Sharing Experiences on the Mat Abroad and Sign Up for EOS: A Costa Rica Yoga Experience !
(Register Here to Join me in Santa Teresa, CR Jan 17-24, 2014)
Yoga and travel have been a true salvation for me in so many ways. 6 years ago I was stepping into my first yoga class, a year later I was practicing 3-5 times a week because of the sheer magic that occurred on the mat. I went from having early signs of arthritis in my knees for almost a year (In my 20’s!) to running a marathon 2 years later after having a regular practice (Without pain and it has never returned). I went from having chronic anxiety and stress to being able to walk through my days unnerved, cool, calm, and collected. As my connection to my higher “Self” grew, my journey on and off of the mat deepened.
This inner journey brought me to an outer experience in the mother land India to live for 3 months in 2011/2012 and it was there that I experienced my first journey abroad. I took the backpacking approach to travel and I did yoga in guest houses and ashrams from Dheli to the Himalayas of Darjeeling. It was there that I absolutely knew I needed to teach and share the beauty of traveling and yoga with you. It was not just a part time thing for me, but it was to become my life’s purpose.
My friends, it is this life of yoga and travel that has led me to you. If it were not for these experiences, I wouldn’t be writing you right now. I have experienced an ever expanding knowledge of my purpose here on this earth and in the Universe as a result of my experiences. In order to hear these experiences I needed a moment of stillness. How can we know where to go if we don’t become still enough to hear the silent whisper of Universal Spirit?
I decided to travel abroad long term. I felt this decision to be a huge part of my unfolding Divine purpose. Costa Rica has been in the running of places to move for a few years and when we got the opportunity to check it out to see if we would want to make the leap, we well.. leaped.
I have to tell you my friends, Costa Rica offered me an even deeper sense of my Higher Self’s mission here at this time.
When I arrived in Costa Rica I was relieved. The energy in the airport of San Jose was 100 times better of that in any other place I have visited thus far. It felt lighter, calmer; there was less tension in the faces that passed. We stayed a night in San Jose at this beautiful hotel called, “La Grande.” We walked through the small city of San Jose that day and we were amazed at how clean it was, especially in comparison to New Delhi! Holy cow! I had heard from my friend that it was a bit dirty, but I can honestly tell you that after being to one of the most polluted cities in the world (Dheli, and Dheli still has it’s charm despite the smog) this was a walk in paradise. Truly. I believe that you will find if you are traveling outside of the States for the first time, this is a good way to start and ease into things. That evening we dined in the courtyard of our hotel and ate some of the best sea bass I have ever had.
The next day we caught the bus with the other back packers and ex-pats to the ferry. Our luggage was safe below the bus and it was delightful to know that the bus drove right onto the ferry. We got out of the ferry and traveled to the upstairs tier to watch the beautiful sunset over the water. 6 hours later we landed and boarded the bus again and were on our way to Monte Zuma. Monte Zuma is a beautiful, sleepy beach town. It reminded me of summer camp because the hotels were family owned, quaint structures with tin roofs and the bungalows that we stayed (Mangos, Monte Zuma, Costa Rica) in looked like circular tree houses that were arranged about 50 steps away from each other up the side of a hill. If you looked down the hill from our bungalow you could see the Pacific Ocean. The Ocean was as warm as bath water and stays that way all year round. During the, “High season,” also known as, “Dry season,” you don’t need to worry about bugs biting, which was such a blessed as you find yourself outside from morning to night. As the sun set over the Pacific Ocean we watched from the hammocks that are strewn about everywhere along the peninsula. It is truly a sight to see the sun hit the sparkling blue waters of the Pacific. It is something to experience at least once in your life (If not hundreds of times!). Every evening after a long day of hiking to the beautiful water falls in the rain forest and body surfing in the ocean we would saunter over to one of the many great restaurants arranged along the dirt path. Once again, the food was incredible and surprisingly diverse. For breakfast I typically had Huevos Ranchero and coffee and for dinner I’d have authentic Costa Rican food, Italian, Raw Vegan, you name it.
After our week’s stay in Monte Zuma we decided to take a fellow backpacker’s advice and head to a surfer’s paradise called Santa Teresa. About a 45 minute trip in an air conditioned bus ride later we arrived. We spent maybe 5 minutes finding a place to stay with AC and then we were off to check out the surf. I have never surfed before and my boyfriend has but let me tell you, if you like to surf or are even remotely curious, this beach will beckon to you. These waves were the ones of movies and even watching them had an intense healing effect on my mind. For the first couple of minutes I just gazed out at the glistening powerful waters in the shade and then I couldn’t stand it any longer, I had to go in. We lathered on 80 proof sun block and rented some boards for only $8 a piece (Remarkably much cheaper than Monte Zuma which had a deposit necessary for $150-$200 in case of damage!! We opted out there). The reason Santa Teresa is so affordable is because it is home to a lot of surfing lifer’s who don’t have the high budget to spend but need to have a place to crash, good food to stay fit, and a great beach to surf. The waves were powerful here and I stayed mostly near the shore line where there were still powerful enough breaks to surf but definitely better for beginners like me. I watched seasoned surfers carve in 15-20 ft swells further out. Occasionally there would be people riding horses bareback against the wild action of the ocean. It was incredible to experience and watch. We stayed there all day, every day. At night we had a feast. The food was even better here! I was treated to a huge steak of tuna with mashed potatoes for only $9 at Burger Rancheros, a funky outdoor restaurant with candle lit picnic tables and surfer servers. It was awesome. Not only did I fall in love with the surf, food, and people here, but I also fell in love with the funky art scene. There is this cool espresso/break and l unch café called Zwart which is owned by an ExPat artist and has brightly painted canvases and art room in the center of the lounge. I found myself being inspired to paint myself while there. It was truly inspiring to be around so much creative energy that had no objective except to create, live, and enjoy life. What became the icing on the cake was there was this great yoga community here. You were either surfing , doing yoga, eating well, or simply just relaxing here in Santa T. What a gift. I was home.
It was this journey that firmed up our plans to travel long term in Costa Rica. While staying in CR I received and email from True Nature Education’s Joshua Canter. Joshua asked me if I would like to lead a retreat in Costa Rica. Did he hear my thoughts? This was one of the first signs it was to be so. I never contacted him prior to this, it was truly a synchronicity! When we returned home, after much prayer and meditation, we decided to do just that. I set a date for Jan 2015. This would be my first retreat of many. Where else to start this adventure but Santa Teresa! Since making the decision to move to CR we miraculously met someone from the States who has lived in CR for 15 years as a real estate developer. Miraculously he was visiting some family in Maryland and we met him synchronistically 5 minutes away from our house 2 days after he arrived. The guy overheard us talking to a group of people and chimed in as we were about to leave. We since then had dinner a few times and he offered to pick us up from the airport with our luggage and let us crash at his house until we find a house to rent is Santa T. Wow! The Universe is amazing if and when you trust it to be so!. Since then I have received offers to teach from several different people that have randomly taken my classes here in the states These prospective retreats include Belize, Italy, other locations in Costa Rica, South Africa, and Hawaii! This is all within 2 months. I look forward to teaching all over the globe. I want to share these experiences with you. I believe our paths crossed for a reason. This has been my dream and they are coming true. I support your hearts deepest yearning! Your dreams are only a thought away!
I believe that everything happens for a reason. You are receiving this special invitation to become a globe trotter. Our journey starts in Santa Teresa Costa Rica this January 17-24. I am extending our early bird special because I want to save you as much money as possible. If you sign up before August 1 you will save $300. After that the price will go up. All you need to secure your spot and tuition is $250! We can arrange a payment plan after that which will work with you. If that seems daunting, trust me, I went into making the decision to travel to India and Costa Rica trusting that the funds would miraculously appear. They always have. Whether it’s a special workshop that comes my way or another opportunity to each, the money always materializes if we trust that it will. First it requires my unabashed faith and commitment. The rest works itself out. Yoga and travel have rocked my world, and it is my hope for you that you let it rock yours.
(Register TODAY! to Join me in Santa Teresa, CR Jan 17-24, 2014) Don’t waste another minute. Stop making excuses! Just do it! You will thank yourself later. Airfare is very affordable and if you are willing to travel light (All you need is a bathing suit, a couple of shirts, shorts, sandles, toothbrush and a towel) through Spirit Air if you book now (For as low as 200 round trip). I am not in this for the money , I want you to experience life to it’s fullest and not spend an arm and a leg doing so. I will continue to be here to answer questions and guide you along this journey right up until you board your plane in January!
I love you and support your Highest calling.
Namaste and Pura Vida!!!
Alana Roach Yoga
ExplorationsofSelf@Gmail.com
Whether or Not to Teach When You Are Sick
How does a yoga teacher or any teacher for that matter know when to call in sick and take some time off to rest and recover? I say your body will let you know. Especially you, yogis and yoginis. Practicing what we preach in our own lives can be a tall order to fill. “Take care of your body, and it will take care of you,” is something I spout off in class just about every time I teach but when it came to myself I felt short! After years upon years of practicing with all different teachers with many different styles of teaching I have seen it time and time again. Teacher burn out. It can really take a toll on the mind and body. You find yourself teaching 20 classes a week, practicing on your “down time,” eating while checking emails, checking emails all hours of the day, go go go until you hit the hay at the end of the day and do it all over the following morning. Sure, it feels great in the beginning but over time the body starts to break down when it doesn’t get rest.
Just a couple of weeks ago I got that all familiar sinus pressure that tends to occur around Spring every year. I have a history of sinus allergies, I know what it feels like when something is off balance in my body, and yet I kept going at the speed of a race horse to get “it” all done. My list of things to do on my schedule did not become shorter while I was on the cusp of being sick, I think I probably even added a few tasks in between classes that I never do to prepare for my big move in August. “What better time to do these things than RIGHT NOW,” I thought to myself. So I suffered the consequences because I didn’t listen to my body. I didn’t slow down. I landed myself a 100 degree fever, a prescription a 10 day cycle of antibiotics, and a week full of classes to either get covered or not. Seems like a no-brainer, right?? For some one like me, who absolutely LOVES what they do, and suffers from a little thing called perfectionism from time to time… this can be a large lesson for the ego in self-compassion. The first few days I was sick it was easy, I literally had no energy to give, so I got my classes covered… Mid week, I still felt pretty awful, but I started to be able to move. That is when it got tricky. I start thinking, “Well, I can walk to and from the bathroom without puking, maybe I can teach a class” but meanwhile I can barely eat still, walking to and from the bathroom is extremely fatiguing and I can’t do downward facing dog without everything hurting. This is insane! Thank God I am aware of my insanity today and I have a loving partner who backs me up when I need to rest. So, I took off the whole week. I knew, from listening to my body, and from my previous experiences that if I didn’t rest now, I would just prolong the time that I would be out. This lesson has repeated itself for me time and time again and I have started listening the more I grow along my path. Trust me, your students want you feeling great when you teach them and will sense it if you are neglecting to practice what you preach. So the next time you think about trudging through with your body falling apart on you, remember what you tell your students, “Listen to your body, honor it, and it will honor you.”
A big part of my practice on and off of the mat is slowing down these days. A lot of teachers I speak with regularly agree that it is very difficult to take time to be still. Even in a life where one of the biggest teachings of yoga is to… be still. I know that is why I was drawn to yoga in the first place. It has an uncanny way of getting the mind to be still… now if I could only get my body to follow more often. This is a journey and I have to remember it is progress and not perfection. The journey is truly the destination and this is not a race.
Remember you don’t have to prove yourself to anyone because you are already loved completely by the Divine just as you are. Listen to that still soft voice within that guides you in the direction of love and light.
Sincerely,
Alana Roach Yoga
RYT, CYT, Reiki, Wellness Guide and Freelance Writer
www.AlanaRoachYoga.com
Explorations of Self: A Costa Rica Yoga Experience
Starting in Jan. 2015, I will be teach the first of many retreats in Costa Rica. I love being able to experience different cultures while traveling light. There is something to be said about the “Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy,” all you truly need to bring is a towel and a toothbrush. I can’t claim that I have traveled with that little, but I like the idea. The more I travel, the less I bring with me. It is freedom. We aquire so much in the material as we grow. From small items to the large, we become subconciously and sometimes very conciously attached to these things. Currently I am in the process of slimming down these items. I am getting back to the basics. That is a big reason why I like yoga, all you need is an intention to do yoga. Sometimes you might want a mat, but not always. I think that is why I like the idea of surfing, it’s you, the board, and the ocean. I pick my activities like I pick my food, the less ingrediants the better.
Here are some ways to get back to the basics:
1. Declutter. Do you really need that dress you’ve had for the past five years and never wear or that broken printer you’ve been hanging onto in hopes of some day fixing? I didn’t think so. Get rid of it! Create a good-will pile, e-bay pile, and a junk pile. I know sometimes clearing space can feel daunting but the release you will get afterwards is by far greater than any anxious feelings you may have about doing it.
2. Do more yoga. It’s simple! Get to your local studio or pop on a youtube video at home. The more you practice getting into the flow of the present, the more you will instinctively get back to the bare nessecities in life.
3. Local Farmer’s Market. Buy local, buy often. When you support local farmers you are supporting a healthier you. Local raw honey has been known to fight pollen allergies and organic vegetables and fruit hold more nutrients. Plus, how good does a fresh tomato or local raw honey sound right about now?
4. Craft. Our ancestors used to do it often. We only do it in grade school unless we take a special interest in basket weaving and continue it into adult-hood. There is something to be said about creating something with our own hands or feet for that matter. Check out some of these great ideas for crafting with nature on Pinterest.
5. Only bring 1 back-pack next time you travel. You’ll be happy you did. Bring the bare minimum. A toothbrush, a towel, fresh underwear, socks, one change of clothes, and climate dependant gear like sun block, bug spray, scarves, etc. It’s less to watch, lug around, and worry about period. I will be hosting a Yoga and Meditation Retreat in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica Jan 17-24, 2015. I would love it if you came to practice the art of letting go with me in a community setting. Here is where you can find the details!
Remember, non-attachment comes in stages. I am definitely still learning to let go, but I can tell you that when I do, I find a new level of awareness that is so incredibly healing to my mind, body, and Soul.
“As spiritual searchers we need to become freer and freer of the attachment to our own smallness in which we get occupied with me-me-me. Pondering on large ideas or standing in front of things which remind us of a vast scale can free us from acquisitiveness and competitiveness and from our likes and dislikes. If we sit with an increasing stillness of the body, and attune our mind to the sky or to the ocean or to the myriad stars at night, or any other indicators of vastness, the mind gradually stills and the heart is filled with quiet joy. Also recalling our own experiences in which we acted generously or with compassion for the simple delight of it without expectation of any gain can give us more confidence in the existence of a deeper goodness from which we may deviate. (39)”
― Ravi Ravindra, The Wisdom of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras: A New Translation and Guide by Ravi Ravindra
With much love always,
Alana Roach
RYT, CYT, Wellness Support and Freelance Writer
www.AlanaRoachYoga.com
It’s a New Day! 5 Ways To Appreciate It!
Do you ever feel like your days seem to repeat themselves? You wake up, brush your teeth, get the kids off to school, work, come home, make dinner, read a little, put the kids to bed, go to sleep, and then wash/rinse repeat the next day. There was a time in my life where this was always the case and even today I can fall into the same habit of idling away through my days. I forget that each day is a gift full of many moments where I have the option to be truly present to those gifts. When I become present to the little nuances in my day, my whole perspective shifts. Suddenly, the birds outside are singing a beautiful hymn, the grass outside has an emerald green hue with dew drops glimmering in the sun, my lovers smile is the most magnificent thing I have ever seen, and when I lay my head down at night I am so incredibly comforted by the gratitude I feel to have a roof over my head and these fluffy blankets to nestle up in. That is the world in which I prefer to live in. One which is a painted canvas of beckoning truth.
How might we make this presence more accessible through out our work week? Here are 5 ways to tune into the beauty of each moment and to find that child like magic again.
1. Set the alarm 15 minutes before you actually have to get up and put on a soothing guided meditation, find you favorite on youtube by googling, “Guided meditation,”. This well set the tone for your whole day. You will find that it is easier to be present once you have taken the time to tune into the Universal flows and no better time to do that than in the beginning of your day.
2. Stop watching the time. Seem counter-productive for presence? Hear me out. We all know what time it is, it is loud and clear every time we check out phones, get on our lap tops, i-pads, cook in the stove or microwave, get in our cars, every where we go, there it is… time. Time is simply a way to sync up with the world, to meet, to plan and schedule. I find that it is easier for me to unwind while at home, after I have taken care of everything I need to take care of in my day, to simply turn off the electronics and to flip over any alarm clocks that might be glaring in my face. Don’t worry, with the alarms you have set yourself for the next commitment, you will be more than ok if you don’t watch the clock every minute of the day. Since I started doing this I experience the time-less through out my day. I stop thinking in segments of day and rather experience the light as it comes and goes with no expectations on how long it will last, everything sort of slows down.
3. Go for a walk outside, better yet, skip. Do something you haven’t done in awhile, jump rope, sit down in the grass and pick clovers, make a pile of sticks, try handstands in the yard. Tuning into your youthful spirit will make you feel exquisite. When I do this, I am reminded of how everything felt new to me as a child. Over time we become so bogged down with schedules, desires, expectations that we forget this incredible innocence that once existed within us, and guess what!? It still does!
4. Laugh for no reason. Laughing meditations start with one laughing for no reason, over time the laughing is contagious and before you know it you are no longer laughing for no reason but you are laughing because you are filled with joy. Be courageous and ask your friends to join a laughing meditation hour with you.
5. Get creative! When is the last time you worked on a creative project? Better yet, when is the last time you finger painted? Get messy, have fun, go get some canvases and acrylic paints. I was recently at a friend’s birthday get together where she bought a huge canvas and gathered different art supplies then asked all 60 some of her guest to create a collage that she could hang in her condo. It was amazing to see all of these different people, all ages, different cultures, come together and make a piece of art. Whether you have an art party or turn on some music and create your heart out solo, your Spirit will thank you the whole way through!
Thich Nhat Hanh: “The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.”
Love always,
Alana Roach
RYT, CYT, Reiki, Wellness Support, Freelance Writer
www.alanaroachyoga.com
Salt and Vinegar Kale Chips
Kale is one of my very favorite super-foods. It has all of the essential amino acids we need plus omega 3’s and much, much more. I fell in love with kale years ago and starting mixing it is smoothies, making salads with it, sauteing it with a little olive oil and a pinch of Himalayan salt. One of my favorite quick “Kale fixes,” is baking it until crunch to make kale chips. Now, I know that there are several brands out there that do this to perfection, however at 7 or 8 $ a pop for just a small portion that I can eat in one sitting I prefer to make these at home. It took me a few times to get these just right, so please learn from my mistakes. Do NOT put too much olive oil, vinegar, or salt on your kale before baking. This results in soggy kale that tastes like ocean water… not so great.
Salt and Vinegar Kale Chips
Ingredients
One batch of organic kale, pre-bagged is easiest (My favorite brand is from Trader Joe’s!)
Himalayan Sea salt (Start with less, you can always add more later)
1 1/2 tbsp of Olive oil
2 tbsp of Vinegar (Pick your favorite!)
Baking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
- Wash kale and pat dry with paper towels
- Toss kale with salt, oil, and vinegar in a big bowl
- Massage (Yes, massage) the kale to break down the toughness of it, recommended 5-10 minutes
- Spread a thin layer of the kale on a baking sheet
- Bake for 8 minutes and then toss, bake for an additional 5 minutes
- May require additional baking time, check often to bake to optimum crispness and to prevent burning
- Let cool for 10 minutes or eat warm!
- Enjoy!
- Store in a sealed Tupperware container
- Good for 2 days
Want to learn more about Kale the Green Super Food? Check out these sites by fellow bloggers!
https://www.healthambition.com/health-benefits-of-juicing-kale/
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/11/06/kale-benefits.aspx
http://foodess.com/2012/01/salt-vinegar-kale-chips/
http://www.aliveraw.com/Articles/Kale-The-Underappreciated-Superfood.aspx
Q&A on Spirituality and Yoga with Alana Roach, 1st Series
I have met many incredible souls through the spiritual community. These people are an extended family all over the world. We share stories of beautiful miracles, inspirations, Divine connections, and love. The other day one of these beautiful souls asked me some questions. I asked him if I could create a blog post of these Q & A’s so that I could get some communication going about how the Spiritual path begins and continues to unfurl. He said, “Yes!” Here are the questions and answers from our conversation.
I had a beautiful time meditating over these today and this is what came out.
My interviewer Brian G. from Baltimore writes the following:
Heidegger wrote that he who poses a question always already knows something of the answer, lest posing the question be impossible. Please don’t be offended at my queries just as I shan’t take offense should you choose not to answer. I can’t speak for you, but in you I find a kindred soul, seeking to grasp but a drop of the great mysteries of existence and humanity. I believe that I can learn a great deal from you while respecting you as a friend. Please let me know what you think! Have a lovely evening.
(The question and answer interview follows. All Q’s were posed as written by Brian G. All A’s were written by Alana Roach)
Q.How did you first come to practice Yoga?
A. I believe that we all practice yoga from birth and then slowly begin to forget the practice as we age. I started yoga when I took that first breath and looked into my mother’s eyes.
As time went on I remember the first time I felt that pang of insecurity. I was dancing in a baseball stadium a few steps down from my Mom and an adult male looked at me, and laughed. In that moment I felt like I didn’t belong. I felt embarrassed. I wanted to be anywhere but where I was. In that moment I was unlearning yoga. I was learning about the ego which is also known as the me that is separate from you.
That ego took me on a journey of terror through addictive behaviors. I was incessantly trying to fill in the space that the ego had created in my soul. One addiction led to the other until one day I “Woke up.” My “Awakening,” happened when I started to explore meditation and prayer a little deeper. This “Seeking,” started to happen because I felt so empty. That empty feeling was what inspired me to reach for God. I used to think that God was condemning. That He sit on a throne, judging my every move. What I have found for myself is that He is none of these things. God is Me, and God is You, and God is all around Us and inside each and everyone of Us. I started to feel a gentle guiding hand through out my days due to my seeking. My seeking led me to my first yoga class in 2009. Now I continue to seek with the physical, mental, and spiritual practice of yoga, just as I did when I took that first breath and looked into my mother’s eyes.
Q.Had you a previous interest or did someone introduce you to it?
A. Yes, I had an interest in yoga before I tried it. At the time, Ashtanga was becoming big in the West with popular names like Madonna and Sting promoting the benefits of a regular practice. However, just like everything else that I was interested in, I sort of thought, “Well one day that would be nice,” and I would leave it at that. It was just a nice thought. I never bought a mat until my 4th or 5th class. I didn’t’ research it beyond looking at beautiful pictures and bodies that were the result of a disciplined practice. I didn’t even know what, “Yoga,” meant.
I first attended yoga with some friends. I tried one yoga center that deemed popular at the time and liked it but not enough to truly seek it out again. About 2 months after that, another friend rang me up and asked me if I would like to try another studio that was closer to my home. Remembering the past experience, I was intrigued but not at all motivated by the offer.
Everything in me wanted to say, “No.”
However what came out was, “Yeah, sure!”
Off I went. Today I know that it was that gentle guiding force I spoke of before. At this yoga studio, with this teacher, at this time, I was ready for yoga. Yoga was, in fact ready for me. I believe yoga finds us when the time is right. I believe that I had shown the Universe that I was ready to evolve, to change… I believe that the Universe called me home, to Yoga. I am so very grateful to my friends, whom I believe are channels of the Divine, and for the Divine synchronicities that lead us to our destiny.
Q.What Truth(s) has God or the universe revealed to you? Have you always been so attuned to matters spiritual?
A.The Truths that have been laid out to me by the God or Universe are as such-
We are One. We have chosen to be here as human beings to learn and grow Spiritually in order to Evolve. In order to ascend we MUST seek that which is this, “Truth.” That “Truth,” is that we are One with the Divine. We must know this with every fiber of our being. We must remember this to know that we are all part of the Infinite, the spark of the Divine, pure Love. To know this is to end separation and war. Once this Truth is remembered, we must help to pass it on.
I believe that practicing meditation, pranayama, yoga, and service to others help us all become attuned to that place with in us that is Divine. I did not become aware of this until I had a conscious Spiritual practice.
Q.Lastly, what is one thing I can do now to deepen my awareness of and attunement with God or the Universe?
A. Practice, practice, practice. Find a discipline that calms the mind and brings you to the present moment. Let yourself crumble and then give in to being built back up by this discipline. Breathe deeply. Laugh often. Love passionately. Weep with fervor. Find the art of, “Non-Doing,” and simply just, “Be.” In that moment you will remember that we are all just a breath away from being in tune to the Universe, to God.
(Read more on how I found Yoga on a group and individual level here -> https://explorationsofself.com/2013/03/31/how-i-found-yoga-my-home-practice/. )
Alana Roach
CYT, RYT, Reiki, Wellness Professional, Freelance Writer
Alana Roach Yoga with Lululemon Athletica in Costa Rica!
Watch her make waves and stay cool in her Reverse Groove Shorts and breathable F105 Singlet. This outfit is sure to keep you dry even on those hot Central American Days!
Alana Roach Yoga, Lululemon Athletica of Annapolis, Costa Rica!
Lululemon has been really supportive of my mission to bring Yoga to the world. You can follow my journey at www.facebook.com/LululemonAnnapolis to see Lululemon and Alana Roach Yoga collide with the beautiful Pacific Ocean, tropical Palm trees, and Yoga all-stars from all over the world.
Cliff Jumping in Costa Rica
“If we never experience the chill of a dark winter, it is very unlikely that we will ever cherish the warmth of a bright summer’s day. Nothing stimulates our appetite for the simple joys of life more than the starvation caused by sadness or desperation. In order to complete our amazing life journey successfully, it is vital that we turn each and every dark tear into a pearl of wisdom, and find the blessing in every curse.”
― Anthon St. Maarten, Divine Living: The Essential Guide to Your True Destiny
Every time I sit down I am reminded of the choice I made to jump from a 40 foot high waterfall cliff into a 30 foot deep natural pool. Crossing the threshold of fear into trust can be both a terrifying and exhilarating process. I found myself at the precipice of the gushing waterfall that poured over the rocky edge with an inner outpouring of emotions that felt nearly crippling. Here I am, in Monte Zuma, Costa Rica with 2 friends and my wonderful boyfriend in paradise and all I can think about is jumping off of this cliff. I watch them go before Me. First my buddy leap frog jumps at the highest point of the cliff, and lands perfectly 40 feet below into what seems like a very forgiving nest of water, he sinks below the surface and then promptly comes back up with a smile on his face and beckons with both hands to follow his lead.
“Come on!,” He says.
“Ok!” Here I go. I walk to the edge right next to the place he jumped, there is no bush of branches and leaves on this side, but it is nearly just as high, maybe a 5 foot difference. With bare feet, a bikini, and a smile I look down and suddenly I smile no more. There is a visible piece of the cliff that comes out a couple of feet down from where I am standing. I am told that I have to tuck my arms straight along side my body and straighten my legs, point my toes, and land feet down to be safe. Thoughts come into my head of horrid outcomes, my foot slipping as I jump, a limb snapping on the side of that rocky ledge, landing incorrectly in the water which could apparently dislocate shoulders or hips.
“What if I hit this edge?,” I shout down.
“You would have to try really hard to do so,” He responds with a devilish grin.
I hear his words, and all of a sudden I realize I don’t trust it. I don’t have the nerve. My heart starts to race now every time I get close to the edge, my parasympathetic nervous system goes crazy. My mind WANTS to jump, I really WANT to jump, but my body will not let me. My legs begin to lock up, and then I start to shake. I better back off for now, so I walk back a bit and sit in the middle where it is safe, feeling utterly defeated. I thought I could do anything within reason. These past 5 years have been all about letting go and trusting the process. I trust that when I follow my dreams, God, the Universe, will absolutely provide, and I have been proven right again and again. I trust with all of my Being that when I TRUST the process, even though my path is a bit off of the beaten one, I am totally TAKEN CARE OF! However, standing on the edge of that cliff, I was humbled. Once again I had to trust my life to this new experience. Whatever I chose, I had to trust that it was ok. Looking back on the experience now, I realized if I were to jump OR not, I would have made the correct choice because of what I did before hand. I prayed, meditated, and paused. I left that day not jumping. I briefly made peace with that, but I had sheer determination to jump the following day, to show with my physical body that I Trust the Universe. I wanted to literally live by my mantra, “Jump and the net will appear.” It is funny how the mind will teeter back and forth sometimes when the ego is challenged.
Here I am again, after the strenuous hike up the side of the mountain, I am at the top of the waterfall. I’d like to give you more of a visual of what is around me. This is one of 3 water falls. The upper most is little, the second is medium, and the third one is deadly. All of the aforementioned action takes place at the medium fall. The back packers would jump from the base of the 1st to the second and most of the time they made it. The day before I heard rumors of 2 people dying from this cliff jump over the past 20 years. Not bad odds. However, I find out on this day that 10 more have died from jumping the base of the 1st to the 2nd waterfall pool and even though I normally would have taken this as a sign, I see several boys jump from this point before me for hours. Not many of them jump a second time, but they all land safely. Now my ego gets involved again. If they can do it, so can I. Thoughts start invading my head like, “You will regret this for the rest of your life if you don’t jump.” “You got this!” “You could die!” Suddenly I am reminded of another mantra I learned from my ashram, “God is with me, I am not afraid,” and another one, “Courage.” Everyone around me is saying, “JUST DO IT, DON’T THINK ABOUT IT!” When I thought about it, I would not do it, so I started to repeat my mantras. I walked to the edge. My boyfriend didn’t believe me when I said I was going to do it. Even though he did it the day before, he was to afraid to do it again. (He later tells me that he had a bad feeling about me jumping the previous day…) Again, all of these signs, big and small. Earlier in the day a wise voice admonished, “No, Alana, don’t do it. I have lived here 20 years, and I have not jumped, nor do I want to.” This was the owner of Los Mangos, the resort we were currently staying at. All of these signs seemed trivial in that moment. I said, whatever happens, “Pura Vida” which is a local saying in Costa Rica which translates to “Pure Life.” Here is to living pure life.
I step off, with a small jump, and before I know it I plunge into the water… Then in rapid succession the following happens: My tail bone feels a sharp pain exploding upwards. Next, my back slams into the wall of water causing my sternum to bruise on the inside of my chest and leaving me unceremoniously winded. I can barely breathe. I can barely paddle. I am frozen beneath the surface somewhat helplessly as my survival instinct kicks in and I begin to paddle with one lifeless arm to the surface. One hand is on my chest and the other one is navigating through the water. I am terrified. What have I done? I reach the surface in so much pain, I scream to the top, “I am hurt!!!” I couldn’t believe it. I had seen so many jump before me. One was a drunk guy who did a triple gainer and landed with seemingly no problem. My boyfriend, who courageously leaped after an hour of fighting with himself and had nothing but exciting stories to tell after the fact. My friend who had done it at least 10 times between the 2 days with a cool smile and the grace of a professional high diver. All of these success stories and yet I got hurt.
My boyfriend rushes down the side of the cliff to my aid. I catch my breath and realize I did not hit anything solid except the water, which from that height feels like concrete. I thought that I would be free falling for a bit with enough time to adjust into the straight pike that I needed to land safely. According to everyone else I looked great going down. I bet I did. My first hand experience was quite different. I felt no free fall. There was no pause that I could sense between the jump and the water crash. I straightened as best as I could, but I believe the mix of the expectations I had of how I thought it was going to go and my utter surprise of how it actually did made for bad form. Now try to picture this in slow motion. I slightly bent my knees and rolled back a little, landing directly on the tail bone which delivered a fierce blow to my spine. Then I was thrust back from the impact landing second on the middle of my back compressing my chest and lungs, creating pain in my chest and loss of air. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to swim up to the surface because I could barely move. Luckily, I did.
Had I have listened to that calm voice that said, “Not today, not tomorrow, maybe never, this may not be in your story,” I would have avoided this crash landing. I was more relieved that I was alive. Nothing was broken. I would endure pain every time I sat down or did anything to cause irritation to my sternum. Hiccups made me cry. Yoga was a nightmare in some positions. Still, I had to find the positive so that I could go on. I DID IT! Would I do it again? Probably not. If I ever did it again, I would want to feel much more confident going into it. What does Yoga teach me? Acceptance, non-judgment, and listen… listen… listen….to your body, mind, and heart. I am actually not sure what would have been worse… the pain from my crash landing, or the pain my mind would have thrust upon me for not doing it. I am no longer beating myself up for not doing it, but my body is beaten up from doing it. Either way I get the experience of growth through pain… Haha, go figure.
When a challenge arises, we have an opportunity to MAKE CHOICES. All choices have consequences that are good and bad. That day I chose to not live in fear. What I realized was that a healthy dose of fear is meant to prompt a healthy dose of judgment. When I see a car coming, I do not step in front of it because I know I will get hit. This was a completely NEW experience, one that was unique to me. I painted the outcome through my thoughts, decisions, mind, and body. Had I of been more confident or less timid perhaps I would have landed better. Had I avoided it all together, I would have been safe physically, but my mind would have run rough-shot with me for who knows how long. If I would have landed perfectly, I would have written a different blog post. I landed imperfectly, and had a different experience, now I am sharing this with you, and that is perfect within itself.
Trust has become a way of living for me. I have jumped off of many metaphorical cliffs in these past few years with nothing but sheer determination and success. This cliff was no different. All jumps require confidence, intuition, physical awareness, proper timing, and faith. Even though the Path may not be what was expected, perhaps a bit bumpy and painful at times, we will always learn soul lessons if we require the patience and awareness to listen to them.
Everyone’s journey is different. We all have choices. Paint your destiny. Follow your heart. It is not without hurdles, but the experiences will expand your horizons always. It is all a learning process that brings forth growth.
Thank you for exploring my “Explorations of Self,” with Me!
As always with love,
Alana Roach
E-RYT, CYT, Wellness Supporter & Freelance Writer
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Alana’s love for yoga came from firsthand experience with just how powerful the practice is. “In 2009, Yoga found me. Inside the studio, she experienced a deep sense of belonging, but the most profound part was what happened after. “I felt as though I was at true peace. I finally knew what the word meant. Until that moment, I had just understood it cerebrally. There is something profound to be said about Peace dropping into the heart.”