About

Author, Performing Artist, Adventurer Athlete, and Advocate

Thomas Bell is an advocate of heart-led critical thinking, loving leadership, and transformative storytelling.

As a writer, actor, dancer, aerialist, speaker, facilitator, and adventure athlete, he lives and leads toward truth, love, and beauty in many modes, with more yet to come as the future unfolds. Yet through them all runs an unwavering commitment to kindness, creativity, critical thinking, joy, abundance, and love.

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A 25-year veteran journalist, creative writing fellow at the Hambidge Center, and former literary magazine editor, Thomas is a collector, curator, and creator of stories that open our minds and awaken our hearts. He is currently revising his first novel while also writing a book of essays about heart-led critical thinking. Subscribe to the Habits of Heart newsletter to read Thomas’ latest stories and essays.

Thomas is a 20-year veteran contemporary dancer, actor, and aerialist, and currently a board and company member of Burning Bones Physical Theatre. In collaboration with other artists, he creates and performs bold, daring works – challenging audiences to connect with curiosity and wonder to the shadowed truths and deep wisdom within their bodies.

“Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt,” Burning Bones Physical Theatre. Photo by Elegant Life Boudoir.

Thomas is co-founder of one of the nation’s largest literary events — the Decatur Book Festival — and of two agencies consulting on brand story and thought leadership. He also co-founded, advised, or served on the boards of dozens of nonprofits and purpose-driven businesses dedicated to the arts, environment, education, and social justice.

Announcing the lineup of the 2008 Atlanta Journal-Constitution Decatur Book Festival.

Thomas gives thought-provoking talks on art, love, critical thinking, and social entrepreneurship. He has facilitated hundreds of workshops for entrepreneurs and organizations committed to authentic abundance, generous leadership, and cultural change. With a generous heart and insightful intellect, he gently guides audiences to question their assumptions, expand their understanding, and transform their stories.

A former competitive collegiate cyclist and lifelong outdoor adventurer, Thomas founded and leads a team of athletes who compete in triathlons, obstacle course races, and adventure races. He is also an experienced backpacker, canoeist, and wilderness camper.

The Filthy Friends prepare to begin the 2022 Blairsville Extreme Adventure Race (BEAR). Photo by Amy Sparks.

In all his many roles and ambitions, Thomas thinks deeply, loves generously, and tells stories well. Drawn forward by a vision of a kinder, more joyful, abundant, and compassionate world, he inspires, guides, and celebrates others trying to do the same.