What does it mean to study wellness from a decolonized lens?
Buzzwords are buzzwords, but what does decolonizing wellness actually mean?
Decolonizing wellness generally stands for studying wisdom traditions closer to their roots of origin outside of western and colonial influences. Practice like yoga, breathwork, and energy sciences have deep roots in Eastern traditions, that have been studied, mastered, and passed down for 100s of years.
Many wisdom traditions that we borrow from are channeled by wisdom keepers of specific lands, elements, and environment. That matters. You can't (you can but it ain't right) pluck what sounds cool and fits the narrative as you see fit without reverence to the relationship people had to the lands, elements, and environment.
While there no such thing as a totally decolonized study, as we are all influenced by our upbringing, environment, life experiences, and benefit from modernizing practices to fit our present needs, a decolonial lens means not removing the context, history, origin, and purpose of the studies in a way that is causes harm to others.
This also means decentering methods inside healing spaces that have historically been violent and oppressive, lacked a diverse lens, and promoted one size fits all wellness for all. If you're from a marginalized, underserved, or underrepresented community, you know exactly what that looks in the form of microaggressions.
As practitioners, it's important to keep an eye out for what you're appropriating and what is an authentic commitment of study. Select people and places with intention. Explore your discomfort with certain topics. Study and learn without judgement to self.
If you’re ready to dive deeper with us, come study: www.flowbreathworktrianing.com
