Mindfulness & Meditation: An accessible practice for those who feel excluded from the mainstream Wellness Industry
An accessible practice empowering you to journey within to explore, unite, and unfold into your higher self.
More than Meets the Eye
As a collective we all would love to delve into the deep end, and shift to a completely organic lifestyle. However, most are forced to cautiously dip their toes just slightly below surface, as they occasionally enjoy carefully selected wellness products within budget.
This brings up a rather rhetorical question. Why should we have to expend our budgets to contort ourselves to fit an idealized perception of wellness? Simply put, we don’t, as there is no right or wrong way to practice.
Mindfulness and meditation have long been associated with images of a select demographic meticulously poised in an upright position, legs crossed in a lotus posture. Fingers delicately joined together in a symbolic gesture, meditating in some remote picturesque calm serene setting that resembles a rainforest, untouched by tourism.
Practically every element down to the most minute detail is captured with the intent to embody the physical essence of calm. Only, images can’t quite capture what is really occurring on the inside.
No matter how skilled the photographer, an image is incapable of capturing the complexities of what is unfolding on the inside. From their sustainable high-end fit, to the premium organic items that threaten to decimate your monthly food budget, this intentional imagery promotes a distinct lifestyle, that is inaccessible to most.
This whole concept of using imagry to convey the embodiment of mindfulness and mediation can be misleading. There is not one singular style of imagery that can fully capture the depth, and complexities that exist beyond the surface. We are each individualized expressions of Divine, with unique journeys, and experiences. Although we each have commonalities and differences, no two paths are the same.
Proceed Beyond Any Perceived Limitations
Adequate representation, or the lack therefore, is a common thread that is weaved throughout the wellness space. Google searches, blogs, articles, imagery, and conversations with others proved, I am not alone in my thinking. Interestingly, this is nothing new, as it has long been established that there is a significant lack of diversity.
Just a few short years ago, wellness centric content, media, and classes practically had little to no people of color. This quickly became evident, when I set out to immerse myself into the wellness space. Inspired by the promise of the many benefits that mindfulness had to offer, I was more than ready to begin.
Only, the flame of anticipation began to flicker and dissipate, when I noticed that I was often the only black woman in the room. Having little to no instructors of color, further ignited feelings of exclusion. Representation matters. Regardless of any obstacles that lie ahead, I was determine to find a path forward beyond any perceived limitations.
In recent years the numbers have began to shift, as the 4.5 billion dollar wellness industry is slowly beginning to reflect a more diverse demographic. Although we still have a long way to go, this is a progressive step in the right direction.
Mindfulness and mediation are adaptive in that it can be cultivated to meet you exactly where you are at any moment. Rather than promoting the false narrative that one must fit this idealistic mold, to “be worthy of practice,” the focus should shift to its versatility, and accessibility. This is one of the primary reasons why I didn’t initially believe that that mindfulness was exactly meant for me. But like most things, I didn’t experience its true essence until began to develop a consistent practice.
“Mindfulness is deliberately paying full attention to what is happening around you in your body, heart, and mind. Mindfulness is awareness without criticism or judgement.”
—Jan Chosen Bays
Thankfully there are no prerequisites to wellness or mindfulness-based living. Each individual is an emanation of the Divine. In other words, you are enough just as you are. Likewise, no-one should have to reconstruct their lives to conform to a lifestyle that is readily accessible. Better yet, mindfulness should be viewed as a mirror, as it is a reflective practice that empowers you to journey within to explore, unite, and unfold into your higher self.
"Mindfulness is a reflective practice that empowers you to journey within to explore, unite, and unfold into your higher self.”
—Sonja Crandon
Call to Action
Regardless of who the mainstream wellness industry defines as the ideal recipient of mindfulness and mediation, it is an accessible, and beneficial practice for all. This piece is but a small excerpt describing my path to wellness, through the lense of my experience.
Do you feel that mindfulness is targeted well to your demographic? If not, why?
I would love to hear from you. Lets start, and keep the conversation going.