IIN is fortunate to have a collection of the world’s leading health and wellness experts at its fingertips, and we’re always tapping them for their expertise and insights. There’s so much information out there, and it can be overwhelming and exhausting. What should we make of all of it? What’s noise, and what’s important? What does the future hold? That’s what inspired us to create the 10 Most Critical Health Questions series, featuring a who’s who of health and wellness visionaries.
Below is our interview with Devi Brown, a master well-being educator and multidisciplinary healer. Devi is also a creative advisor and author, as well as a featured speaker at our upcoming virtual summit, WellBeing 2024: Charting Your Path to Enhanced Health and Vitality.
Devi Brown on Breathwork, Mental Health Resources, and the Health Mistake Most People Make
IIN: What is the single biggest health threat we face as a society, and how can we combat it?
Devi Brown: I believe the biggest health threat we face as a society today is a lack of consciousness and a limited connection to our higher selves. We are all at different levels of belief and understanding, and this disparity creates division. This division fuels wars, limits compassion across communities, and perpetuates feelings of hatred. As our collective consciousness expands, we begin to understand the delicate nature of spirit and humanity. With that understanding comes greater respect, reverence, and compassion for our shared experience and for all beings.
IIN: What is the single biggest advancement you’ve seen to support mental health?
Devi Brown: The biggest advancement I've seen in supporting mental health is the increased access to information and the availability of new approaches to understanding it. In recent years, we've significantly reduced the stigma around mental health, and more resources are now easily accessible. Thanks to the internet, psychologists sharing insights on social media, and people openly discussing their experiences, there's a wealth of knowledge at our fingertips. This shift has made mental health support more widely understood and available than ever before.
IIN: What is the single biggest mistake that most people make in regards to their daily health routine, and how can they solve it?
Devi Brown: The biggest mistake most people make is neglecting the energetic and spiritual aspects of their health. We often focus solely on physical well-being — diet, exercise, and sleep— without recognizing how critical our mental and emotional health is to our vitality. When we ignore our inner world, we allow stress, trauma, and unresolved emotions to accumulate, which can lead to burnout, anxiety, and even physical illness.
To solve this, it’s essential to create a daily practice that nurtures not just the body, but also the mind and spirit. This could be as simple as incorporating 5 to 10 minutes of meditation, breathwork, or mindfulness into your routine. These practices help you release stagnant energy and create more harmony between your body and your higher consciousness. By tending to your emotional and spiritual needs, you become more resilient and aligned with your authentic self, which ultimately enhances every other area of your health.
IIN: If you had $1 billion to invest in health and wellness today, where would you put your money and why?
Devi Brown: If I had $1 billion to invest in health and wellness, I would focus on programs, initiatives, and services that support underserved communities, trauma survivors, and the middle class. These are areas where healthcare is often strained, work hours are long, and it's difficult for people to find the time or resources to care for their mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health. These communities form the backbone of our society, and I believe that by supporting them, we can create a healthier and more resilient nation. Coming from one of these communities myself, I understand firsthand how important it is to have access to resources that help with self-actualization, personal growth, and overall well-being. This kind of investment would empower more people to thrive and live their purpose in the world.
IIN: Which three health and wellness trends do you think will explode in popularity and relevance in the coming years?
Devi Brown: I believe we're going to see a significant expansion in the use of breathwork in various ways. It will likely become more commonly taught in schools and incorporated into trainings, as it's a practice that can dramatically improve the quality of life for many. Additionally, I anticipate a resurgence of ancient sciences like Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, with more people integrating these practices into their daily routines to proactively care for their health.
This shift will lead to more nontraditional approaches to staying healthy, beyond the confines of Western medicine and traditional healthcare systems. Another trend I expect to gain momentum is the rise of biohacking, as people explore ways to optimize their health using techniques like infrared light therapy, cold plunges, and PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field) therapy. We're going to see continued growth in how we interact with technology to enhance our well-being.
IIN: Why do you think coaching is booming right now?
Devi Brown: I believe coaching is booming because it addresses a key element that has been missing in much of the personal development work that people pursue: embodiment. Many have been reading books and intellectualizing information, but working with a coach or advisor provides a companion, a teacher, and someone fully invested in your growth. It offers a space where you can truly be yourself and practice integrating these new ways of being. Everyone wants to refine themselves and improve, and as individuals and as a society, we're becoming more open to trusting others to help us reach our goals and unlock our full potential.
IIN: Screen time continues to be a major societal issue. Is there anything we can do to curb it?
Devi Brown: It's a huge issue, and as a mom of a six year old, I see it every day. There are definitely things we can do to curb it. We need to stop using screens to self-soothe, or for activities that aren't nourishing or productive. It's crucial to set boundaries on screen use and question why we feel so compelled to reach for them. We've only been dealing with this level of screen exposure for a couple of decades, so while we don't yet have all the studies, science, or language to fully explain the impact, it's coming.
In the meantime, we need to be proactive in creating our own disciplines and limits to reduce screen time. If we don't, the long-term effects on our brains, eyesight, necks, bodies, and overall health could be profoundly damaging. It's essential to focus on disconnecting and find tools that help us do that.
IIN: Let’s talk Ozempic. Do you think the medication — and others like it — will continue to be used at such a high rate?
Devi Brown: Most likely. I don't have strong opinions on it, but I do think that our relationship with health and weight is incredibly layered and complex. Many people struggle with weight gain for reasons that go far beyond simply "eating too much," and these issues can be difficult to address. As a result, I believe we'll continue to see new medications and treatments come to market to help people with different, multifaceted reasons for being overweight. Ultimately, I think it's a personal matter, and not anyone else’s business.
IIN: Do you think virtual events (immersive mindfulness sessions, interactive cooking classes, virtual workouts) will make in-person activities relatively obsolete in the future? Can they make a comeback?
Devi Brown: Absolutely not. We're already seeing conversations and data reflecting a growing desire for personal interaction and community, especially five years after the pandemic. In fact, in-person spaces are on the rise again, and there seems to be more hesitation around virtual events. While virtual experiences are great for connecting with people from different parts of the world or accessing things that might not be easily available otherwise, there’s something irreplaceable about the in-person experience. Being physically present with others is essential for human connection.
IIN: What do you think is the future of nutrition and metabolic health?
Devi Brown: I believe we'll continue to see a significant rise in individualized healthcare platforms and telehealth services that can cater to people's unique needs in a more personalized way. These platforms will likely blend Eastern and Western practices, and I hope we see this integrative, holistic approach become more mainstream. We can expect a shift toward more preventative and proactive care, with patients increasingly collaborating with their practitioners, facilitators, and medical doctors to co-create treatment plans and achieve optimal health. Additionally, I think there will be a surge in self-education, potentially outpacing traditional experts in some areas.
Don't Miss Devi’s Exclusive Insights and Expertise at WellBeing 2024
And don’t forget to register for WellBeing 2024, which will be held from Friday, October 18th through Sunday, October 20th. Learn more about the event and register for free here!
