16/01/2026
Why an Acknowledgment to Country at the beginning of a Yoga practice? As a traditional custodian & elder of the lands it is my responsibility to uphold the ancient cultural protocols which historically requires visitors to seek permission to be on anotherโs land. This act when done with sincerity, shows respect for the Traditional Custodians of the land & their continuing connection to the lands, waters & skies. ATC also brings greater understanding of connection to place. Yoga philosophy emphasizes the connection of body, mind, and spirit. Incorporating an Acknowledgement of Country helps ground the practice in the physical location, linking the yogic idea of self-connection with a connection to the specific land the practice is being held on, which has been cared for by Indigenous peoples for over 65,000 years. The ATC also brings awareness to the unceded sovereignty of Indigenous Australians and the impact of colonialism, encouraging self-reflection and truth-telling within the yoga community & the larger Australian population. ATC aligns with the principles of Yoga through inviting participants an opportunity of ethical considerations and encouraging such practices of ahimsa or non-violence, and satya. ATC embodies non-violence by refusing to ignore the historical and ongoing injustice faced by First Nations peoples and embraces truthfulness by acknowledging the true history of Australiaโs longest living surviving culture of the world. Always was and always will be Aboriginal land. โค๏ธ๐๐ค