Dr. Yuria Celidwen, a postdoc at the Department of Psychology and a senior fellow at the Othering and Belonging Institute, is conducting research that connects Indigenous studies, cultural psychology, and comparative religion. Yuria’s work focuses on Indigenous forms of contemplation and their potential to transform how individuals view themselves and their environment. It emphasizes the importance of reclaiming one’s identity as an interconnected being within a larger, responsive ecosystem.
“I feel the most grateful and most fortunate for doing what I'm doing right now. It's a moment of reverence and profound gratitude,” she said.
Raised in the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico, Yuria’s Indigenous heritage largely influences her research approach. She grew up with a deep admiration for the lush forests of her homeland, which instilled in her an understanding of the interconnectedness of all life forms. This perspective shaped her belief that human well-being is intrinsically linked to the planet's health.
Yuria’s journey has not been without challenges. She faced discrimination as an immigrant in the U.S. and had to navigate systems that often sought to undermine her identity. However, she remained committed to her research, driven by a belief that the wisdom of Indigenous traditions holds the key to addressing global issues such as mental health crises, social inequality, and the climate emergency.
“I remember the very first time I had access to the Berkeley Library, I cried because of having the possibility of access to that treasure,” she said.
Her upcoming book, "Flourishing Kin: Indigenous Wisdom for Collective Wellbeing," set to be published by Sounds True in November, encapsulates her life's work. The book explores the rights of Indigenous people and the rights of nature, offering practical ways to cultivate harmonious relationships with all living beings and the environment.
At Berkeley, Yuria appreciates the university's commitment to inclusion and free speech. However, she sees room for improvement in fostering a more community-oriented atmosphere that celebrates curiosity and collective achievements over individual accolades. She believes that creating such spaces would alleviate the mental health struggles many students face and encourage a more playful and collaborative approach to research.
Yuria's work aims for a collective transformation that aligns with the needs of the planet and all its inhabitants.
"What we have is a gift, and it is our moral, ethical obligation to give back, to return," she added.