Wellspring Festival Highlights Wellness Beyond Self-Care

When Wanderlust launched its first festival in 2009, it promised yoga teachers just as famous (in certain circles) as the headlining musical acts. Almost a decade later, after spawning a whole new genre of wellness-focused festival, the company is set to launch a brand new event format.

The inaugural Wellspring – to be held in Palm Springs, California, October 26 – 28, 2018 – aims to help attendees explore wellness beyond self-care. It goes without saying that there will be yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic treatments, body work and one-on-one time with expert practitioners of all ilks – but there will also be a big emphasis on social and global wellness.

Through intimate workshops, classes and panels, Wellspring sheds new light on issues like workplace wellness, sustainability, sex and relationships, conscious capitalism and social change. Headliners include comedian and addiction activist Russell Brand, biohacker Dave Asprey, functional medicine practitioner Dr Mark Hyman, peace activist Ken E Nwadike Jr (AKA the Free Hugs Guy) and new age author Marianne Williamson.

“To date, much of the conversation around wellness has focused on personal wellness, or how one actively achieves good health as an individual,” says Wanderlust co-founder Sean Hoess. “We think this is an incredibly important question, and it’s one we’re actively exploring at the event […] We’re also asking broader questions about what makes our relationships, our communities, our nation and ultimately our planet more well.”

Wellspring is a change of pace from Wanderlust Festival and Wanderlust 108 – a one-day “mindfulness triathlon” incorporating a 5k run, yoga with a live DJ and guided meditation practice. By exploring the wellbeing of the collective and the ways it affects the holistic health of the individual, Wellspring hopes to redefine our attitudes towards wellness.

“In sum, it’s an event that will stimulate your mind as much as it helps to strengthen and heal your body,” explains Hoess. “And we hope that our attendees will take that strength back to their families and communities, and become the change they seek in the world.”