In the wellness industry, worth a projected seven trillion USD by 2025, the buzz around wellbeing often misses a crucial aspect: equity. Why? Because not everyone gets the same access to wellness resources, a fact I've witnessed firsthand as a Yoga teacher moving from India to Australia. Despite the universal need for health and wellbeing, barriers such as cost, lack of representation, and culturally insensitive practices create divides that prevent many from accessing the wellness space.
After moving to Melbourne in 2013, I immersed myself in practising at various studios adorned with high ceilings, beautiful artwork, white walls, and offerings like organic turmeric latte blends, and classes taught by a very specific demographic of teachers (see: slim, Anglo-Saxon, cis-het women). I saw them teach Bakasana (crow pose), Astavakrasana (Eight Angle Pose)—I was left awestruck and amazed. When I trained in India, I learned about 80% of philosophy and anatomy, and the rest in Asana, Pranayama and Kriyas. Surely, I had got Yoga wrong.
I found myself questioning if I had misunderstood Yoga. The realisation that I couldn't yet perform Bakasana or boast an Instagram page devoted to Yoga fuelled a sense of internalised imposter syndrome. I wasn't remotely as flexible or strong or bendy enough to teach. Gradually, I started gaining confidence in teaching at newer, more intimate studios in Melbourne. I taught what I'd learned. I taught the way I knew Yoga.
To my delight, I had a dedicated group of Yoga students who appreciated the interweaving of Yoga philosophy into their on-mat practice. I embraced using Sanskrit words, providing translations, and initiated discussions about Yamas, Niyamas, Kriyas, and more at the beginning and end of class.
"I am good at this", I thought to myself.
Ruhee Meghani. Image Source: Supplied
My journey of decolonisation continues through Yoga and my work. I wish I could tell my younger self: "The idea of Yoga has been modelled to conform within a capitalistic framework, and you DO NOT need to try and assimilate or fit into this idea. Be confident in your teachings passed down from your mother, your teachers, and dearest Mrs D from Yoga school—that is true Yoga—the one residing in your heart that you carry like an eternal flame."
Why Wellness Isn't One-Size-Fits-All
Wellness isn't just about physical health; it encompasses mental, emotional, and occupational wellbeing too. Yet, for underrepresented communities, barriers abound — from costly fitness classes to a dearth of culturally sensitive mental health support. Discrimination further exacerbates these issues, contributing to a significant decline in mental health among those experiencing it. This isn't just theory; studies show a direct link between discrimination and deteriorating mental and emotional wellbeing.
Moreover, the wellness narrative often perpetuates harmful stereotypes, with a particular focus on youth and adults of colour. Such stereotypes are not only damaging but also hinder the creation of inclusive social and occupational environments.
What is the future of wellness?
To address these disparities, we need to rethink our approach to wellness. It's not enough to offer one-off meditation sessions or promote a generic idea of positivity. We need a strategic, data-driven, and culturally responsive approach to wellness that acknowledges and addresses the unique challenges faced by diverse groups.
Here's how we can start:
Prioritise Inclusion in Wellness Programs: Make inclusion a cornerstone of wellness initiatives by tailoring programs to meet the diverse needs of all team members. This means going beyond surface-level solutions and addressing the deeper challenges that underrepresented groups face in accessing wellness resources.
Acknowledge and Act Against Inequities: Recognising the existing inequities in wellness is the first step. The next is taking concrete actions to dismantle these barriers, whether they're financial, cultural, or structural. This involves creating more affordable wellness options, offering culturally sensitive mental health support, and ensuring that wellness spaces are physically and psychologically accessible to everyone.
Empower Leaders to Drive Change: Encourage leaders at all levels to take an active role in promoting and implementing inclusive wellness practices. Leaders should be equipped with the knowledge and tools to recognise inequities within their organisations and the broader wellness industry and to champion initiatives that foster a more inclusive environment.
Build on a Foundation of Solidarity and Action: Promoting a positive wellness culture requires more than just words; it demands a commitment to solidarity with those who face daily struggles and barriers to wellbeing. This means actively working to create spaces that are welcoming and supportive for all, particularly for people of colour and other marginalised communities.
Toward an Inclusive Wellbeing Framework
The man who said we need to stop having avocado toast to be able to afford buying a house recently unveiled his plan to unveil what can only be described as a utopian wellbeing village with a joint-venture mega-project with its own self-contained biosphere. The $1.7-billion precinct includes a mix of 1350 build-to-rent or sell apartments, a 100-key hotel, a 250-key premier hotel, retail, hospitality and wellness offerings. It serves as a stark and frightening glimpse into the future of what wellbeing might look like, and who has access to it.
The concept of inclusive wellbeing is about ensuring everyone has the opportunity to achieve optimal health and wellness, regardless of their background. By focusing on a comprehensive approach that includes physical, mental, emotional, and occupational health, we can start to build a wellness industry that serves everyone. This involves not only addressing the specific needs of diverse communities but also challenging the stereotypes and biases that have historically excluded many from the wellness conversation. Incorporating these principles into wellness initiatives and strategies is not just about creating a more equitable industry; it's about building a brighter, healthier future for all.
Yours in the fight to never settle for the status quo and to empower everyone to drive meaningful change and progress in the world of wellness - Ruhee
Ruhee Meghani is the lead facilitator & founder of Allied Collective. Forever curious, straight-talking, and driven by conversation around inclusion and equity, Ruhee holds a strong background and extensive experience of over 12 years in psychology, Yoga philosophy and business management. Ruhee’s diverse skill set and experience has driven her to found Allied Collective, Australia’s first inclusive facilitation & wellbeing agency. You can follow Allied Collective on Instagram here and Ruhee on LinkedIn here.