The wellness industry is estimated to be worth $4.5billion. It’s big business. 

In this book, Wellness Culture by Stephanie  Alice Baker, the author explores the history of alternative therapies transitioning into the mainstream.  She delves into the role of the internet in this expansion, questioning those who wield huge influence, but  by no means ignores the topic of wellness culture.

She propounds that wellness can operate as both a form of inclusion and oppression, and can be moralistic, exclusionary and even harmful.  But Baker does not, by any means,  ignore the fact that  it can also be enriching and empowering which explains its enduring cultural appeal.

A senior lecturer in Sociology at City University, London, Baker is an expert in online communication & connection & examines wellness in the wake of the pandemic.

As many of you will know I am a yoga teacher & mindfulness coach having invested both time & money in professional training. I believe whole heartedly in what I share, as do my colleagues, and that we, and many others ,do what we do with the highest intentions. 

That said, as I read this book, I found myself accepting that within this industry, just like all industries, there are people who abuse their position.  

Interestingly Baker made a timely and helpful point in Wellness Culture just as I ‘lost’ both my venues for my classes, workshops & retreats.

Of course I was already  aware of the importance of understanding the power of our thoughts:  that the law of attraction, quantum, energy  suggests that if things were falling apart one might have unintentionally manifested the situation. In other words, was I doing something wrong?  Had I forgotten this?

For a moment, in the maelstrom of unexpected news, obviously, but here in Wellness Culture was a timely reminder.

Consequently I caught the thought & remembered to trust the universe & the process and myself; that just like an arrow goes back to go forwards – sometimes the Universe clears out things that aren’t working or make sit so uncomfortable you can’t fail to notice & do something different.

As I said, Wellness Culture is an interesting read.

Wellness Culture by Stephanie Alice Baker.   Available in pb and e-book.

 

If you would like more information on how to practice mindfulness, meditation & yoga check out Alex’ website: alexbannard.com

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