Ecological Belonging and RegenerationEcological Belonging and Regeneration

Stories from the Hearth

Hearth Summit São Paulo Session Featuring:

Carolina S. Machado

Head of Institutional Development and Fundraising at Instituto Terra
🌍 São Paulo, Brazil

Josué Graton

Circular Economy and ESG Manager, FIT Instituto de Tecnologia
🌍 São Paulo, Brazil

Nathalia Manso

Ecotuner (Facilitator of Reconnection with Nature)
🌍 São Paulo, Brazil

Telma Silva

Manager of Occupational Safety, Health and Environment, Flex Brasil
🌍 São Paulo, Brazil

Vitor Belota

Sustainability and Innovative Education Manager, Grupo Splice
🌍 São Paulo, Brazil

In São Paulo, a diverse panel reflected on the environmental challenges Brazilians face today and the path forward to planetary wellbeing, featuring: Carolina Sampaio Machado, Head of Institutional Development and Fundraising at Instituto Terra; Josué Graton, Circular Economy and ESG Manager, FIT Instituto de Tecnologia; Nathalia Manso is an Ecotuner (Facilitator of Reconnection with Nature); and Telma Silva, manager of Occupational Safety, Health and Environment, Flex Brasil.

Watch the session below (in Portuguese) or click the cc button to generate auto-subtitles in a different language.

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Discover Ecological BelongingDiscover Ecological Belonging

Meet and hear stories from the changemakers exploring how embracing cultural roots nourish wellbeing and social change.

The Wisdom of MeditationThe Wisdom of Meditation

Stories from the Hearth

Hearth Summit São Paulo Session Featuring:

Daniel Calmanowitz

Vice President, Lama Gangchen Foundation for the Culture of Peace (FLGCP)
🌍 São Paulo, Brazil

In São PauloDaniel 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 below (in Portuguese) or click the cc button to generate auto-subtitles in a different language.

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Dive Into Stories From Around the World

Discover Ecological BelongingDiscover Ecological Belonging

Meet and hear stories from the changemakers exploring how embracing cultural roots nourish wellbeing and social change.

Yoga and Conscious Human DevelopmentYoga and Conscious Human Development

Stories from the Hearth

Hearth Summit São Paulo Session Featuring:

Marco Schultz

Coordinator, Simply Yoga
🌍 São Paulo, Brazil

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 aspects of the human condition.

Watch the session below (in Portuguese) or click the cc button to generate auto-subtitles in a different language.

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Dive Into Stories From Around the World

Discover Ecological BelongingDiscover Ecological Belonging

Meet and hear stories from the changemakers exploring how embracing cultural roots nourish wellbeing and social change.

Integrative Medicine: A Game-Changer for Global WellbeingIntegrative Medicine: A Game-Changer for Global Wellbeing

Stories from the Hearth

Hearth Summit São Paulo Session Featuring:

Dr. Richard Ghelman, MD, PhD

Clinical Director, Ghelman Institute of Integrative Medicine
🌍 São Paulo, Brazil

In São PauloDr. Richard Ghelman, MD, PhD, Clinical Director of the Ghelman Institute of Integrative Medicine, introduced the audience to the dimensions of integrative medicine and the role it can play in cultivating wellbeing, worldwide.

Watch the session below (in Portuguese) or click the cc button to generate auto-subtitles in a different language.

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Dive Into Stories From Around the World

Discover the Science of WellbeingDiscover the Science of Wellbeing

Meet and hear stories from the changemakers exploring how wellbeing works and why.

Neuroscientific Dimensions of WellbeingNeuroscientific Dimensions of Wellbeing

Stories from the Hearth

Hearth Summit São Paulo Session Featuring:

Raquel Tatar

Chief Scientific Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Center for Healthy Minds
🌍 Madison, USA

In São PauloDr. 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 below (in Portuguese) or click the cc button to generate auto-subtitles in a different language.

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Dive Into Stories From Around the World

Discover the Science of WellbeingDiscover the Science of Wellbeing

Meet and hear stories from the changemakers exploring how wellbeing works and why.

Human Flourishing in EducationHuman Flourishing in Education

Stories from the Hearth

Hearth Summit São Paulo Session Featuring:

Enrique Tamés

Director of Human Flourishing Projects, Tecnológico de Monterrey
🌍 Monterrey, México

In São Paulo at the second regional summit held at FACENS University, Enrique Tamés, Director of Human Flourishing Projects, Tecnológico de Monterrey, took to the stage to share insights into human flourishing and education.

Watch the session below (in Portuguese) or click the cc button to generate auto-subtitles in a different language.

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Discover Wellbeing in Higher EducationDiscover Wellbeing in Higher Education

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

Intergenerational Trauma, Ancestry, and RaceIntergenerational Trauma, Ancestry, and Race

Stories from the Hearth

Hearth Summit São Paulo Session Featuring:

Raquel Barros

 Coordinator of the Emotional Collaboration Laboratory (ENLACE) and the
Possible Worlds Community Extension Program, FACENS University
🌍 São Paulo, Brazil

Isabel Santos Mayer

Coordinator, Brazilian Institute of Studies and Community Support (IBEAC)
🌍 São Paulo, Brazil

In São Paulo at the second regional summit held at FACENS University, Raquel Barros, Coordinator of the 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 conversation on intergenerational trauma, ancestry, and race in Brazil.Watch the session below (in Portuguese) or click the cc button to generate auto-subtitles in a different language.

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Dive Into Stories From Around the World

Discover Cycles of Healing From Intergenerational TraumaDiscover Cycles of Healing From Intergenerational Trauma

Meet and hear stories from the changemakers championing intergenerational cycles of wellbeing.

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

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.

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

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 PauloDaniel 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