A former stripper-turned-monk has revealed how and why he stepped away from stripping to focus on himself.
Ashley Edelman first became a stripper after moving to London from Australia “for a different life”.
Within three months of landing on British soil, he found himself travelling the UK with Forbidden Nights – a sexy circus male cabaret-style show – ripping off his t-shirts for randy women in elaborate shows.
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Although Ashely loved his job, he knew he was destined for more.
At the age of 34, he felt the urge to give up his raunchy gig for pastures new.
An Instagram video became his turning point.
“I saw a video of a guy who had shaved his head and became a monk for a month,” Ashley told Need To Know.
“I was instantly fascinated.
“I had always wanted to try it, and this video was the sign I had been waiting for.
“I found a Monastery online and got accepted within days.
“When the time came, I packed my bag and hopped on a flight to become a monk.
“The best part was everyone was supportive of this experience because they know how life-changing it would be.”
Ashley flew to the monastery in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where he began a month-long study, which included intense periods of meditation and reflection.
He said: “It was my very own Eat, Pray, Love situation.
“I was only there for one month, but it ended up being the perfect length of time.
“I learned a lot about Theravada Buddhism but it is service to self, and I know my purpose is service to others.
“I had to bring that wisdom back and share it.
“One of the biggest lessons I learned was finding that true happiness comes from within and it is attainable for anyone.
“At the monastery, we did over 150 hours of meditation in one month.”
Ashely fell into his job as a stripper thanks to a lucky coincidence.
He said: “It was like a sexy circus but a family vibe with the crew – that’s what drew me to it.
“I started working as a host and worked my a** off because I was grateful for the opportunity.
“After a few months, the owner put me in rehearsals to join the main cast and at that time, we only had one show a week, eventually we have over 150 shows a year!
“From there on, I was unstoppable, showing up early and learning routines because I finally found something I was truly passionate about.
“We were entertainers with an element of strip.
“The ladies loved it, we loved it!”
Since returning from his journey at the monastery, Ashley has overhauled his life.
Although he sometimes misses his life as a stripper – he’s happy with his new life filled with purpose.
He now lives in Dubai, where he is a mindset architect, meditation and breathwork facilitator and retreats with TribeX.
He said: “There is a negative light on Dubai from social media but it is shifting, what people don’t see is the very deep spiritual side.
“The city needs grounded individuals who are connected to their spirituality to help support that shift.
“That’s why I’m here.”
Ashley believes his “old life” was preparing him for exactly where he is now.
He said: “I was performing on stages in front of hundreds, even thousands of people.
“All of that was training me for what I’m stepping into now – to be on stage around the world, but instead of entertaining, I’ll be changing lives through the power of words with my story.
“I miss performing with the boys.
“I miss looking back at old videos and remembering those moments.
“But would I go back to it? No.
“Because where I am now is exactly where I need to be.
“I remove limiting beliefs.
“Through mind-body connections, through holistic practices, teaching people to connect deeper to their own spirituality to become their best selves.
“But also, I’m so much more grounded, I know that I live a life of non-resistance.
“I live in a life of surrendering and trusting the universe to what is happening.”
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