CulturallyOurs

In this episode, we explore summer solstice traditions and what they mean to people around the world. From ancient civilizations like the Incas to native Americans to modern day folks, people all around the world welcome the first few days of summer with much awaited anticipation. Known as the longest day of the year, summer solstice is when much of the year goes through renewal and regrowth as the sun's energy and light is at its peak. 

In this episode, we explore one of the more popular blogposts on the CulturallyOurs website - Cross Cultural Conversation Strategies. In light of everything happening in the world and as a support to #blacklivesmatter Karthika shares some best practices and strategies on how navigate the waters of cultural diversity - because this is something that is very much required for the betterment of all aspects of life and lifestyle. Especially in today's world, there is an urgent need to move from a segmented perspective to a more common understanding. And diverse voices and diverse ideas make the world a much better place.

In this episode, we explore the concept of Shinrin-Yoku as it is know in Japan. It is the ancient practice of forest bathing which simply is the art of getting outdoors into the woods and natural spaces as a way to re-establish our innate connection with nature.

The core element of any shinrin-yoku is to develop a sense of being and belonging. Using nature to understand where you are in the universe of your life, engage all your sense to feel connected with all that is around you and to lean in to all that the forest provides. It involves the practice of actively communicating with the land – something perhaps we all really need right now more than anything else.

Show Website: https://www.culturallyours.com

Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/japanese-forest-bathing-shinrin-yoku-tradition/

Episode Notes: https://www.culturallyours.com/2019/06/07/shinrin-yoku-the-japanese-practice-of-forest-bathing/

In this episode, we explore the coffee culture and coffee drinking ceremony in Ethiopia. As one of the largest producers of coffee in Africa and fourth largest coffee producer in the world, much of Ethiopian Coffee is actually for local consumption. The buna or coffee ceremony is more than just drinking a cup of coffee. It is a ceremonial ritual that can go on for hours with coffee, snacks, sweet incense and lots of conversation among family, friends and neighbors. 

Show Website: https://www.culturallyours.com

Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/traditional-ethiopian-coffee-ceremony/

Episode Notes: https://www.culturallyours.com/2019/10/12/traditional-ethiopian-coffee-ceremony/

In this episode, we discuss the concept of the great Indian Spice box, a cornucopia of color, flavor and memories that you will find in almost every Indian home and kitchen. The Indian Spice box is a way to store all the necessary spices that are typically used in Indian cuisine. Karthika shares some of the most commonly used spices and their importance in Indian cuisine.

Show Website: https://www.culturallyours.com

Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/the-indian-spice-box/

Episode Notes: https://www.culturallyours.com/2020/04/07/the-tradition-of-the-indian-spice-box/

Karthika chats with Sana Javeri Kadri, the founder of Diaspora Co, spices company that is looking to decolonize the spice trade in India by partner with and support local farms, encourage fair trade and fair compensation for the Indian farmers, and provide the best quality of spices to her customers. Sana shares her research in the old way that spices were traded for hundreds of years, and still are to some extent, and how her vision is to focus more in quality, heirloom varieties and farms that are looking to bring the best of the best directly in the hands of the consumers.

In this podcast episode, Karthika shares some fun, educational and creative ideas for managing a staycation at home especially with the social distancing mandate due to the current global pandemic. From adding some culture to your dinner table, to exploring some of the world's best museums online and beyond, there are lots of free ways to get through this phase of life that has affected people all over the world.

Show Website: https://www.culturallyours.com

Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/home-staycation-ideas/

Episode Notes: https://www.culturallyours.com/2020/03/17/ideas-for-a-staycation-at-home/

In this episode, Karthika explores the Indian festival of Holi which is also known as the festival of colors. Holi is a spring festival which is celebrated all over India with much gusto and enthusiasm. A festival which derives its origins from Indian mythology, Holi is a celebration of good over evil. People throw colors, water and even flowers as they mix and mingle and generally have a great time. Today Holi is not only celebrated in India but also all around the world as a way for people to welcome Spring and happiness with all the colors flying around.

Show Website: https://www.culturallyours.com

Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/indian-holi-festival-tradition/

Episode Notes: https://www.culturallyours.com/2019/03/20/indian-festival-of-holi-celebrating-spring/

In this episode, Karthika explore the dance tradition of Native American tribes. In Native American cultures, dance is a way of expression, a language in itself. Dances tell stories. They are used as a medium for prayer and each dance has its own significant meaning. From grass dance, hoop dance, fancy dance and even women's traditional dances like jingle dance and shawl dance, we learn about the importance and significance of each of the dances.

Karthika also shares some dos and don'ts for experiencing a Native American pow wow, which is an inter-tribal dance celebration authentically and respectfully.

Show Website: https://www.culturallyours.com

Episode Website: https://www.culturallyours.com/podcast/native-american-dance-tradition/

Episode Notes: https://www.culturallyours.com/2020/03/03/native-american-dance-culture/

Karthika interviews Anabela Silva, a musician and singer from Portugal who shares her insight and experience on the culture and tradition of Portuguese Fado music. Fado music talks a lot about longing, jealousy, anger, sadness, all of those feelings but also about the daily lives of the people. Born at a time during the Portuguese explorations and revolution, the songs really speak to the innermost feelings of the singer. It often resembles the blues because of its soulful nature.

Anabela also sings a beautiful Fado song about two long lost lovers - one that she sang when she was only six years old at a music concert in her village.