Every week in The Wellness Intelligence Collective (TWIC), I share an interview with one member in a series called, “Good Human of The Week”. Below I share what Wellness Intelligence means to them with a link to their full interview. What does Wellness Intelligence mean to you?
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“It means I get to have more Lisa in my life, and for me, that is a great thing! I believe everyone on here would agree. Final answer. “
– Joel Solish, Tastemaker, read this full interview
“We are all empowered with the energy and information in connection with each other, the earth, and innately within us, to thrive together; mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually, in wholeness. To me, Wellness Intelligence is about remembering our true nature and choosing to tap into this infinite lifeforce and intelligence to live harmoniously with ourselves, each other, and the planet.”
– Erin McElroy, Transformation Specialist, read her full interview
“When I hear Wellness Intelligence I imagine an innate or intuitive understanding of ones personal wellness ecosystem and a desire to care for it.”
– Chris Kornacki, Regenerative Farmer, read his full interview
“Self-care can be seen as overindulgence in some cultures. My wife and I unlocked a key to a happy marriage before we were married. It boils down to “take care of me so I can take care of you.” Wellness Intelligence would mean to me having the opportunity to learn the many ways self-care can manifest. For years I took care of my body, but probably didn’t do a great job with my mind or spirit. That’s changed the last ten years of my life through therapy, balancing alone time and social interaction, and just getting off “the grind.” With a print magazine and a community at Mountain Gazette, I’m only starting to learn how to take my foot off the gas. Thankfully there is a great group that helps me run the magazine so I have time to check-out and enjoy life with my young family.”
– Mike Rogge, Owner, Mountain Gazette, read his full interview
“It means a mindset that uses personal experience and outcomes as the ultimate dataset towards accepting or rejecting practices in our lives that are meant to bring us to better overall health, wellness and autonomy.”
– Jason Stauffer, Alchemist and Combat Veteran, read his full interview
“Wellness Intelligence is about tending to all facets of your potential: your body, mind, heart and spirit. This includes your financial wellness and your relationship with yourself, others, society and your environment. It is about taking massive personal action to love better how you think, function, feel. It requires you to dedicate time, energy, effort and love into your human body, your human being, and your human doing.”
– Mindy Blackstien and Jeffrey Kippel, best-selling authors, read their full interview
“I think it is very fun, interesting, and informative.”
– Riley Gutfreund, 9 year old with a lot to share, read full interview
“To me, it means having the knowledge, understanding, and experience of cultivating a life of wellness. It has been a journey of becoming by taking small, consistent steps and at other times, it requires a big brave jump. Sometimes, there is some healthy hovering to stabilize and prepare for the next leg of the journey. Recently, I woke up, looked around, and realized I have made so many changes that I am living a completely different, wiser, kinder, and healthier life. For me, this includes a daily movement and taking the time to garden and cook our food from scratch. It also includes nourishing my mind and spirit with good reading and great connections.“
– Lue Kraltchev, Culture Strategist, Founder of Gluemanity, read full interview
“Wellness Intelligence is a person’s level of understanding, knowledge and ability to make informed decisions that achieve overall wellbeing and optimal health. People with Wellness Intelligence are on a path of continuous learning about nutrition, exercise, mental health and stress management and enjoy the benefit of living a balanced lifestyle and making informed health decisions. Wellness Intelligence includes the understanding that our personal wellness starts with how we think, which impacts the health and wellbeing of our relationships with our loved ones, our neighbours and coworkers, our community, our schools and businesses, our social structures, our forests and greenbelts, our oceans, rivers, and habitats that support all life.”
– Nikki Self, Social Entrepreneur, Founder and CEO of Saponetti, read full interview
“I believe we instinctually know what our bodies need so Wellness Intelligence is about trusting and listening to ourselves more and relying less on the medical and marketing machines to tell us what’s best for our bodies and our minds. Wellness Intelligence is deeply rooted in my connection with the Earth Energy and Universal Energy.”
– Debby Noar, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and Registered Nurse, read full interview
“WI is the ability to feel whole and healthy and powerful. To know that you are on your path or journey of optimal living. Wellness Intelligence is tuning into your spiritual frequency of truth and to listen to your body that tells you everything you need. In a world full of misinformation, we must be our own Wellness Intelligence.”
– Kelly Childs, Chief Vision Officer, Kelly’s Bake Shoppe, read full interview
“Mind, Body, Spirit, and Heart connection, health, and all thriving together. Flow state.”
– Scott Miller, Owner of Conscious Water, read full interview
“To know and not to do is not to know. In that light, to me, wellness intelligence means more than just having knowledge about what it means to be healthy. It’s about actively living a wellness lifestyle, incorporating healthy habits and practices into your daily routine. It’s a topic that’s very important to me, and it’s my next personal mission.”
– Jill McAbe, Bestselling Author & Educator, read full interview
“Wellness intelligence is an awareness of ones body and mind – what foods impact us, who impacts us, our stressors, and what makes us smile.”
– Jordan Wagman, Chef, Author, Podcast Host, read full interview
“Staying informed and accountable about all life skills/needs. Being authentic and honest with my choices and not settling for less than what is needed. Being kind/honest to myself and everyone I am connected with! Speaking the “truth” and not setting my standards any less than what I expect.”
– Laurie Southall, Owner and Creator of Delish Kitch, read full interview
“Not entirely sure yet but waiting with wild anticipation to find out. But which cultivated soul does not think “wellness intelligence” is a glorious pair of words?”
– Sang Kim, Chef, Restaurateur, Writer, and TV Personality, read full interview
“Wellness knowledge is the information that we all accrue throughout our life, whether that be from outlets, personal experiences, or as shared information from loved ones. When I read your Wellness Intelligence Empathy Economics questions, it felt like I was reading questions that I’ve played in my own mind in many different scenarios. These questions have become really important to me, so much so, that I’ve posted them on the door of my business! It really aligns with what I stand for as an individual, and as a brand and small business.”
– Laura Di Lorenzo, Founder of Sunshine Mattress Co., read full interview
From Robbie Palm:
“I’d say that it is an understanding of what it takes to be truly “well” in any moment. The awareness of self, your community, your family and all that connects us to our true nature. There is a frequency, a resonance to everything. Finding the resonance that works for you, is a constant work of art that takes consistency, awareness, conscious connection and so much more. To be grounded, energized, engaged and present in spirit, body, mind and beyond in any moment to me is the ultimate form of wellness.“
– Robbie Palm, Real Estate in Whistler, British Columbia, read full interview
“I don’t know how I would interpret that. I think intelligence can assist me in making wiser choices for my wellness. Only for myself though, I wouldn’t inflict it on others. My philosophy wouldn’t necessarily work for anyone else.“
– Pearl Goodman, my Grandmother, read full interview
“For me, it’s about approaching life thoughtfully and not on autopilot. Like I said earlier, I choose to believe that people are good. And if you were to think about the things you put in and on your body before you do it, I think we would all make better choices.“
– Lisa Karandat, Co-Founder of Good Juju Body & Home, read full interview
“Intelligence is an abstract concept that is difficult to define. We can generally agree it is a measure of some mental and emotional ability, but ”mental” and “emotional” and “ability” can describe a broad range of things. I see Intelligence as a sort of mycelial web – an ability to explore, inquire, probe, find different angles to looking at a piece within a larger architecture, and connecting the dots of knowledge, understanding, taking in an experiential data as well as listening to the wisdom of our ancestors. It is an ability to engage with and learn from natural patterns that exist in Nature, and took thousands and millions of years to evolve. It is a capacity to trust our own senses and understand why we feel them, and ability to shift, move, adopt to and decentralize that knowledge. To be able to suspend judgements and hold multiple truths. (May be this last one is just Wisdom).”
– Slava Sapershteyn, Registered Psychotherapist, read full interview
“Wellness Intelligence is when you engage all your senses to think critically about how to better protect yourself – your heart, your body, your spirit. You lead with care to your own person and to those around you. You lead with intuition and brain power in your decision-making. It’s moving your body every day and giving ample space and time to reflect.
Truthfully, it means something I really need to work on. I don’t feel well or intelligent when it comes to what I have been willing to do to my body or myself over the last 6-months. I have been just pushing myself to the edge every day. So narrating all of this is a good opportunity to re-engage and get back to where I know I feel most safe and comfortable with myself. It’s certainly not where I have been … and I am not sure that I have been serving anything I am doing by just pummelling through life.”
– Rache Brand, Revenue Growth Strategies for Early Stage Companies, CEO One Potato, read full interview
“To me Wellness intelligence means weeding out the sales pitch on wellness, and going inward. It means checking in with yourself, truly, and discovering your own path. Everyone is unique, everybody is unique.”
– Georgia Martinez, Founder of FLVC Wellness, read full interview
“I think Wellness Intelligence is about recognizing that nothing is ever static. Our bodies are always changing and it’s about learning to connect with how you’re feeling and tapping into resources that benefit body, mind, and spirit.”
– Katherine Yaphe, Founder of Oliver Yaphe and Co-Founder of beanstory, read full interview
“Wellness Intelligence to me is a process of understanding what wellness is for each individual, within the context of their body, life, age, and community. I don’t believe wellness looks one way for everyone, and intelligence means we can respect differences while also challenging each other with new possibilities of wellness.”
– Christine MacSween, Physical Therapist, Artist, Teacher, read full interview
“To me it’s understanding that your body, mind and soul all need to be taken care of. It’s about constantly learning, evolving and adjusting to techniques that can improve health and longevity.”
– Melissa Ralston, Wife and Mom of twins and one angel, read full interview
“I love the term, and it speaks to what I’m trying to work towards in my own life, which is increasing our knowledge and experience of a broader sense of wellness. To me it means being informed and intelligent about our wellness, as well as making sure that our knowledge and different types of intelligence inform how we go about healing ourselves.”
– Ellie Bass, Coach and Educator, read full interview
“Well I can’t say I’ve heard of this term before, but what comes to me is that it is actually a different word or term: Divine Intelligence. Divine Intelligence: The amount to which you are connected to your divine self and its intelligence. A “higher” way of interacting with the world around you. Seeing beyond the veils of the matrix and operating from a guided, sacred place. Being fluent in the language of the divine and dancing with it on the daily.”
– Luciana Santaguida, Music Artist and Song Writer, read full interview
“Wellness is a common topic in this day and age, and for good reason. With significant development in traditional medicine, natural medicine and general wellness practice, there is something for everyone to learn about and implement in their life to improve their general health. For me, Wellness Intelligence is about awareness and a desire to learn and grow. There is always something we can do to improve our state of wellbeing, and Wellness Intelligence is the desire to act upon it and strengthen your body and mind.”
– Josh Arbess, Analyst and Infrastructure Advisor, read full interview
“It means connecting to a network of thinkers who are considering what wellness can look like. It means building the wellness muscle, which can’t happen in isolation. It’s about the importance of building community. It’s about creating a spark for new things to grow.”
– Laura Repo, Artist and Creator, read full interview
“Being aware.”
– Tim Donnelly, CEO and Co-Founder of Culcherd, read full interview
“Staying aligned with your values whilst pursuing your goals.”
– Tenille Hoogland, founder and Head Coach of Elements Sports Coaching, read full interview
“I think wellness intelligence means being in tune enough with your own body’s energy to know where to focus your wellness goals–and then get going on them. It took me a long time to acknowledge my candida and that my illness was a direct result of my own behaviors and thoughts. Having that direct line to your inner guidance is not only helpful, but a gift for those who have it. It’s something I cultivate each day and hope, one day, to master.”
– Ricki Heller, Writer, Book Coach, Editor, Healthy Recipe Developer, read full interview
“It means recognizing that the health of your mind and your body go hand in hand. Without care for each, we can’t be well. We will need all our strength, our mental capacity and our physical health as we face the climate emergency with our eyes, mind and heart, wide open.”
– Harriet Shugarman, award winning author, university professor, Climate Educator, Policy Analyst, and Climate Activist, read full interview
“I have never heard the words used together, but I would think that it has to do with the knowledge that every individual has about the steps that they can take to stay more proactively healthy. As we all know, knowledge is only the starting point. Find a buddy, stay connected, take action. Whatever your goal, tackle it together for better results.”
– Pete Bombaci, Founder of The GenWell Project, read full interview
“It’s our own responsibility to pursue optimal wellbeing. Even though this often comes from the influence of our physical, social and cultural environments in which we live in, it’s our awareness that provokes our understanding, comprehending, and perceiving of our intentions, choices, behaviours, and lifestyles which then dictates the outcome that is optimal health and wellbeing.”
– Doris Fin, Global Chef, read full interview
“I love the concept of Wellness Intelligence. Everything we desire seems to be fundamentally about wellness, so to speak, but desire and wellness are no longer in alignment. Wellness Intelligence, I suppose, is about rediscovering that alignment between desire and wellness.”
– Ola Olatunji, Organic Farmer, read full interview
“Wellness Intelligence means understanding what makes you feel light in your mind, your body, and your soul!“
– Brandi Garden, Co-Founder at Eversio Wellness Ltd. and Eversio Labs, read full interview
“It means being mindful and open-minded about how we work towards our health and well-being goals. The willingness to learn from ourselves and others (every day) to bolster our wellness knowledge and toolkit. It’s about listening, trying, learning, and improving daily.”
– Sohail Shariff, Co-Founder and CEO of Movemate, read full interview
“I see Wellness Intelligence as a 360 view of wellness without missing any angles- connected into all aspects of not just the body and the physical but also the mind. I believe Wellness Intelligence highly goes hand in hand with both home and work life. Without it, it could be easier to experience burnout and use energy in ways that are depleting in the long run.”
– Yara Kamal, Owner of Scoria, read full interview
“Knowing how to pause, listen to your own body, and provide it what it needs. It can be that simple if you allow it.”
– Adrienne Jezick, co-founder Morozko Forge, click here
“It’s a combination of two of my favourite intentions. Applied intelligence plays a key role in how we achieve wellness. It’s one thing to be intelligent about your core area of focus in life, it’s something else to apply intelligence to ensure the sustainable radiance of your being at core. At a personal level it comes down to making wise decisions about the energetic exchanges I have with the world including food, information, work, social and other choices.”
– Trevor Cape, Coach and Musician, click here
“Be objective to avoid nepotism. Make sure each person is doing what they love.”
– Jean Eng, Owner at Pure + Simple, read full interview
“Wellness Intelligence is something that applies to every single thing we all do. Whether you are shopping for new clothes, working out, or going out with friends or for a hike, there is always a way to do it better.”
– Joey Storm, my Daughter and Hero, read full interview
“To me it means having the awareness of how difference aspects of our lives can impact our health (mentally + physically) and feeling empowered to be able to direct our own well-being by making certain choices that serve us to the best of our ability.”
– Monique Chan, Founder of Bruized, read full interview
“What I have learned on my wellness journey is that wellness is intuitive and a very personal adventure. It doesn’t fit a blueprint. We’re learning more about wellness each and every day. I’m excited to continue learning and to be a part of this community and to get to learn more from each of you, reading this!”
– Bridgitte Alomes, CEO of Natural Pod, read full interview
“This is a solution that encourages connection, and I believe supports the world in remembering harmony.”
– Jeremy Hoffmann, Socially-Kind Serial Entrepreneur, read full interview
“To me, Wellness Intelligence means having an awareness of wellness as a birthright to be acknowledged, accepted and demonstrated.”
– Veronica Ciandre, Wearable Medicine Maker and New Narrative Coach, read full interview
“Wellness intelligence is being connected with people who truly care about you, your well-being & the Earth – our beloved Mama Gaia 😉“
– Katie Christie, Holistic Healer and Nutritionist, read full interview
“Knowing yourself or engaging in that discovery. Understanding your mind-body connection and respecting this special form that we have been gifted.”
– Lisa Forsyth and Patrick Harrison, VP and CEO of VP of CoreChair, read full interview
“I think about being conscious of and maintaining health, both mental and physical. On mental health, it means walking away from toxic situations and people and focusing on cultivating positive relationships. I’ve been very fortunate with physical health. I don’t go out of my way to eat healthier because I know that being vegan is already a strong baseline. I also don’t go out of my way to exercise, but during the pandemic I started riding a bike to get around. A while ago, I was often at the rock climbing gym, not because I wanted to exercise, but just because I had fun doing it (and then I eventually got bored). Then I took up skydiving around when I stopped rock climbing. Turns out it’s much easier to go with gravity than against it!”
– Roger Yang, Restauranteur, read full interview
Lindsay: “Wellness for me is the intersection of a healthy diet, good sleep, appropriate work hours and being present with my family.”
Alexandra: “Wellness to me is a healthy balanced diet, green tea and exercise!“
– Alexandra and Lindsay, “twinpreneurs” and CEOs of Nudnik, read full interview
“To me, it means personal growth for grown ups.“
– Jose Figueroa, Soul Coach, read full interview
“I think I am so drawn to Wellness Intelligence because it means so much to me. It means being connected to myself, connected to nature, to healing. It means being present, staying curious, lively freely and the list goes on. I have an autoimmune condition that was quite the struggle to understand how I can nourish my body, mind, spirit etc. and it still would work against me. I’ve had to learn to re-trust my body and hyper-nourish it even when it’s going haywire. There have been so many hard days and seemingly defeating moments along the way, Wellness intelligence is having hope that healing is happening. Wellness Intelligence means always having patience with myself, it means when I am feeling overwhelmed grounding and giving my body and brain what it needs. It means connecting with nature often. It means trusting my intuition when my body is in pain and choosing to love it on the days when fatigue and exhaustion are invisible to the outside world but very present to me. It means finding sustainable ways to feel good and also to be good to the earth. I think I could go on forever about this one 🙂 Life is fascinating and Wellness Intelligence is maintaining a sense of awe and wonder to learn more about myself and about this world.”
– Julia OKeefe, Community Coordinator for Karuna International, read full interview
“Wellness Intelligence, to me, means a high level of connection with the mind, body and spirit and a keen awareness of their needs. Wellness Intelligence, to me, also means becoming the listener of the self; the listener of others; the listener of one’s environment’ and the listener of the Divine!”
– Fotini Chandrika, Horse Wisdom Yoga®, read full interview
“Attunement to what feels right in our body. Intuiting into what we’re needing individually in any given moment. To me it’s the ability to get underneath the noise of our conditioned mind and learn to listen to what our body is telling us. Tapping into a deeper wisdom. Also connecting with the wellness expertise of others that supports our own path of personal growth and overall well-being.”
– Greg Klym, Certified Mindfulness Coach, read full interview
“A cool thing to help you be able to live in a very healthy way.”
– Andy Storm, my youngest son and a bright shining light, read full interview
“Being open to all aspects of our health/wellness including our mental, physical and emotional states, and understanding they are all interconnected.”
– Andrea Donsky, Nutritionist, the Founder of NaturallySavvy.com and Wearemorphus.com, read full interview
“This is a great question. I am not totally sure. I guess for me, it means having the knowledge to do better, to be better and to practice that every day. How can I be better for me, for my community and for my world so that I am leaving a positive, healthy legacy for the next generation.“
– Andrew Flynn, Mentor, Ironman, and “Champion of YOU”, read full interview
“Wellness intelligence sounds so cool and important. What sparks joy for you? What makes you tick? When do you feel most happy & healthy?? Learning signs of feeling healthy and happy. What makes you feel passionate? I guess wellness intelligence is all these things together?“
– Laurin Mayer, Writer and Mental-Health Warrior, read full interview
“To me, Wellness Intelligence is the ability to perceive, control, and evaluate our Wellness. We make so many decisions every day that influence our wellness… being Wellness Intelligent is about building a deeper connection and understanding to our choices and their influence over how we feel, think, and perform.”
– Megan Cote Khosroshahi, Borden Communications, read full interview
“To me it means the awareness of what is good for you, what makes us healthy and happy. It’s the knowledge of being smart, looking after ourselves and our health whether it be physical, mental, spiritually or emotionally in the right and responsible way. We have a responsibility to ourselves and the planet. I’m reminded of the saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” So many people get lazy and neglect themselves, they eat wrong, they’re stressed, they’re unhappy, they do the wrong kind of exercise. I try to take a holistic approach, music plays a big part in that process, it’s food and yoga for the soul.”
– Tom Sandler, Photo Journalist and Musician, read full interview
“Wellness Intelligence for me, means having a strong mind/body connection where we are present with or thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. We are in tune with ourselves and how we show up in the world, being present in the moment and attuned to our needs – what does our body need, what does our mental health need and how are we interacting with the world around us.”
– Briana Bragg, Founder of Vacation of the Mind, read full interview
“To me it means knowing what makes you feel well. I had a coach who was all about vitality. All her clients had to come up with their vitality equation, what makes them feel vital. For example it could be to do yoga three times a week + get an average of 8 hours of sleep a night + go on a date with my husband every week + get out of the house everyday + keep in regular touch with old friends = my vitality. Wellness Intelligence is knowing all the parts of your vitality equation, what makes you feel well.”
– Rachel Ostroy, Mental Fitness Coach, Professional Co-Active Coach, Positive Intelligence Coach, read full interview
“Wellness Intelligence, to me, is about getting into consistent routines which work for your own body. It is about first gaining an understanding of yourself, and then partaking in specific actions, daily, that meet your body’s needs. Wellness Intelligence finds a balance though. It is about creating these routines, but understanding that routines don’t have to be rigid. One must be able to understand their body, and modify their routines when necessary. Additionally, Wellness Intelligence is about conversing with others and learning and opening your mind to developing yourself based on the values of others. Wellness Intelligence is also about taking care of one’s mind. While physical wellness may be a contributing factor to that of mental wellness, there are specific actions one can take in order to preserve one’s mental wellbeing. Taking breaks, getting fresh air, spending time with friends, family and dogs, watching your favourite show, cooking, eating, and simply talking and expressing your thoughts, are all ways to be Intelligently Well. Physical and Mental Health are equally as important, and often go hand in hand with each other. It is important to find a routine that enforces the use of both mental and physical tools.”
– Arielle Weinstein, gr 11 student, newly published author of children’s book “Perfectly Imperfect”, read full interview
“When I hear “Wellness Intelligence,” I think of the innate wisdom of the body. No one can tell you what’s right for you: no one diet, no one coaching program, no one marketing approach, no one anything. We have the wisdom within, and we have to take the time to listen to it. And then have the courage to act on it. This courage, this listening, this action. This alignment with the True Self. This is what brings us into alignment with the Body Temple. And All of Life.”
– Debra Mazer, “Open-Eyed, Heart-Wide” Haggadah, read full interview
“When I think of Wellness Intelligence I think of nature. And my body is nature. So I move with the intelligence in my own body towards what is well… what is good for me.”
– Laura Gilmour, Wild Muskoka, read full interview
“Wellness Intelligence is general well being in all areas of life. That includes listening to our body what and when it wants to eat, how much to exercise and rest. Meditation helps to control our emotions, allowing them to flow and not holding onto them. Studying spiritual evolution practices so we can ascend to higher states of being. There’s much more that Wellness Intelligence can encompass depending on people’s interests and hobbies. For example, I need to live in nature to feel well and in harmony with the natural cycles of the day and night. I desire to dance, move and stretch. You can learn more as we continue to learn together.“
– Akira Simona Musilkova, meditation teacher, channeler, healer, and DJ, read full interview
“Wellness Intelligence means for me to make better decisions and take better actions with the aim of improving the quality of life, how YOU want it. The quality of life can be divided in the following aspects: Emotional, Spiritual, Environmental, Social, Mental, Financial, Intellectual, Physical“
– Khoa Nguyen, Salesforce Consultant and a Happiness Mentor, a philosopher, optimist, and public speaker, read full interview
“I feel like I have a different perspective on Wellness Intelligence than a lot of people my age because of my involvement in The Wellness Intelligence Collective from its inception. It’s been really phenomenal to learn along with and from my mom as her work has developed. To me, Wellness Intelligence encompasses everything you do on a daily basis, no matter whether its intention is for bettering your mind and body or not.”
– Ryan Storm, Podcaster, Lisa’s eldest son, and our “voluntold” intern, read full interview
“The ability to understand where you are at this moment in your life and making the best choices with what you have.“
– Bashir Munye, Chef, read full interview
“Challenging yourself to be in control of your own wellness. Growing your food, collaborating or supporting those who produce something you don’t, moving in a way that feels right for you today, most of all keeping your mind curious!”
– Micheal Regina and Jenessa Clark, The Little Farm That Could, read full interview
“To me, Wellness Intelligence is being wise about all factors of my health. Learning and applying what feels good in my body, mind and soul while still enjoying and indulging in life. Wellness to me isn’t achieved by a strict diet or formula. It is exploration, it is that big sweet dessert after a meal and it is also nurturing my body, creating, connecting, doing hard things and acting towards longevity.”
– Yasmine Gerbara, VIE gems, read full interview
“My take on Wellness Intelligence is knowing what is good for you as a whole and applying it as an everyday, consistent lifestyle. The knowledge that comes with being open to new ideas and possibilities as it relates to your well-being.”
– Teejay Peterson, Air Force Reservist and Founder & Lead Community Event Organizer of Bit of Hope, read full interview
“Knowing the right decisions to make for yourself to live your best life. Both physical and mental/emotional. They’re all tied together.”
– Stacey Smith, Holistic Nutritionist, read full interview
“I feel its all about including health into all aspects of your life, involving physical, emotional, mental health, as well as bringing awareness into personal life and work, uniting people, becoming more aware our relationship with self and external world. And just making the world a better place contributing to the collective consciousness. This is how I see it.”
– Anya Kyago, Movement Therapist and Quantum Healer, read full interview
“For me, it’s about the big picture and achieving balance. It’s easy to focus on one thing, like physical exercise, and to tick that box every day and pat yourself on the back and say job done. But that’s a shallow outlook and personal development should be so much more than that. That’s is the thing that struck me immediately with your work is that you have taken the time to incorporate many different aspects of “wellness” and to develop a holistic and comprehensive outlook and approach to personal development. I love how accessible and achievable you have made your valuable knowledge and methods.”
– Gavin Higgins, Photographer, read full interview
“For me, Wellness Intelligence means being open to learning more about our wellness and all areas of it (mind, body, spirit). Learning about the facts, what works for each of us, what wellness activities bring us joy. And living into that bit by bit!“
– Shannon Cottrell, Producer, read full interview
“Wellness Intelligence is the ability to be aware of oneself and make intelligent choices that allow one to find a balance and happiness in life.”
– Sungsook Han, Owner of HansommChef, read full interview
“Wellness Intelligence allows me to activate my body’s innate self-healing. It is discovering how to live your life to allow you to be in complete alignment with yourself and the Universe.”
– Joy Badler, Educator and Mindfulness Coach, read full interview
“Wellness Intelligence to me, is when your body is in tune with your mind, and you know innately what you need to maintain balance, a sense of peace and calm, optimal energy, and space for gratitude and love.”
– Anouk Frolic, Artist, Environmentalist, Animal Rights Activist, read full inteview
“The learnings of how to practically optimise my wellbeing, while developing greater awareness of the interconnectivity between mind, body and soul. Apart from your great down-to-earth personalities and your splendid nurturing qualities, what I love about TWIC is your holistic approach to wellbeing, as other practices out there tend to be narrower and much more specific.“
– Sven Segal, The Better Shoes Foundation, read full interview
“Wellness Intelligence means learning about me so that I can seek and make better decisions about what opportunities support my physical, mental and social wellness or health so that I can optimize and promote my general health.”
– Dr. Mary Nagai, Doctor, Professor, Accomplished Ballroom Dancer, read full interview
“Ha! I hope to find out some day. For me, at this exact moment, it means being smart enough to know that it’s time for a change – that the pace at which I’ve been moving for the past decade is too fast to be sustained for another decade. Once I get that piece reckoned with, I hope to learn a great deal about the nature of Wellness Intelligence.“
– Sam Stedman, Eco Parent Magazine and The Whole Family, read full interview
“For me, wellness encompasses both personal wellness, in that I strive to stay mentally and physically healthy and fit, as well as wellness in our society and world. I believe I have a responsibility to strive for wellness in both spheres. Pursuing my own personal wellness is not an endpoint, but rather the foundation for contributing to a healthier world. And intelligence is something I strive to cultivate carefully, too. To be able to understand the societal systems that cause harm and my own impacts in the world – positive and negative – requires intelligence. Leading a life that contributes to the well-being of everyone, and not just myself, is what Wellness Intelligence means to me.”
– Zoe Weil, Institute for Humane Education (IHE), read full interview
“Wellness Intelligence for me is connecting ones physical, mental and spiritual health in a balanced way.”
– David Ravandi, 123 Organic Tequila, read full interview
“A whole understanding of who I am as a human being. Its about the sum of so many small parts, that build on each other to create the strongest, sustainable, robust version of myself at that moment. Its about accepting that I am a dynamic creature + there is no one thing that is of more importance, there is so much to learn.”
– Jonathan Cinelli, Project Management Professional and Associate Certified Coach, read full interview
“Wellness Intelligence means knowing what makes you feel well. It means listening to our body and learning to do things that keep it well. After all we are born with only one body.”
– Richa Gupta, founder of Good Food For Good, read full interview
“We’re still figuring out what Wellness Intelligence means to each of us, but the shared core elements are mental and physical health, living our values, and connecting with nature. These help us to – in your words – “make the right decisions and take the right actions in conscious pursuit of the right things”, including co-founding The Mallorn Project.”
– Deborah Smith-Webber, Lauren Webber, & Kaileigh Webber, The Mallorn Project, read full interview
“Knowing and understanding what enables you as an individual to feel and be your best regardless of what others are doing or saying. Do what you want to do because you want to do it. Period.”
– Kassia Gooding, R.H.N., read full interview
“I would describe Wellness Intelligence as the level of acuity we have to notice when our mind-bodies have lost their equilibrium, and the repository of solutions, self-taught, intuitive, and gleaned from the collective, which can be used to restore balance, and prevent further imbalance as we move from birth to death.”
– Elie Landesberg, Photographer, read full interview
“My pre-Covid routine looked very different: taking classes daily and teaching several times a week, sharing meals with family and friends, taking my grandchildren to programs, attending cultural events on a regular basis, travel. It’s been a challenge to keep adapting as guidelines change, to deal with the anxiety that comes from being physically isolated and by necessity spending way more hours than I’d like to on screens in order to stay connected. Not hugging my grandchildren who are too young to understand why I’m not there. The uncertainty of what comes next. (Shoutout to Rev. Lynda Thomson in The Be Attitudes on TWIC who demonstrated a great takeaway on coming back to being OK in this moment) But Wellness Intelligence still means staying active physically, intellectually and emotionally. Continuing to add to the wisdom I’ve been accumulating about health all my life. I embrace hours-long walks in wilting heat and frigid cold to move my body and to socialize, to explore nature or see the city, possibly filling my backpack with delights to bring home for dinner. Sorting fads from science-based evidence, trusting my intuition, staying open-minded. Did I mention balance?”
– Marilyn Lazar, Pilates Teacher, read full interview
“Not caring about best practices and what others have done. Do you your own thing if you think it is right.“
– Hans Pfister, Co-Founder + President of The Cayuga Collection of Sustainable Luxury Hotels and Lodges, read full interview
“What would spring to mind for me would be tapping into our instincts about how to be well. When we learn to listen to & respect our bodies, we can be our own guides & can be in the driving seat when it comes to our health. It can mean sovereignty; knowing that it is up to us & us alone to decide what’s best for us, & from there we can make unbiased choices in how to look after ourselves. For example, what we choose to allow into our bodies is up to us & us alone; it’s not up to anybody else to take that power from us. This doesn’t mean we all need to be qualified in some field of natural health, it just means tuning into & listening to our instincts when it comes to who we decide to trust & take advice from, based on what feels right to us.”
– Lucy Davies, Naturopathic Nutritionist, read full interview
“Awareness of and respect for one’s well being and the well being of others.”
– Cody McElrea, Founder of TruNorth, read full interview
“There are two kinds of businesses: (a) those who really do want to eliminate (toxic) chemicals, versus (b) those who are just greenwashing to sell product. It doesn’t take much intelligence to figure out who’s who, but that’s what we all have to do.”
– Barry Cik, Founder and Technical Director of Naturepedic, read full interview
“Just for today, I will live with no fear, and trust in the process of my journey … yesterday and tomorrow need not dictate my today.”
– Lynda Thompson, Reverend, Reiki Master, read full interview
“Wellness intelligence, to me, evokes a sense of wholeness. It is following the intelligence, not just of the brain-mind, but the body-mind, the heart-mind, and the soul-mind. All parts of being are components of wellness, not just how we live in our bodies, but how we live on the earth, how we consume, how we react, etc… Wellness Intelligence integrates these various intelligent practices, many of which are innate in our selves, but perhaps got lost along the way of “adulting” in our society.”
– Lauryn Zuk, Storytellyer, Poet-Ponderer-Wanderer, read full interview
“To me, it means to live a ‘well balanced’ life. This means having a healthy equilibrium between our family, friends and our occupation as well as between what we consume and our environment. If it is not sustainable, it can’t be right. By living a well balanced life, one can reach a mindfulness state easier.”
– Alain Mernard, founder of Green Beaver, read full interview
“I think the most intelligent way to view wellness is in the knowing that the human body is profoundly and unequivocally capable of self-regulation and self-healing.”
– Emily Shaw, Owner Amaveda, read full interview
“To me it means learning to create a very intimate dialog with your body. One where you’re always listening to what it has to say, and doing your best to use that information to make higher choices for your wellness and the wellness of others. More right choices leads you in the direction of a truly unified approach to wellness, where you’re not just thinking of, and sensing, your physical body, but paying just as much attention to your heart, your mind, your environment, your own feelings, and those of others. Being “intelligent” in all these areas will result in a much more unified and deeper experience of living on this planet. And then, you become someone who can truly serve the evolution of life instead of a block. You indeed “create the conditions for energy to flow” one of the highest precepts of t’ai chi. You allow Life to move through you, instead of thinking you are in control of your life.”
– Danny Dreyer, Founder of ChiRunning, read full interview
“Wellness Intelligence is building consciousness through participation in a learning structure that supports health, wellness and fulfillment.”
– Brian Phillips, Founder and Co-owner of WORLD Hair and Skin, read full interview
“I have decided that there is no cookie-cutter solution to taking care of your body. Looking after your body can not be taught in a one-hour fitness class. There are so many moving parts to it. What’s good for you, is not necessarily good for me, and vice-versa. I believe that everyone should pay close attention to what your body needs and the goals that you want to accomplish. Then, get educated! With your own intelligence, plus the knowledge that you’ve learned, create a self-care plan that works for you and your lifestyle that you can follow through with. Lastly, there is no quick fix for anything. Any goal that you set for yourself will require good old-fashioned hard work, that will be uncomfortable and hard. The moment you own up to what’s ahead, you are well on your way!”
– Sharon Neiss, Author, Get Up, read full interview
“Wellness Intelligence begins with tuning into what you need. It’s not one thing but it’s like a wheel with spokes radiating from your body. It’s about knowing what you want to feel like, and then doing the work in order to get to that point, realizing what your limitations are but also not selling yourself short. Wellness means care, intelligence means learning how to. Wellness Intelligence is activated when we slow down and listen to our body, taking time to stretch, bend and flex, our minds and our bodies. If we keep our minds open to new ways of improving ourselves anything is possible.”
– Lisa Kates, Founding Partner in Building Roots, read full interview
“In a day and age where information is available at the tips of our fingers, it is more important to build wisdom. To me that means the ability to take the abundance of health information and apply it in a personally meaningful and purposeful way. Therefore, the higher one’s Wellness Intelligence “score” the more likely they have taken a proactive approach to building a relationship with all they have learned to be the healthiest version of themselves – mentally, emotionally, and physically.”
– Yashar Khosroshahi, ND, Brain-Based Executive Coach, Co-Founder of MINDSHIFT LEADERSHIP, read full interview
“I don’t know – I am hoping you guys can help me with that!!”
– Rosalind Wyatt, British Visual Artist, read full interview
“To me, Wellness Intelligence means knowing why you’re choosing what you choose and knowing if it brings wellness or not. That’s not to put too much pressure on oneself to obsess over every single choice we make in life but when we are more aware of the reasons why we make certain choices, then the more likely we can choose things that bring wellness to ourselves and our communities.”
– Sandra Pozzobon, Elementary School Teacher, read full interview
“For me Wellness Intelligence means being smart about what I do today that future me will thank me for. And I think being around others to inspire me and help me find my unique recipe that I can then inspire others with. It’s part of being whole, complete and perfect.”
– Kev Self, Creator and Coach, read full interview
“To me, Wellness Intelligence means connecting with the universal intelligence that is within you, and determining what is working, as well as what is holding you back. It is taking stock of your current biological function, energy and ability to function, and using that to create positive changes in your health so you can perform at a higher level, without health issues holding you back. When we connect with this inner power, we are in tune with our body, but too many of us don’t take the time to connect with ourselves and trust that we are capable of so much more, if we just take the time and effort to ensure we feel our absolute best.”
– Navaz Habib, Author of “Activate Your Vagus Nerve”, read full interview
“It means listening to one’s gut. In today’s world that is often difficult to do. Layers of distractions, shoulds, busy-ness, expectations are all calling on us in BIG loud voices. In the face of this reality, I have been exploring how to activate my own and family wellness intelligence. It takes being a body-heart detective at times. Listening to cues. Talking about our emotions. Slowing down to allow for what needs space. Having moved around so much in my life, I have realized that I am incredibly sensitive to energies around me. When I’m in a positive space with like-minded people my Wellness Intelligence gets amped up. When I’m in a closed, fearful, tight, unnatural zone I feel foggy and it’s harder to feel intelligent about anything frankly :).”
– Hope Paterson, Culture Coach & Engagement Expert, read full interview
“Clarity and guidance to channel my knowledge and experience towards art that benefits the universe, to keep growing in the process.”
– Inder Bedi, Founder of BEDI STUDIOS, read full interview
“Consciously trying to take care of ourselves and the people around us. Wellness alone can look like self care for a lot of people but Wellness Intelligence is focusing on the collective as well. Pura Vida comes to mind if you have ever been to Costa Rica! and if you haven’t I highly recommend it.”
– Ashley Joyce, Nutritionist, read full interview
“To me, Wellness Intelligence is multi-dimensional, but essentially, it’s about connection and understanding. It’s about having the knowledge about which actions or foods, or exercises, intentions or thoughts work best for you, your fellow humans, and the planet; the wisdom to be able to tell the difference and allow for balance, humility and compassion; and the awareness to be able to feel it in your body, recognize it in your mind, and truly experience life, deeply.”
– Rich Knox, Drummer, Personal Trainer, Nutrition and Mindfulness Meditation Coach, read full interview
“Wellness Intelligence is about living a balanced life that focuses on the simple, yet critical aspects that contribute to a healthy, vibrant life. This includes prioritizing nutrition, sleep, exercise, and making time for family and friends. I like the principles of antifragility by Nassim Taleb, which is beyond resilience and robustness, and being able to thrive even with stress, volatility, and randomness.”
– Chris Wong, Owner of Young Urban Farmers, read full interview
“For me it means understanding myself, knowing what works for my mind, body and spirit so that I’m operating at my best at all times.”
– Nicholas Ferguson, Co-Founder of The Great United, read full interview
“I believe it’s about seeking and balancing all of the things that contribute to our whole wellness: mind, movement, nourishment, relationships, meaningful work, emotional health.”
– Lue Kraltchev , Co-Founder of The Great United, read full interview
“I think of Wellness Intelligence as listening and minding the whole – all the pieces that go into making me balanced and healthy, from the food I eat and the air I breathe, to my sleep, my work, my relationships, how I move my body, how much I laugh, dance, sing, love… Each day I may need different fuel to support that intelligence and while food is certainly not the only answer, it is definitely a powerful piece. We get nourishment from so many different sources. I can’t say that I always have Wellness Intelligence, but I always have the intention to tune in and do my best to nourish the many pieces of my life that bring balance.”
– Terry Walters, Award-Winning Author, Educator, Speaker, read full interview