The Journey Home: Yoga Practices for Nurturing Connection to Your Roots

Living overseas can be an enriching experience, offering new perspectives and adventures. However, it can also create a sense of disconnection from your country of origin and its cultural roots. I know because I’ve lived overseas in many different countries throughout my life and I’ve now called Australia home for nearly twenty years. Every year I travel back to my home country Sweden and it’s an important part of my life to share this with my daughter who has her Swedish heritage. It can feel difficult though to have one foot in each country but  I feel where you are born is where your deep roots are and that is so important to connect to the older you get.

For busy mums balancing the demands of family life abroad, finding ways to reconnect with your heritage is essential for maintaining a sense of identity and well-being. Yoga, with its profound emphasis on mindfulness and inner connection, can be a powerful tool to help you stay connected to your roots, no matter where you are. I this post we explore how yoga can help you nurture this connection.

Understanding the Connection

Yoga, an ancient practice rooted in Indian culture, transcends physical exercise, offering a spiritual and emotional journey inward. By integrating yoga into your daily routine, you can foster a deeper connection to your country of origin, its traditions, and your personal heritage. I found yoga and meditation has been very important for me when things has been unstable and I’ve had homesickness. It keeps me grounded and connected to my roots and my loved ones overseas.

Here are some practices and tips to help you use yoga as a bridge to your roots.

Embrace Traditional Asanas

Namaste Practice: Start your yoga sessions with the traditional greeting of “Namaste,” which means “I bow to the divine in you.” This simple gesture can serve as a daily reminder of your cultural heritage and a way to ground yourself.

Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation): This sequence of poses is not only a great workout but also a traditional practice that honors the sun, a symbol of spiritual consciousness. Performing Sun Salutations can connect you to a practice that has been passed down through generations.

Pranayama for Mindfulness

Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing): This breathing technique helps balance your body and mind. It’s a practice deeply rooted in Ayurvedic traditions, which you can use to connect to your cultural origins.

Ujjayi Breath (Victorious Breath): This breath control practice calms the mind and body. Incorporating Ujjayi breath into your routine can help you stay centered and connected to your inner self.

Meditation and Mantras

Chanting Mantras: Integrate traditional mantras like “Om” or “Gayatri Mantra” into your meditation practice. Chanting these mantras can evoke a sense of spiritual connection and cultural heritage.

Guided Meditations: Use guided meditations that focus on cultural imagery or stories from your homeland. Visualisation techniques can help you feel closer to your country of origin. I love thinking of my childhood summerhouse and beach that we use to go to, it provides me with a sense of warmth and grounding.

Embracing the community

When I’m back in my home country I like to join in a local yoga class or meditation to both learn something new but also connect with some new people back home. Living overseas for many years the importance of keeping in touch with traditions, your language and culture become more important especially when you have kids. I’m a member of the local Swedish club that has various events, festivals and activities for the whole family. This is a great way to celebrate yearly cultural events and teach my daughter the importance of these. Being part of a like-minded community can enhance your connection to your roots. It’s also a nice way to introduce your tradition to your friends and relatives to give them a better understanding of your heritage.

When my daughter was in kindergarten, I use to have a chat about Sweden to the kids and read some books and sing songs, this was so popular, so I returned a few times to do it.

Creating a Sacred Space at home

Create a small altar or sacred space in your home with items that remind you of your cultural roots, such as pictures, religious icons, or artifacts from your country of origin. Use traditional scents like sandalwood, jasmine, or lavender to evoke a sense of place and tradition during your yoga and meditation sessions. If you have any particular music that reminds you about your homeland use it during your yoga practice. The familiar sounds can create memories and deepen your sense of connection. Incorporate symbols like a small statue or art piece, traditional fabrics, or cultural art pieces into your yoga space.

Living overseas doesn’t mean you have to lose touch with your roots. By incorporating yoga into your daily life, you can nurture a deep connection to your country of origin. Embrace traditional practices, create a sacred space, integrate cultural elements into your routines, and engage with your community. These practices not only enrich your life but also provide a sense of identity and belonging for you and your family. Through yoga, you can honor your heritage and maintain a strong, vibrant connection to your roots, no matter where you are in the world. Namaste!