

Goodbye, church... Hello, Wellness Industrial Complex!
18 snips Mar 17, 2025
Rina Raphael, author of "The Gospel of Wellness," dives into the fascinating intersection of wellness and spirituality. She explores how the $6 trillion wellness industry serves as a new spiritual outlet for many Americans who seek meaning outside organized religion. Topics include the parallels between wellness and traditional religious practices, the risks of individualism in wellness approaches, and the rise of conspirituality. Raphael challenges listeners to reflect on the commercialization of self-care and its impact on community well-being.
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Wellness Definition
- Wellness has become ambiguous, encompassing everything beyond traditional healthcare.
- It's now consumerist, focused on products like CBD leggings and face masks.
Spirituality in Wellness
- Yoga connects spirituality through the body, while Reiki focuses on spiritual connection.
- Breathwork and sound baths also weave in spiritual elements.
Wellness Replacing Religion
- Wellness fills a void left by declining traditional religion, offering a sense of acceptance.
- Its marketing avoids shame and guilt, focusing on customer appeal.