EP 38: Ancient Greek Wisdom for Modern Times with Kristina Headrick of Yia Mas

This week, I’m speaking with Kristina Headrick of Yia Mas, a lifestyle brand and workshop series inspired by the traditions of wellness and self inquiry embedded in Hellenic culture. Yia Mas’ aim is to “elevate alternative perspectives of Greek culture beyond the mainstream.” Kristina is a Greek American who became fascinated with exploring new and more modern ways to present Greek folk remedies and ancient traditions. Through Yia Mas, she hosts workshops focusing on topics such as: Greek herbs and remedies for wellness or Greek dance gatherings. Whether you are Greek or not, you’ll definitely resonate with many of the practices in ancient Greece, which remind us to slow down, to live with intention and to celebrate and honor the powerful forces in nature.

It was fascinating to dive into Greek culture, mythology, practices and philosophies during our conversation. In this conversation, we discuss: What term yia mas means and origins of Kristina’s company of the same name, Greek Mountain Tea and its significance in Greek culture, what about the land of Greece spoke to Kristina so deeply, herbs that are endemic to Greece, why Greek dance is the antidote to our modern times, what the Greek myths can teach us about ourselves, the myth of Persephone and its deep wisdom, and how to honor a culture without appropriating it. Having studied ancient Greece in college, this was a really fun and illuminating conversation to have.

Resources

Show Notes

What term yia mas means and origins of Kristina’s company of the same name
Greek Mountain Tea and its significance in Greek culture
What about the land of Greece spoke to Kristina so deeply
The concept of “friend of a foreigner”
How Yia Mas has shaped Kristina in a personal way
Herbs that are endemic to Greece
Why Greek dance is the antidote to our modern times
What the Greek myths can teach us about ourselves
The myth of Persephone and its wisdom
The Greek philosophers and what they still offer us
Epictetus - a primer for mindfulness
Eudemonia - how to live with intention in order to flourish
How to honor a culture without appropriating it
The Last 5 Questions

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The Last Five Questions

What is your favorite place in nature?
Beach on a small Greek island.
What is the animal, mineral or plant that resonates with you the most?
Jasmine. I feel a really deep connection to Jasmine.
What is one thing we can do right now to connect with the natural world and bring more harmony into our lives?
I love the smell of dirt and earth. If you can go outside somewhere, just smelling that earthiness resets and recalibrates me. It’s a nice reminder that you’re part of a greater interconnected web.
What’s the greatest lesson nature has taught you?
It’s okay to be fierce.
Complete this sentence: Nature brings me…
Peace.

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