Sup Muses?!
This is a text I sent my friend, “ I was fine after the surprise wore off, then I sat in that first sauna and was like oh wow. I’m really really tired. I mean we go go go and don’t realize we probably are running off fumes most of the time and with disposable income you can afford luxury.”
I was gifted a trip to the Balian Springs in Arlington, VA. I had a day pass and spent about 6 hours there. After the surprise wore off and as I sat in the Loess Clay sauna, I realized how truly exhausted my body felt. I spent the day relaxing- from the Himalayan Salt sauna to infrared therapy to the chromotherapy sauna. I relaxed hardcore and honestly, I could have stayed all day. Told my sister and some of my girlfriends in the DMV they should check it out. Here’s my reel of the spa day.
During, but mostly after my time there, I couldn’t stop thinking about “social wellness clubs”, spas, and wellness activities- Who has access to them and who can *comfortably* afford them? What even are social wellness clubs?(!!)
I often find myself grappling with the price point of wellness- wellness events, activities, and experiences. Yes, I want to support AND (not but) I’m struggling with the value presented. Things should cost, I agree with that wholeheartedly-without it, people don’t respect the amount of work it takes to plan and run the event. Entrepreneurs, value your time and gifts. The questions for us (me included) are:
At what price point, if any, does it become exploitative?
What should be the cost of services and experiences, and why? {I don’t know.}
Is it possible to have wellness events and activities or have spas that anyone can partake in that wouldn’t be cost-prohibitive?
Who is your audience? And can that group afford what you do?
Is the cost associated with your events/ activities just and fair?
Lastly, what is wellness? Really, dig into it and think about it. What makes (x) wellness?
Himalayan Salt Sauna
Oftentimes, I’m super off-based with- at least that’s how I feel… Then I come across a wellness retreat or a members-only wellness club, and I go from being excited to deflated. I wish I could explain this with more clarity because I do not want to knock wellness entrepreneurs and I do not want events to be free, but I want more flexibility with how we price services, experiences, and events because often that’s where the exclusion first happens.
Ultimately, I want us to acknowledge the privilege many of us have in getting that massage, taking that self-care trip, buying gear for any sport (think of climbing) or taking a mental health workday. Then, wellness entrepreneurs, think of ways that can encourage offsetting the cost and making room for everyone, before, during, and after.
The “cost of wellness” is real and I am conscious of my role within this system. One hope is to move from contemplative to action as I plan for 2023 goals & growth.
xo
-JM
Ps: Moving from contemplative to action is part of the Transtheoretical Model. Public health people, hey! If you’re interested in a proven model for behavior change, check out TTM.