“After the meditation I had a coffee at Portillo’s with Ashleigh Magill about the blessing just done. We spoke of how attached to every problem is both opportunity and a solution. The problem often lay in not knowing what the solution is, particularly when it comes to healing. We also discussed how within the collective body of the community there were a great deal of solutions to these problems. Yet, one of the greatest problems lay in that many who are hurting don’t have a clue about solutions for themselves and those they love.

“Our natural state is vibrant thriving lives filled with joy, anything less than that is an area to focus on.”

From that meditation and conversation, the Body & Soul Wellness Fair was born.

Madsen said the community has fully embraced the fair, which has sold out each year, with the free admission drawing a great attendance.

Visitors can expect booths ranging from physical healing such as acupuncture, chiropractic, massage and reiki, to skincare, spiritual healing and psychic readings. There is vegan and other foods, detoxification, weight loss and more.

Magill said the idea behind the fair is to create a movement of healing and higher energy throughout the community and support the local health and wellness industry at the same time.

“My vision of this event is to continue to grow in light and in love with each other and share this way of life to all we come in contact with, at the fair or outside of it,” she said. “It would be a beautiful world if every person becomes the change they wish to see in the world, like Gandhi says.

“This event has already started to change peoples’ lives and it just warms my heart to watch it happen and know we had a small part in it.”

The fair has become such a popular event that Madsen is now also running one in Kelowna with his daughter and Magill is planning one for Victoria in the future.

Open to all ages, The Body & Soul Wellness Fair runs Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., both days, at the Vernon Rec Centre. Admission is free.

For more information, call Madsen at 250-558-1960 or visit the website for more information and a list of this year’s exhibitors at www.vernonwellnessfair.com