Yuria Celidwen, PhD: Flourishing Is a Gradual Unfolding of Aesthetic Arrest
Jan 7, 2025
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Dr. Yuria Celidwen is a pioneering researcher in Indigenous Contemplative Sciences, merging indigenous wisdom with Western thought. She discusses her book, "Flourishing Kin," emphasizing flourishing as a gradual unfolding of beauty and the importance of interconnectedness with nature. The conversation highlights how Indigenous perspectives can address the climate crisis, redefines health beyond outdated measures, and promotes sensory awareness as a path to well-being. Yuria's insights invite listeners to embrace collective flourishing and honor the wisdom of ancestral practices.
Dr. Yuria Celidwen emphasizes the integration of Indigenous wisdom into contemplative science to foster deeper connections with nature and community.
The notion of 'aesthetic arrest' highlights moments of profound awareness that encourage a collective understanding of flourishing beyond individual wellness.
Deep dives
Introduction to Indigenous Contemplative Sciences
Dr. Yuria Salidwin introduces the concept of Indigenous Contemplative Sciences, a new field that integrates indigenous wisdom with Western science. This field emphasizes the importance of relationships not only among humans but also with nature and the universe. Dr. Salidwin, drawing from her Nahua and Maya heritage, emphasizes the significance of contemplating these relationships to understand our place within them. She advocates for a more holistic approach to knowledge that honors both emotional and spiritual connections, leading to collective well-being.
Emphasizing Collective Experience
The discussion highlights a critical distinction between individualistic approaches in Western contemplative science and the communal nature of Indigenous contemplative practices. While Western methods often focus on solitary experiences, Indigenous practices emphasize shared contemplative immersion. This collective perspective fosters deeper connections, not only among individuals but also with the environment and cosmic existence. Dr. Salidwin argues that personal insights gained through meditation must translate into collective action to address societal and environmental challenges.
Flourishing Kin and Aesthetic Arrest
Dr. Salidwin introduces the term 'aesthetic arrest', describing it as profound moments of connection that halt mundane thoughts and allow for deeper awareness of our surroundings. This state enables individuals to experience a heightened sense of belonging and kinship with all life forms, encouraging a more profound appreciation of existence. She equates flourishing not merely with personal wellness but with fostering connections that enhance collective well-being. This understanding challenges conventional views on flourishing, moving beyond superficial practices towards deeper relational engagement.
Reclaiming the Senses Through Sunshine
The concept of 'sunshine' is introduced as a means to enhance sensory awareness and connection to place. By redefining senses to include imagination and belonging, Dr. Salidwin encourages individuals to experience the beauty and wisdom of their environments. The practice of embracing the interconnectedness of all beings contributes to a transformative consciousness that benefits both personal and communal health. This perspective urges a reevaluation of contemporary definitions of health, stressing the vital link between human and planetary well-being.
Dr. Yuria Celidwen is at the forefront of a historic expansion in the field of contemplative science—or the study of inner practices like meditation, prayer, and mindfulness. Until recently, researchers have primarily focused on major religious traditions such as Buddhism or Christianity. Today, Dr. Celidwen is bringing the long-overdue perspective of Indigenous cultures into the discussion. In this podcast, Sounds True founder Tami Simon speaks with Dr. Celidwen about her new book, Flourishing Kin: Indigenous Wisdom for Collective Well-Being.
Tune in for this invigorating conversation exploring: Yuria’s definition of flourishing as a gradual unfolding of aesthetic arrest; cultivating an embodied sense of your interconnection with all of creation; why Indigenous perspectives are vital for solving the climate crisis; honoring spirit, the animating principle of life; a deeper understanding of health; the direct experience of “moments of truth”; sunshine as a seed of awareness; the core right of self-determination; relating to Indigeneity respectfully; the possibility of collective flourishing; and more.
Note: This episode originally aired on Sounds True One, where these special episodes of Insights at the Edge are available to watch live on video and with exclusive access to Q&As with our guests. Learn more at join.soundstrue.com.
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