Community Catalysts
Bridging the gap between minds and planet
As you may well be aware of, I was a guest speaker at the Wales Lifestyle Medicine Conference in Pembrokeshire this weekend. It was hosted for 50 health practitioners who are championing a new way forward to help individuals lead and live a healthier life.
It was an absolute privilege to be given the opportunity to work alongside a team of remarkable human beings. The aim was to host a retreat/conference that offered a variety of learning, playing and resting which attracted likeminded doctors, consultants, nurses, therapists and carers under one cosy roof. They each shared a deep commitment to learning about the untapped potential of lifestyle medicine.
The conference was not just a symposium of professionals but a holistic experience designed to nourish the body, mind and spirit. We enjoyed a harmonious blend of outdoor activities, insightful workshops, and thought provoking talks, allowing us to delve into the realms of lifestyle medicine from every angle.
Amidst the wealth of knowledge and camaraderie, there was also the profound appreciation of the importance of rest, a facet of wellbeing too often overlooked in the frantic pace of our chaotic world, especially for those working in the healthcare sector.
As a guest speaker in this remarkable setting, I found myself not only sharing my experiences and insights, but also being profoundly enriched by the shared wisdom and rejuvenating power of nature.
The conference was a testament to the transformative potential of such gatherings, where the pursuit of knowledge and self care is intricately woven into the fabric of the natural world. Which reminded me of the holistic essence of true wellbeing.
I thoroughly enjoyed spending time and listening to one particular unsung hero Andy Middleton, who is the founder of TYF, a maverick thinker and social entrepreneur with a passion for disruptive change and radical innovation. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room when he delivered his talk. He is certainly a torchbearer, sparking conversations about what we, as a community, are doing to nurture our mental health and emphasising the urgency of addressing larger issues pertaining to the planet’s wellbeing.
People like Andy and others who were guest speakers at the conference, serve as a testament to the power of community driven initiatives, where grassroots movements propel us forward towards a brighter, more sustainable, and empathetic future.
It’s going to take me a few days to process all the discussions and conversations I had, and think about, what more I can do to help doctors and their patients apply therapeutic journaling into their lives. It was an absolute honour to be a part of such a nourishing and important event. If only more good people could come together and share the love for lifestyle medicine and the powerful transformation it can provide.
Until the next time
Take care & stay safe xx