Serena Burgess on Sri Lankan Identity, Activism and Challenging Perceptions

In this captivating episode Dee talks to Serena Burgess 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.

The podcast underscores themes of resilience, interconnectedness, and the potential of creativity in modern Sri Lanka.

Summary

Welcome to Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives
Meet Serena Burgess: Yoga Teacher and Doula
Cultural Identity and Belonging
Conscious Courage: Yoga and Activism
The Role of a Doula in Sri Lanka
Empowering the Next Generation
Reflections on Sri Lanka and the West
Supporting Sri Lankan Female Entrepreneurs
Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts

Dee Gibson is the award winning designer and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House in Sri Lanka, www.kalukandahouse.com ~ Conde Nast Best Places to Visit in Asia 2024 & HIP Hotels Best Hotels 2025. You can follow on
instagram @deegibson2017 or @kalukandahouse

This podcast lifts the veil on what, and more importantly WHO this island is with conversations about all the things you never read about in the travel pages. Dee showcases a fascinating modern society reclaiming their identity and taking ownership of their narratives on the global stage. No subject is taboo so expect guests talking about everything from activism through art and yoga, why sari was modified by British colonisers, a performance on love and lust to episodes on forgotten heroines being narrated back into our history books and much more.