Soulful values to be celebrated at Bells

Local performance psychologist Richy Bennett is inviting locals to join in a gratitude celebration of the deeper soulful values of iconic Bells Beach this Friday February 23 (tomorrow).

Guests will be able to connect with nature, community and culture, find personal meaning in inspiration, enrichment and holistic health, and find a sense of purpose, belonging and responsibility for shared care and custodianship of nature.

The Bells Soul Gathering event will run from 7.30am-8.30am beginning with a traditional smoking ceremony on Bells Beach.

Richy created this event to connect people with the qualities of Bells Beach.

“Bells Beach is more than just riding a wave, it’s a place of divine inspiration no matter whether you’re a writer, musician, teacher or architect,” Richy said.

“I want to create this as a community event to celebrate the soul of Bells. Some people have never experienced or been touched by its beauty and I want to give people an opportunity to do so.”

Local authors Mark Smith and Richy Bennett will share stories and poetry, illuminating the deeper soulful values of Bells Beach. To end the one-hour event, Richy will offer a guided meditation with guests.

The event is free, however, donations are welcome.

Proceeds will be going to Ocean Mind, a local not-for-profit organisation that provides surfing activities and support for young people aged 8-18 who may be at risk or experiencing challenges with mental health, social isolation or disability.

Richy will also be launching his new poetry book, 100 Dawns on Friday too, from 7.30pm-9.30pm at Boardrider’s Bar61.

Inspired by the beauty of nature, Richy completed 100 consecutive days of dawn meditations and sunrise surfs to raise funds for mental health services. His new book reflects this experience.

“By completing 100 consecutive mornings, even through terrible weather, you discover and learn how to create comfort in the uncomfortable, which is a great lesson for life as a whole,” Richy said.

Richy is also donating $5 from every book sale at the launch Ocean Mind.For more information, visit richybennett.com.