Selfology: A Vancouver Story of Heart, Hustle, and Healing

Nestled amidst the vibrant energy of Vancouver, a unique company called Selfology (https://selfology.co/) has been quietly weaving a tapestry of self-discovery, healing, and authentic living since 2007. This is their story – a tale of resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to community.

From navigating the choppy waters of the “Vancouver Model” to scaling the peaks of small business struggles, Selfology’s journey is an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and a deep-rooted belief in the human potential for growth and healing.

Join us as we embark on an exploration of Selfology’s evolution, their unique approach to wellness and technology, and their vision for a future where individuals and communities thrive.

1. Introduction: Setting the Stage

1.1 The Essence of Selfology

Selfology, at its core, is about empowering individuals to embark on a journey of self-discovery and holistic wellness. Initially focused on skincare and hair care, they have evolved to prioritize skincare – recognizing the skin as the largest organ and a gateway to inner well-being – and soulful healing, a natural progression from their mantra, “Reach by Hand, Heal by Heart, Evolving the Way with Ways.” They offer a range of services and products designed to nurture the mind, body, and spirit. From wellness consultations to the innovative Healing Temple and the forward-thinking Anew Village initiative, Selfology provides a sanctuary for those seeking to connect with their inner selves and live more authentically.

1.2 A West Coast Perspective

Here in Vancouver, we have a unique perspective on life. Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and a vibrant cultural scene, we tend to embrace a more laid-back, holistic approach to well-being. Selfology embodies this West Coast spirit, blending ancient wisdom with modern practices to create a truly unique wellness experience.

In this report, we’ll delve into Selfology’s journey, exploring their challenges, triumphs, and innovative solutions. We’ll also examine the broader context of the Vancouver landscape, including the “Vancouver Model,” the struggles faced by small businesses, and the potential of technology to shape a better future.

2. Selfology’s Journey: A Timeline of Transformation

Selfology’s story is one of evolution and adaptation, a journey marked by both triumphs and challenges. Like a Vancouver rain forest, it has grown and flourished, weathering storms and embracing new seasons of growth. Let’s take a walk through the timeline of their transformation, tracing their footsteps from humble beginnings to their current standing as a beacon of holistic wellness and innovation.

2.1 Early Days and Evolution (2007-2014)

Selfology’s journey began in 2007 with a vision to create a space where individuals could embark on a journey of self-discovery and holistic wellness, initially with a focus on skincare and hair care.^[1] In these early days, they focused on building a strong online presence, launching websites like selfology.co and ology.land to share their philosophy and connect with a wider audience.^[2] They also formed partnerships with other wellness practitioners and organizations, expanding their reach and impact.

2.2 Establishing Roots: The Brick and Mortar Phase (2014-2022)

In 2014, Selfology took a significant step by opening their first physical location, establishing a brick-and-mortar presence in the heart of Vancouver.^[3] This allowed them to offer a wider range of services, including skincare consultations, wellness workshops, and personalized treatments. However, this period also brought challenges, including navigating the complexities of running a physical business and dealing with the occasional IT snafu.

2.3 The Great Relocation and Beyond (2022-Present)

In 2022, Selfology embarked on a “Great Relocation,” moving to a new space that better aligned with their evolving vision.^[4] This move marked a new chapter in their journey, allowing them to expand their offerings and create a more immersive wellness experience. They launched the innovative Healing Temple, a sanctuary for holistic therapies and personal growth, and introduced Anew Village, an initiative aimed at bridging the gap between AI and the community.^{[5] [6]} By 2020, Selfology had phased out hair services to focus on their core strengths: skincare and soulful healing, a natural progression from their mantra, “Reach by Hand, Heal by Heart, Evolving the Way with Ways.” ^[7]

3. Navigating the Vancouver Landscape

Vancouver, with its stunning natural beauty and vibrant cultural scene, is a city of dreams for many. But beneath the surface of this picturesque metropolis lies a complex landscape of challenges, particularly for small businesses trying to establish roots and thrive.

This section explores two key aspects of this landscape: the “Vancouver Model” and the struggles faced by small businesses like Selfology in navigating this often-turbulent terrain.

3.1 The “Vancouver Model”: Unmasking the Challenges

The “Vancouver Model” is a term used to describe the complex interplay of factors that have contributed to Vancouver’s housing affordability crisis.^[8] It involves a combination of foreign investment, speculation, limited housing supply, and lax regulations, all of which have driven up housing prices and made it increasingly difficult for individuals and families to afford to live in the city. The Cullen Commission Report shed light on the detrimental effects of this model, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and greater transparency in the real estate sector.^[9]

This crisis has far-reaching implications for businesses like Selfology. The high cost of living makes it difficult to attract and retain employees, and the strain on disposable income can impact consumer spending. Furthermore, inflated commercial rents can create additional financial burdens for small businesses, potentially forcing them to relocate or even close down. The “Vancouver Model” creates a ripple effect throughout the economy, impacting not just individuals but also the businesses that serve them.

3.2 Small Business Struggles: A David and Goliath Tale

Selfology, like many other small businesses in Vancouver, has faced its share of challenges in navigating this complex landscape.^[10] Landlord disputes, escalating commercial rents, and the complexities of government regulations have all posed significant hurdles. The “Land Cartel” phenomenon, where a small group of developers control a significant portion of the land and housing supply, further exacerbates these challenges.

One particular challenge faced by Selfology was a dispute with their landlord, who, like many others in the city, seemed to prioritize profit over the needs of small businesses. This dispute, coupled with the rising cost of rent, contributed to Selfology’s decision to relocate in 2022. This experience highlights the vulnerability of small businesses in a market dominated by large developers and the need for greater protections and support for local businesses.

Furthermore, Selfology has also had to navigate the complexities of government regulations and support systems. The recent troubles at Small Business BC, a key resource for small businesses in the province, highlight the challenges faced by organizations seeking to support and advocate for small businesses. The closure of Small Business BC left a void in the support ecosystem for small businesses, forcing them to rely on fragmented and often less accessible resources.

(This is where I’ll add the analysis of the Real Estate Association CEO’s letter and Selfology’s unanswered letter to the society, as well as the references to the articles you provided.)

4. A Deeper Dive into Key Themes

4.1 The Outsource Problem: A Ripple Effect

The “Outsource Problem” refers to the growing trend of companies outsourcing jobs and services to other countries, often at the expense of local communities.^[11] This practice can have a significant impact on local economies, leading to job losses, wage stagnation, and a decline in local skills and expertise.

In Vancouver, the Outsource Problem is particularly acute in the tech sector, where many companies are choosing to hire workers from overseas rather than investing in local talent. This not only deprives young people of job opportunities but also undermines the long-term growth and sustainability of the local tech industry. Imagine the Vancouver Canucks outsourcing their star players to teams in Toronto! It just wouldn’t feel right, would it? Similarly, when companies outsource jobs, it weakens the local talent pool and can lead to a decline in innovation and competitiveness.

4.2 Corporate Greed and Ethics: A Call for Conscious Capitalism

Corporate greed, the relentless pursuit of profit at the expense of ethical considerations and social responsibility, is a pervasive issue in today’s business world.[^12] From environmental damage to exploitative labor practices, the consequences of corporate greed are far-reaching and often devastating.

Peter Tu’s personal experiences in the insurance industry provide a stark example of the ethical challenges that can arise when profit is prioritized over people. His observations on corruption, collusion, and the pressure to deny legitimate claims highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability in the corporate world. It’s like those insurance companies are more interested in protecting their bottom line than protecting the people they’re supposed to be serving.

4.3 Reimagining Governance: Beyond Traditional Structures

Traditional governance models, with their centralized power structures and bureaucratic processes, are often slow to adapt to the changing needs of society.[^13] This has led to a growing interest in alternative governance models, such as Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs), which leverage blockchain technology to create more transparent, efficient, and participatory systems.

DAOs offer the potential to revolutionize governance by empowering individuals and communities to have a direct say in decision-making processes. They can also enhance transparency and accountability by recording all transactions and actions on an immutable blockchain ledger. Just like how Vancouverites are always looking for innovative solutions to live more sustainably, DAOs offer a way to create a more sustainable and equitable governance system.

5. The DDNOTE System: A New Language for Time

5.1 Decoding DDNOTE: Structure and Benefits

The DDNOTE system, developed by Selfology, is an innovative approach to organizing and interpreting time-series information.[^14] It uses a structured format that combines dates, times, categories, and keywords to create a unique code for each event or piece of information. This code acts as a “temporal barcode,” allowing for efficient retrieval and analysis of data.

For humans, DDNOTE enhances recall and engagement by transforming dry data into memorable narratives. For AI systems, it enables precise temporal understanding, pattern recognition, and even the potential for future prediction.

5.2 DDNOTE in Action: Real-World Applications

The DDNOTE system has a wide range of potential applications across various fields. In project management, it can improve task tracking and resource allocation. In healthcare, it can enhance temporal relationship management and facilitate predictive modeling. And in personal productivity, it can help individuals manage their time more effectively.

5.3 DDNOTE and the Future: A Predictive Powerhouse

By meticulously charting data timelines, the DDNOTE system enables AI to pinpoint trends and discern connections that might be obscured by digital clutter and human input inaccuracies. This capability is crucial for uncovering significant trends and influential connections, potentially leading to groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in various fields.

6. City of Vancouver & Mayors: A Leadership Perspective

6.1 An Overview of Vancouver’s Mayoral History

Vancouver has a rich history of mayoral leadership, with each mayor contributing to the city’s development and character. From early pioneers to modern-day visionaries, Vancouver’s mayors have played a crucial role in shaping the city’s identity and navigating its challenges.

6.2 Mayor Ken Sim: Current Initiatives and Challenges

Mayor Ken Sim, elected in 2022, has brought a fresh perspective and a focus on economic recovery and public safety to Vancouver.[^15] His initiatives include tackling the housing crisis, supporting small businesses, and promoting a more inclusive and sustainable city. However, he also faces significant challenges, including addressing the ongoing opioid crisis, managing the city’s budget, and navigating the complexities of the “Vancouver Model.”

7. The BC Housing and Atira Snafu: A Zesty Twist

7.1 Background and Context

BC Housing is a provincial crown corporation responsible for providing affordable housing and support services to British Columbians. Atira Women’s Resource Society is a non-profit organization that provides housing and support services to women and children affected by violence.

7.2 The Conflict of Interest Controversy

In recent years, BC Housing and Atira have been embroiled in a conflict of interest controversy involving the CEO of BC Housing and his wife, who is the CEO of Atira.[^16] A forensic investigation revealed that Atira received substantial funding from BC Housing during the CEO’s tenure, raising concerns about potential bias and favoritism.

This controversy has highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in the non-profit sector, particularly when it comes to public funding and governance.

7.3 A Satirical Perspective

The BC Housing and Atira saga is like something straight out of a reality TV show, complete with drama, intrigue, and a healthy dose of “you can’t make this stuff up.” Imagine the scenes: the CEO of BC Housing, sitting at the dinner table, trying to avoid any mention of his wife’s latest grant application while she casually discusses the “challenges of securing funding for women’s shelters.” Or picture the awkward staff meetings where everyone tiptoes around the topic of Atira, careful not to trigger a conflict of interest meltdown.

This situation, while serious in its implications, also reveals a certain absurdity that’s hard to ignore. It’s a reminder that even in the seemingly buttoned-up world of government agencies and non-profits, human foibles and the occasional dose of “only-in-BC” weirdness can still find a way to shine through.

8. Conclusion: Selfology’s Legacy and Vision for the Future

Selfology’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and a deep-rooted belief in the human potential for growth and healing. They have navigated the challenges of the Vancouver landscape with resilience and creativity, establishing themselves as a beacon of holistic wellness and community engagement.

Their vision for the future, embodied in initiatives like the Healing Temple and Anew Village, is one where individuals and communities thrive, supported by a harmonious blend of ancient wisdom and modern technology.

As Selfology continues to evolve and adapt, their story serves as an inspiration to other small businesses and organizations seeking to make a positive impact in the world.