Spirituality Can Happen Anywhere — But Respect Still Matters
Is it possible to experience true spiritual growth on a yoga mat in a city studio, or while meditating on a lunch break?
For many, the answer is yes. Spiritual learning isn’t bound to geography or tradition — it’s an evolving, personal journey that can unfold anywhere. But as practices like yoga, breathwork, and sound healing grow in popularity, a deeper question arises: Are we honouring the origins of these practices as they travel across cultures?
This is the powerful tension explored in “The New Colonialism in Yoga Pants”, an editorial by a day magazine that critiques how the Western wellness industry often commodifies and rebrands ancient spiritual traditions. Practices once rooted in centuries of cultural, spiritual, and communal context are now frequently marketed as products, stripped of meaning and often detached from their cultural origins. The article frames this as a modern form of colonialism — a system where traditions are monetised while the communities behind them are marginalised or ignored.
Yet, it’s also true that the universal nature of spiritual practice means it can be accessed and experienced anywhere. The essence of meditation or mindfulness doesn’t change because of location. What does matter, however, is the intention and awareness with which these practices are adopted. The issue is not that people outside a tradition engage with it, but rather that these traditions are often consumed without context, credit, or cultural understanding.
The conversation, then, isn’t about gatekeeping. It’s about integrity. It’s about approaching global wisdom with respect — learning not only what to practice, but also where it comes from, who it belongs to, and how to honour it. Cultural exchange can be beautiful and transformative, but when it becomes extraction without recognition, it crosses into appropriation.
As the article suggests, the wellness industry has a responsibility to shift toward inclusivity, education, and equity. Consumers, teachers, and content creators alike can play a part in uplifting authentic voices, supporting practitioners from the cultures of origin, and engaging in ongoing learning.
Spirituality may be borderless, but consciousness includes being aware of the power dynamics behind what we practice. Respecting the roots doesn’t limit freedom — it deepens connection.