work to raise the collective consciousness around colonial trauma in the region in our recent webinar series with Collective Change Lab on creating healing systems for social change.

Addressing Post-Genocide Trauma in Rwanda

INTERVIEW WITH DR JEAN BOSCO NIYONZIMA

Director and Executive Founder of the Ubuntu Center for Peace, Dr. Jean Bosco Niyonzima, spoke at The Wellbeing Summit Dakar-Thiès about the impact of intergenerational trauma in Rwanda, where more than 50% of genocide survivors live with mental health disorders like depression. Listen to this brief interview with Voice of America to hear about his approach to mobilizing an integrated, scalable, cost-effective, community-based social healing model across Africa.

In Nairobi, co-chair Honorable Justice Martha K. Koome, EGH explored justice as a shared responsibility and lived experience, requiring empowered individuals, accessible courts, and support for the marginalized. Critical issues discussed included addressing the overrepresentation of people with disabilities in prisons, reducing stigma, and decolonizing the justice system to promote restorative justice.

In Senegal, Safe Open Spaces (SOS) hosted small group sessions to promote emotional expression, active listening, and empathy among changemakers. Focusing on youth mental health, the SOS workshop offered practical skills to young changemakers to use for healing and personal growth.

The intergenerational wellbeing panel in Nairobi, chaired and moderated by Edwin Macharia, explored how individuals, families, and communities are interconnected and shape our collective ecosystem. The session explored how traditional methods can address community trauma and bridge generational gaps by preserving cultural knowledge and fostering overall wellbeing.

Healing From Trauma: The Leadership Skill You Didn’t Know You Needed

INTERVIEW WITH BENOIT LEGRAND

Leaders face challenges every day when managing teams and making decisions. But visionary business leader-turned-psychogenealogist Benoît Legrand says the biggest challenge can actually be an internal one. Hear from Benoît, who spoke about the impacts of intergenerational trauma in leadership and organizational wellbeing at The Wellbeing Summit Brussels, reflect on why leaders should prioritize their wellbeing and healing to be a positive presence for themselves, their teams, and their organizations.

PROCESSING TRAUMA AND HEALING THROUGH THE ARTSPROCESSING TRAUMA AND HEALING THROUGH THE ARTS

“At the deepest level, the creative process and the healing process arise from a single source.
When you are an artist, you are a healer.”

Rachel Naomi Remen

“Tears Ain’t Nothing But Liquid Prayers”

Poetry by Hannah L. Drake

Author, poet, and activist Hannah L. Drake stirred the emotions of her audience at The Wellbeing Summit Omega Institute-Harlem Wellness Center with her poem “Home,” a rebuttal to the state song of Kentucky (where she is from), “My Old Kentucky Home.”

Brilliante Aurora

Music by Oro y Platino

The alabaos are traditional Afro-Colombian funeral songs used to express and share grief and mourning that have been passed down generation to generation. Enjoy this song performed by Oro Y Platino, a group from the Condoto Chocó region of Colombia, who also took to the stage at The Wellbeing Summit Bogotá. All alabaos songs help people to say goodbye to their beloved. “Brillante Aurora” is about saying goodbye to a mother — with the song lyrics, they say goodbye to the Virgin Mary.

The Healing Power of MusicThe Healing Power of Music

MUSIC BY ASIF IQBAL AONTU

At The Wellbeing Summit Dhaka, we discovered musician and journalist Asif Iqbal Aontu’s extraordinary journey from imprisonment to musical soul healing. Through his music, he shares how his toughest experiences led him to a new direction, blending music with cosmic thoughts. With each song, he skillfully intertwines life’s tragedies, pains, and afflictions into a harmonious tapestry.

EXPLORE HEALING AND WELLBEING FURTHER EXPLORE HEALING AND WELLBEING FURTHER

Dive Into Research, News, and Stories on Intergenerational Trauma

Building a Brighter Future for The Gambia, Africa, and Beyond Building a Brighter Future for The Gambia, Africa, and Beyond

Stories from the Hearth

Guest post by:

Dr. Margor A. Green-Harris, MD

Medical Officer, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital

🌍 Banjul, The Gambia

Once upon a time, in the heart of Sengeal “Rew Taranga” a diverse group of changemakers gathered for The Wellbeing Summit Dakar-Thiès —a transformative event that promised to reshape the future of the continent. Among them was I, a passionate advocate for social and behavioral change and holistic wellbeing.

As the Summit unfolded, I immersed myself in a rich tapestry of workshops, discussions, and cultural exchanges. I eagerly participated in sessions on yoga and mindfulness, recognizing their potential to enhance my wellbeing and activism.

During a panel discussion on “The Africa We Want,” I experienced a profound shift in perspective. Inspired by the vision of a continent united in peace and prosperity, I realized the power of collective action to bring about meaningful change.

However, I also became more aware of the challenges facing grassroots movements and community initiatives. Too often, well-intentioned projects were sometimes derailed by external interests and agendas, leaving local communities disenfranchised.

Determined to make a difference, I resolved to prioritize the voices and needs of my fellow activists and volunteers. I refused to let external sponsors dictate the direction of our work, advocating for autonomy and integrity in all our endeavors.

As The Wellbeing Summit Dakar-Thiès drew to a close, I felt a renewed sense of purpose and possibility. Armed with new insights and connections, I returned to my community with a commitment to holistic wellbeing, grassroots activism, and the Africa we all wanted to see.

And so, inspired by the spirit of unity and determination I had witnessed at the Summit, I continued my journey, knowing that together, we could build a brighter future for The Gambia, Africa and beyond.

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Dive Into Stories From Around the World

Discover the Wellbeing Movement in AfricaDiscover the Wellbeing Movement in Africa

Meet and hear stories from the changemakers championing the wellbeing movement in Africa.

Hearth Summit Higher Ed 2024 Hearth Summit Higher Ed 2024

Regional Hearth Summits

Days

PARTICIPANTS

UNIVERSITIES

NATIONALITIES

About the Summit

Rooting Ecological Belonging in Higher Education

Educators, administrators, researchers, and other higher education professionals: the Hearth Summit is where a new culture of education emerges!

In July 2024, members of our Wellbeing in Higher Education Network (WHEN) gathered in Querétaro, México, for a four-day experience diving deep into the concept of Ecological Belonging. Changemakers in education fostered a sense of connection with themselves, their community, and nature in this intimate environment dedicated to transforming higher education and reconnecting it with the Earth. In this space, peers gathered to share ideas, learn from each other, and grow throughout transformative discussions, hands-on workshops, and immersive cultural excursions. The arts and wellbeing practices provided moments for inner work and personal reflection — weaving together individual, collective, and planetary wellbeing.

WHERE WELLBEING IN EDUCATION BLOSSOMS WHERE WELLBEING IN EDUCATION BLOSSOMS

KEY PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

The four-day gatherings took educators on a holistic journey of Ecological Belonging, exploring the topic through conceptual, methodological, and experiential means:

Understanding Ecological Belonging and its many dimensions in higher education

Local roots: Ecological Belonging through the lens of Mexican rituals and cultures

Intergenerational wisdom and lessons from Elders

Mindful, conscious tourism and experiences

Insights from the Ecological Belonging Fellowship

The arts as an space to explore, learn, and ideate

Case studies from WHEN members: effective methodologies for bringing Ecological Belonging to life

Embracing and Celebrating Mexican Heritage

WITH THE Otomí COMMUNITY

Throughout the Summit, members of the Indigenous Otomí community invited changemakers to discover the vibrant cultural heritage of Querétaro and the surrounding area. During a day excursion to Amealco de Bonfil, participants were greeted with an emblematic ritual from the region, the “Danza de las Pastoras”, a dance to greet, ask, thank and share offerings. A workshop with medicinal plants illustrated the Otomí people’s traditional use of plants, honoring the memory of their first methods of healing to cure the enxe (soul). Changemakers also took time to create lele dolls, an iconic symbol of Mexico’s Indigenous heritage. Meaning baby in Otomí, the lele holds a special meaning for the Indigenous community, representing the blending of different traditions and the resilience of the Otomí people.

Learning From Elders Learning From Elders

Watch sessions with two Elders from The Wellbeing Project’s Wellbeing in Higher Education Network.

Papalii Dr. Tusi Avegalio

On Intergenerational Leadership and Education

In this inspiring talk, Papalii Dr. Tusi Avegalio, innovation expert and retired director of the Pacific Business Center Program at the University of Hawai’i – Manoa, shares his invaluable intergenerational wisdom and vision for the future such: the power of ancestral wisdom to meet contemporary challenges; how Pacific community values can guide innovation and entrepreneurship; deep reflections on intergenerational leadership in times of change; and strategies to boost community wellbeing through education and research.

Nilima Bhat

On Conscious Leadership

Are you ready to discover a new model of conscious and balanced leadership? In this session , Nilima Bhat, distinguished professor and expert in conscious leadership, introduces us to the concept of Shakti Leadership: a powerful fusion of ancient Indian wisdom and emerging knowledge. Learn about the essence of Shakti Leadership, which balances feminine and masculine energies in leadership, and how practices like mindfulness can strengthen your leadership and daily wellbeing.

Key Speakers and PresentersKey Speakers and Presenters

Discover the Wellbeing Movement in Higher Education

Meet the Wellbeing in Higher Education Network, a coalition of richly diverse, leading higher education institutions and organizations that are committed to catalyzing a culture of inner wellbeing within the social change education field.