Circle of Wellness

Circle of Wellness is a new, seasonal cultural program at AustrAsia. It explores a simple idea: living well begins with understanding ourselves, the way we live, and the world around us.

Different cultures have long thought about what it means to live well, care for life and maintain balance. Circle of Wellness gives us a way to revisit some of those ideas and consider what they may still offer us today.

Over time, we hope it can become a place where traditional wellness culture and modern health knowledge come together. We also hope it can create useful conversations across generations, families and the wider Southern Highlands community.

Living with the seasons

One of the foundations of wellbeing is the understanding that human life is closely connected with nature.

As the seasons change, so do our surroundings, our daily rhythms and the needs of our bodies. In traditional Eastern thinking, wellbeing was therefore not seen as a fixed set of rules. It could change with the time of year, a person’s stage of life and their individual circumstances.

Our first Circle of Wellness sessions will use Wellness in Spring as a simple way to explore this idea.

We may talk about how we eat, rest, and move, as well as our daily routines and other everyday habits. We will also look at how traditional thinking approached the holistic idea of living in greater balance with the seasons.

The aim is not to make ancient, culturally rooted ideas complicated. It is to understand the thinking behind them and consider what may still be useful in the way we live today.

Wellness as part of everyday life

The traditional idea of 「養生」, or wellness, is broader than treating illness.

It is about how we care for life through the choices and habits that make up an ordinary day. This may include how we balance activity and rest, how we respond to change, how we care for our physical wellbeing, and how our state of mind can influence the way we live.

For AustrAsia, this is an important part of the cultural meaning behind Circle of Wellness.

We hope the program can bring some of these ideas out of books and traditions and into everyday conversation. In doing so, they can become easier to understand, share and apply in daily life.

What will the sessions be like?

Circle of Wellness will include a mix of talks, conversations and interactive stations.

Each session runs for approximately 30 minutes. Some may include a short presentation, while others may include simple demonstrations or activities. There will also be time for sharing and discussion. For the full Circle of Wellness experience, we recommend joining us at either 11am or 2pm. Walk-ins are also warmly welcomed throughout the day.

The program is open to anyone interested in everyday wellbeing, including individuals, families, elders and those caring for others.

Please Note

Circle of Wellness is designed as a cultural program.

Our volunteers include qualified professionals from traditional Chinese medicine, nursing, pharmacy and senior care. Their knowledge helps shape the conversations and activities we share.

The program is not intended to provide individual consultation, diagnosis or treatment. For personal health matters, please seek advice through the appropriate healthcare channel.

Contact the host of Circle of Wellness at AustrAsia