Enjoy — one must consciously process and intend to enjoy — every moment, every encounter, every event.
The pandemic has shaped the way we travel and live, with a growing trend leaning towards health, wellness, and a holistic lifestyle. More than ever, individuals are seeking not just getaways, but immersive wellness retreats that help rejuvenate the body, mind, and soul. Destinations that provide a serene environment, unique wellness offerings, and an unparalleled experience are in great demand. In this interview series, we are talking to property owners and hospitality companies who are at the helm of these wellness havens. As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Adrian Emery.
Author, entrepreneur, philosopher, environmentalist and keen gardener, Adrian Emery has devoted his life to creating a new philosophy called LifeWorks based on understanding the laws, principles and codes that make life work easily, effortlessly and successfully. He has developed a coaching modality called TaoTuning designed to assist others in finding their life purpose (ikigai) and attune to the flow of their inner destiny and fate. His new book called TaoTuning will be available in September 2024. Emery also built rusticspirit in the Blue Mountains of Australia as a spiritual retreat for guests to come and experience the stillness. He currently lives just outside the Blue Mountains National Park with his partner Marianne in Sennikatan, a spectacular 10-acre botanic garden and ecosystem, built over the last 50 years to demonstrate we can regenerate the Earth. To learn more, please visit AdrianEmery.com or follow him on Instagram @AdrianMoranEmery and Facebook @adrianemery.author.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into the main focus of our interview, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?
Igrew up in Sydney Australia, very near to the famous Bondi Beach. Every morning before school I would rise early, run about 1 mile to the beach and either surf or swim. This began my love of nature and living well. It was such an exciting and exhilarating way to start the day. I learnt the lesson of being fit and challenging oneself as well as immersing oneself in nature. Mother nature is the greatest healer not only physically but emotionally and psychically as well.
Fortunately, we were brought up on good healthy, wholesome food which gave me a good background in eating well.
I remember not wanting to eat ‘rubbish’. I preferred my mother’s home-made sandwiches.
I was always a contrarian thinker, questioning the status quo and somehow just naturally preferring a healthy lifestyle. Television was just becoming the rage, yet I chose not to watch it too much. I loved studying because I was truly passionate and curious about how life worked. I have always loved learning.
What or who inspired you to pursue your career? We’d love to hear the story.
That is an interesting question as we need to define my ‘career’. Over the years the role or function I have played in society has morphed several times: restaurateur, management consultant, spiritual counselor, CEO- Company Director, author, guesthouse proprietor. However, underneath those changes I have always been a spiritual teacher trying to demonstrate a new way of living that is harmonious and fulfilling.
The most inspiring person I ever met was Jeddu Krishnamurti who had been groomed by The Theosophical Society to be ‘The Second Christ’. However, he rejected that role and all religion, basically encouraging people to think for themselves and stop thinking — stop the noise of the thinking mind and observe the beauty of nature. He changed my life and set me on the path of what I call personal sovereignty where one has to be true to the self and not listen to the influence of the masses.
None of us can achieve success without some help along the way. Was there a particular person who you feel gave you the most help or encouragement to be who you are today? Can you share a story about that?
Because I was so intent on blazing a new trail and way of being no one really encouraged me to be me. Everyone thought I was crazy but now society has come to agree with this new philosophy or way of life.
It has been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share the funniest or most interesting mistake that occurred to you in the course of your career? What lesson or takeaway did you learn from that?
There is an interesting line in a John Lennon song: ‘Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans’.
I have found that when I (meaning the ego Adrian) want to do something it never works, but when I just go with the flow and allow the universe to guide me, it always works out.
So yes, I do believe our failures are our greatest teachers, but it takes guts and courage to face that: to acknowledge that you did fail and then really examine why. What part of your ego led you into that situation? There is a lot of wokeism about there is no such thing as failure, but we do all make mistakes and those mistakes can be the greatest steppingstones to self-improvement if we take the time to identify the error within that led to the external failure. It is also said that if you want to succeed, fail a lot and quickly.
Can you share your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Why does that resonate with you so much?
“Be Here Now” — Ram Dass. It is all about being present. I call it — Being Now! Both time and space are creations of the mind. They are necessary tools of being physical but they can and do become traps of consciousness. We simply must get back to being in the now. Now is the intersection of time and space and the portal one must travel through to eternity. Once one goes through that door, life is completely transformed.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now? How do you think that might help people?
I have just completed a new book titled TaoTuning — the art of flow which is an incredibly exciting project for me as it is an encapsulation of my work over the last 50 years. This is a very practical and pragmatic look at exactly how life works and how we can achieve more success, happiness and fulfillment in our lives. Most people think of religion, spirituality and philosophy as some rarified subjects not related to the here and now of daily life. I believe they are the cornerstone of your existence, and you need to get them right if your life is to succeed.
In all our education there is no course: Life 101. TaoTuning teaches you how to flow with the cosmic currents of life. It puts your fate on a firm footing enabling you to enjoy your life and not be frightened by it. Our behaviour exposes us to either beneficial or destructive cosmic forces. We need to learn how to live right. TaoTuning will be published in September 2024.
I think we live in very exciting and turbulent times, and I believe this coming period will be the greatest transition humanity has been through in our recorded history. It is an evolutionary shift of gigantic proportions where the whole paradigm and belief system of what it means to be human is changing. Personally, I find this riveting as I have dedicated my life to spearheading this change and there are no road rules. We are entering uncharted waters so one has to be incredibly astute, awake, aware and honest to get it right. You have to be prepared to let go of everything you ‘think’ you know. You have to question every belief. You have to be ruthless.
I am currently reading about the life of Issac Newton and what those guys went through to change the world view back then. This was the Renaissance, and we are going through this same process now. We are rewriting the rules. Humanity will be a completely different species in a hundred years. This is my focus and passion. Who will we be? What is the New Human? What is that genomic sequence that will allow us to survive and thrive into the 22nd Century. Evolutionary change is no longer physical but psychological. We have to change who we are. I encourage everyone to be themselves. It is difficult going against the tide of mass social conformity especially in this woke world, but trust yourself. In your core you know what is right. Listen to your inner truth.
OK, thank you for all of that. Let’s now shift to the core focus of our interview about wellness destinations. Let’s dive deeper into these together. Based on your research or personal experience, why do you think travel can lead to better wellness? Can you share a story?
The biggest danger in life is bigotry and parochialism where we fail to see that we are all one. There is much diversity of culture, of history, of tradition and so on. I love to travel to experience the rich tapestry of life on earth.
Humanity is incredible. We simply must travel to enjoy and appreciate alternative ways of being and doing this thing called human.
Travel is the antidote to war. I have been behind the Iron Curtain before the wall came down to experience the feared Russian Bear and they were still people — kind, loving and the same as us. We have to get over this primitive nationalism and sectarianism. All life is one. We are one species sharing one planet.
What are a few things which distinguish your property from thousands of wellness properties around the world?
The main draw of rusticspirit is the proximity of nature and the sounds of silence. Each cottage is situated high on a rock wall facing directly into the treetops. We are surrounded by the Wollemi National Park which is an amazing pristine environment where a prehistoric species — The Wollemi Pine — dating back to the dinosaurs has been found.
People love the silence and the birdsong.
What type of experience do you want your visitors to have when they visit?
Our theme is Disconnect to Reconnect. Although we believe we live in an extremely connected world, it is all via a monitor and technology. We are losing that ability to simply just be and connect with nature. We need to disconnect from the fast pace and the constant interruption of our mobile phones, social media and so forth in order to really connect with nature and our inner selves. It is only in this silence that we can find our inner truth and hear that still small voice that is within.
What makes your property a beautiful escape for a body and mind recharge?
The combination of a very comfortable cabin in a beautiful garden surrounded by natural bush allows the body to relax, the mind to heal, and the spirit to recharge. Our physical needs need to be attended to first so that we can truly relax the body, then allow the mind to unwind and finally our souls will soar. We return to beingness. We are not human doings; we are human beings.
Can you share any transformative stories or testimonials from guests that visited your property?
There have been many marriage proposals, and many couples return annually for anniversaries etc. I remember one father stepping onto the veranda and yelling out. I thought something was wrong, but he just wanted everyone to be quiet and listen to the silence.
Each cottage has a guest book filled with personal experiences of self-transformation. Guests love reconnecting with nature. The natural environment naturally heals.
Why do you think the experience you offer is so needed nowadays?
Habituation is a neurological and psychological fact of mental processing. It is essential for survival but also contains and limits us. We become jaded, caught in the rut of our day-to-day lives especially in this neurotic fast paced world. Most people simply do not stop to smell the roses. Travel takes us out of our customary mind field. There is newness. There is excitement. There is rest and relaxation. This allows the body-mind-spirit continuum to renew itself. To be reborn!
The mind works best when it is empty. Emptying the mind is meditation or mindfulness. It is interesting that in the west we call it mindfulness. In Zen, it is emptying the mind. Same thing. It means stop the yamma-yamma of the logical thinking ego. Being surrounded by the beauty of nature facilitates turning off the mind — resting, relaxing, rejuvenating. Being at peace deeply within one’s soul. It is a necessary antidote to this fast-paced neurotic world we live in.
Do you think travel enhances our mindfulness, optimism, or sense of gratitude? How? Can you please explain with an example or story?
Travel opens us to the glory of life — to its texture and tapestry. Perception of beauty is the key to gratitude. As one trains the brain to perceive the beauty of life, gratitude arises spontaneously. It simply must. How can one not feel grateful for the beauty and splendor of life? Life is a gift. Every breath is a gift. Why not be optimistic? It is merely a choice. Make it!
What are your “5 Habits You Should Develop In Order Make Travel Into An Opportunity For Wellness & Personal Growth?”
1 . P.M.A. — positive mental attitude. For example: I am going on vacation. Whoopee! I am so blessed.
2 . Generosity of spirit — be thankful that you have the financial wealth to go on vacation and be generous to others.
3 . Gratitude — give thanks every morning for this opportunity in order to reap the rewards and enjoy the day.
4 . Deservability — you deserve. Don’t feel guilty. Be generous with yourself as well. Don’t ruin the trip by being mean.
5 . Enjoy — one must consciously process and intend to enjoy — every moment, every encounter, every event.
Based on your experience, where do you see the future of wellness travel heading in the next 5–10 years?
I think we are already experiencing it. People are turning to nature for replenishment and wisdom. It is simply amazing to observe the change in guests’ energy even within a few days. People need to destress and relax to discover who they really are. I think more and more people will seek immersive nature experiences — forest bathing, star gazing, mindfulness walking meditation and so on. Learning to commune with nature. Being a part of it. Coming home.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we both tag them :-)
Billionaire investor, Ray Dalio, for his work on empire change and Principles of Life. It never ceases to amaze me how universal real truth is. It does not matter who you are or what your individual story is, the closer you get to the truth the more it is the same. His background is so different to mine and yet we are both saying exactly the same thing about life and about business.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Website: Adrianemery.com
Facebook: @Adrianemery.author
Instagram: @adrianmoranemery
Thank you for these really excellent insights, and we greatly appreciate the time you spent on this. We wish you continued success.
About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com .
