I mean, really. When did the simple act of taking care of ourselves turn into a competition of who can drink the most kale smoothies or own the most expensive yoga mat? Don’t get me wrong, I love a good green

Cultural Pride and Wellbeing Integrating Ancestral Wisdom into Modern Wellness

Let’s start with a controversial question: When did wellness become a fad? Intrigued.

I mean, really. When did the simple act of taking care of ourselves turn into a competition of who can drink the most kale smoothies or own the most expensive yoga mat? Don’t get me wrong, I love a good green juice as much as the next person, but sometimes I feel like we’ve lost sight of what wellness truly means. It’s not about the latest trend or gadget; it’s about balance, harmony, and connection—with ourselves and our roots.

 If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself scrolling the endless wellness tips, tricks, and trends on social media. It’s easy to forget that true wellness isn’t something you can buy or follow on Instagram—it’s something that’s been woven into the fabric of our lives for generations. That’s where cultural pride and ancestral wisdom come in.

 You see, long before wellness was a buzzword, our ancestors were living it. They didn’t have fancy gyms or designer supplements, but they knew a thing or two about keeping their bodies and minds in balance. Whether it was through herbal remedies, traditional diets, or spiritual practices, they had a deep understanding of how to live well—and they passed that wisdom down to us. The problem is, in our rush to modernise everything, we’ve often overlooked these rich traditions.

 But here’s the good news: It’s never too late to reconnect with your roots. In fact, integrating ancestral wisdom into your modern wellness routine can be one of the most powerful ways to achieve true wellbeing. And it doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming—just a few simple changes can make a world of difference.

All you food lovers out there…. Remember those dishes your grandmother used to make? The ones full of flavour, love, and sometimes a bit too much butter? Well, turns out, those traditional recipes are often packed with nutrients and healing properties that modern diets just can’t match. By reconnecting with these foods, you’re not only nourishing your body but also honouring your heritage. So, the next time you’re meal planning, why not throw in a recipe or two that takes you back to your roots? Your taste buds and your wellbeing will thank you.

And what about movement? Before there were fitness classes and personal trainers, there were cultural dances, martial arts, and rituals that kept our ancestors fit and strong. These practices weren’t just about exercise—they were about community, celebration, and spiritual connection. So why not try incorporating some of these into your routine? Whether it’s learning a traditional dance, practicing yoga, or simply taking a mindful walk in nature, moving in a way that honours your heritage can be a beautiful way to nurture both your body and soul.

 Let’s not forget the power of mindfulness and spiritual practices. For many of our ancestors, wellness wasn’t just about the physical—it was about the mind and spirit, too. Whether through meditation, prayer, or rituals, they understood the importance of taking care of the whole self. In our busy, modern lives, it’s easy to lose sight of this, but even a few minutes of mindfulness each day can help you reconnect with your inner self and the wisdom of those who came before you.

Embracing your cultural pride and ancestral wisdom is about looking back lovingly, and moving forward with a deeper understanding of who you are and where you come from. It’s about creating a wellness routine that’s not only modern and effective but also rich with meaning and connection; taking the best of both worlds and creating something uniquely yours.

So, as you go about your wellness journey, I encourage you to take a step back and think about what truly makes you feel good. Is it that new superfood everyone’s talking about? Or is it a bowl of your grandmother’s heavy pot soup that warms you from the inside out? Is it a trendy workout class? Or is it a traditional dance that makes your heart sing? Whatever it is, embrace it. Celebrate it. And most importantly, remember that true wellness isn’t about following the crowd—it’s about honouring yourself, your heritage, and the wisdom that’s been passed down through generations.

 So here’s to a wellness journey that’s as rich and vibrant as the cultures we come from; to integrating ancestral wisdom into our modern lives and finding balance, harmony, and joy along the way. Because at the end of the day, wellness isn’t just about living longer—it’s about living better, with pride, purpose, and a whole lot of love.

Caroline’s daughter, Diahanne x