Spa & Wellness MexiCaribe 52, Winter 2023-24

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE
GLOBAL WELLNESS SUMMIT
2023
Mental Wellness
Simone Biles’ advice to others is to not hold yourself back,
don’t be afraid to be great, and unleash your power. At 26,
Simone is pushing the boundaries of the sport and plans to
continue competing. “When you look good and feel good, you
do better,” says Simone.
Susie Ellis,
GWS
Simone stepped back from competition in the Tokyo Olympics
due to mental health reasons, and believes that “to teach
people that it is okay to not be okay” is important, “when
people can’t see a physical injury, they often don’t understand
that someone can still be suffering and need help.” Simone
Biles was recognized with the Debra Simon Award for
Furthering Mental Wellness.
Sensory Integration & Beauty
Anna Bjurstam, Wellness Pioneer, talked about sensory
awareness, we have up to 21 senses. The creation of sensory
profiles will allow hospitality businesses to cater specifically to
each guest, creating sensory comfort. Virtual communication
can recreate the sensation of touch, this technology is only
just beginning.
Luuk Melisse of Sanctum explained the philosophy of their
movement classes. Hosted in iconic buildings with sacred
geometry, copal and incense, binaural beats, and healing
frequencies. “When listening to voices through headphones,
your brain perceives the voice as your own.” claims Luuk.
Anjan Chatterjee of Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics explains
the concept of slow looking, helping people engage with art
for longer and identify their reactions to that work of art. This
taxonomy and vocabulary will help people slow down and
appreciate art to obtain the full sensory benefit.
Luuk Melisse
Sanctum
Veronica Schreibeis Smith shared her recent experience of
seeing the Mona Lisa amongst crowds of people, all vying
for space to take their selfies. She claims, "You don't know
beauty when you see it, you know it when it moves you."
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