Learning
We all have some unlearning and learning to do.
*Last Updated 03 January 2021
This blog is a little different, but so very relevant for us all.
We all have some unlearning and learning to do.
I live and work on the land of the Kaurna People. I acknowledge they are the Traditional Owners of this country and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. I pay my respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
This is something I should have began each term of Yoga with at a minimum since it occurred to me last year. I stayed silent with what I was learning in several areas and I shouldn’t have. I’m sorry.
This however is lip service without learning more and doing more.
A lot is going on in our world right now and it is not new.
The wellness space especially is dominated by White Women and is becoming increasingly capitalised, often at the expense of minority groups.
I have shared a little of this through what brands I buy, why I no longer close my Yoga classes with Namaste and how I choose to do business but more is needed.
Since the start of my academic studies I have become more and more aware of inequalities. First in the sense most of us can understand and then the more systemic and institutionalised racism and division in our society, which is often hidden but results in deaths and murders of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour).
Over the last couple of years as I have immersed myself more in my PhD as well as the business world I have been examining what I need to unlearn and relearn.
I am a big believer of education and then action. I have probably waited a little too long in the action within my business.
Over the last couple of weeks I have been putting together a list of resources and people I have been learning from in this space.
It will included resources to learn from mostly women who are First Nations, Indigenous, Black or Women of Colour.
I will share a separate article which includes music, art, fiction and other creations but know that it is not enough to put a piece of artwork or share a Black Lives Matter post. It is ongoing.
As a Yoga teacher there is so much to learn and I will be creating a Yoga specific Insights Article to share this learning with you as well. This will include why I no longer close my classes with Namaste for those of you who haven’t heard why this is a problem.
This is not complete, nor perfect, it is a collation of things I have learnt from, am learning from and have loved.
I am not an expert, I will and have made make mistakes but most importantly I am learning. I invite you to do the same.
Here are some things that got me thinking about my own influences
The books I was reading, both fiction and non-fiction and how overwhelmingly white they were.
Who I was learning from in business and following on Instagram. This was also overwhelming white.
We need diversity. I needed a greater diversity of influences.
Women and Organisations I am Learning From Online
Rachel Cargle - Do the Work Free 30 Day Course - To support Rachel in her work you can donate either to Rachel directly or her Loveland Foundation which provides therapy to Black Girls and Women.
Layla Saad - Me and White Supremacy Book - this should be compulsory reading for everyone.
Books I am Reading on Race (or are up next)
Essays & Articles to Read
Australian
There cannot be 432 victims and no perpetrators... by Amy McQuire Darumbal/South Sea Islander journalist.
Captain Cook Never Circumnavigated Australia, but in 1802 this Indigenous Australian Did.
Deaths in custody in Australia: a quantitative analysis of coroners’ reports (academic journal article behind a paywall - if you are a uni student you should be able to access this via your institution).
Acknowledgement of Country & AIATSIS map of Indigenous Australia.
Rio Tinto just blasted away an ancient Aboriginal site. Here's why that was allowed by Samantha Hepburn. It should never have been allowed.
International
Dear White Women by Rachel Cargle.
White Fragility: Why it’s so hard to talk to White people about race by Robin DiAngelo.
When Feminism Is White Supremacy in Heels by Rachel Cargle.
Resources for Teachers & Parents
‘But I am NOT ABORIGINAL I don’t know how to do this stuff!’ by Amy Thunig Gamilaroi, First Nations Woman and Academic.
Podcasts to Listen to
Blacademia with Amy Thunig - Amy interviews First Nations Academics in a very accessible way. You don’t need to have a PhD or even have been to uni to listen. You can listen on Spotify or directly from the Blacademia Website.
The Good Ancestor Podcast with Layla Saad — Layla speaks with ‘change-makers and culture-shapers’. You can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or directly on Layla’s Website.
Yoga is Dead with Tejal and Jesal two Indian-American Yoga Teachers - examines different topics which have harmed Yoga in recent years. The way Yoga has been adopted, appropriated and commercialised has hurt the practise. You can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or directly on Layla’s Website. A number of these episodes a focussed towards Yoga teachers.
If you have questions for me you can contact me here. I am not an expert nor can I speak for others but I am here listening and learning and encouraging you to do the same.
If you have something to suggest or First Nations people in particular we can learn from let me know so I can check them out and share too.
Finally, speak up and where you can donate.
