OUR APPROACH
More powerful together than separate
CONVERGENCE
The Courage to Connect
The convergence of science, the human spirit, and artistic expression are far more powerful together than separate. Babel integrates psycho-spiritual self-actualization with self expression and social connectedness to create transformative change.
Babel is inspired by the power of group models that bring individuals together to create safe spaces and their own language of healing, discovery and empowerment.
We see inner wealth as something to be discovered, cultivated and expressed, not diagnosed, treated or fixed. And there is no single or straight path. That’s why we empower individuals and groups to create their own techniques, languages, and models of self-discovery and expression that reflect the diversity of their perspectives and the wisdom of “lived experience” embodied in our communities.
OUR INSPIRATION
Here are the simple reasons why we take our approach:
PSYCHO-SPIRITUAL SELF-ACTUALIZATION
Ignoring the existence of the human spirit in personal development models, and other aspects of our life, is only holding us back from greater well-being and fulfillment. Babel holds space for individuals and practitioners seeking to deepen their understanding, methods and practices of integrating these aspects.
SOCIAL CONNECTEDNESS AND EMPOWERMENT
Whether someone is approaching personal development to expand their limits or from legacies of oppression, social and economic connectedness goes hand-in-hand with personal transformation. Uncovering the links between internal self perceptions and outward success are critical to overall empowerment.
ART & SELF EXPRESSION
The processes of creative expression allow people to examine their bodies, feelings, emotions, thought processes, and expanded levels of consciousness. Babel provides opportunities for individuals and groups to manifest their internal wealth, through creative expression and tapping their imaginations.
SINGLE ORGANIZING PURPOSE
In our view, the highest form of wealth is to know oneself and make the world a more beautiful place. Our work is driven by this single organizing purpose. We do this through three unique channels of work:
TOOLS TO IMAGINE NEW FUTURES
Babel provides tools for people and communities to explore individual and collective struggles, analyze their origin stories and present situations, and then experiment with inventing new futures. Techniques allow restored dialogues, practicing actions, and other tools of empowerment. The Babel Theater Project provides a foundation of methods, creativity and inspiration that create doorways into greater personal and societal awareness.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Babel creates community-based programs with partners around the world that use innovative methods to enable individuals and groups to imagine, practice and change the protagonists of their own stories. Our programs create powerful opportunities to combat social exclusion and vulnerability, which impact people’s mental, emotional, and behavioral health, while also empowering them to participate fully in their social and economic spheres.
GLOBAL RESEARCH & PARTNERSHIPS
Babel facilitates interdisciplinary and transnational discovery, research and learning on methods, models and impacts using Amherst College as our base. Through a sandbox-styled approach we hold space for imagination and collaboration by inviting practitioners and individuals across multiple disciplines and backgrounds to develop models and methods for self discovery and community development.
"Cities, like dreams, are made of desires and fears, even if the thread of their discourse is secret, their rules are absurd, their perspectives deceitful, and everything conceals something else."
Italo Calvino
Invisible Cities