Indian Wisdom and Conscious LeadershipIndian Wisdom and Conscious Leadership

Stories from the Hearth

Hearth Summit Higher Ed Session Featuring:

Nilima Bhat

Distinguished Professor in Gender and Conscious Leadership Studies, Tec de Monterey
🌍 Querétaro, México

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 in leadership, and how practices like mindfulness can strengthen your leadership and daily wellbeing. Watch the session (in English).

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Dive Into Stories From Around the World

Discover Wellbeing in Higher EducationDiscover Wellbeing in Higher Education

Meet and hear stories from the changemakers championing wellbeing in higher education.

Ecological Belonging

Join the Locally Rooted, Universally Human Movement

In collaboration with Georgetown University

Ecological belonging is living in an ongoing interconnected relationship with ourselves, each other and our broader natural world. For most of human history we have done that through storytelling, ritual and practice. This ‘invisible architecture’ made meaning, focused attention, connected communities with themselves and their natural environment.

Throughout most of history, this is how we as humans have enabled and engaged in a respectful relationship with ourselves and all life on earth.

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Ecological Belonging Explorations Across Our Network

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Teaching, Learning, and Co-Creating Teaching, Learning, and Co-Creating

The Science of Wellbeing x Regional Hearth Summits

How does wellbeing “work”? What can we learn from ancient wisdom and contemporary research? The regional Hearth Summits are on a journey of head and heart — fueling a curiosity for the science of wellbeing!

Around the Hearth, leading academics, researchers, elders, topic experts, and holders of traditional wisdom serve as guides to:

Bring intellectual depth to the transformative experience of the Hearth Summit

Encourage a holistic understanding of wellbeing that respects different types of knowledge

Share best practices, methodologies, and case studies

Unite qualitative and quantitative sources of knowledge

Spark new, multi-disciplinary, and cross-cultural ideas and innovations

With plenaries, collaborative dialogues, workshops, and interactive sessions, changemakers are equipped with key knowledge about how wellbeing works and why — helping to inform their work as drivers of social transformation.

Discover what changemakers are learning at the Hearths around the world. For more research on wellbeing, visit our research hub.

UNDERSTANDING WELLBEINGUNDERSTANDING WELLBEING

“Whoever teaches learns in the act of teaching, and whoever learns teaches in the act of learning.”

Paulo Freire

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COMPASSION, ALTRUISM, AND ECONOMICS

WITH PROF. DR. TANIA SINGER

In Brussels, Prof. Dr. Tania Singer, a world expert on empathy and compassion, led changemakers on a journey from inner work to a more caring economy by explaining how motivation psychology and neurobiology can inform economic models. In fostering pro-social behaviour, she explained, we can enable the impactful collaboration needed to solve our world’s biggest problems, such as climate change, social injustice, and economic inequality. The research offers decision- and policy-makers a new look at how the individual and the collective interact in order to create more sustainable macro-economic environments.

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EMOTIONS, HEALING, AND PEACEBUILDING

WITH DR. OLGA KLIMECKI

In Brussels, Dr. Olga Klimecki (pictured above right), Senior Researcher at the University of Geneva, spoke on two panels to bring a neuroscience perspective to conversations on healing and peacebuilding. Citing a new research project from the Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, she explained the growing understanding of the role emotions play in conflict resolution. Through a mix of behavioural and neuroscientific experiments with field studies in conflict areas, the work seeks to aid and inform peacebuilding and diplomacy efforts.

HEALTHY MINDS AND WELLBEING

WITH DR. RICHARD J. DAVIDSON

In Bogotá, Dr. Richard J. Davidson from the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison shared his pioneering research on the neural bases of emotion and emotional style and how they relate to inner and organizational wellbeing. His work explores how brain function is related to wellbeing and mental health, particularly through the study of contemplative practices such as meditation. Through neuroimaging and behavioural techniques, his research captures the neuroplastic changes that occur and thereby enhance emotional resilience, reduce stress, and promote positive health outcomes.

Neuroscientific Dimensions of Wellbeing

SESSION AT Hearth Summit São Paulo

In São Paulo, Dr. Raquel Tatar, Chief Scientific Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Center for Healthy Minds, shared the dimensions of wellbeing as seen through a neuroscientific lens. Take a deep dive into how the brain works and influences wellbeing, as well as the emerging Healthy Minds Framework. Watch the session (in Portuguese).

ARTS AS THERAPY

WITH ALESSANE SECK

In Dakar-Thiès, art therapist Alassane Seck shared learnings from Fann Hospital, where the Moussa Diop psychiatric clinic is home to Senegal’s first arts therapy programme. Alassane opened the L’Atelier d’EXpression (“The Expression Workshop”) in 1999 aiming to provide holistic care to the clinic’s patients. Engaging with the arts can help alleviate symptoms of many psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety, schizophrenia, cognitive impairment and dementia, and autism, in an alternative, non-pharmaceutical approach.

In the specific case of L’Atelier d’EXpression, Alessane explained that only does the programme help patients self-reflect, understand their emotions, express themselves, it also helps shift cultural attitudes towards mental illness in Senegalese society. The participants’ art creations are also often exhibited in various forums and exhibitions, including the regional summit hosted by Tostan, promoting social inclusion and empathy while sharing the story of mental health with wider audiences.

NUTRITIONAL SCIENCES

WITH RUBAIYA AHMAD

In Dhaka, animal welfare activist and educator Rubaiya Ahmad led a workshop on nutritional sciences for changemakers, explaining the physiological relationship between diet and mental health. Conversations about inner wellbeing are incomplete without considering one’s physical wellbeing, she said, as she covered topics such as nutrition, physical exercise, and emotional relationships with food.

As the founder of Bangladesh’s first vegan eatery, The Bangu Vegan, she also shared the human and environmental benefits of eating plant-based foods. She also explained the cultural relevance of plant-based diets in Bangladesh, noting the presence of vegan and vegetarian elements in many authentic Bengali dishes.

SOCIO-EMOTIONAL LEARNING

WITH BRAC INSTITUTE FOR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

In Dhaka, a team from BRAC Institute for Educational Development (BRAC IED) introduced changemakers of all ages to Socio-Emotional Learning (SEL). In the hybrid session mixing instruction and interactive play, participants learned the basics of SEL and how its five core competencies — self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making — relate to fostering wellbeing individually, collectively, and in the workplace. Through games and reflective conversations, the session also looked at how these competencies are taught, exercised, and perceived in Bangladeshi culture.

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Dive Into Research and Knowledge From Around the World

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

Hearth Summit Bangalore 2024 Hearth Summit Bangalore 2024

Regional Hearth Summits

ABOUT THE SUMMIT

Get ready for an incredible immersive experience exploring wellbeing and the interconnection of people and planet in the heart of Bangalore! You’re invited to an emotional and intellectual 2-day journey with Bangalore Creative Circus. More information coming soon!

KEY SPEAKERSKEY SPEAKERS

Cultivating Hope Cultivating Hope

With Rohini Nilekani

Discover our new series featuring leading philanthropists who speak about the important role of investing in changemakers’ wellbeing and wellbeing in changemaking. Season 1 kicks off with a conversation between Rohini Nilekani and Melinda French Gates.

Stay tuned! More information is coming soon Stay tuned! More information is coming soon

In the meantime, check out how BCC has ignited the wellbeing movement across this vibrant city.

BLR WELLBEING FESTIVAL 2023

The first wellbeing-focused festival in Bangalore

Voir cette publication sur Instagram

Une publication partagée par Bangalore Creative Circus (@blrcreativecircus)

DANCES OF UNIVERSAL PEACE

BCC hosts monthly gatherings to enjoy this embodied practice

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Une publication partagée par Dances of Universal Peace (DUP) Bangalore (@dupblr)

CLARITY BREATHWORK SESSIONS

Workshops to teach people to breathe fully, releasing stuck emotions and trauma

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Une publication partagée par Muktika Wellness & Retreats (@muktika_wellness)

HOSTED BY

Bangalore Creative Circus

CONTACT INFORMATION

info@blrcreativecircus.com

EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST IN ATTENDING HEARTH SUMMIT BANGALORE

Registrations aren’t open yet for Hearth Summit Bangalore, but you can express your interest in attending with this form. We’ll share your information with the organizers!