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The Art of Teachability

December 7, 2024 //  by Alana Roach//  Leave a Comment

Teachability: 1. a : capable of being taught b : apt and willing to learn 2. favorable to teaching teachableness -Merriam-Webster

Ahimsa: (in the Hindu, Buddhist, and Jainist tradition) respect for all living things and avoidance of violence toward others. -Oxford Dictionary
                   Alana in Rishikesh, India

Hey there, fellow seekers of wisdom and growth! Let’s dive deep into something that’s been on my mind lately – the beautiful dance between staying teachable and practicing Ahimsa in our personal and professional lives. It’s a journey that’s both challenging and rewarding, and I’m excited to explore it with you.

Ahimsa is a fundamental principle that Mahatma Gandhi applied in many areas of life, including politics, social organization, economics, education, and conflict resolution.

The Humble Path of the Eternal Student

You know, there’s something magical about embracing the mindset of an eternal student. It’s like we’re opening ourselves up to a world of endless possibilities. The Bhagavad Gita puts it so beautifully when it says, “The wise see knowledge and action as one.” Isn’t that profound? It’s not just about accumulating knowledge, but about living it, breathing it, and letting it transform us from the inside out.But here’s the thing – staying teachable isn’t always easy.

Our egos love to whisper that we’ve got it all figured out. And let’s be honest, sometimes it feels good to be the ‘expert,’ doesn’t it? But what if we could find joy in not knowing? What if we could approach each day with the wide-eyed wonder of a child, ready to be amazed by new discoveries? What if we trusted* the process and really lived in the moment, free from judgement or fear?

Actionable steps:

  1. Start your day with a simple mantra: “Today, I am open to learning something new.”
  2. Practice active listening like your life depends on it – because in a way, it does! Our growth is tied to our ability to truly hear others.
  3. Seek out trusted perspectives. It’s in the sharing of differing ideas that we often find our greatest insights. This is innovation.
  4. Trust your inner guidance. Cultivate a daily meditation ritual and make it a routine.

The Gentle Art of Non-Judgment

Now, let’s talk about Ahimsa. This beautiful concept of non-violence extends far beyond physical actions. It’s about cultivating a mind free from judgment – of ourselves and others. It’s a radical act of love and acceptance in a world that often pushes us to be critical. Remember what Jesus said in the Bible? “Do not judge, or you too will be judged” (Matthew 7:1). It’s not just good advice; it’s a pathway to freedom. When we release the need to judge, we create space for understanding, growth, and genuine connection.Actionable steps:

  1. Next time you find yourself forming a quick judgment, pause. Take a breath. Ask yourself, “What if there’s more to this story that I can’t see?”
  2. Practice empathy as a daily exercise. Try to put yourself in someone else’s shoes, especially when you disagree with them.
  3. Start a gratitude practice. It’s hard to judge when your heart is full of thankfulness.
  4. Typically when we judge others, it stems from something within. Ahimsa asks us to be gentle with ourselves and others.

The Inner Journey of Growth

Here’s a truth bomb for you: while external learning is valuable, the most profound growth happens within. The Bhagavad Gita reminds us, “You have a right to your actions, but never to your actions’ fruits.” This is where the rubber meets the road in our personal development.It’s about doing the work, showing up for ourselves day after day, without attachment to the outcome. It’s about trusting the process, even when we can’t see the results yet. This inner work is where true transformation happens.Actionable steps:

  1. Set aside time each day for self-reflection. Even 5-10 minutes can be powerful. Just make sure you do it. When someone decides to dive into their first 3 month Integrative Leadership journey, that is something that is essential for their progress towards their goals. This is how you discover your inner most passions and get clear on the steps to get there.
  2. Start a journal to track your inner journey. Write about your challenges, your victories, your questions.
  3. Celebrate your growth, no matter how small it might seem. Remember, every step forward is progress.

The Delicate Balance

Now, here’s where it gets really interesting. How do we balance learning from others with trusting our own inner wisdom? How do we stay open to guidance while also honoring our own journey? The Bible offers some wisdom here: “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future” (Proverbs 19:20). But remember, listening to advice doesn’t mean blindly following it. It means taking it in, processing it, and seeing how it aligns with your own truth.Actionable steps:

  1. Seek out mentors and teachers, but always filter their advice through your own discernment. A good mentor will reflect your inner most wisdom. Choose your mentor wisely and trust your intuition.
  2. Practice saying “I’ll think about that” instead of immediately accepting or rejecting new ideas. Immediate answers can stem from trauma. Be sure to cultivate mindful breathing practices while listening to others and pause before answering at all. Let every single word you utter be intentional. If you sense your nervous system is rattled/triggered, practice some breath-work or do some gentle yoga stretches and somatic movement to calm yourself down (there are easy and effective practices I can teach you do to at your own desk when you’re in a pinch).
  3. Regularly check in with your intuition. How does a piece of advice or a new concept feel in your body? Does it resonate with your core values? Is it an 100% deep yes? If it’s a maybe, that is still a signal that it is a no or a not yet. If you practice mindfulness regularly over time and treat your mind, body with love and respect, you will be able to tune into your intuition in a greater way.

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” -Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching

Ahimsa in the Business World

Now, let’s bring this all into the business world. Imagine a workplace culture built on the principles of Ahimsa and teachability. It would be a place of continuous growth, mutual respect, and innovation.The Bhagavad Gita teaches us, “By worship you will nourish the gods and the gods will nourish you in turn.” In a business context, we can interpret this as the power of mutual support and respect. When we create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard, where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities rather than failures, we set the stage for incredible success.Actionable steps:

  1. Foster a culture of constructive feedback. Make it safe for people to share their thoughts and ideas.
  2. Encourage collaboration over competition. Remember, a rising tide lifts all boats.
  3. Lead by example. Show your team what it looks like to stay teachable and practice non-judgment.

In closing, remember this beautiful quote from the Bhagavad Gita: “The superior man is he whose mind can control his senses; with no attachment to results, he engages in the yoga of action.” This is our invitation – to engage fully in the action of our lives and businesses, to stay open and teachable, to practice non-judgment, all while releasing attachment to the results.It’s a journey, my friends. A beautiful, challenging, rewarding journey. And I’m so glad we’re on it together.

So, what resonates with you from all of this? How do you stay teachable in your life and work? How do you practice Ahimsa in your learning journey? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Let’s keep this conversation going!

Remember, we’re all in this together. Keep growing, keep learning, and above all, keep being kind to yourself and others along the way.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your journey of growth and leadership, I invite you to book your first Integrative Leadership Training (ILT) workshop with me! This 90-minute session is designed to empower you with the tools and insights you need to thrive in both your personal and professional life.

Why join the ILT workshop?

  • Transformative Learning: Engage in interactive sessions that foster deep understanding and practical skills.
  • Personalized Guidance: Receive tailored insights that resonate with your unique journey.
  • Community Connection: Join a supportive group of like-minded individuals committed to growth.

Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in yourself and unlock your potential. Click the link below to schedule your workshop today:Book Your ILT Workshop Now!I can’t wait to work with you and support you on this exciting path!

About the Author, Alana Roach: Proud Single Mama of 2 & Remote Entrepreneur. ILT, Events & Social with 15+ years experience. God, family, homestead, nature, yoga, surfing, ukulele, animals. These are a few of my favorite things.

 



Category: Uncategorized

New Moon in Libra 3 Card Spread

September 28, 2019 //  by Alana Roach//  Leave a Comment

✨Happy New Moon 🌙 Libra ♎️!!!!⁣

⁣
🌌I pulled our Collective New Moon spread this morning & we are to remember that God is our SOURCE, and when we tune into THIS, we have UNLIMITED IDEAS AND CREATIVITY TO LIVE IN OUR WINDFALL OF ABUNDANCE!!! Yes!!!!!⁣
⁣

🌹🤗It’s time to journal & manifest your inner most Joy fueled TRUTHS!!⁣

Get creative. A vision board is a great way to celebrate in ceremony of intention and visualization to manifest your CALLINGS in life. Cut out pictures of images that bring you JOY. Lay these out on a large piece of poster paper or stick them to a tack board! Have fun with this!⁣
⁣

Things to meditate on whilst creating your vision board.

What if you live a life of magic and abundance? What if you LIVE A LIFE OF DEVOTION, LOVE, FULFILLMENT, ADVENTURE, AND LAUGHTER?

⁣(Inspired by Marie Manuchehri’s,”What If,” statements!)

What does that look like?⁣
⁣
🌊Let’s play ✨🌞🥳🌙🌊🌌🤴🏽🧘‍♀️

 

Author: Alana Roach. Alana is the founder of Explorations of Self, single mom, business owner, international yoga & surf retreat leader, copy writerwriter, intuitive, nutrition specialist, social media artist & curator.

Category: Lifestyle, Meditation, Mindful Living, Uncategorized, YogaTag: astrology

Why do we let the opinions of other people dictate our choices?

August 19, 2019 //  by Alana Roach//  Leave a Comment

I stared intently at a couple of lines in a poem that one of my students printed out for me on thick, off-white, glossy paper, strung from a piece of tweed that was latched carefully to a partial wooden frame covering just the top edge.

 

How did I miss this before?

 

I read a Safire Rose poem quietly at the end of an evening yoga class months ago. One of my students who also happens to be a legislator, came up to me after a lengthy Savasana and locked eyes with me. Her gaze was deep and soft as she looked into my eyes, smiling and said, “I love that poem. I have it hanging in my home. I am going to make one for you.”

She brought me the poem a week later, in which I received with a lot of joy. I love receiving gifts from students. It makes me feel like the work that I love so very much is really touching the hearts of others.

 

She let go.

She let go. Without a thought or a word, she let go.

She let go of the fear.

She let go of the judgments.

She let go of the confluence of opinions swarming around her head.

She let go of the committee of indecision within her.

She let go of all the ‘right’ reasons.

Wholly and completely, without hesitation or worry, she just let go.

She didn’t ask anyone for advice.

She didn’t read a book on how to let go.

She didn’t search the scriptures.

She just let go.

She let go of all of the memories that held her back.

She let go of all of the anxiety that kept her from moving forward.

She let go of the planning and all of the calculations about how to do it just right.

She didn’t promise to let go.

She didn’t journal about it.

She didn’t write the projected date in her Day-Timer.

She made no public announcement and put no ad in the paper.

She didn’t check the weather report or read her daily horoscope.

She just let go.

She didn’t analyze whether she should let go.

She didn’t call her friends to discuss the matter.

She didn’t do a five-step Spiritual Mind Treatment.

She didn’t call the prayer line.

She didn’t utter one word.

She just let go.

No one was around when it happened.

There was no applause or congratulations.

No one thanked her or praised her.

No one noticed a thing.

Like a leaf falling from a tree, she just let go.

There was no effort.

There was no struggle.

It wasn’t good and it wasn’t bad.

It was what it was, and it is just that.

In the space of letting go, she let it all be.

A small smile came over her face.

A light breeze blew through her.

And the sun and the moon shone forevermore… ~Safire Rose

I’ve read this poem many times in class over the last 10 years. I’ve cried with resonance countless times while reading it and so have a few of my students.

What is interesting to me is that despite my reading this so many times, I somehow subconsciously missed these lines.

She didn’t ask anyone for advice

She didn’t call her friends to discuss the matter

I wasn’t ready for this lesson yet. Sure, I read it… but it didn’t sink in until now. I wasn’t ready to let go completely. I am slowly getting there now.

I have been asking others for their opinions and advice for what I should do and how I should handle my life for years. Anytime I have heart ache, I reach out to others. Sure, I meditate to seek the wisdom of the Universe, but until recently, I have been ignoring some of my Higher Self Wisdom and choosing the wisdom of others about 50% or more of the time.

The moments I have made the choice to trust MY GUT have been instrumental in my becoming a mother to an incredibly healthy, talented, and bright star of a child AND creating my passion fueled business. The moments I ignored other people’s judgements about my decision to travel far and wide and create a remote lifestyle were some of the best decisions I have ever made for MY LIFE. I knew my daughter was on her way 6 months before she came to be. The details surrounding how she came to be were strange and not what I expected, AND she is the biggest blessing in my life. I wouldn’t have changed a thing. I knew these things were coming to pass for the betterment of my God given Path and it did not need to make sense for anyone else but me. I had a lot of people disagree and judge my choices along the way, but I didn’t let that stop me from blossoming in my own way.

We all have a unique Path that the Universe has laid out for us. When we follow our JOY and GUT INSTINTS we are on the RIGHT COURSE.

It’s really, really GOOD to have a support system. We all need that, and it’s also good to recognize and discern between opinions and your inner TRUTH.

Letting go of other’s opinions about YOUR RIGHT CHOICE will be a process. Even if their choices took them to a great place, it may not be the right choice for your next step. Every moment is an opportunity to grow, learn, and excel towards manifesting your dreams.It will take A LOT of Courage, Trust in YOURSELF & The Universe. It’s not a straight or linear process in my experience. It just happens when we are ready and there is no way to calculate that.

Being in the Present Moment is how we begin to Let Go. It is a personal process. It’s the WAY to BEING HAPPY AND CONTENT IN THIS MOMENT WHILE MANIFESTING YOUR MOST HEART CENTERED DREAM LIFE.

How do you resonate with this poem? What lines stick out to you?

 

Author: Alana Roach, Founder of Explorations of Self, LLC. Happy Mama!! Digital Nomad, Writer, Yogini & Yoga Teacher, Yoga+Surf+Meditation Retreat Leader, Social Media Artist & Copy Writer. In Alana’s free time you can catch her lounging in hammocks or paddling in the water with her little girl!!!

 

 

 

 

Category: Uncategorized

A Full Moon For Empaths

February 19, 2019 //  by Alana Roach//  Leave a Comment

Can you feel it? The Super Full Moon in Virgo is upon us. Virgo happens to be my Moon’s sign. Your Moon sign is just as important as your Sun sign (You know, the one you read about in horoscopes & such.) The Moon sign is your emotional profile and guidance system. Find out your moon sign here.

What is an Empath? An Empath is someone who is energetically sensitive to their surroundings be it a person, place, or thing. What is a Super Moon? Super Moons are Full Moons that are at their closest points to our Earth. This is why they appear to be larger. What these means for Empaths: More exposure to the energies that come with the Super Moon.

This Super Moon happens to fall in the sign of Virgo. Virgos are Earth signs which relate to the physical side of life. They are extremely organized and detail oriented. Do not be surprised by your insatiable desire to clean and get things in order today. Virgo energy also has the deep rooted need to grow and improve their circumstances and surroundings. Virgo energy is service. You may find yourself wanting to help another today. Whatever your vessel, do something for someone else today without expecting anything in return. Regardless of what sign you are, the Full Moon’s sign effects you. Being conscious of this will help you better navigate these energies so that you can maintain more balance in your inner and outer worlds.

This Super Moon also brings with it great opportunity for love, success, and change. Stay positive and focused on what you deeply desire. Full Moon energy has a tendency to coax the waters in our own body (Just like the ocean) and when that happens we can often feel agitated, tired, and fatigued. Take a deep breath when this happens and know that this too shall pass. Also remind yourself that because everyone is influenced by the moon energies, there are a lot of emotional people out there today. Since we are Quantum energy bodies, we feel it all. Most of what you are feeling is most like not your own. Ask yourself today, “Is this mine or someone else’s?” If it is someone else’s use energy clearing tools like washing your hands, saging, and grounding visualizations to keep yourself as clear as possible If it’s yours, try journaling, doing yoga, going for a walk in nature, and other mindfulness practices.

How do you stay grounded during Full Moon’s as an Empath?

Author: Alana Roach, Founder of Explorations Of Self, LLC

Category: UncategorizedTag: astrology, meditation, retreat, Yoga

The Yin Yang of Healing

August 16, 2016 //  by Admin//  Leave a Comment

Harmonic Health

The human body is a sound system. We are the physical manifestation of vibration. Every atom, molecule, cell, organ, tissue, liquid and bone in our bodies has its own specific rate of vibration which moves according to the same harmonic laws found in music.

…

Category: Integrative Health, Lifestyle, Mindful Living, Sustainability, Uncategorized

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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.” Read More

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