Join the Movement

You are here: Home / Archives for destination

A Shamanic Guide to January 2020’s Full Moon Lunar Eclipse

//  Leave a Comment

This Full Moon Lunar Eclipse is re-calibrating and uplifting our heart chakra center as it is in the sun sign of Cancer which governs this energy center & our emotional body.

I had some lucid dreams as a child as well; dreams that I remember to this day, but ever since I started a daily meditation practice, my dreams have become incredibly vivid, especially around the New and Full Moon.

Dreaming led me on the path of Shamanism around the same time I started meditation, where I discovered, “Shamanic Dreaming.”

Tribal shamans took dreams seriously, working with their own dreams as well as those reported by members of their tribes. Various tribes interpreted dreams differently; for members of the Mohave tribe, dreams were sources of knowledge and messages from the Great Spirit, while the Iroquois Indians saw dreams as “wishes of the soul.” ~Corrosion Doctors

I have been led through a maze of Shamanic rituals from various traditions ever since I started really paying attention to my Full Moon dreams. Perhaps you have, too. These dreams hold great messages. 

I had synchronicities surrounding this heart dream the day of the dream and the day after in my waking reality. I later found out that the sign of Cancer is all about the heart chakra.My dream this month was all about the heart. No surprise, right? Yet, I am always surprised, because I get so excited about these miracles!

Experiences like this happen to me all the time. They are so common for me these days that I don’t even question it anymore. They are experiences that hold so much wisdom. I pay attention. I trust that the Universe is gently guiding me in all moments, and the sooner I pay attention, the more joy I will experience in life.

The moon cycles work closely with Spirit to guide us into a deeper awareness of our I Am Presence.

Ascended Master Saint Germain, believed by those adherent to the Ascended Master Teachings to have previously been embodied as Plato, Proclus, Roger Bacon, Francis Bacon, and numerous others, was quoted as saying:

“When one individualizes within the Absolute, All-Pervading Life, he chooses of his own free will to become an intensified individual focus of Self-Conscious Intelligence. He is the conscious director of his future activities. Thus, having once made his choice, he is the only one who can fulfill that Destiny — which is not inflexible circumstance but a definitely designed Plan of Perfection.” [13] When You, the ‘Mighty I AM Presence,’ will to come forth into an Individualized Focus of Conscious Dominion and use the Creative Word, ‘I AM,’ Your First Individual Activity is the Formation of a Flame. Then you, the ‘Individualized Focus’ of the ‘Mighty I AM Presence,’ begin your Dynamic Expression of Life. This Activity, We term Self-consciousness, meaning the Individual who is conscious of his Source and Perfection of Life, expressing through himself.” [1] (Source)

The moon helps us to shed old patterns or belief systems that can make us feel disconnected from our Higher Self or I Am Presence. Remember that you are never truly disconnected from this Loving Presence. However, there are ways to attune your physical and mental body to become more and more in alignment with your divinity. This is why we are here! To tune into our Divinity and discover + share it with the world in our unique chasm.

Shamanic practices are an integral part of my personal healing practices to this day. Shamanic rituals that require nothing more than breath and awarenesses of the power that is pouring out of us at any given moment.

You are connecting to your inner shaman anytime you connect to the unseen realms of this Universe through presence of your breath, dreams, energies, elements in nature, and so on.

The healing of this Full Moon Lunar Eclipse is individualized for each of us. How can you know what The Universe is trying to tell you during this Full Moon Lunar Eclipse ?

Here are 3 steps to creating your own Shamanic Full Moon Ritual:

  1. Journal Your Dreams: Ask Divine to lovingly guide you in your dreams at the end of each day. Pay attention to your dreams all month long. Get a dream journal if you don’t have one already. Start writing down your dreams first thing in the morning. If you have a meditation practice you may be pleasantly surprised that dream recall may start to happen all throughout your day. As soon as a memory of your dream pops up, write it down. Take it as a message that you are meant to remember this. Don’t over analyze your dream, but DO write down what they mean to you. This will come in handy when designing your Full Moon Ritual.
  2. Self Care: What self-care regimes make you feel amazing? Is it a bath? Essential oils? Fresh pressed juice? Yoga? Dance? Massage? A walk in nature? All of these things? Great! The Full Moon energies are typically amplified 4 days before and 4 days after the Full Moon date. In the days leading up to and following the Full Moon, choose 1 or 2 of these self-care rituals and write them down in your planner. Create time for these as these are very important for your unique ritual. Taking care of our physical and emotional body is an important way to clear out psychic debris so that you can feel the PRESENCE of Your Creator.
  3. Get into the Receptive State: The Universe is always sending us loving guidance and wisdom!!! On the day of the Full Moon, thank The Universe for revealing potent wisdom for your loving benefit at this powerful time. Ask that you be shown clarity about your dreams and any other loving knowledge that will help you step into your Divine Purpose and Align with all of the LOVE that IS during this Full Moon ritual. Take a few moments in silence to listen to The Universe. Write down what is shared. Do not fret if you don’t get a sense for what it is. Sometimes God will show up through other people through out the day, a song, a certain quote that pops out to you while you are reading your favorite blog. Pay attention throughout your day with a soft, receptive, and playful energy. Trust the guidance that you are being given!!

These 3 simple steps will help you embody you practice your own unique Full Moon ritual. It doesn’t need to make sense to anyone else but you, just go with your inner LOVING guidance and more will be revealed!

–

For example:

My dreams have been about relationships, specifically close relationships, and my heart. While noting this, I have been preparing my body and mind temple to receive the healing with daily self care rituals in the days leading up to the full moon. I have been praying and meditating every morning, doing at least an hour of yoga every day, and taking candle lit, essential oil infused, bubble baths at night. I have been asking God to reveal to me the wisdom being shared in my dreams and asking how I can step into full alignment of my Divine Purpose during my morning prayer and meditation. The reveal? I have been gracefully led to an abundance ritual that involves journaling, affirmations, and service. I have had 2 past students reach out to me seemingly random with potent information for me. Both of them said that I have been on their mind a lot lately, and one even had a vivid Shamanic dream about me. She called it a, “Manifestation Dream,” and had specific advice for me to apply to my business. This excites me!!! That’s how you know it is meant for YOU! Does it excite you? Does it make you joy-filled and inspired? That’s God speaking to you. That’s your Full Moon Ritual.

Remember, the more consistent you are with daily prayer and meditation, the more you open yourself up to miracles from The Universe.

The Universe is always sending us LOVE and guidance. Are you paying attention?

Do you want more guidance on how to step into your power in a whole new way and live in alignment with your Divine Life Purpose? If you are seeking guidance in spirituality, starting our up-leveling your passion project & business, or desire to get in peak mind/body shape, email me at Explorationsofself@gmail.com or go here to learn more!

With much love and light on your journey during this Full Moon Lunar Eclipse,

Founder of Explorations of Self

Abundance Coach, International Yoga Teacher, Write

Mother, Surf Enthusiast, Lover of LOVE, The Joy of Being Retreat in Bali

You Can Thrive.

//  Leave a Comment

There was a time in my life when I would have given anything to escape. You know what I mean. When you experience something so devastating that all you want to do is get out. You start to question things and numb out until one day you can’t do it anymore. You reach a breaking point and there are two choices.

 

1.You can thrive

 

2. You can wilt. 

Choosing to thrive takes guts. To thrive is to be ALIVE and show up no matter what. You won’t make a wrong choice when you CHOOSE to face the truth in the right here and the right now. You can not lose here.

Living is FULL of emotion. Full of ups and downs, twists and turns. Don’t live in the why. Live in the how.

How can you do it?

How can you succeed?

How can you LOVE.

How.

How.

How.

Rest assured that this will take time. Your journey was meant to be long and full, dear ones. You are sitting on the precipice of something exquisite and no one can do it but you.

You are so full of potential. So ridiculously SMART. So wise in your animal skin. Awaken to that Truth.

Choose to help another by living fully in this lifetime. Express your unique paint brush and sound unlike anyone else who has come before you.

I dare you.

I dare you to step up and step IN to your POWER. 

With love and so much light and respect for your incredibly journey on this Earth,

I thank you so much for being you.

Sincerely,

Alana Roach

Owner & Director of the Explorations of Self Travel Community

5 Steps to Manifesting Your Dream Lifestyle

//  Leave a Comment

Spring is here and how beautiful it is outside. Spring energy is ALL about creation. We plant seeds for them to grow into beautiful blooms of variety. We release the old. Welcome the new. What are you wanting to create this Spring? How can I support you in making your dreams a reality?


5 Steps to Manifesting Your Dream Lifestyle

…

A Heart Centered Yoga Practice

//  Leave a Comment

Hello EOS Community,

This week’s pose is, “Supine Bound Angle Pose,” aka “Supta Buddha Konasana,” (In Sanskrit, India’s sacred language of yoga) accompanied with the fourth of the 7 main energy centers in our body called the, “Heart Chakra,” or ,”Anahata,”in Sanskrit which translates to, “Unhurt, unstruck, & unbeaten.”

 

This green, 12 petaled lotus heart chakra is located in your chest.

This energy center governs our ability to give and receive love freely. When balanced you feel a sense of compassion for all living beings including a deep reverence for mother earth and father sky. You will have a sense of the interconnectedness between all. When others are in the presence of someone with a balanced heart chakra, they feel accepted and embraced by this benevolent force. An open heart is inspiring and not to be underestimated. When this center is out of balance, you can feel unworthy of love, untrusting, pessimistic, and reclusive. Maintaining a regular heart chakra balancing practice is necessary to feel at peace in your heart and to attract that peace into your life on an ongoing basis.

Supine Bound Angle Pose is a restorative pose. If you would like to grab a bolster or rolled up blanket to place under your spine for more itensity, please do so now. If you have tight hips, you can grab two pillows or folded up blankets that will be used underneath of your thighs and knees once we are in the full position.

Let’s begin.

1. Come
on to your mat with your back facing the mat or floor (If you are using the bolster or rolled up blanket, sit up first, slide on end of the prop to your lower back, and slowly recline your spine back down onto it, grabbing an extra pillow for underneath your head if you feel the support is needed.)

2. Breath in, and bend your knees and slide your heels in towards your sits bones.

3. Allow your entire back body to feel as though it were melting into the earth.

4. On an exhale, allow your knees to fall to either side (If you are using pillows for thigh and knee support, you can gently find the support now.) Allow you hands to rest on either side of your body, palms facing up. Close your eyes, and breath slowly.

5. Visualize your heart chakra in the center of your chest as a swirling 12 petaled green lotus flower. Every breath in you see your flower grow brighter and brighter, and with every exhale you see it spin faster and faster. As it spins, you may notice old energy leaving this energy center as dark and oily drainage. This is completely natural and to be expected during this meditation. Breathe slowly and rhythmically. Inhale through the nose slowly, and exhaling through the mouth while creating an, “O,” shape with the mouth as you exhale slowly. Syncing your breath with your visualization will enhance this sadhana or spiritual practice.

6. Stay with the visualization for about 10-20 breaths, and then slow release your chest, shoulders, neck & head back onto the mat.

7. Feeling grateful for this time that you have taken to connect with yourself, smile softly, and blink your eyes, slowly coming back into the room to continue on with your day, a little more centered, calm, and happy.

About the author: Alana Diosa Roach 

Yoga Instructor, Integrative Nutrition Coach, Reiki & Shamanic Energy Worker, Intuitive, Meditation Teacher


Alana Diosa is a world renowned Yoga and Wellness Teacher. She has been teaching her dynamic, breath centered style of yoga since 2011. Alana holds 2,000 hours of Yoga Alliance Certified teaching experience, including leadership of teacher trainings for upcoming yogis and yoginis, years of INTENSIVE Integrative Breath Work Trainings + is a graduate of the Institute of Integrative Health in NY, holding a certification as an Integrative Nutrition Coach. She harnesses an apt understanding and application of energy work both intimately and remotely as a certified Usui Reiki Practitioner, Ascension Clairvoyance, & Shamanic PLR Chord Cutting.

Yoga & Chakra Visualization Practice for the Full Moon & Spring Equinox

//  Leave a Comment

This week’s pose is, “Cobbler’s Pose,” aka “Baddha Konasana,” (In Sanskrit, India’s sacred language of yoga) accompanied with the second of the 7 main energy centers in our body called the, “Sacral Chakra,” or ,”Swadhistana,”in Sanskrit which translates to, “Your own place.”

The orange, six petaled lotus sacral chakra is located 3 inches below your navel at the lowest portion of the lumbar spine. It bares a crescent moon symbol in the center, representing the moon phases and the connection to the element of water which calls us to be fluid in thought and action during the lunar phases, because we all made up of about 50-65% water.

This energy center governs our sense of sensuality and creativity. When we desire to manifest something new in our life, it is important to harness the power of our sacral chakra. When this center is out of balance, one can become addicted to that which can not provide true fulfillment (Think substances, food, gambling, or sex.) On the other end of the spectrum, it is common to feel depressed, or a lack luster in their life whether it relates to relationships to self or other. Maintaining a regular sacral chakra balancing practice is necessary to feel grounded through life’s ups and downs while staying in touch with the way we choose to relate to the world and those in it. 

As we enter the Pisces/Virgo full moon on March 12th, we  prepare to let go of that which no longer serves us, in order to planet new seeds for the Spring Equinox on March 20th.

So, in order to get clear on what we WANT, and also to become ready to let go of what we do not, it is essential that we take the time to become centered through yoga and mindfulness practices

∞

Cobbler’s pose allows us to get in touch with pelvis while gently opening the hips, activating this energy center.

Cindy embodying her inner goddess in Playa Nosara

If you would like a more restorative variation of this pose, grab a couple of pillows and a folded blanket, and let’s begin.

1. Fold the blanket in half or thirds so that you have a half a foot length to sit on. If you have 2 pillows, place one on either side of you in arms reach. Come to sit on the edge of your blanket to gently raise the hips if your groin and/or hips are tight. Remember, the blanket is optional. First extend your legs out in front of you while breathing slowly in a soothing rhythm. Draw your awareness within your body and notice what your body feels like without judging the sensations.

2. On an inhale, bend your knees toward your chest, keeping your feet on the ground and drawing your heels as close to your sits bones as possible, and slowly let your knees drop out to the sides. The soles of your feet will be touching. (If your hips/groin are tight, your heels will be further away from you, creating more of a diamond shape with your legs. Place one pillow under each knee for support)

3. Allow your pelvis to stay neutral. Guiding the bottom tip of your tailbone towards the earth, while lengthening the crown of your head towards the sky.

4. Rest your hands gentle on your feet, massaging your feet with your thumbs for a few rounds of breath. Close your eyes, and start to center your mind by focusing on your breath. You can stay here, or if you would like to go further, draw your chin to your chest and allow your shoulders, neck, and head to be heavy as you round your cervical spine to forward fold. Only go as far as the body allows. Some may be able to draw the crown of their head to their feet, while others will feel great at a higher level.

5. Visualize your sacral chakra as a swirling 6 petaled orange lotus flower with a silver crescent moon in the center of it, 3 inches below your naval. Every breath in you see your flower grow brighter and brighter, and with every exhale you see it spin faster and faster. As it spins, you may notice old energy leaving this energy center as dark and oily drainage. This is completely natural and to be expected during this meditation. Breathe slowly and rhythmically. Inhale through the nose slowly, and exhaling through the mouth while creating an, “O,” shape with the mouth as you exhale slowly. Syncing your breath with your visualization will enhance this sadhana or spiritual practice.

Pinterest photo share

6. Stay with the visualization for about 10-20 breaths.

7. Feeling grateful for this time that you have taken to connect with yourself, smile softly, and blink your eyes, slowly coming back into the room to continue on with your day, a little more centered, calm, and happy.

Stay tuned to our blog to journey through yoga asana and the remaining 5 chakras!

 

So much love,

Alana

Alana Roach, founder of Explorations of Self, “A Mindful Travel Community.”

Yoga, Integrative Nutrition, Reiki, Tantra, Shamanista, Travel Enthusiast.

Contact me: info@explorationsofself.com

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIN.

Liberated Heart

//  2 Comments

Yoga classes led daily by Alana & Caileigh accompanied by Singing Bowls and Vibrations with Brian

 

Are you missing the Liberated Heart tribe?
Good news! Here is the week
in review to take you back to paradise! The stories of the Liberated Heart retreat will
be fresh in my mind and heart for years to come. I believe the world is made of stories
as much as it is made of molecules so reflecting on the magic of this trip has really reminded
me just how fantastic our retreat was!
Hard to believe that its only been two weeks since we all embarked upon our journey together.
For Caileigh and Alana, the story started a year before when Caileigh went on Alana’s retreat in Costa
Rica. Caileigh had such a transformative time that it inspired her to team up
with Alana to form Explorations of Self. It’s incredible how her own experience on retreat
led her to create life-changing retreats for others.
(From left to right: Brian Anahata Russo, Caileigh Feldman, Alana Diosa Roach) our Liberated Heart Guides
Caileigh, Alana and I envisioned Liberated Heart as a retreat to bring out the love in everyone
through yoga, sound, food and community. We did not have to try too hard! Everyone was in awe
as soon as they arrived to the beautiful Bodhi Tree Resort. A grand dining room, an infinity pool,
spacious cabinas and a coconut to sip upon arrival. Bodhi had it all. The staff were so friendly
and the food was first class. Everyone felt right at home at Bodhi and relaxed in Costa Rica’s tropical climate. On the night we first arrived, I asked Sonhei how she was feeling coming into the retreat. She said, “To tell you
the truth, I haven’t been thinking about it because I’ve been so busy with work. I really have no
expectations, I’m excited for everything.” I love this response because it rings true for many of us
who came on retreat. We are juggling a million things and then suddenly we have a 
week to unwind. We don’t even have time for expectations. And that turns out to be a good thing, 
because no expectations allowed us to embrace our experience with openness and curiosity.
Infinity Pool & Lounge Area

 

Cindy shared how she was almost dreading coming on retreat because it was taking her away from
her many responsibilities. Then, she was captivated by Costa Rica as soon as she arrived! She 
realized there is no “right time,” you just have to go! And that is the point of liberated heart, dropping the
stories we tell ourselves to allow new ones to emerge. It reminds me of a conversation I had with Debra Hardison, She told me that we always have a choice to tell the stories that bring out the best in us. Debra literally did this when she told the story of Dropsy the Squirrel, a book she wrote about nursing a squirrel back to health after he ‘dropped’ out of a tree. 
Delicious & healthy local cuisine, 3 times a day with Liberated Heart, Explorations of Self Retreat in Costa Rica
Cindy embodying her inner goddess in Playa Nosara

 

Bodhi Tree Resort is an amazing place to recreate the story of yourself in only a week! With a gorgeous outdoor yoga shala overlooking the beach and many indoor shalas for practice, Bodhi

Surfing, Liberated Heart Tribe!

held the space for us to return to our roots. Speaking of roots, every day of our retreat was symbolized by one of the seven chakras. It was amazing to see how the chakra theme played out in the yoga sessions and sound healings each day. I gave George a sound healing on root day and the day after he told me how rooted he was feeling in the space of the retreat center. I was so blown away by George’s story. He had broken every bone in his body after getting hit by a truck and he brought himself back to life through the power of his heart. As soon as he was able to flex his knee just half-an-inch, he began his journey into yoga. He was told he would never walk again yet through his own inner-strength and yoga practice, he now strikes the fiercest warrior pose I’ve ever seen!

Warrior George.
George’s story is not only an incredible tale of his perseverance but also of yoga’s saving grace. Yoga means
union with God and that’s why yoga is the heart of our daily practice on retreat. It was so special to see our            
mother-daughter pairs unite through yoga. Deborah and Sonhei were ‘flown’ in the air, resting on their daughters 
hands and feet just like they did for Lisa and Hannah when they were babies!  It was so powerful to see how everyone’s practice blossomed under Caileigh and Alana’s instruction. Through beautifully guided sessions, we learned to tune into the present moment of each posture, be gentle with ourselves and stretch what we thought was possible for mind, body and soul! Doing one Hatha and one restorative session every day allowed us to balance our active side while allowing ourselves to heal as well. Alana reminded us to ‘find our edge’ in so many poses; to stretch into that place where we are a little uncomfortable so that we can grow into our mastery! It was so awesome to see everyone find their edge beyond the mat. Ellen really took this to heart. She had fun while facing her fears on the longest zip line in Nosara and through difficult yoga poses. Zip lining wasn’t the only excursion our retreaters had fun exploring. Our retreaters had an awesome time riding horses on the beach at sunset and surfing on one of the top surfing beaches in the world. It was so cool to see how people who never thought they’d get up on the board were riding waves all the way into shore! We also had a service trip where retreaters got to plant beautiful tropical trees right on the beach and even give them a name! Carolyn and some other retreaters even went local and spent
time hanging with Costa Rican families. Anything is possible here in just one week!
Lisa & Sonhui, Mother & Daughter acro
 
What I loved about this retreat is the community that formed so effortlessly between different kinds of people of all
ages. Jenna and Marianna didn’t know anyone coming on the retreat but now leave Costa Rica friends for life!
Developing community is built right into the retreat. Everyone ate together which gave us a chance to practice mindful eating. Caileigh and Alana led a nutrition workshop that inspired many retreaters to make changes to their diet and commit to a healthier lifestyle. Bodhi Tree even had vegan deserts which made eating healthy even tastier!
Chris’ sacred touch workshop brought us all together to realize how profound and comforting a massage can be! My sound healing gave everyone a chance to release what did not serve them and tune into the love inside themselves. But I think Jen was right when she said the ‘laughter therapy’ around the table was the best medicine. Laughing around the table and telling stories really was the best part of the trip. 
Marianna & Jenna sisterhood through Liberated Hearts
 

It was amazing to see how in love Kyle and Anna Maria were -after being with each other for only a semester in college-

Kyle & Annamaria

chatting with Ellen and Marv who have been married for over 30 years. Marv said he proposed to Ellen

Marvin & Ellen

after only being together for five months because he knew she was the one. On the last day of our retreat I followed my heart and asked Caileigh to marry me right on the beach. And she said yes!

Brian proposed, Caileigh said, “YES!” During our last night in Costa Rica together as the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

 

Our seven months together felt like lifetimes and I knew she was the one.  I am so happy to have shared one of the most beautiful moments of my life with my new tribe. Costa Rica really is truly magical. We started our week by celebrating Deborah’s birthday and on the last night we had Cathi’s birthday which made my engagement even more special! I can’t say enough about how much I learned about myself and how much fun I had on this retreat. The takeaway for me is that ‘liberated heart’ means being free to follow what you love.

Jenn & Cathi saluting their inner and outer power as the sunsets in Playa Nosara. Happy Birthday, Cathi!
I am so happy everyone had an incredible time practicing yoga, going inward through sound healing and tuning in to the lifestyle that they wanted to take home with them! Caileigh, Alana and I are so grateful for our Liberated Heart tribe and can’t wait to reunite on many more Explorations of Self retreats to come!

 

 

 

 

 

Deborah and Hannah, mother daughter love boat!

 

 

 

 

 

 

                            About the author:                       Brian is a teacher and healer. He brings the mind, body, heart and soul back into balance through overtone chabowlnting, crystal and tibetan singing bowls and tuning forks.

He has the unique ability to hear oto-acoustic emissions, the natural
frequencies emitted by the body.

His spiritual name “Anahata Nada” means “unstruck sound” and echoes his ability to hear the sounds of the cosmos. Anahata also means heart and speaks to Brian’s passion to help others hear the sound of their heart to guide them on their journey.                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Follow on instagram @anahatanada333                                                                                                www.besoundnow.com                                                                                                                                                                                                             Contact:  bjrusso333@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Shameless Retreat

//  Leave a Comment

Retreat! Surrender! Give-in! Fall back!

 

We live in a culture where retreat means defeat. In the West, life is viewed as a competition and we are programmed to believe that if you are not winning you’re losing. We’ve heard it so many times: winning is not everything; it’s the only thing. So can we end up stressed out and spend our time living on a mental and emotional battlefield instead of authentically exploring our self. The masculine bravado and militaristic vibe of our culture has seeped into these words. It’s not by accident. There is a war that is being waged on going inside ourselves. The consumer culture can’t take that because if we all looked within we would learn that happiness is inside of us and we really wouldn’t be compelled to fill the void with useless products.

bungalow-_-compassion-_-bed-with-terrace-_-present-moment-retreat-_-boutique-hotel-_-spa-resort-_-yoga-retreat-_-restaurant-_-playa-troncones-mexico-_-chris-hannant-photography

So, in this exploration of self, we are not called to force our way in. We are called to retake. Sure, we have re-take what ‘surrender’ and ‘retreat’ can mean, but we can do so peacefully. We have to fall back. When we fall back, we are vulnerable. This is the last thing the culture teaches and tells us that vulnerability leaves us open to attack. But vulnerability is going inside and taking an honest look about who we are and what we feel. And in that nakedness, we discover that we reject the struggle and the dog-eat-dog world and resent having to cling to it out of the necessity that our survival is at stake.

 

On retreat, we learn that we don’t have to cling to it! Meditation, yoga and sound healing create the space to silence the clamor of our minds and align us with our true nature. But we have to surrender to get there! What we are surrendering from is the way we think we ought to be and what we should do. In the clarity and understanding of our true nature, we naturally flow. We don’t have to think. There is just a knowing. That’s the beauty of it!

 

To retreat;

gentle-yoga-by-dagan-beach-_-beach-_-ocean-view-_-boutique-hotel-_-spa-resort-_-yoga-retreat-_-restaurant-_-playa-troncones-mexico-_-chris-hannant-photographyit is a quiet and relaxing space where we can feel the truth and beauty of our being. It’s in retreat that we lose the false ego that makes us fight outwardly to avoid the unrest we feel inwardly. By flowing with rest, we see that it was the unrest that made us fight and force in our lives in the first place! Enjoying our journey requires surrendering our false ego –that aspect of our being that runs programs contrary to our highest and best self. And when we do that, we reveal our true nature that is already there because we feel it from that quiet place of clarity and understanding.  Surrender is tough for the false part of ourselves because it does not want to let go of the stories that keep fueling the patterns that don’t serve us. The catch is that the false ego has to turn itself in – or should I say inward – and see how it is sabotaging our greatest good by causing suffering based on craving, delusions and many other mental and emotional patterns.

stock

The solution is simple. No matter what comes up, surrender. Your false ego can lay so many traps for your mind because it knows you so well. So let yourself be caught. Sit there. Don’t avoid it. Let the feelings come up to be known and cleared. Stop running from it. Once your thought or emotion has nothing to take from you, it has no power over you. It has no fuel to sustain itself. By virtue of your soul sovereignty, your essence cannot be taken away. You are eternal conscious light and love. So the only thing that you can surrender is what does not serve you –and then you are left with what you have always been – light and love. Surrender removes everything that obscures our light. In offering up our obstacles to the flames, we are transformed.

May you hear the call to retreat, so that your life may answer with all the joy, beauty and creativity you have to shine!

About the author:                       Brian is a teacher and healer. He brings the mind, body, heart and soul back into balance through overtone chabowlnting, crystal and tibetan singing bowls and tuning forks.

He has the unique ability to hear oto-acoustic emissions, the natural
frequencies emitted by the body.

His spiritual name “Anahata Nada” means “unstruck sound” and echoes his ability to hear the sounds of the cosmos. Anahata also means heart and speaks to Brian’s passion to help others hear the sound of their heart to guide them on their journey.                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Follow on instagram @anahatanada333                                                                                                www.besoundnow.com                                                                                                                                                                                                             Contact:  bjrusso333@gmail.com

A New Year to LIVE

//  Leave a Comment

I remember the first time I saw the picture that changed everything for me. It was of a man, somewhere on a seemingly deserted, white sandy beach, doing a one armed cart wheel. His legs were dancing in the brightly painted turquoise sky, and I knew in that moment that there was much, much more to life. There was more to life than the daily grind, and the striving for… what, exactly?

The Spiritual Path is like this. We get these glimpses into the very center of our SOUL and in an instant, we are changed forever. But we are not REALLY changed, we are just coming Home to, the inevitable and unshakeable Truth of our Existence, and who we REALLY ARE; who we were always meant to BE.

photo share @braziltravelbeaches.com
photo share @braziltravelbeaches.com

So how do we get so lost?

We wake up, brush our teeth, drink a cup or 2 of coffee, eat breakfast (If we are lucky) go to work or school or both, watch TV, distract, distract, more distraction. We spend money, consume, go into debt to make more money, and spend more money to get out of debt as debt consumes our lives. We end up angry, resentful, gaunt, and ultimately the lack of motivation to do anything is gone, and yet we keep going. We keep going as if we were somehow animated through wire and chord. We become caged in our thoughts, animated by our emotions, reactive, depressed, and spun out. We begin to think that THIS is the norm.

Photo by Kristopher Allison
Photo by Kristopher Allison

I remember the first time I saw the picture that changed everything for me, because it TOUCHED my Soul. Somewhere deep down in the core of my being, I felt like a tapestry that was just coming to life and woven by the Divine. Unlike the feeling of chord and plug, I felt powered by something far GREATER, far Superior to woman/man made (Though woman and man has made some really incredible things.) I can hardly describe it, as Spirit goes, It is ineffable. I do know that I couldn’t turn away or go back to sleep.

“The breezes at dawn have secrets to tell you

Don’t go back to sleep!

You must ask for what you really want.

Don’t go back to sleep!

People are going back and forth 

across the doorsill where the two worlds touch,

The door is round and open

Don’t go back to sleep!”

― Jalaluddin Rumi

By the New Year of 2012 I had broken a lease, went on a leave of absence at work, finished a semester in college with notice that I would be taking at least one if not two semesters off. By February of 2012, I was living and back packing through my sacred heart’s home. India. Though my flesh isn’t from this INCREDIBLE land, my soul most definitely is.

By New Year’s of 2013 I became a full time yoga teacher & I started to fully allow my rainbow colored tapestry to become a muse and channel for other hearts’ songs. I woke up every morning asking how I could serve the Divine Energy that changed everything for me, that BREATHED Life back into me (As if it were lost somehow, lol.) Animated by this Divine Spirit, I came to step into my PURPOSE on this Earth. I was GUIDED to combine what inspired me and made me HAPPY in order to take it to the masses so that THEY could be HAPPY; while continuing DEEP inner work to shed the guiles of the ego so that I could be a CLEAR and unencumbered channel for God.

Photo by: Dimitry Kotov
Photo by: Dimitry Kotov

By New Year’s of 2014 I was looking at leading my 3rd yoga retreat in Costa Rica after living on the Nicoya Peninsula of that land for 6 months. I was leaving the man I thought I would spend the rest of my life with in order to marry the MAN/WOMAN that has never and will never leave my side. God/Goddess. In 2014 I began my courtship with Divine. Truly. Though I strayed (Or thought I strayed) from the ULTIMATE Truth of who and what I was, Divine always persisted that I was GREAT. Thank you, Divine, for always BELIEVING in ME! 😉

By New Year’s of 2015 I was incorporated as a full fledged wellness and yoga retreat business, and embarked on the most important business of all, motherhood. This was the year of fine tuning my skills. I registered for an Integrative Nutrition school that I had been wanting to go to for many years, but was too afraid to believe in myself enough to do it. This was the year of staying in touch with my dreams, whilst recognizing what didn’t serve me (Attachment to anything that was material and changeable.) It was surrendering selfishness in order to be able to serve my daughter and my Dharma.

Photo by: Jordan Sanchez
Photo by: Jordan Sanchez

By New Year’s of 2016 I was sitting alone in a hotel suite. I was taking time for myself, ringing in not only the New Year, but my 30th birthday, 7 months pregnant with my daughter, and fully open to learning more from Divine. “However can I serve YOU and this Planet,” was my daily morning prayer and invocation. I spent time mapping out my life on a Vision Board and hours meditating on what I was grateful for (Everything) and what I desired to CO-CREATE with the Universe and my daughter. This is a great practice for anyone on a New Year’s Day. I suggest you try it if you haven’t a ritual planned already!

The New Year of 2017 is upon us, with the Solar New Year already among us (Winter Solstice.) My beautiful, nearly 8 month old daughter is sitting in my lap as I finish writing this. I am now fully realizing my dreams, traveling the world and teaching what I believe will help AWAKEN individuals to their HIGHEST Potentials in this incarnation. I am so, SO grateful for what is to come, because in my experience, what the Universe DELIVERS is far Superior to what I can even imagine in my BIGGEST DREAMS!

Photo share Kristopher Allison
Photo share Kristopher Allison

What LIT you up and INSPIRED you in 2016? What were your happiest moments, and what challenges did you over come? What do you want to DREAM into being in the New Year of 2017? How can I help in praying for you to fulfill this? How can I help guide and support you? Leave comments below…

A New Year’s 30 Day Warrior Woman Course to LIVING YOUR DREAMS starts soon. Stay tuned to the, “Self Heal with Alana,” Facebook page or email SelfHealwithAlana@gmail.com for information. Come away with the Explorations of Self Tribe and me to fully be present with yourself and to unwind from the daily grind on one or more of these incredible Wellness Retreats, information at www.explorationsofself.com or email explorationsofself@gmail.com

In deep DEVOTION and AWE of this WILDLY ABUNDANT UNIVERSE,

I go in PEACE & JOY,

Alana

 

Namaste, soul family

13925864_10207460986383449_4494511862760385250_oBIO : Alana Roach  is a International Yogi currently based out of Annapolis, MD. Formerly adorned by the city lights and the busy streets of America, she was then whisked away by the illustrious path of yoga and took to traveling the world to share it with others. A few years back she started to write about the transformation she undertook by  practicing conscious meditation. Her passions became her career and she now holds RYS Teacher Trainings & International Retreats, Health Coaches, and writes every opportunity she gets. In her spare time she loves cuddling with her daughter,  surfing, being in nature, and living amongst her ever growing and global loving and conscious community. She is on Facebook , Instagram, Twitter, and can be reached by email explorationsofself@gmail.com & for health coaching at SelfHealwithAlana@gmail.com

TOP DЕЅTІNАTІОNЅ FOR EVЕRУ TYPE ОF TRAVELER

//  Leave a Comment

Thеѕе рlасеѕ are knоwn аѕ some оf the top destinations for every type of traveler;

Lаѕ Vеgаѕ, Nеvаdа, Unіtеd Stаtеѕ 

Hyatt-Place-Las-Vegas
Hyatt-Place-Las-Vegas

Knоwn as a mаjоr еntеrtаіnmеnt Mecca, Las Vegas іѕ a сіtу thаt always hаѕ ѕоmеthіng going оn, whісh іѕ whу іt rеmаіnѕ оnе оf thе bеѕt places tо vасаtіоn. From соnсеrtѕ, thеаtеr ѕhоwѕ аnd саѕіnоѕ tо galleries, fine dining аnd upscale shopping, Lаѕ Vеgаѕ іѕ ѕurе tо оffеr a good tіmе tо іtѕ visitors. Although it іѕ knоwn for іtѕ mаnу gambling орроrtunіtіеѕ, Lаѕ Vеgаѕ nоw has аrtіѕtіс, сulturаl аnd tоurіѕt аttrасtіоnѕ аnd entertainment venues fоr thе еntіrе fаmіlу.

Rio De Jаnеіrо, Brazil 

Althоugh hаrdlу a ѕесrеt dеѕtіnаtіоn, Rіо dе Jаnеіrо іѕ shedding its image аѕ a ѕun, ѕеа, аnd ѕаmbа tоwn аnd going for glаmоur аnd sophistication. Jоіn thе frіеndlу Cаrіосаѕ for dottransfers_riodejaneiroan innovative 10-соurѕе Amаzоnіаn dinner аt Rіо’ѕ top Le Pr Catelan rеѕtаurаnt оr ѕоmе dеlесtаblе “brараѕ” (Brazilian tapas) at hір еаtеrу Ouі Oui. Evеn Rіо’ѕ mаgnіfісеnt bеасhеѕ аrе bеttеr thаn еvеr before; from Lеmе to Lеblоn, nеw оutdооr cafs bоаѕt fаbulоuѕ seaside раtіоѕ wіth comfortable bathroom facilities. Aѕ hоѕt of the 2014 Sоссеr World Cuр аnd thе 2016 Summer Olуmрісѕ, the сіtу is аbuzz with еxсіtіng dеvеlорmеntѕ that will be ѕurе tо attract hugе сrоwdѕ. Beat thе ruѕh and ѕее how thе Girl from Iраnеmа is аll grоwn up.

Dоhа, Qаtаr 

Dоhа dоеѕn’t attract the hоаrdѕ оf beer-swilling Brіtіѕh tоurіѕtѕ or thе ѕhееr numbеr of dohahоtеlѕ that the U.A.E.’ѕ Dubai does, but іtѕ bеасhеѕ аrе mоrе bеаutіful and its gоurmеt rеѕtаurаntѕ аrе lеѕѕ crowded. The Al Jаzееrа nеwѕ network іѕ whаt рut Doha оn thе map a decade аgо, although a different sort оf саmеrа — thе mоvіе kіnd — is whаt’ѕ drаwіng tоurіѕtѕ for the Doha-Tribeca Film Fеѕtіvаl. Next уеаr mаrkѕ іtѕ third іnѕtаllmеnt. Dоhа is соnсеntrаtіng оn bееfіng uр іtѕ рrеѕеnсе оn the іntеrnаtіоnаl stage bу following uр іtѕ world-class, I.M. Pei-designed Muѕеum оf Iѕlаmіс Art wіth a bid fоr thе Olуmрісѕ іn 2016 аnd thе Fіfа World Cuр іn 2022. Pluѕ, the сіtу іѕ hоѕtіng professional ѕоссеr’ѕ Asian Cup іn January. Groupon offers great deals at low discount to travelers to visit these destinations.

 

Bаrbаdоѕ 

Bаrbаdоѕ is a соmраrаtіvеlу flаt island ѕіtuаtеd іn the easterly Cаrіbbеаn Sea juѕt to the north оf Trіnіdаd. Thеrе іѕ a glіtzіеr, mоrе ѕорhіѕtісаtеd feel tо Bаrbаdоѕ than mоѕt оthеr Cаrіbbеаn іѕlаndѕ, it аlѕо fеаturеѕ some of the bеѕt hоtеlѕ and resorts іn thе Cаrіbbеаn thаt mаkеѕ thе іѕlаnd tо оnе of thе tор vасаtіоn destinations in the Cаrіbbеаnѕ tо gо fоr a hоnеуmооn.Bаrbаdоѕ іѕ a bеаutіful соrаl island with a special сhаrm аnd warmth, wіth world___barbados_caves_in_barbados_079522_nеvеr ending роwdеrу white sand bеасhеѕ, аn аttrасtіvе уеаr-rоund сlіmаtе оf sea brееzеѕ аnd sunshine, еxоtіс bоtаnісаl gаrdеnѕ, асrеѕ оf аbundаnt, rolling ѕugаr саnе fields, and a rісh and exciting hіѕtоrу. Bеѕіdеѕ, the іѕlаnd is оnе of the bеѕt, аnd mоѕt рорulаr роrtѕ оf саll in thе Cаrіbbеаn. Barbados іѕ blеѕѕеd wіth a nеаr іdеаl сlіmе. It іѕ a year-round dеѕtіnаtіоn, dryer thаn mоѕt other Cаrіbbеаn іѕlаndѕ, еvеn though уоu mау wаnt tо аvоіd thе rаіnу ѕеаѕоn frоm June tо Nоvеmbеr. Thе joyous island аmbіеnсе, thе асtіvе lосаl ѕсеnе and rhуthmісаl muѕіс, making Barbados оnе оf thе most роwеrful bеасh сulturеѕ around thе glоbе.

 

Miami, Florida, Unіtеd Stаtеѕ 

The long, skinny іѕlаnd of Miami Bеасh – and ѕресіfісаllу image-conscious South Mіаmі Beach (thаt’ѕ South Beach or SоBе in ѕhоrthаnd), with іtѕ сhаrmіng Art Deco District аnd miami-beachsizzling dining and club ѕсеnеѕ, has fоr thе past dесаdе rеіgnеd аѕ one оf Amеrіса’ѕ capitals of cool. It’ѕ thе kind оf рlасе whеrе you mіght ѕроt Cuban boat реорlе wаѕhеd up оn Oсеаn Drіvе оr a guy walking a lеаѕhеd mоuntаіn lіоn оn Lіnсоln Road. Surе, thеrе’ѕ some рrеttу interesting and еvеn cultural ѕtuff tо dо оut hеrе, but іt’ѕ really all аbоut “thе ѕсеnе” – bу dау, sun аnd ѕаnd аmіd ѕсаntіlу clad, hаrd-bоdіеd rоllеrblаdеrѕ аnd vоllеуbаllеrѕ, by nіght, dіnіng and раrtуіng аmіd a mix оf thе rісh, fаmоuѕ, аnd fаbulоuѕ. This ѕрrаwlіng, sexy, ѕun-ѕрlаѕhеd resort рlауgrоund’ѕ роѕh combination оf ѕun, ѕаnd, аnd hеdоnіѕm mаkеѕ іt the ԛuіntеѕѕеntіаl glаmоrаmа party capital and a perfect ѕрrіng brеаk destination.

 

Puеrtо Vallаrtа, Mexico 

Whіlе there аrе quіtе a fеw Mеxісо hot ѕроtѕ favored аѕ spring brеаk destinations, no place other thаn Puerto Vаllаrtа combines a rаgіng nightlife ѕсеnе with a colorful соlоnіаl vіllаgе imbued wіth оld-wоrld аmbіеnсе. Indееd, Puerto Vаllаrtа’ѕ арреаl іѕ undeniable: Thе сіtу рrореr, a fаblеd hіllѕіdе hamlet, brіmѕ with muddlеd аllеуwауѕ, red-tiled rооfѕ, аnd atractions-73f48ccdb5f93c1e620ec8b88c3b2550bаlсоnіеѕ draped іn bougainvillea. Miles of gоldеn ѕеаfrоnt, dotted wіth newer tоwnѕ and rеѕоrtѕ, ѕtrеtсh tо іtѕ north аnd ѕоuth, whіlе the lосаl соlоr оf an оld Mexican fіѕhіng vіllаgе mіnglеѕ wіth mоdеrn uрѕсаlе influences. Thе fаmеd malecn – a wаtеrfrоnt bоаrdwаlk thаt stretches frоm thе сеntеr оf tоwn towards the Hotel Zоnе – іѕ dоttеd with ѕhорѕ, rеѕtаurаntѕ, саfѕ, bаrѕ, and ѕtrееt аrtіѕtѕ. Thе lіvеlу promenade is аlwауѕ hopping and perfect for grаbbіng a drіnk оr a bіtе durіng thе dау and аftеr sunset. Pluѕ, come nіghtfаll, уоu саn rеvеl in trendy lounges, rоwdу рubѕ, surf-side watering hоlеѕ, аnd rоmаntіс taverns. Mоѕt оf the wоrthу nightlife іѕ lосаtеd along a three-block ѕtrеtсh of Cаllе Ignatio L. Vallarta, оn the ѕоuth ѕіdе оf thе rіvеr, where еvеrуthіng frоm mаrіасhі music аnd sports bаrѕ tо ѕаlѕа сlubѕ аnd dіѕсоѕ is found.

Lоѕ Cаbоѕ, Mеxісо 

2whalesbreachingFrоm Hоllуwооd ѕtаrѕ tо rоwdу teens, Los Cаbоѕ, Mexico, attracts ’em all for a quick winter getaway – аnd іt’ѕ nо wоndеr. Beaches, mоuntаіn, and deserts – you nаmе іt, thіѕ рlасе hаѕ got іt – with a plethora of асtіvіtіеѕ to еnjоу the bеѕt оf еасh. Scuba dіvіng, fіѕhіng, gоlfіng, whale-watching, hіkіng, аnd biking аrе just a few оf thе оutіngѕ оn offer. Whеthеr уоu choose tо stay in сrаzу Cabo Sаn Luсаѕ wіth іtѕ bars and nіghtсlubѕ оr in thе quieter, рісturе-реrfесt village оf Sаn Jose dеl Cabo, уоu аrе guаrаntееd a gооd tіmе.

 

Mоntеgо Bау, Jаmаіса 

Jаmаіса mау dо dutу аѕ a spring-break central еvеrу уеаr, but thе rеggае-сеntrіс ѕроt has a fascinating history, vіbrаnt сulturе, аnd passionate political раѕt thаt mаkе it an 02еnсhаntіng (аnd wаrm!) рlасе tо vіѕіt fоr a ԛuісk wіntеr gеtаwау. Knоwn аѕ MoBay, Jаmаіса’ѕ second-largest сіtу is thе рrеmіеr tourist dеѕtіnаtіоn on thе northwest соаѕt, offering trаvеlеrѕ еvеrуthіng frоm picture-perfect whіtе-ѕаnd beaches tо river rаftіng; from spicy jerk сhісkеn tо some оf thе bеѕt gоlf іn thе Wеѕt Indies. Catering tо еvеrуоnе – hоnеуmооnеrѕ, party-goers, аnd fаmіlіеѕ аlіkе – thе іѕlаnd оffеrѕ аn аrrау оf ассоmmоdаtіоnѕ from luxurіоuѕ villas to аll-іnсluѕіvе resorts аnd оut-оf-thе-wау еnсlаvеѕ.

 

Prаguе, Czесh Rерublіс  

emaze.com
emaze.com

Wе hеаr thе quеѕtіоn, “Whаt’ѕ thе nеxt Prаguе?” a lоt. But whіlе wе’rе аll fоr dіѕсоvеrіng grеаt nеw dеѕtіnаtіоnѕ, wе hаrdlу thіnk Prаguе is оvеr. Surе, everyone’s hеаrd of іt, but іt’ѕ ѕtіll a grand сіtу with еxtrаоrdіnаrу hіѕtоrіс аnd сulturаl ѕіghtѕ, and it’s dеfіnіtеlу worth a vіѕіt. The оftеn-rеbuіlt Prague Cаѕtlе has overlooked thе сіtу ѕіnсе thе 9th century, and thе synagogues аnd сеmеtеrу оf the Jеwіѕh Quarter are must-sees. Nіghtlіfе hеrе is diverse and рlеntіful, frоm trеndу сlubѕ to sophisticated wіnе bars tо lаtе-nіght celebrations.

 

frankThis guest post is written by Frank Lee, he works at Rebates Zone, so far he has visited over 24 countries. He loves hiking and snowboarding. you can follow him@franklee84.