Genesis of IBMS

Interest in the relationship of body, mind, and spirituality to overall health and wellbeing has steadily grown both in the general public and among professionals in the fields of physical and mental health. As a leader in the fields of Counseling Psychology, Education and Expressive Therapies, Lesley University is a major resource for practitioners in these areas. There has been considerable medical research done in the area of mind/body connections in recent years, but relatively little has been done in the social sciences. In order to fill this important gap in the body/mind/spirituality field, Lesley launched the Institute for Body, Mind, and Spirituality (IBMS). Lesley College is well positioned to take a leadership role not only in the advancement of body/mind research, programming, and professional development in the social sciences, but also to explore the added dimension of spirituality as a factor in overall health and wellbeing.

The goals of IBMS is consistent with Lesley's mission. The body/mind/spirituality approach has long been a consistent feature of Lesley's programs, including Expressive Therapies (particularly the dance/movement therapy specialization), the holistic track of Counseling Psychology, the dance and movement segment of Creative Arts in Learning, and many Independent Study Degree programs. Many members of the Lesley faculty actively contribute to research and publications in the body/mind/spirituality field, and several are sought after as national presenters and lecturers. A humanistic perspective, a holistic vision of body/mind/spirituality, and a commitment to positive social change are commonly held values of Lesley faculty, students, and alumni. Lesley alumni working in the fields of education, health care, and business already have a commitment to, and carry out, holistic philosophies and practices.

The Institute is currently housed within the Graduate School of Arts and Social Sciences (GSASS), which comprises the Division of Counseling and Psychology, Division of Creative Arts in Learning, Division of Expressive Therapies, Division of Interdisciplinary Inquiry, International and Collaborative Programs, and the Audubon Expedition Institute. GSASS provides the cross-disciplinary overview and interdepartmental coordination the Institute needs to build a solid foundation within Lesley. Additional support for the Institute comes from leading researchers and practitioners in the body/mind/spirituality fields from all over the country who contribute to critical discussions about needs and trends in research, education, and practice.

Mission and goals

The Institute for Body, Mind. and Spirituality at Lesley University was established for the purpose of promoting inquiry, training professionals, conducting research, developing new programs, and providing leadership in the area of body, mind, and spirituality health and education. IBMS serves as a nexus for all body/mind activities at Lesley. It incorporates the University's mission of empowering students with the knowledge, skills, and experience to succeed as leaders and catalysts in their professions and communities. The goals of the Institute are humanistic, holistic, and transformational. The humanistic aspect focuses on the empowerment of the individual to make changes him/herself, using extensive collaborative learning and adult models of pedagogy. The holistic orientation emphasizes the interrelationship of body, mind, spirituality and society. The identification of tools for physical, mental, and spiritual growth supports a transformational approach to individual development.

For the purposes of the Institute, health is broadly defined as a dynamic process of wellbeing, which integrates mental, physical, social/relational, aesthetic, and spiritual elements. Prevention is emphasized as the best way to attain and maintain health and healthy behaviors. Treatment can be avoided if the root causes of disease and distress are identified and addressed before they develop into mental and physical illness. Spirituality is a more difficult concept. Within IBMS, it is defined as intrinsic religiosity, a developmental process that involves character; social values; connection to other human beings and deeper aspects of oneself; and embracing the concept of something greater than oneself. That "greater something" has been defined by cultures around the world in many different ways throughout human history. Despite significant differences among faiths around the world, there are certain underlying concepts and ethical values they have in common. Whether in the form of a deity, or a philosophy of purpose and morals, this core definition of spirituality emphasizes that all life is connected, interdependent, and meaningful.

Spirituality is viewed as a holistic developmental process, not as the absorption of the tenets of any specific religion. The development of this sense of connection and purpose within the individual fosters healthy behavior; positive self-esteem; good cognitive learning; consideration for others; a sense of relationship to family, community, and history; and an understanding of how individual actions affect these underlying connections. The development of a personal sense of spirituality provides benefits and protective resources that enhance an individual’s ability to function, to enjoy life, and to survive. IBMS takes a multi-faith approach to exploring human development through spirituality. Programs, courses, curriculum models, and research draw on the resources of philosophical and religious thought throughout human history.