“What I love about living in L.A. is that people are tapped into the spiritual community and curious about manifestation,” said Allie Miroserie, the founder of “Bliss’d” journals. “Manifestation is intentionally bringing your desires and goals into reality,” added the mother of two, who discovered journaling while struggling with postpartum depression and has now grown her passion for journaling into a flourishing business.
The workshop on “Journaling for Self-Discovery & Manifestation” was one of almost 30 workshops and lectures taking place Sept. 22, during the Beverly Hills Day of Wellness at Roxbury Community Center. The workshops and lectures covered a wide range of beneficial topics by wellness experts, from stroke prevention to massage therapy to sound baths. Some sessions were interactive, like the journaling workshops, in which participants were asked to envision their ideal life and write about it.
During the event, community members and wellness experts enthusiastically traded inspiring tips and resources to improve well-being individually and for the community. Miroserie noted that a celebration of wellness is well-suited for Beverly Hills, a community that is enthusiastic about self-care. “People are interested in self-discovery, evolving and spirituality,” she said.
Early in the day, Jaspal Insua led a “Sound Bath for Peace,” in which she took participants through various relaxation exercises punctuated by the sounds of rainsticks and drumbeats. “Sound baths help to deeply relax us. From the cell level, it promotes healing,” Insua explained. “When a cell is in stress, it is in survival mode. Cells are either happy or in danger. When you are relaxed, your body can start to repair cells.” On a neurological level, sound baths quiet and declutter the brain. Insua explains that participants often lose track of time and dose off during successful sessions, indicating that their brain was at rest.
Photo by Madeleine Connors
In “Chakralicious, Energize your Spirit, Delight Your Senses,” participants were encouraged to imagine the color red cleansing their bodies while breathing deeply. “When your chakra is aligned, your power of creation will never cease to amaze you,” Eno, the chakra leader, said while pacing the room, beating on a drum. “There is nothing judgmental in this space,” he continued, prompting participants to ground themselves in their bodies.
Later, Jodie Ann Foster, a physical therapist, led an exercise class to promote pelvic floor wellness. Foster owns the clinic “Pure Wellness,” which provides inclusive support to women with pelvic health issues. While they often treat prenatal and postnatal patients, the clients vary in age, from teenagers to seniors.
The event had something to offer to every age group, including a workshop where children and teens could construct vision boards and dream catchers. At the Beverly Hills Police Department booth, to every dog lover’s delight, guests were greeted by the wagging tail of support K9 NAMI.
In the parking lot, Cedars-Sinai hosted a blood drive, and there was an assortment of food trucks offering expectedly nourishing snacks like acai bowls and plant-based dishes. On this particularly sunny day, participants could participate in lawn bowling or Zumba.
In the courtyard, over 50 information booths—including sound baths, nutritionists and chiropractors—displayed resources about local businesses that support community wellness. The main stage featured choreographers leading community members in dance and aerobics throughout the event to an upbeat and energetic score. At the USC Keck School of Medicine booth, Ana Reyes, a clinical office coordinator, spoke to community members about the importance of stroke prevention. “It can happen to anyone at any age,” she explains. “We want to bring awareness to the signs and symptoms of strokes. Most importantly, to call 911.”
In addition to physical health, there were booths dedicated to mental health advocacy, from grief support groups to suicide prevention. At one booth, CAST Treatment Centers on Doheny Drive provided resources on therapy and ways to get help when struggling with addiction and mental health crises. Beyond a rehabilitation center, the center offers individualized therapy and group therapy to tailor to each patient’s needs.
