Wellbeing Expo Somerset 23.10.16
The Cheese & Grain is hosting the Wellbeing Expo Somerset this autumn. To find out more about it,
LISA ROCKLIFFE spoke with organiser and pioneer
Julia Jeremiah.
Can you tell us a little about the event?
Let me start with our core message which really is the heart of the event: There is a place of wellbeing in every story. At Wellbeing Expo Somerset we want to show people ways of finding that place of happiness and peace within any life circumstance. It is important not to confuse wellbeing with health as health can be an challenging goal, but a sense of wellbeing is possible, and accessible for all of us.
Everyone has been, or most likely will come to a place in life when they need support, inspirations, visions and especially knowledge on how to move on. We all know what it feels like to be overwhelmed, stuck, physically and emotionally in pain. The NHS and other state funded healthcare services provide a good support system within their field of expertise. At the same time like all systems they have their limitations and do not work for everyone or in most cases, people need complementary support.
We want to inspire, stimulate and provide a highly informative event for people to upgrade their life in whatever ways work for them. It will be vibrant, creative, fun and bring a big variety of wellbeing experts and high vibe products to one place, to offer people a holistic and empowered way of life. We want to help people find a place of wellness in their story. The Wellbeing Expo will enable us to be part of a movement in society that places wellbeing at the centre of everyday life helping individuals and society to thrive.
We want to inspire, stimulate and provide a highly informative event for people to upgrade their life in whatever ways work for them.
What kinds of exhibitors are you expecting to be at the event?
We are excited to bring together a dynamic collection of exhibitors who have in depth knowledge and experience, embodying their area of expertise.
Expo visitors will have the unique opportunity on the day to informally engage with gurus, asking questions specific to their needs. It could be a Homeopath, Chinese Medicine (herbs and acupuncture), Ayurvedic Medicine (you can have your Vedapulse taken), Naturopath, Kinesiologist, Body Talk, Emotional Freedom Technique, Nutritionist, Chiropractic, Life Coach, Theta Healing, Hypnotherapist and many, many more.
Products of exceptional quality will be available and we will be introducing you to some new, innovative, funky products which you may not really need but they sure will make your heart sing when you see, feel or smell them. For me personally, my physical space is really important to aid my sense of wellbeing. Fresh, clear and beautiful surroundings give me energy and spark my imagination. When I meditate I like beautiful symbols that form the bridge into what I call my inner sanctuary. Essential oils transform my mood and change spaces just as much as flowers, books and pictures. Physical space is different for different people, I know for a lot of people a state of wellbeing is connected to a minimalistic life, detached from attachments to physical things. However for me and many people I know, physical objects are a representation of an inner state, they are a reminder of places within me that I love. So our wellbeing expo is a great place to find those little things that make all the difference.
We also have two stages, and a workshop space. We are most proud to host Michael Ormistan and Candida Valentino for a first time appearance in Frome. We will be invigorated by their internationally known Mongolian Khöömii Overtone chanting Performance and workshop (soundtransformations.co.uk) Our free life stage will also have traditional Kirtan, a very different kind of music which has its roots in India. Based on ancient chants, it has the ability to quiet the mind if listened to with intention. Other performances include silent disco, yoga, meditation, Thai Chi, talks about peaceful communication and conflict resolution and local bands. We have some stage spaces available so please get in touch if you would like to be part of this event. Our nutrition stage will have demonstrations and talks to help you vamp up your wellbeing by looking at hot topics in the world of nutrition…and chocolate!
Candida Valentino
Another rather exciting feature is our pop up happiness museum. Did you know that friends of mine have opened the first ever Museum of Happiness in London? Well guess what? They are coming to Frome! A really inspiring bunch of people that take spreading happiness to the masses very seriously and keep surprising me with their wealth of creativity. A must see!! For a little peak of who they are, have a look at their website, museumofhappiness.org.
Are you still taking entries if any exhibitors want to be at the Expo?
Great question! I love this job, I get to meet the crème de la crème in the world of wellbeing in and around Somerset. So yes please, we love to hear from passionate wellbeing creatives, performers that lift the spirit and experts from all across the field of wellbeing. Please email me at Julia@flowerfieldsmoothies.com
How did you get involved in the industry?
Honestly, I think I was born destined to create this event. There has never been a time in my life where I wasn’t passionately involved in projects around wellbeing (even in kindergarten I was told off for constantly involving myself in conflict resolution) When at school in Germany we had elected student representatives of which I was one, as well as being the Head of School representative for 4 years in a large school with over 1000 students. It just went on like this in various forms. I worked in Africa in various community projects, studied Occupational Therapy and Psychology before diving into the world of healing, hypnotherapy and meditation. I had a thriving practice in London and organised charity events. Ever since my personal breakdown with the diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis combined with a few years of total exhaustion, I have found that my work has become deeper, more compassionate and has a strong focus on nutrition and meditation. I have a very aggressive form of arthritis so for me to be in that place of wellbeing means a disciplined diet and meditation routine. Some of your readers may find my story with Rheumatoid Arthritis inspirational to read, so here’s the link, flowerfieldsmoothies.com/my-story-1/
Our workshops are fabulous, ranging from Stress Management, Chanting, Yoga to Confidence building and finding your personal Ayurvedic dosa.
Who do you think would benefit from coming along?
This is a tough question. We feel so passionate about this event that I cannot say who wouldn’t benefit! I am a firm believer into that inner voice that tells us what is right for us. So my guess is that if you have read this interview up to this point, then this event is for you!
There are workshops at the event – what do they cover and how do you sign up?
Our workshops are fabulous, ranging from Stress Management, Chanting, Yoga to Confidence building and finding your personal Ayurvedic dosa. Look at our website and book your space soon as spaces are limited and they will fill up quickly.
What is the Pay It Forward scheme?
This is one of the most important features from our expo. We are selling ‘Pay it forward’ tickets at a reduced rate. This gives people the chance to offer the gift of a ticket to someone who, no questions asked, needs a little support. Every time a ‘Pay it forward’ ticket is purchased, a post-it note will be posted up on our wellbeing board next to the Cheese and Grain ticket office. Anyone can then take a post-it note and exchange it into a real ticket for no charge. We want to make this event accessible for everyone and this scheme gives people in the local community the chance to give back. We have set the ball rolling with 50 ‘Pay it forward’ tickets and we hope that many of you will support people from all walks of life to join this event.
Where can we get tickets?
You can purchase a ticket online or you can head to the ticket office at the Cheese and Grain. If you would like to claim a ‘Pay it Forward’ ticket then head to the ticket office and look for the brightly coloured post-it notes with our signature Pineapple on. Just grab a ticket and exchange it at the ticket desk for a real ticket. We cannot wait to see you there!
