Articles, Chapters, and other writing associated with mindfulness, yoga, movement, contemplative practices

Neurodecolonization: Applying Mindfulness Research to Decolonizing Social Work Michael Yellow Bird (2013/2016)

In this influential chapter, Indigenous scholar Michael Yellow Bird (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation) introduces the concept of neurodecolonization—the idea that mindfulness and other contemplative practices can help Indigenous peoples heal from the neurological, emotional, and physiological effects of colonization. Drawing on both neuroscience and Indigenous knowledge systems, Yellow Bird argues that decolonization must begin in the mind and body, where colonial stress and trauma are often carried. The chapter helped lay the foundation for contemporary Indigenous mindfulness movements by demonstrating how contemplative practices can support cultural revitalization, resilience, self-determination, and community healing. It remains one of the most important readings for understanding the intersection of Indigenous wellness, mindfulness, and decolonization. Read the articlehere

Braiding Sweetgrass Robin Wall Kimmerer (Citizen Potawatomi Nation)

An essential introduction to Indigenous perspectives on reciprocity, gratitude, and relationships with the natural world. Kimmerer weaves together Indigenous knowledge, ecology, and personal storytelling to help readers reconsider what it means to live in right relationship with the earth. Many readers consider this foundational reading for understanding Indigenous approaches to mindfulness and awareness. Find book here.

The Serviceberry Robin Wall Kimmerer

A shorter and more accessible reflection on reciprocity, generosity, and Indigenous concepts of abundance. Kimmerer explores how natural systems model gift economies and relational living, offering an alternative to scarcity-based thinking and consumer culture. Read review of The Serviceberry here and a link to Powell’s Books listing of the book here

Decolonial Choreographies: Native Education, Incarceration, and Performance Tria Blu Wakpa

My book project, Decolonial Choreographies, theorizes how bodily postures, movement practices, and performances—such as dance, theater, Indigenous sign language, yardwork, laundry, basketball, and yoga—sustained and amplified Native knowledge, identities, and wellbeing, despite institutional efforts to assimilate and indoctrinate Native children and their relatives. Spanning 140 years, the book focuses on two educational and carceral sites on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota: St. Francis Mission School, a former Indian boarding school that was active from 1886 to 1972, and Wanbli Wiconi Tipi, or Eagle Life Center, a tribal juvenile hall that has been in use since 2005 to the present. The book argues that institutional officials choreographed on- and offstage performances to socialize Lakota people while shaping and disseminating discourses related to the legitimacy, sanctity, and benevolence of the facilities. Meanwhile, Native people managed to enact their practices and identities, navigate settler policies and stereotypes, document their experiences and offerings, and nurture their wellbeing, freedom, and futurities. Drawing on extensive archival material that includes theatrical scripts and programs, newspaper articles, photographs, and films, as well as ethnographic research methods such as interviews and participant observation, the book demonstrates that bodily postures, movement practices, and performances in contexts of confinement have been vital to the projects of settler colonialism and decolonization, aiding colonizers and Native people. For more information on the book or Dr. Blu Wakpa, please click here.

The Evolution of an Indigenous Mindfulness Program: Qualitative Findings from the IndigenousMIND Study. Jeffrey Proulx PhD and colleagues

This publication describes the development of IndigenousMIND, a culturally responsive mindfulness program created through close collaboration with Indigenous communities in the United States. Rather than adapting mindfulness for Indigenous people, the project worked with community members, Elders, and cultural leaders to reshape an evidence-based mindfulness program so that it reflected each community's language, traditions, values, and ways of knowing. The study highlights how Indigenous teachings, relationships with the land, spirituality, culture, and community identity can be thoughtfully integrated into mindfulness-based programs while maintaining the core principles of mindfulness practice. Participants described the program as culturally meaningful and identified benefits related to stress reduction, emotional well-being, and a stronger connection to Indigenous identity. The paper also outlines a community-driven framework that other Indigenous Nations can adapt to create their own culturally grounded mindfulness programs, while honoring tribal sovereignty and local traditions. Read the article here

Mindfulness, Indigenous Wisdom, and Community Well-Being

In this featured article for the Mind & Life Institute, Dr. Jeffrey Proulx, Chase Bryer, and Jacob Cousin explore how mindfulness can be thoughtfully adapted to reflect the cultures, values, and traditions of Indigenous communities. Drawing on years of collaboration with tribal nations across Turtle Island, the authors introduce the IndigenousMIND framework and describe how meaningful partnerships, local knowledge, language, ceremony, and community leadership can transform mindfulness from an individual practice into a vehicle for collective healing and well-being. The article offers practical guidance for researchers, healthcare professionals, educators, and community organizations seeking to develop culturally responsive mindfulness programs that honor Indigenous wisdom while advancing evidence-based approaches to health, resilience, and community flourishing. Find the article here

Bridging Health and Heritage: The Founding of the Indigenous Mindfulness Coalition

This Brown University School of Public Health feature chronicles the inaugural Indigenous Mindfulness Summit held in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where researchers, healthcare professionals, mindfulness teachers, Elders, and community leaders from across North America gathered to explore the intersection of Indigenous cultural traditions and mindfulness. The article highlights the founding of the Indigenous Mindfulness Coalition and the shared vision of creating culturally grounded, evidence-informed approaches to health and well-being that honor Indigenous knowledge, ceremony, language, and community leadership. Through interviews with Coalition founders and participants, the story illustrates how meaningful relationships, collaborative research, and respect for Indigenous ways of knowing are helping shape the future of mindfulness in Indigenous communities and beyond. Find the article here