Connecting to cultural origins
My parents were both born in Estonia and I was born in Sydney Australia. My first language was Estonian and it wasn’t until I went to “big school” that I learned English. I often find myself asking what is it about my background heritage that gives me a sense of belonging. I find some days it’s so strong that it’s like a beacon shining that I can’t take my eyes off as it gives me such a feeling of love and abundance that it surprises me.
It surprises me because I don’t quite understand it. Where did this come from? Why is it ingrained so deep in me? I trust that by typing this I will come up with the answers to my own questions.
Around my home clinic I have bits and pieces of Estonian items. Besides the fact I like the look of them, they incite a loving feeling. I’m pulling a face as I say this, as it sounds bazaar that inanimate objects creating feelings. But they are anchors to the positive emotions I have connected to my heritage, and they provide lots of creative inspiration.
“Items in my clinic”
“Examples of work inspired by Estonian culture”
In 2014 the Estonian Song and Dance Festival was held in Tallinn. I decided I wanted to go, and if I was going I wanted to take part and perform. I joined the Sydney Estonian folk dancing group and a year later we auditioned and were accepted. It was very significant for Australian Estonians as it was the first time in 20 years that the Australian dance group had been accepted. They’re professionals in Estonia and therefore have very high standards.
There’s a great video about the festival I like to share about the Estonian Song and Dance Festival. It takes place only every five years over a weekend in July.
Just rewatching these now, as I get the link off YouTube, it is a special feeling that creates a lump in my chest and brings tears to my eyes
Music can be a very powerful healer, through vibration. The Law of Vibration might not be as well known as the Law of Attraction, however the Law of Vibration serves as the foundation for the Law of Attraction. To understand this it is important to know that everything is energy. Science, through Quantum Physics, is showing us that everything in our universe is energy. When we go down on a sub-atomic level we do not find matter, but pure energy. Music is a vibration, that when at the right frequency can help ignite and/or clear emotions, just as the music from the festival does for me.
The Dance Festival and travelling to Estonia was like coming together for a big family reunion (figuratively speaking). Belonging to a tribe is one of the most primal of human needs. By creating a sense of belonging, we create meaning for ourselves. It influences our capacity to communicate and be understood. In short, the more connected we feel to each other, the happier we are. And the way we connect is via a shared culture – experiences and emotions, beliefs and practices. These form a common narrative which acts as a social glue, binding us all together.
The souvenirs from the trip, and other Estonian items I have gathered over the years all act as anchors to good times, and emotions that spread over a lifetime. Anchors are a connection or a link between a certain stimulus and an emotional response.
How we express ourselves through our language also shapes our experience of the world. The structure of the sentence, the context, whether it is a positive or negative all contribute to this no matter the actual language. Estonia is a very small country and their identity is closely connected to the language and the mother tongue of just under 1.1 million people in the world which makes it and it’s people unique.
So it’s the most simplest and primal of needs the body has, that causes me to be so passionate about my cultural heritage. It’s the vibration of the music, the movement of the dancing, belonging to a tribe, and it’s the items which anchor all these feelings together for me. And these items help to move energy around my body releasing any blockages I may have that I’m not aware of, clearing the way for me to feel loved, and nurtured, and let my heart sing.
Do you know what makes your heart sing?
If you would like help finding out, and clearing any emotional or energy blocks I can help you.
The concepts discussed above such as anchoring, emotions, releasing of energy blockages, and finding what makes your heart sing (cantillation) are all explored in Kinesiology and neurolinguistic programming which can be explored during your one-on-one session.
About the author:
Anne Barratt is a Kinesiologist and Empowerment Coach, Healer, Professional Speaker, Writer and Designer helping to reveal the unlimited potential of your true self. With over 20 years of intensive study, exploration and practice, she shares her combined insight and gifts through private sessions, and at retreats, workshops, and events for people from all walks of life. Through her powerful holistic (Mind, Body, Spirit) approach she explores, inspires and empowers your personal journey into the ever-evolving relationship with your unique world.
