Serena Burgess, Activist and Yogi

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Serena Burgess talks about cultural identity across generations and why the philosophy of yoga is an emotional toolbox for life. The conversation emphasises the importance of correcting narratives around Sri Lankan identity and the dynamic nature of the island.

Serena was born in the UK and is a well established yoga teacher and doula living in Sri Lanka. She shares her journey of growing up between Sri Lanka and the UK until settling there with her English husband, why she sees herself as Sri Lankan and the different perceptions that other people have of her. Serena discusses her philosophy of yoga beyond the mat, activism, and her efforts to decolonize yoga through the creation The Conscious Courage Yoga Collective. The conversation offers wide insights into multi-generational views of identity, and the resulting parenting choices for her own children successfully challenging accepted norms of perceived best practice.

Serena also talks about her involvement in the peaceful people's uprising known as ‘Aragalaya’ and how the reality was a beautiful, creative, community experience despite misleading information received in the West, with devastating consequences for Sri Lanka in 2022.