The Cult of Wellness
August 26, 2024 8:30 AM Subscribe
We live in a time when intensity serves as a stand-in for virtue and the hardness of conviction is valued over the fuzziness of nuance. (slTOLife)
If you are a MeFite in a major city, I am sure you are aware of these wellness places! These just happen to be in Toronto...and NYC.
If you are a MeFite in a major city, I am sure you are aware of these wellness places! These just happen to be in Toronto...and NYC.
If you want to transform your life, practise radical self-compassion.
That’s just narcissism with a better marketing department.
Don’t ever change, Toronto Life.
posted by mhoye at 8:37 AM on August 26 [13 favorites]
That’s just narcissism with a better marketing department.
Don’t ever change, Toronto Life.
posted by mhoye at 8:37 AM on August 26 [13 favorites]
As the founder of my church, JR “Bob” Dobbs, says, You’ll pay to know what you really think! I just don’t understand why people always assume that if it costs money, lots of money in a lot of cases, then it’s good for you and it will make you better, versus just trying to be better which can be just free. Wellness is a marketing slogan, it’s not being well.
posted by njohnson23 at 8:47 AM on August 26 [16 favorites]
posted by njohnson23 at 8:47 AM on August 26 [16 favorites]
I have to confess I was morbidly fascinated by the Nutbar's lady morning routine. I get that she thinks it is calming and centreing (and for her, perhaps it is) but it feels like a lot.
posted by Kitteh at 9:05 AM on August 26 [5 favorites]
posted by Kitteh at 9:05 AM on August 26 [5 favorites]
Ha, this is timely as I have been thinking of getting my husband and I a starter pack to Othership for our anniversary. This is the kind of experience that is a once or twice per year thing for us; paying to go every week would be a big no. But if everyone there is beautiful and rich that might not work out so well for us.
My husband's been doing cold plunges, mostly for free in the lake (even when he has to climb over ice) for a few years. I am the lifeguard and not into the cold so much, although I've done it at like a Nordic spa "(Scandinave Blue Mountain) for a few minutes. I think things that get you into your body and grounded are great but that can be a walk in a park or a stretch. So for me the upgrade is about a new experience, not about a lifestyle choice.
I'll admit that these days I would be more inclined to pay for Othership than a really fancy meal.
I also think the linking of these kinds of experiences (or smoothies) to better/more productive living is a horrible cult. It can really hurt people. And we saw over Covid that toxic wellness cults can impact public health.
But I don't have an issue with the experiences themselves. So if they really are just selling smoothies and breathing classes, hey.
posted by warriorqueen at 9:28 AM on August 26 [5 favorites]
My husband's been doing cold plunges, mostly for free in the lake (even when he has to climb over ice) for a few years. I am the lifeguard and not into the cold so much, although I've done it at like a Nordic spa "(Scandinave Blue Mountain) for a few minutes. I think things that get you into your body and grounded are great but that can be a walk in a park or a stretch. So for me the upgrade is about a new experience, not about a lifestyle choice.
I'll admit that these days I would be more inclined to pay for Othership than a really fancy meal.
I also think the linking of these kinds of experiences (or smoothies) to better/more productive living is a horrible cult. It can really hurt people. And we saw over Covid that toxic wellness cults can impact public health.
But I don't have an issue with the experiences themselves. So if they really are just selling smoothies and breathing classes, hey.
posted by warriorqueen at 9:28 AM on August 26 [5 favorites]
>The company’s recent $8-million A-series funding was half-bankrolled by roughly 100 angel investors
Hmm, so 100 angel investors kicked in an average of $40,000 to fund a $4,000,000 infusion of cash.
Is this accurately described as "angel investing?" Do these A, B or C-list investors accumulate street cred for injecting an amount that corresponds to a moderately sized 401K purchase?
posted by Gordion Knott at 9:42 AM on August 26 [1 favorite]
Hmm, so 100 angel investors kicked in an average of $40,000 to fund a $4,000,000 infusion of cash.
Is this accurately described as "angel investing?" Do these A, B or C-list investors accumulate street cred for injecting an amount that corresponds to a moderately sized 401K purchase?
posted by Gordion Knott at 9:42 AM on August 26 [1 favorite]
Can we just fast forward to the part where the founders are convicted of fraud and still fighting allegations of manipulation and abuse? Because this screams "cult."
posted by grumpybear69 at 10:44 AM on August 26 [15 favorites]
posted by grumpybear69 at 10:44 AM on August 26 [15 favorites]
I feel like I just read We Work's origin story except with saunas and cold baths.
posted by tafetta, darling! at 11:29 AM on August 26 [6 favorites]
posted by tafetta, darling! at 11:29 AM on August 26 [6 favorites]
wow, a perfect souffle of cult and scam. the commodification of earnest. ugh.
posted by supermedusa at 11:57 AM on August 26 [2 favorites]
posted by supermedusa at 11:57 AM on August 26 [2 favorites]
Can we just fast forward to the part where the founders are convicted of fraud and still fighting allegations of manipulation and abuse?
Now hold on, this could just as easily end with a mass suicide on their remote wellness compound.
posted by star gentle uterus at 12:10 PM on August 26 [11 favorites]
Now hold on, this could just as easily end with a mass suicide on their remote wellness compound.
posted by star gentle uterus at 12:10 PM on August 26 [11 favorites]
This article isn't ground breaking, but it's more interesting than people here are giving it credit for. I mean, on the surface swapping cocaine for smoothies and saunas seems like a net positive? Never was in to cocaine myself, but there's certainly a number of habits I've left behind as I've gotten older and tried to take better care of my body.
Where the disconnect for me is that I don't really get much meaning out of it... my wellness is mostly a means to an end, which in my case is the bog-standard: friends, family, and meaningful work. I'm always a little perplexed by people who glom on to these things as fulfilling unto themselves. But then I also think that we used to have religion to organize ourselves around, and maybe most of us need something like that. Some source of fulfillment that feels ineffable and profound. In my case though, I'm fine with human, earthly things. More than fine, really.
They replaced Footwork though? That's too on the nose.
posted by Alex404 at 12:21 PM on August 26 [3 favorites]
Where the disconnect for me is that I don't really get much meaning out of it... my wellness is mostly a means to an end, which in my case is the bog-standard: friends, family, and meaningful work. I'm always a little perplexed by people who glom on to these things as fulfilling unto themselves. But then I also think that we used to have religion to organize ourselves around, and maybe most of us need something like that. Some source of fulfillment that feels ineffable and profound. In my case though, I'm fine with human, earthly things. More than fine, really.
They replaced Footwork though? That's too on the nose.
posted by Alex404 at 12:21 PM on August 26 [3 favorites]
Is this accurately described as "angel investing?" Do these A, B or C-list investors accumulate street cred for injecting an amount that corresponds to a moderately sized 401K purchase?
It's a little high but yeah a lot of angel investors are kicking in tens of thousands of dollars nowadays as far as I can tell. Most people who do it have a lot of spare money lying around and high risk appetite, I'm pretty sure you have to meet accredited investor qualifications to angel invest. Especially for something like this which seems both very high risk and likely to be something rich people want to invest in because they're in the cult so to speak.
posted by ch1x0r at 1:12 PM on August 26
It's a little high but yeah a lot of angel investors are kicking in tens of thousands of dollars nowadays as far as I can tell. Most people who do it have a lot of spare money lying around and high risk appetite, I'm pretty sure you have to meet accredited investor qualifications to angel invest. Especially for something like this which seems both very high risk and likely to be something rich people want to invest in because they're in the cult so to speak.
posted by ch1x0r at 1:12 PM on August 26
Hot takes are fine re spendy lifestyle consumerism and similar trapdoors on the way to embiggening our collective humanity, but I thought "self compassion" was meant to be a healthier, less narcissistic alternative to "self esteem"?
posted by Claude Hoeper at 2:19 PM on August 26
posted by Claude Hoeper at 2:19 PM on August 26
Is this accurately described as "angel investing?" Do these A, B or C-list investors accumulate street cred for injecting an amount that corresponds to a moderately sized 401K purchase?
Yes, this is how it works. Source: I am a F-list "angel investor" who has made (and lost) a couple $1,000 investments.
posted by jordemort at 3:02 PM on August 26
Yes, this is how it works. Source: I am a F-list "angel investor" who has made (and lost) a couple $1,000 investments.
posted by jordemort at 3:02 PM on August 26
Honestly? Reading this makes me want to go. The way the author described this interaction:
posted by hilaryjade at 3:10 PM on August 26 [2 favorites]
I remember how Kate asked me, searchingly, “Why does changing your morning routine feel out of reach for you?”was actually touching to me. I think I want some of that sort of earnestness in my life.
posted by hilaryjade at 3:10 PM on August 26 [2 favorites]
Only partway through the article which I found well written and peppered with those tasty zingers that only an outsider reporter (ie normal person) can generate.
I deeply deeply long to have enough money and spare time to just permanently live in these sorts of circles, like that ridiculously expensive wellness chocolate store in LA which is obviously just a hobby store and not expected to like, generate revenue. I want to walk into erewhon and buy whatever. Roll in reishi. You get it.
I don’t think the wellness industry is ever ever going away. While specific ingredients fads come and go (yesterdays pomegranate juice is todays açaí powder), good food sleep exercise and body wellness does really translate to feeling better. And so then you want more, and more… next thing you know it’s cold showers and nut milk + tinctures. I get it.
I do believe success begets success which starts with a risk-taking mindset (“just manifest it!”) and you have to at some point just put your ideas out there and suppose that your charm, connections + the zeitgeist will carry you the rest of the way. They’re not not working. They’re making the business plan and pulling in the investors and making it a thing. That’s work. And good on them for it. I suppose the only “but” is that they pay it forward in a way that is accessible to more than just the moneyed. Let your tide lift as many boats as you can. And reality test yourself often. I had the founder of a company I work for tell me (after a large meeting we were just chatting) “never drink your own koolaid; stay vigilant” and it really stuck with me.
I don’t have too much else to say honestly…. And wonder what’s holding me back from just putting my own ideas out there in my own way however mild.
posted by St. Peepsburg at 3:14 PM on August 26 [2 favorites]
I deeply deeply long to have enough money and spare time to just permanently live in these sorts of circles, like that ridiculously expensive wellness chocolate store in LA which is obviously just a hobby store and not expected to like, generate revenue. I want to walk into erewhon and buy whatever. Roll in reishi. You get it.
I don’t think the wellness industry is ever ever going away. While specific ingredients fads come and go (yesterdays pomegranate juice is todays açaí powder), good food sleep exercise and body wellness does really translate to feeling better. And so then you want more, and more… next thing you know it’s cold showers and nut milk + tinctures. I get it.
I do believe success begets success which starts with a risk-taking mindset (“just manifest it!”) and you have to at some point just put your ideas out there and suppose that your charm, connections + the zeitgeist will carry you the rest of the way. They’re not not working. They’re making the business plan and pulling in the investors and making it a thing. That’s work. And good on them for it. I suppose the only “but” is that they pay it forward in a way that is accessible to more than just the moneyed. Let your tide lift as many boats as you can. And reality test yourself often. I had the founder of a company I work for tell me (after a large meeting we were just chatting) “never drink your own koolaid; stay vigilant” and it really stuck with me.
I don’t have too much else to say honestly…. And wonder what’s holding me back from just putting my own ideas out there in my own way however mild.
posted by St. Peepsburg at 3:14 PM on August 26 [2 favorites]
Honestly? Reading this makes me want to go.
Me too!
The tldr of my comment is essentially your comment :)
posted by St. Peepsburg at 3:15 PM on August 26 [1 favorite]
Me too!
The tldr of my comment is essentially your comment :)
posted by St. Peepsburg at 3:15 PM on August 26 [1 favorite]
I'm so old I remember when oat bran was a miracle cure.
posted by SoberHighland at 3:16 PM on August 26 [3 favorites]
posted by SoberHighland at 3:16 PM on August 26 [3 favorites]
Is smoking allowed? Cause I likes to smoke when I soak.
posted by Czjewel at 3:28 PM on August 26 [2 favorites]
posted by Czjewel at 3:28 PM on August 26 [2 favorites]
Wellness goes back at least to Dr. John Kellogg of the Battle Creek Sanitorium. If 15 quart enemas are your thang, you would have been right at home.
posted by Czjewel at 3:44 PM on August 26 [1 favorite]
posted by Czjewel at 3:44 PM on August 26 [1 favorite]
Yup, also waiting for the 'where are they now' article in 5 years. Instead of asking 'why don't you think you can get up early in the morning' ask 'why do I need to broadcast the fact that I get up before I am properly rested'.
posted by SnowRottie at 6:51 PM on August 26 [1 favorite]
posted by SnowRottie at 6:51 PM on August 26 [1 favorite]
I just don’t understand why people always assume that if it costs money, lots of money in a lot of cases, then it’s good for you and it will make you better, versus just trying to be better which can be just free.
Because there is something to be said for expertise in a particular area. Lots of people, myself in particular, have tried self-guided wellness initiatives in the past, and not gotten out of them what we thought that we would. Of course, some of that is simply a matter of realistic expectations, and that's largely ultimately a matter of experience in trying stuff that doesn't work. After a number of unsuccessful diets, I've come around to the idea that what really matters is mindfulness: am I really hungry, and if so have I stocked my environment with healthier/less harmful foods? On the other hand, I do get the idea of retreats; getting out of my personal comfort zone doesn't have to include suffering. I don't think I'd be down for Nutbar's sugary nut milk concoction, but I might go to Othership, at least once. (Although I probably wouldn't go back if everyone else there was skinny; nothing personal, skinnies, but, well, there's history in that kind of place for me.)
posted by Halloween Jack at 8:09 PM on August 26
Because there is something to be said for expertise in a particular area. Lots of people, myself in particular, have tried self-guided wellness initiatives in the past, and not gotten out of them what we thought that we would. Of course, some of that is simply a matter of realistic expectations, and that's largely ultimately a matter of experience in trying stuff that doesn't work. After a number of unsuccessful diets, I've come around to the idea that what really matters is mindfulness: am I really hungry, and if so have I stocked my environment with healthier/less harmful foods? On the other hand, I do get the idea of retreats; getting out of my personal comfort zone doesn't have to include suffering. I don't think I'd be down for Nutbar's sugary nut milk concoction, but I might go to Othership, at least once. (Although I probably wouldn't go back if everyone else there was skinny; nothing personal, skinnies, but, well, there's history in that kind of place for me.)
posted by Halloween Jack at 8:09 PM on August 26
I just wish Toronto Life would just change its name to Toronto White already.
posted by MirJoy at 8:36 PM on August 26 [2 favorites]
posted by MirJoy at 8:36 PM on August 26 [2 favorites]
Finally finished the article which was really well written!
Definitely sounds culty in that they guide you to a peak experience facilitated by a charismatic personality. The price tag is certainly for the well heeled. I have a friend who swears by wim hoff and I certainly see manipulating the body for the hormone payoff as a thing people can consciously do rather than wait for it to happen by accident.
The description of these guys remind me of the one time I unknowingly ended up at at Tony Robins intro seminar and just felt that they were toying with my emotions and resented that my body could respond like clockwork. But I suppose I’m like the article writer in my resistance to submit to the group even when it might be helpful.
So with this othership, If I had a few dollars to spend and keen on a different experience I may give it a go, but with my wits about me since there’s the scent of love bombing there. I’ve mentioned this in other posts, but people are really hungry for connection and crave a third space for community and some sort of collective experience even if it’s the Barbie movie or a Taylor swift concert. That’s kind of sad that it’s turned so commercial ie intermediated by a corporation to make money.
posted by St. Peepsburg at 12:42 AM on August 27 [1 favorite]
Definitely sounds culty in that they guide you to a peak experience facilitated by a charismatic personality. The price tag is certainly for the well heeled. I have a friend who swears by wim hoff and I certainly see manipulating the body for the hormone payoff as a thing people can consciously do rather than wait for it to happen by accident.
The description of these guys remind me of the one time I unknowingly ended up at at Tony Robins intro seminar and just felt that they were toying with my emotions and resented that my body could respond like clockwork. But I suppose I’m like the article writer in my resistance to submit to the group even when it might be helpful.
So with this othership, If I had a few dollars to spend and keen on a different experience I may give it a go, but with my wits about me since there’s the scent of love bombing there. I’ve mentioned this in other posts, but people are really hungry for connection and crave a third space for community and some sort of collective experience even if it’s the Barbie movie or a Taylor swift concert. That’s kind of sad that it’s turned so commercial ie intermediated by a corporation to make money.
posted by St. Peepsburg at 12:42 AM on August 27 [1 favorite]
Yeah. You could kick a football around the park with your mates for free and enjoy similar physical and mental benefits, but it wouldn't be as glam. Or do Scottish Country Dancing or whatever else appeals. It just takes a few people to organise it and be a nucleus, and that's really what these people bring: a business model which means they can organise full time and recruit and publicise, which turbo charges what otherwise would be much slower and more uncertain organically.
posted by i_am_joe's_spleen at 1:00 AM on August 27 [3 favorites]
posted by i_am_joe's_spleen at 1:00 AM on August 27 [3 favorites]
Even more cynically, capitalism destroys the social bonds which enable group physical and social activity, and then sells the capability we have lost back to us.
posted by i_am_joe's_spleen at 1:01 AM on August 27 [3 favorites]
posted by i_am_joe's_spleen at 1:01 AM on August 27 [3 favorites]
Do you think those founders are vaccinated?
posted by bluefly at 1:41 AM on August 27 [4 favorites]
posted by bluefly at 1:41 AM on August 27 [4 favorites]
Every now and then, I get a glimpse of how wealthy people live, and I'm mostly just confused by it. I do not understand how people have the money and time required to do this stuff, and given that amount of money and time, why this is the stuff they want to do. If I had their money and time, I would be doing very different things. There are rivers that need saving and kids that need tutoring and beautiful places to go for a walk. Like this doesn't even sound like fun, let alone actually making the world better.
posted by hydropsyche at 3:54 AM on August 27 [5 favorites]
posted by hydropsyche at 3:54 AM on August 27 [5 favorites]
I myself am sympathetic to Herr Settembrini’s view that divorcing the cacao ceremony from its tropical context by combining it with ice baths can only lead to a dangerously self-indulgent temperament that confuses healthy mortification for the moral decay of exoticism and infatuation with denial of our animal nature.
posted by mubba at 8:18 AM on August 27 [3 favorites]
posted by mubba at 8:18 AM on August 27 [3 favorites]
Ya the part in the article where they built an 80k ice sauna in their three car garage “for fun” gave me the exact picture of who these kids are.
posted by St. Peepsburg at 9:02 AM on August 27 [3 favorites]
posted by St. Peepsburg at 9:02 AM on August 27 [3 favorites]
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