A Day of Bliss: My Soulful Wellness Fair Experience
A Day of Bliss: My Soulful Wellness Fair Experience
by Jacqui Smith
I had never attended a Wellness Day before. As a keen yogi who dabbles in alternative therapies like acupuncture and reflexology, I was intrigued by the idea of dedicating an entire day to wellness. When I came across the Soulful Wellness Fair, it felt like the perfect opportunity to dive in. And wow—what an unforgettable experience it was!
From the moment I stepped through the doors, I was greeted by the warm and passionate Patience, who set the tone for the entire day. Her kindness immediately put me at ease, and even though I arrived alone, I felt entirely comfortable. The venue itself was a cozy haven tucked away in the heart of the city, with wooden floors and velvet sofas creating a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. It was a space designed to let you leave stress—and the rain!—at the door and focus entirely on yourself.
The Journey Begins
The day started with an engaging talk by Suzannah Hussey, who masterfully connected ancient Roman emperors to our modern-day struggle with connection. Her warmth and enthusiasm were infectious as she explained her unique Life Beading process—a creative way to bring yourself into the present and cultivate gratitude in a tangible form.
Next, we moved into a Qi Gong session with the gentle and calming duo, Michael and Amara. They started by offering a dab of oil for our head and heart chakras, followed by fluid, intuitive movements inspired by the inner dragon within us. It was an energizing and symbolic practice, and many attendees, including myself, felt a noticeable shift in energy during this session.
Exploring New Practices
One of my favourite moments of the day was being introduced to EFT tapping by Charlene. She guided us through a sequence of taps to calm the nervous system and center ourselves. Watching a fellow attendee participate on stage was inspiring, and it was clear she felt lighter and more grounded by the end of the session.
Meditation followed with Naloo, an ex-monk whose soothing presence was perfect for helping us sink into a deep state of calm. His half-hour session whizzed by in the blink of an eye, and I left feeling rested and ready to connect with the carefully curated exhibitors. It was lovely to meet Suzannah from Over the Stile again, as well as other exhibitors like Sisters Three organic skincare, MYCO medicinal mushrooms, and Michael and Amara from HMU Harmony, all of whom were brimming with passion for their crafts.
Movement and Bliss
We then moved into a yoga session led by the delightful Rosemary from Black Rose Yogini. Her playful approach combined traditional yoga with a bit of movement, leaving me grinning throughout the class. I really enjoyed exploring a livelier side of a traditional practice.
From there, we eased into a restful gong sound bath led by the soothing Gong Mother. I slipped into a semi-slumber and found myself in a state of pure bliss—it was restorative in every sense of the word. (I wanted to take her home to soothe me to sleep every night!)
I also got to try something completely new: hug therapy! As someone who loves a good cuddle, I was curious—and a bit hesitant—about hugging strangers. But the session turned out to be calming and joyful, leaving everyone glowing with laughter and connection.
Nourishing the Body and Soul
Lunch was a feast of vibrant, nourishing dishes—platters of hummus, fresh fruit, and homemade ginger and hibiscus juices. While enjoying the food, I joined Suzannah’s Life Beading workshop. This was a lovely session, in which we mindfully selected beads to represent present moment gifts, grateful connections and life’s larger moments, creating and a tangible – and pretty! – reminder of all of these beautiful things in life.
The afternoon continued with two insightful panel sessions, where women from the wellness world discussed topics like menstrual health and practical ways to bring wellness into everyday life. The open and relaxed atmosphere encouraged questions and meaningful conversations.
A Magical Ending
As the day wound down, we participated in a cacao ceremony—an enriching and grounding experience I hadn’t encountered before. The day ended on a high note with Bollywood Mindful Movement and Ecstatic Dancing, led by the vibrant Aditi. It was impossible not to smile and move freely, celebrating the energy and joy the day had brought.
Final Thoughts
The Soulful Wellness Fair was a day overflowing with kindness, connection, and discovery. I stepped out of my comfort zone, met wonderful people, and tried practices that left me inspired and recharged. If you’re looking for a day to fill your metaphorical cup and embrace new experiences, this is it.
Will I be back? Absolutely—without hesitation! And guess what?! I won’t have to wait too long, as the next Soulful Wellness Fair has just been announced! Click the button below to nab your earlybird ticket.
