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The highlight of our fully packed agenda was learning from Dr. Deepak Chopra, Pioneer of Alternative Medicine & Author; Founder, The Chopra Foundation, U.S who spoke about ‘The Future of Wellbeing’.
After watching a short video showing the miracle of conception, gestation and birth we heard once again of the important role of the gut microbiome (microorganisms and their collective genetic material). This microbiome communicates with the body by regulating which genes get turned on and off, “acting as both a thermostat and a switch” advises Dr. Chopra. “Who are we?” he questioned, “all DNA is make of atoms forged in the crucible of stars. We are essentially stardust beings. The body is like a river, constantly changing with every breath.”
In less than one year you replace 98% of the atoms in the body, the skeleton is replaces every 3 months and our DNA which holds the memory of our evolution, changes every 6 weeks. “The body I am in today is just my 2015 model” Dr. Chopra joked.
“The body is a process not a structure, an energy and information field of gene expression and neuroplasticity. By changing our experiences we can change our biology.”
The fact that only 5% of disease-related gene mutations are fully deterministic provides a positive outlook for the potential of the health and wellbeing of an essentially ‘sick’ world population. By changing our experiences, we can change our biology.
Chopra outlined the 5 pillars of wellbeing:
Sleep
Meditation and Stress Management
Movement (including Yoga and Pranayama breathing)
Emotions
Nutrition
In a study completed by The Chopra Centre, Telomerase (a marker directly associated with longevity and wellbeing) was increased by 40% in meditators within one week. Another study showed decreased heart disease and leaky gut symptoms from simply keeping a daily gratitude journal.
The day continued with some potential future trends from industry leaders, followed by recognition and awards. The award for ‘Leader in Sustainability’ went to the Green Spa Network while the award for a Leading Woman in Wellness went to Geraldine Howard of Aromatherapy Associates who accepted via Skype from the UK.
Agapi Stassinopoulos, Author: Unbinding the Heart, Connecting and Thriving, gave an inspiring closing speech challenging each of us to look after ourselves as we would that super-VIP guest. “Say ‘thank-you’ many times, that is how we are going to save humanity, and always remember, you are not a drop in the ocean, you are the ocean in one drop.”
Susie Ellis then announced the much-anticipated news: the location of the 10th Global Wellness Summit. The 2016 summit will take place in Tirol, Austria. It’s a good job we all now have enough inspiration to last a full year!
Sara Jones
