Relocation isn’t inherently mindful—it pulls us away from the present moment, making us yearn for a better place, a better time.
When I arrived in Canada as an immigrant woman of colour, I carried only a few bags, but I made sure to pack my yoga practice.
Through yoga, I found home. I am a mindful diaspora.
And I want to help you find yours.
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Most of us or our ancestors moved not only because of the hope for a better life, but also because of adverse conditions in the home country. Hence when one is fresh off the boat, it is almost compelling to feel better. And it is too easy to overlook our emotional and mental trauma in the process of wanting to rapidly assimilate and get on with lives normally.
If you or your parents were from a collectivist culture (i.e. most Asian cultures), you will likely develop a higher tolerance for distress and find it a habit to sacrifice your voice at the expense of the larger systems.
Some will internalize the othering in the adopted home, and feel trapped in the inner circle in the long run.
Guilt and shame are common too because they can't complain about the adopted home, or they will be regarded as ungrateful or having "first world problem".
And more often than not, you may have experienced the following stereotypes if you identify as an Asian woman:
You will also likely prioritize hard work, conforming to gender norms and hierarchy over your real emotions, well-being and individuality.
Of course, your experience heavily depends on your originating culture, immigration status, linguistic abilities, acculturation and personality etc.
And everyone's journey is unique and beautiful.
#MindfulDiaspora is a holistic journey designed to support women navigating the challenges of relocation and cultural integration. It consists of three key components:
I believe that through the power of community, you can discover your soulful tribe—a group of like-minded women who uplift and inspire each other. #MindfulDiaspora is more than a program; it’s a movement toward finding your true self, wherever life takes you.
I am grateful for that I had over a decade of yoga practice when I relocated to Canada as an adult.
It was not until then I affirmed on my own body and mind on how yoga is effective in helping a drifting soul to stay grounded and centred. It was also at that time when I noticed how so many women could be living a lighter, brighter version of themselves if they can heal the trauma passed onto them by their ancestors or accumulated during their own relocation.
I studied post-colonial literature in the University of Warwick, UK. Through #mindfuldiaspora, I connected my academic interest with my lifelong passion (yoga) and navigated deeper into my hybrid identity.
"Once you realize and fully accept without any resistance that you can't only have one identity, that's the moment when you set yourself free from politics and ideology. " - Angora, 2024
