Shows
Bay Area Book Festival PodcastIn Dialogue: Building Communities that ThriveIn a moment of global crises and heightened polarization, how do we foster belonging and minimize othering? How and where do we build bridges when so many communities and institutions are fracturing and re-constellating? Drawing on the panelists’ four books and their unique experiences and perspectives, we will speak into a future where generative relationships across boundaries thrive. Leading asexuality and relationship expert David Jay tackles breeding grounds of isolation—from schools to tech to social media—in Relationality, which provides a scientifically-grounded framework for investing in the power of relational work and expands upon the fundamental idea that all en...2025-07-2359 min
Forum on Religion and Ecology: Spotlights5.17 Flourishing Kin, with Yuria CelidwenThis episode features Yuria Celidwen, PhD, a native of Indigenous Nahua and Maya lineages from the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico. We discuss her work as a scholar, researcher, and writer working at the intersection of Indigenous studies, cultural psychology, and contemplative sciences. We focus in particular on her book, Flourishing Kin: Indigenous Wisdom for Collective Well-Being (2024). We also discuss some of the complexities involved with psychedelic research, including an article she co-authored, "Ethical Principles of Traditional Indigenous Medicine to Guide Western Psychedelic Research and Practice."2025-05-191h 09
12 Minute MeditationA Meditation on Connecting Lands and StoriesMany modern Western cultures don’t have a deep understanding of land as a source of collective identity, story, or purpose. There is a sense that, yes, land can be lovely—but it is mainly seen as a source of recreation or extraction, not necessarily as an integral part of what shapes us and future generations. In this guided practice, Indigenous scholar and teacher Yuria Celidwen introduces a fresh way to consider our connection to the natural spaces around us. This is a practice that invites reverence, gratitude, and belonging, where our experience of the earth moves from b...2025-05-0116 min12 Minute MeditationA Meditation on Connecting Lands and StoriesMany modern Western cultures don’t have a deep understanding of land as a source of collective identity, story, or purpose. There is a sense that, yes, land can be lovely—but it is mainly seen as a source of recreation or extraction, not necessarily as an integral part of what shapes us and future generations. In this guided practice, Indigenous scholar and teacher Yuria Celidwen introduces a fresh way to consider our connection to the natural spaces around us. This is a practice that invites reverence, gratitude, and belonging, where our experience of the earth moves from b...2025-05-0116 min
The Forum at Grace CathedralYuria Celidwen Forum How do we cultivate collective flourishing? When facing the monumental challenges of our world, we often end up disconnecting to focus on our mental health. Dr. Yuria Celidwen explains this focus on our state of mind alone is precisely why so many of us struggle to flourish. “What’s been overlooked is the Indigenous perspective of relationality,” she says. “It is the understanding that happiness is only possible in community, when we cultivate our relationships toward all kin, from human to more-than-human, and our living Earth.” Dr. Celidwen’s research shows the tremendous benefit of integrating Indigenous approaches in...2025-04-081h 05
Mapping the Doctrine of DiscoveryS05E07: Indigenous Wisdom for Planetary Healing with Yuria CelidwenYuria Celidwen, a Nahua and Maya scholar and UC Berkeley postdoctoral researcher, shares how Indigenous wisdom offers pathways for collective healing beyond colonial mindfulness practices that prioritize individual benefit over community wellbeing.• Identifying as a "truth bearer" from Maya tradition, Celidwen bridges Indigenous epistemologies with academic research• The mindfulness movement has colonial roots, extracting Eastern practices while severing them from community responsibility• Indigenous sciences engage in "intersubjective dialogue" with subjects rather than treating them as inert objects• The doctrine of discovery established belief systems of domination that continue to impact Indigenous peoples• Historical distortion...2025-04-0148 min
Opening Minds, Opening HeartsS3 EP8: Exploring Contemplative Practices and Collective Wellbeing Through Indigenous Wisdom with Dr. Yuria CelidwenAs we continue this season's theme of expanding the boundaries of our faith tradition by creating space for dialogue with our brothers and sisters deeply rooted in other spiritual traditions, we’re delighted to welcome Dr. Yuria Celidwen. She will guide us in exploring contemplative practices from an Indigenous perspective.Yuria was born to Nahua and Maya indigenous lineages in the cloud forest of the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico. As a scholar, she investigates forms of contemplation and transcendent experiences from the perspective of the ancestral wisdom of Indigenous peoples. She looks into how these forms are embodied in...2025-02-2351 min
Sounds True: Insights at the EdgeYuria Celidwen, PhD: “Flourishing Is a Gradual Unfolding of Aesthetic Arrest”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 em...2025-01-071h 08
Accidental GodsMust Read, Must Listen, Must View: Manda's favourite books, podcasts and videos this Winter SeasonIt's that time of year - when all we really want is to curl up and reflect, go inside, become the potential that will arise in the unfolding spring. If you want things to listen to or watch or read as you head into the long-nights, then these are (some of) the things that have caught my attention this year. Enjoy!Books: Non-FictionHospicing Modernity by Vanessa Machada de Oliviera https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/hospicing-modernity-parting-with-harmful-ways-of-living-vanessa-machado-de-oliveira/6401710?ean=9781623176242Pedagogies of Collapse: A Hopeful Education for the End of the World as w...2024-12-1428 min
Frontiers of Commoning, with David BollierYuria Celidwen on Applying Indigenous Wisdom Traditions to Modern ChallengesYuria Celidwen, an Indigenous researcher in the Department of Psychology at University of California Berkeley, discusses how contemplative practices in Indigenous traditions can expand mindfulness, heartfulness, compassion, and planetary flourishing. Her new book, 'Flourishing Kin: Indigenous Foundations for Collective Well-Being,' argues that relationality lies at the heart of Indigenous cultures, as seen in seven key principles. Celidwen explains that happiness is "only possible in community, when we cultivate our relationships toward all kin, from human to more-than-human, and to our living Earth." Learning to listen mindfully to life is an essential process in healing the Earth, the alienation of...2024-12-0149 min
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: How To Tune Into Water’s Restorative PowerIndigenous scholar Dr. Yuria Celidwen guides us in a reflection on our interconnection with water, encouraging us to see it as more than just a vital resource, but as kin. How to Do This Practice:Last week we explored the scientifically backed healing qualities of water, focusing on how connecting with water through sound, sight, and touch can support our well being. This week, indigenous scholar Dr. Yuria Celidwen guides us in a reflection on our interconnection with water, encouraging us to see it as more than just a vital resource, but as kin.
Fi...2024-11-1407 min
The Science of HappinessHow Water HealsDiscover how connecting with water through all five senses can support well-being.A growing body of research shows that connecting with water through things like sight and sound and touch can have a positive impact on how we feel, how we think, and even the state of our bodies. This week, we activate all five senses through connecting with water in hopes of applying that research into reality. We hear from an environmental psychologist about the many proven benefits of spending time by water, as well as an indigenous scholar about the view of water not just...2024-11-0725 min
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: A Meditation on Becoming A Gift To LifeOur happiness is interconnected with the well-being of others, both people and the natural world. Step outside of you can, or imagine the outdoors from wherever you are now, and join us for a meditation that’ll help us be better stewards of the natural world.Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/y3yfjsxaEpisode SummaryA meditation on how we can give back to the earth, led by indigenous activist, artist, and scholar Dr. Lyla June Johnston.How To Do This Practice
Sit and take four deep breaths to...2024-08-2209 min
To The Best Of Our KnowledgeLuminous: Can psychedelics be decolonized?It’s easy to get caught up in the hype about how psychedelics might revolutionize the treatment of mental illness. But there are also lots of ethical concerns. And probably none are so troubling as the charges of exploitation and cultural appropriation. The fact is, the knowledge about many psychedelics — like magic mushrooms and ayahuasca — comes from the sacred ceremonies of Indigenous cultures. But over the past century, Western scientists and pharmaceutical companies have been going into these cultures, collecting plants and synthesizing their chemical compounds.Even if science is all about building on the knowledge of earlie...2024-07-0652 min
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: How to Ground Yourself in Nature, with Yuria Celidwen (Encore)Connect to yourself and the land you stand on in under 10 minutes with this grounding practice led by Indigenous scholar Dr. Yuria Celidwen.Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/3at8hrsuHow to Do This Practice:
If possible, go outside and find some natural ground, like grass or dirt. If you're wearing shoes or socks, take them off and place the soles of your feet directly on the ground.
Bring your attention to the earth beneath you. Allow it to hold you, paying attention to how it feels — soft, firm, reliable. Imag...2024-06-2710 min
The Science of HappinessHow To Unwind By Doing Mindful Yard WorkEveryday activities, such as cleaning and gardening, can be sources of joy and opportunities for mindfulness. This week, our guest shares his experience practicing mindful sweeping on the temple stairs in Kyoto, Japan with Shoukei Matsumoto, a Buddhist monk.Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/3r6ju2whThe Science of Happiness is now Instagram, and we'd love for you to follow us! You can find us at @ScienceofHappinessPod. We're going to go behind the scenes of our episodes, and share how to do the practices we talk about on the show...2024-06-2023 min
ChangeMaking ConnectionsYuria Celidwen's Vision for Indigenous Ethics and Planetary BelongingIn this heart-opening episode of ChangeMaking Connections, we immerse ourselves in the profound tapestry of indigenous wisdom with the remarkable Yuria Celidwen.2024-06-1728 min
ChangeMaking ConnectionsYuria Celidwen's Vision for Indigenous Ethics and Planetary BelongingAccess full episode transcript: click here_________Join us in this episode of ChangeMaking Connections as we embark on a journey towards collective well-being and planetary flourishing – your presence is an integral thread in this transformative narrative.With Yuria's guidance, we delve into the intricate realms of Indigenous Ethics and Belonging, exploring how ancient contemplative practices can foster deep transformations within ourselves and ripple into the world around us.About our guest:Yuria Celidwen (Guest): Yuria Celidwen, Ph.D., is of Indigenous Nahua and Maya descent from the highlands of Chiapas, Me...2024-06-1728 min
The Science of HappinessAre You Remembering The Good Times?Thinking about happy memories activates reward centers in our brains, and can help us feel more connected and accepted. Palestinian-American poet Naomi Shihab Nye discovers the joy-bringing power of recalling her good childhood memories.Link to Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/2r63e6tnEpisode summary: Whether it’s news notifications or work emails, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the stresses of our time every moment of every day. But what if there was something we could do to rekindle the greatest joys of our pasts? How might that shift how we feel in the...2024-04-2519 min
Holding the Fire: Indigenous Voices on the Great UnravelingDismantling Destructive Narratives with Yuria CelidwenDahr Jamail speaks with Dr. Yuria Celidwen about how we must find true belonging and true community with both humans and the more-than-human world. Yuria discusses a broader statement she created that she calls “the ethics of belonging,” which encourages awareness, intention, relational well-being, and actions towards planetary flourishing. She also talks about spirit medicine, why she is not fond of the word "hope," dreaming, non-linear time, and much more.Dr. Yuria Celidwen, a native of Nahua and Maya descent from Chiapas, Mexico, has been conducting research that combines the vibrant threads of Indigenous studies, cultural psychology, and...2023-12-0554 min
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: A Visualization to Connect With Your Heritage, With Bryant TerryChef and author Bryant Terry leads us through a visualization to connect with our ancestors by appreciating our families' traditional foods.
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Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/yc6d69py
How to Do This Practice:
Find a comfortable place to start this practice, focusing on your breath.
Think of a meal or dish that is linked to yo...2023-11-3008 min
Ancestral SciencePlanetary Health: through Berries, Land, and WaterDR. NICOLE REDVERS (Deninu Kųę́ First Nation) chatted to us about berries changing genetics, Indigenous Medicine Science as a reawakening, Land as healing and amplifying these connections through consciousness, differences between spirit & soul, what is a gut feeling?, and decolonizing & recolonizing our microbiome. Remember, profits from the "AS Podcast MERCH" www.relationalsciencecircle.com/shop helps pay Knowledge Keepers & Editor, to follow protocols & keep the podcast going.Dr. Redvers graciously donated her honoraria to: Arctic Indigenous Wellness Foundation https://arcticindigenouswellness.org/SHOWNOTES:-INDIGENOUS SCIENCE: contextual, holistic, relational, symbolic, non-linear, not...2023-10-301h 05
To The Best Of Our KnowledgeLuminous: Can Psychedelics Be Decolonized?It’s easy to get caught up in the hype about how psychedelics might revolutionize the treatment of mental illness. But there are also lots of ethical concerns. And probably none are so troubling as the charges of exploitation and cultural appropriation. The fact is, the knowledge about many psychedelics — like magic mushrooms and ayahuasca — comes from the sacred ceremonies of Indigenous cultures. But over the past century, Western scientists and pharmaceutical companies have been going into these cultures, collecting plants and synthesizing their chemical compounds.
Even if science is all about building on the knowledge of earlier d...2023-10-2152 min
Luminous: A Podcast about Psychedelics from To The Best Of Our KnowledgeCan psychedelics be decolonized?It’s easy to get caught up in the hype about how psychedelics might revolutionize the treatment of mental illness. But there are also lots of ethical concerns. And probably none are so troubling as the charges of exploitation and cultural appropriation. The fact is, the knowledge about many psychedelics — like magic mushrooms and ayahuasca — comes from the sacred ceremonies of Indigenous cultures. But over the past century, Western scientists and pharmaceutical companies have been going into these cultures, collecting plants and synthesizing their chemical compounds.Even if science is all about building on the knowledge of earlie...2023-10-2152 min
Into the Magic ShopYuria Celidwen: Visions of Hope. Intergenerational Wisdom for a Flourishing PlanetIn this episode of “Into The Magic Shop,” Dr. Jim Doty welcomes Dr. Yuria Celidwen, an Indigenous and climate activist of Nahua and Maya descent, born into a family of mystics, healers, poets, and explorers from the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico. Together, Dr. Celidwen and Dr. Doty delve into a discussion about the impact of European colonialism and Western capitalism on Indigenous Peoples and the environment. They emphasize the need to honor and preserve Indigenous languages and cultures, recognizing the immense cultural and biodiversity loss caused by historical and ongoing injustices. They also explore the challenges faced by Indigenous communities in t...2023-09-271h 03
For The WildThe Edges in the Middle, V: Báyò Akómoláfé, Naomi Klein, and Yuria CelidwenContinuing the conversation series, “The Edges in the Middle,” presented in collaboration with UC Berkeley’s Othering and Belonging Institute, For The Wild is delighted to share this conversation between Báyò Akómoláfé, Naomi Klein and Yuria Celidwen. Speaking about climate grief and hope, Báyò, Naomi, and Yuria build together to consider the value in tapping into the depth of emotion as we feel it, not as we are told we should feel it. In a time marked by disruption, loss, and demise, grief may be an invi...2023-07-1956 min
Berkeley TalksClimate grief: Embracing loss as a catalyst for collective actionJournalist and climate activist Naomi Klein joins Indigenous scholar Yuria Celidwen and posthumanist thinker Bayo Akomolafe, both senior fellows at UC Berkeley's Othering and Belonging Institute, to discuss climate grief and why they see it not as a reason for apathy, but as an invitation to feel the loss deeply — together — and to use it as fuel for collective action."The moments that we face loss, and we really embody the grieving process, is the total moment of surrendering," said Celidwen at the May 4 event, hosted by the Othering and Belonging Institute. "Realizing that arrogance that keeps huma...2023-06-031h 29
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: Belonging to the Earth, With Yuria CelidwenIndigenous scholar Yuria Celidwen guides us in a meditation to strengthen our sense of belonging and connection to the earth.2023-05-1809 min
The Science of HappinessHow To Be in Harmony in Nature — Wherever You Are, With Yuria CelidwenIndigenous scholar Yuria Celidwen guides us in a meditation to strengthen our sense of belonging and connection to the earth.
Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/nhjmf57s
This Happiness Break is part of our special series, Climate, Hope & Science. In it, we explore the intersection of environmental well-being and our own well-being, where taking care of ourselves and the planet are one in the same and feeling good is not only possible, it’s helpful. Listen to the rest of the series, which was released in our feed April 22–May 18, 2023.
How to D...2023-05-1809 min
The Science of HappinessHow To Do Good for the Environment (And Yourself)Walking can increase our sense of connectedness with the earth and motivation to take climate action, which might be an important aspect of your well-being.
Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/mu6yru2p
This is the third and final episode of our special series, Climate, Hope & Science. We explore the intersection of environmental well-being and our own well-being, where taking care of ourselves and the planet are one in the same and feeling good is not only possible, it’s helpful. We find the links between crisis, hope, happiness, and action.
Lo...2023-05-1123 min
o lugar não é um podcastCiência contemplativa indígena (Yuria Celidwen) - SIM 2023 #2A Dra. Yuria Celidwen é descendente de indígenas Nahua e Maya, nascida em uma família de místicos, curandeiros, poetas e exploradores das terras altas de Chiapas, no México. Sua abordagem transdisciplinar cruza sabedorias indígenas, psicologia cultural e ciência contemplativa para unir as metodologias indígenas e ocidentais em equidade epistemológica no que ela chama de "ciência contemplativa indígena". Ela enfatiza a recuperação, revitalização e transmissão da sabedoria indígena, o avanço dos direitos dos povos indígenas e os direitos da Mãe Terra. O encontro foi traduzi...2023-03-0320 min
Mind & LifeYuria Celidwen - Indigenous WisdomIn this episode, Wendy speaks with contemplative scholar and Indigenous activist Yuria Celidwen. Yuria has worked across many sectors to bring Indigenous ways of knowing into conversation with Western approaches, particularly in contemplative science. This conversation covers many topics, including:
the importance of Indigenous languages;
her roots in a lineage of mystics, healers, and explorers;
insights from the Mayan calendric system;
bringing Indigenous ideas into a dualistic culture;
her own experience of othering;
the role of contemplative practice amidst today's challenges;
opening our awareness to interdependence;
bridging and safety as we come together across differences;
kin relationality and e...2022-10-211h 12
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: A Meditation to Connect to Your Roots, with Yuria CelidwenWhen was the last time you thought about your ancestors? This guided meditation by indigenous scholar Yuria Celidwen will help you connect to your heritage and reap the potent benefits of remembering your roots.
Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/3mrd6247
How to Do This Practice:
Bring your attention to the center of your chest, allow the chest to open, and relax.
Notice an open space in your chest when you breathe in. Pause before exhaling, resting your awareness in the space between breaths, then breathe out. Contemplate the pause...2022-08-2510 min
The Science of HappinessHappiness Break: How to Ground Yourself, with Yuria CelidwenConnect to yourself and the land you stand on in under 10 minutes with this grounding practice led by Indigenous scholar Dr. Yuria Celidwen.
Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/mwkzku66
How to Do This Practice:
If possible, go outside and find some natural ground, like grass or dirt. If you're wearing shoes or socks, take them off and place the soles of your feet directly on the ground.
Bring your attention to the earth beneath you. Allow it to hold you, paying attention to how it feels — soft, firm, reliable. Im...2022-07-2810 min
the NUANCE // a community health podcast.68: How to advance the rights of the Earth and Indigenous people. | Dr. Yuria CelidwenDr. Yuria Celidwen, PhD is a native of Indigenous Nahua and Maya descent, born in Chiapas, Mexico. She received a Ph.D. and focuses on the intersection of Indigenous studies, cultural psychology, and contemplative science. From her work, she is uncovering Indigenous contemplative practices from the world, and finding their place in contemplative studies.
She works at the United Nations to support international humanitarian efforts for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. Her specific concentration is the advancement of Indigenous peoples’ rights and the rights of the Earth. She also teaches Indigenous epistemologies and spirituality and he...2022-07-0551 min
Creative Language TechnologiesIndigenous Perspectives in Planetary Health and the Preservation of Traditional MedicinesThis is episode #13 of the podcast and it’s Thursday, the 10th of March, 2022.My invited speaker today is Dr. Nicole Redvers, a member of the Deninu K’ue (“Deneh-noo-kweh”) First Nation in Denendeh. She has worked with Indigenous patients, scholars, and communities around the globe her entire career. Dr. Redvers is an assistant professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine and the Department of Indigenous Health at the University of North Dakota where she helped develop and launch the first Indigenous health PhD program. Dr. Redvers is co-founder and current board chair of Canadian charity...2022-03-1148 min
The Contemplative Science PodcastAn introduction to Indigenous Contemplative ScienceWhat are the main differences between western and indigenous contemplative science?
Enter Dr Yuria Celidwen, a Native of Indigenous Nahua and Maya descent.
As Yuria explains, indigenous contemplative practices focus on the community, rather than just the self. If I flourish, the planet flourishes.
We explore cognitive imperialism, individualist attitudes and the fundamental importance of intention.
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This podcast has a single purpose: to help its listeners integrate the practical lessons of contemplative life. If you enjoyed the episode and you’re interested in finding out more, check out ‘Training For Humanity...2022-03-0828 min
Biodegradable19. Prácticas contemplativas indígenas || Yuria CelidwenEn este episodio platicamos con una mujer extraordinaria, Yuria Celidwen.Yuria es descendiente indígena nahua y maya de la zona alta de Chiapas. En su tesis doctoral y la investigación académica posterior, se concentró en la intersección de los estudios indígenas, la psicología cultural y la ciencia contemplativa. A partir de este trabajo, está dando voz a las prácticas contemplativas indígenas del mundo. Desarrolló su tesis sobre la experiencia basada en la tierra, que llamó: la ética de la pertenencia. Este espíritu engendra una responsabilidad social consciente...2021-05-121h 00