back and reflect and realize : I am living in the bonus rounds of life .

In inspiring words , Wren shared the aftermath of his recovery : volunteering for hospital-bound children ; committing to sobriety , recovery and service ; receiving an invitation to return to the fight club he had been expelled from . The former wrestler recalled asking the universe for direction and having a dream about “ the forgotten ” that

eventually led him to the Congo basin , and ultimately to a new goal to bring clean drinking water to the region .

Wren admitted to ISPA attendees he did not find quick success on his mission . After failing for five months to build a usable well , the fighter contracted malaria and was hospitalized . During his long convalescence , a friend told Wren not to give up .

“ Remember why and who you ’ re fighting for ,” Wren advised the spa audience , echoing the words that helped him to refocus after his recovery . n

— JUSTIN WREN

A SESSION OF LAUGHTER YOGA at the start of the final Power Session at the 2024 ISPA Conference helped attendees prepare for Day Three . Guided by Laura Collins from Canyon Ranch Lenox , what began as forced smiles quickly erupted into genuine laughter , with participants experiencing the rejuvenating effects of this practice , which boosts circulation , invigorates the brain and reduces stress .

Moving on to more serious business in the Nelly De Vuyst-hosted session , outgoing ISPA Chair Patrick Huey reintroduced incoming Chair Kelleye Martin , who passionately addressed attendees , urging them to actively engage with the Association and the spa industry at large . Martin introduced a new initiative : the ISPA Learning Management System ( LMS ), set to launch later this year , promising enhanced educational opportunities for spa professionals at all levels . Following the announcement of the winners of the second annual ISPA Expo Awards ( see story on page 18 ), attendees were treated to a recorded message from the “ Godmother of Wellness .” Deborah Szekely presented the 2024 ISPA Alex Szekely Humanitarian Award to Justin Wren , who appeared with her in the video , saying Wren has been “ showing us how to make a difference in surprising ways .”

JUNE 2024 n PULSE 25