The Wellness Moonshot: Celebrating Renewal in September

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On September 2, 2020, DaySpa joined the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) and wellness leaders around the world via Zoom for The Wellness Moonshot: A World Free of Preventable Disease September Full Moon Celebration. This month's wellness theme was "Renew," and the group discussed how everyone would prioritize renewal at work and at home. 

According to Susie Ellis, GWI chairman and CEO, more than 6 million people are now engaged in The Wellness Moonshot worldwide—proof that the message of wellness truly resonates. She encouraged us to do our best to inspire and improve the wellness of those around us. "Do what you can, and be creative," she said, pointing out that every little bit counts. 

Next, the group enjoyed a meditative experience led by Randi-Mae Stanford-Leibold, an author, mindfulness facilitator, counselor and workplace wellness consultant. During the mediation, she asked us to think about three themes related to renewalreconsidering, releasing and re-creating—and how we can explore these things in our personal lives and bring them forth in our communities. 

 Renee Moorefield, CEO of Wisdom Works and curator of monthly Wellness Moonshot content, then discussed the importance of letting go to make space for something new to be born. "Inherent in us is the ability to evolve, grow and renew," she said. "Time isn't linearwe're connected to the cycle of life, which is most evident in nature where something is always dying and being born. As we extend our energy to make the world a better place, these moments are a great opportunity to take care of ourselves." Moorefield followed this insight by reading "The Journey," a poem by David Whyte about the essence of renewal. 

September Landscape 2020 Moonshot CalendarCourtesy of the Global Wellness Institute

After journaling about some of the thoughts inspired by the poem, the group split into breakout rooms to share what Renew meant to us on our wellness journeys. We then rejoined to share our conversations with the rest of the group. Topics included: letting go and the need for renewal on global scale; Black Lives Matter and the healing that can come from activism; and the wellness benefits inherent in one's culture and diet.

Alex Iniguez, a participant in Mexico, shared her strategies for wellness during lockdown: "Keep what works, add new ideas and create something better," she said. "I'm focused on making a comfortable space at home and being at peace with my family." As part of finding comfort while working from home, Iniguez exclaimed: "Out with old clothes and in with leggings!" 

Finally, we celebrated the September Wellness Moonshot winner: Regina Schneider, international spa and business director for Spa Adagio in Baltimore. She received a $50 Amazon gift card, and talked about how the Wellness Moonshot and GWS master classes make her feel empowered and relaxed. "And I love meeting with like-minded people from all over the world," she added. 

The celebration concluded with some freeform dance with by Lisa Fasullo of the Center for Transformative Movement. 


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