Acknowledgement is respect and has profound importance.

There is a big difference between meaningful acknowledgement and lip service. It’s easy to repeat what others are saying and doing, without fully engaging with the depth of the message.

Often, particularly in corporate environments, acknowledgement becomes little more than a formality - a box to tick, without any real intention or understanding.  Acknowledgement, without understanding or sincerity can feel empty and inauthentic.

Whether we are paying respect to our mentors, honouring  the roots of the teachings we share, or recognising the land on which we work or live, true acknowledgement goes beyond simply saying the right words. It really is about cultivating a deeper understanding and genuine gratitude for the people and sources that shape and inform our lives.

My own understanding of acknowledgement has taken time to mature and reflection has been a key part of this process as I have sought to understand the land I live on and the yoga lineages from which I teach. For acknowledgement to be meaningful, it must be rooted in personal reflection and a conscious effort to honor the full depth of what we are recognising. When we acknowledge, we have to mean it. And to mean it, we have to understand it for ourselves. 

I observe many teachers, leaders and influencers who draw from the wisdom and work of  others, yet fail to give proper credit.

Below are 3 key aspects of acknowledgment that I believe are crucial to honor the sources of our inspiration and growth;

1. Honoring our Mentors and Our Lineage

Acknowledging the mentors, teachers, and lineages that shape our work is not just an act of respect- it’s also about recognising that we are a part of a larger continuum of knowledge.  We build upon the wisdom of those who have guided us and the traditions that have been passed down. When we acknowledge these sources, we are honouring the roles they played in shaping our growth, while also grounding ourselves in something larger than our individual efforts. This creates a thread of connection between the past, present and future, deepening the integrity of the work we offer to the world.

2. Acknowledgement as a form of Gratitude

True acknowledgement is an expression of gratitude. When we recognise those who have contributed to our development - whether mentors, teachers or the work that inspires us - we are showing appreciation for their impact on our lives. By acknowledging the help that we have received, we create an atmosphere of mutual respect and reinforce the idea that none of us succeed alone. Gratitude fosters a culture of reciprocity and reminds us to remain humble in our achievements.

3. The Importance of Land Acknowledgment 

Acknowledging the land is an act of deep respect and a recognition of the history, cultures and lives that shaped the ground beneath our feet. The land carries the stories of indigenous people, their struggles and their relationship with nature. By acknowledging the land, we are honoring not only the physical space we occupy but also the legacy of those who have nurtured it long before us. Acknowledgement reminds us of our responsibility to both the earth and community, whose heritage lives within it.

Reflection is key: ask yourself how your mentors have impacted you and in what ways. Acknowledge them and the ways in which they have helped you. By aligning your words with your actions, acknowledgement can become an authentic expression of gratitude and respect, rather than just a formality.