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mindfulness

You are here: Home / Archives for mindfulness

35 Ways to Self-Sooth During this Holiday Season

November 27, 2020 //  by Alana Roach//  Leave a Comment

Hello EOS Community,

I hope that you had an amazing Thanksgiving despite our collective challenges with the current climate. For most of us this holiday was incredibly different. Embracing change can feel extra challenging when it’s thrust upon us. However, if we accept the moment for being exactly as it is for a very good reason, then we can not only find the lesson, but also find the treasure.

I spent last year’s Thanksgiving in the deserts of California with my daughter and some good friends, which was a first. It was incredible! Years ago when I was living in Costa Rica, I spent Thanksgiving eating rice and beans. Also, amazing. This year I got to spend Thanksgiving with my close family. What a gift. I have also lost a close friend and family member around this holiday, spending Thanksgiving Day grieving and tending to the heart. I can only imagine what your holiday memories have been like over a lifetime. Life is ever changing… People, places, and things come and go.

I have been very blessed to to be able to know that Divine grace is within me and all around me (And my loved ones) during all moments along this path. I have especially been aware of it over the last decade or so because of mindfulness practices being integrated into my daily lifestyle. I went from needing to know every single detail of my future (Which is impossible) to letting go more and more because I knew that God had a better and bigger plan for me. My faith has felt imperfect at times. I’m human. I get caught up in fear and patterns from time to time, but what I have noticed is that because of my unrelenting commitment to fulfilling my divine purpose on this planet for God has made all of my life a work of art leading to a miraculous destination that is right…now…. and right now we are connected to Divine, the only thing that is unchanging, which is the essential Truth of who and what we truly ARE and always have been. So, in that way, it’s ALL been perfect.

Right now you’re walking your path and you are held by God right where you are. If you feel that this year has been one big derail for you, let’s help ourselves by witnessing Divine grace within it. How can we find gratitude, forgiveness, and joy for this year? How can we accept people, places, and things for being exactly as they are while allowing ourselves to be transformed by our willingness to let go. How are we becoming stronger, stiller, confident, kinder, more faithful, more giving, appreciative, forgiving, compassionate, loving,  free-flowing, less ego-ic, less defined by our surroundings, more defined by our inner character that is forever blossoming and changing when prompted by something being stripped away? Pay attention to those things, because that is what keeps you going and GROWING.

So, my friends, where ever you are personally on your path right now, stay humble, stay excited, stay curious, and stay faithful. The best is yet to come.

If you find yourself feeling a little low during this holiday season, take some time to self-sooth. You’ve been through a lot this year. Give yourself a pat on the back. Know that you are loved and that everything will be ok.

Here are some ways to self-sooth during this Holiday Season:

  1. Listen to some of your favorite music.

  2. Hug a loved one and if that’s not possible, call a loved one.

  3. Write a poem.

  4. Journal.

  5. Take a silly picture.

  6. Go for a walk in nature.

  7. Take a bath.

  8. Watch a funny movie.

  9. Meditate.

  10. Do yoga.

  11. Do tai chi or Qi-Gong.

  12. Do your hair and make-up.

  13. Take a nap.

  14. Go to bed early.

  15. Learn how to play an instrument.

  16. Learn how to read music.

  17. Watch an inspiring or funny movie.

  18. Listen to an inspirational or funny podcast.

  19. Paint your nails.

  20. Don’t do anything (Favorite).

  21. Paint, draw, scribble.

  22. Start that project you’ve been putting off.

  23. Read a book.

  24. Dance.

  25. Sign up for a self-development workshop.

  26. Start a cleanse.

  27. Check in with your life coach.

  28. Sage.

  29. Aromatherapy.

  30. Massage.

  31. Acupressure.

  32. Positive affirmations.

  33. Clean your space. Seriously, toss whatever doesn’t make you feel JOY.

  34. Get an intuitive energy reading and healing.

  35. Tell yourself 10 things you are grateful for in this moment.

Please email me at explorationsofself@Gmail.com and let me know how you are doing. Catch me up on you. Let me know who I can pray for in your circle. How can I support you?
I love you all so much and I value your unfolding journey into the deep seas of spirituality, joy, and holistic healing always, always, always.
With much gratitude
Big time blessings,

Email me at info@explorationsofself.com if you are interested in booking with me for one or more of the following:

🌸Virtual Shamanic, Reiki, Oracle Card Readings, and Intuitive Energy Healing  

🌸Fertility, Prenatal, and Postpartum support as your Virtual Holistic Coach and Doula.

🌸Virtual Yoga Private Sessions for Women

🌸Virtual Corporate Yoga, Meditation, and/or Mindfulness Events 

🌸Virtual Integrative Nutrition Coaching

🌸Life & Business Coaching for Women

🌸 Virtual Public Speaking Opportunities & Press

 

 

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Category: Integrative Health, Lifestyle, Mindful LivingTag: bath, blessed, divine, god, holiday, journal, joy, lfiestyle, massage, meditation, mental health, mindfulness, music, nature, reiki, sage, self care, self-sooth, selfcare, thanksgiving, Yoga

Wish Granted, Now What?

January 7, 2020 //  by Alana Roach//  Leave a Comment

Your wish is granted.

You are incredibly loved and adored.

You are abundant and experience abundance in all forms.

You are radiance like sunshine.

You are remarkably talented and easily express your unique creative genius.

You are effervescent like the lunar glow.

You are incredibly intelligent and wise beyond measure.

You are JOY embodied.

Now what?

Where do you go from here?

You have been whole your entire existence.

Now that you realize this, what do you choose to spend your time on? What are you dwelling on? Who do you spend time with? What do you think about when you are alone? What expression do you wear on your avatar? Who’s life do you touch? What words do you speak.

What wishes are you granting?

Divine One,

You are the one you have been waiting for.

You are what you seek.

Rejoice in your brilliance.

Be present with your Creator.

The breezes at dawn have secrets to tell you
Don’t go back to sleep! ~Rumi

Author:

Alana Roach , Founder of Explorations of Self

Loving mother, entrepreneur, yoga teacher, meditation teacher, international wellness retreats, writer, surf enthusiast

 

Category: Integrative Health, Lifestyle, Meditation, Mindful LivingTag: #meditate, #momboss, #successfulwoman, #wellness, abundance, grace, inspiration, law of attraction, life-coaching, manifest, manifesting, mindfulness, Yoga

10 Mindfulness Tips For Driving Cross Country With Your Toddler & Pets

December 13, 2019 //  by Alana Roach//  Leave a Comment

I have been traveling internationally with my daughter since she was 5 months old. I have been single the majority of that time, but never really alone because I have had the Universe’s wind at my back, directing and protecting me the whole way. When you have an inner calling, follow it.

My daughter and I have been to Costa Rica, Peru, and Nicaragua several times over the last 3 and 1/2 years. I love traveling with her. Being alone with a baby or toddler opens up the most magical doors into the hearts of fellow travelers. You find yourself in this special club called, “Parenthood,” and other parents become your tribe when you least expect it. I have had mothers that I just met seconds before help me with my luggage, airport security help me dash lines, and women from all over the globe treat us as their own family when they barely even know us. The fact is, a parent knows another parent in a way that no one else does. It’s a very special bond. Just remember that when you are traveling alone with your child you are definitely not alone. I believe that when you have faith that God will protect and guide you, miracles will happen in unexpected ways.

I recently had the opportunity to go out West for a month to teach and assist a mother run yoga studio that specializes in Prenatal + Postpartum care for mothers and families in their community. If you are ever in San Diego and want to visit this studio, it’s called Nature’s Whisper. They have on site day-care and incredibly knowledgable, skilled yoga and wellness teachers. I give this studio 5 stars!! Seriously amazing.

…and you read that write. Me. I drove cross country. 1 toddler. 2 cats. What!?

Why? I wanted to see this country. Up until the moment I left, I had seen more of other countries than of my own. I feel really grateful to have had the opportunity to do so and last year it was one of my goals to see more of the United States of America, and let me tell you, I feel so happy that I did. This is a gorgeous country with so many different landscapes and cultures. It made me feel really in love with being here.

I drove from Maryland to California & then I drove back a month later. I learned that when thoughtfully planned, a parent can absolutely go the distance literally and figuratively, as I have noted time and time again with our international air travel time for my travel yoga and surf retreats.

I believe that travel is one of the best forms of education. Getting to know different landscapes and cultures creates a well rounded, respectful, loving, outgoing, and grateful little. 

Here are 10 Mindfulness Tips For Driving Cross Country With Your Toddler & Pets

  1. Set an intention. Just like you would with a yoga class, set an intention for this incredible opportunity to BE with your surroundings, your SELF, your child, furry friends, and with God. Write down your intention before you leave and carry it with you. What do you want clarity on in your life? What do you want to dedicate this road trip to?
  2. Create a playlist. Spotify, Audible, and iPhone Podcast/Music playlists were life savors. I had an array of different music, audio books, and podcasts for different moods and time of the day. Anything to keep my mind alert. A new favorite podcast that kept me laughing was, “Girls Gotta Eat.” Thank you girls for being such boss babes. You rock.
  3. Prepare food, first aid kit, tire chains, stops, and activities for your little. While you won’t be able to plan for every stop, be mindful of where the gas stations and food stops are. Superfoods were ESSENTIAL for my brain power. If you would like to learn more about this fortifying superhuman deliciousness that I have been personally using daily for over 2 years email me now at Explorationsofself@gmail.com. Prepare a lot of fresh food that you won’t be able to find on the road to keep your kid and yourself happy. Bring a lot of animal food. Stay hydrated by bringing a lot of water. Bring an etch-a-sketch, books, and whatever little toy friends your little loves to play with. You can’t be over prepared here! You will be on the road for about 40 hours total. The more you bring with you, the less pit stops you will need to make off of your chosen path.
  4. AAA. Life savor. 2 of my yoga students from home suggested I get AAA for road insurance and trip planning a week before we left. They helped plan my entire trip and booked my hotels. Having them book my hotels took so much off of my plate. They found pet-friendly places to sleep which gave me a goal every day. I knew where I was going and how many hours I would be driving which helped me mentally prepare for the day ahead. I suggest taking about a week for your trip. That will give you about 5-8 hours drives each day.
  5. Get an atlas & check the weather reports before you leave. Remember that your phone could stop working at any time for any reason. Get a tangible map. Look at that map before you leave, on some of your stops. Get to know where you are. Look at your route. Relying on technology alone is never a great idea when you are on your own. Be smart! Check the weather before you leave. Make sure you’re not going head first into a snow storm. Take another route. AAA can help with this as well, but make sure you look, too. Take the reins a bit here. Be responsible!
  6. Practice yogic breathing techniques. Not a yogi? That’s ok! Practice breathing slowly in through your nose for a count of 4 and out through your mouth or nose to a count of 4 if you start to feel anxious or stressed. This will calm down your nervous system while in traffic.
  7. Positive mindset. Day 1 or 2 is exciting. Beyond that it can become a little repetitive. Stay positive. Catch your mind in those negative loops and shift your thoughts to what excites you! For instance, “I am so excited to have this opportunity to do something not many people have done!”
  8. Yoga in the morning before you leave. I highly suggest doing yoga in the morning before you leave. Even if it’s a 5 minute sequence to open your hips and stretch out your hand, neck, back, legs & shoulders. This will help prevent physical pain, stimulate your parasympathetic nervous system, and keep your mind alert!
  9. Make sure your animals stay hydrated. Keep those furry friends hydrated. Go to your local pet store and get travel friendly water / food, containers, relaxation foods (We loved these soothing hemp treats) litter boxes, toys, and travel carriers. We brought one of our kitties blankets as well so that they would have their scent on it and feel comfortable.
  10. Do not text and drive. Don’t TEXT AND DRIVE. Come on, now. Just don’t!!! Eyes on the road.

I am so happy that we were able to do this trip together. It brought us all closer together. My daughter will never be this age again and I savor every moment of it.

Believe in yourself. Whatever your reason for driving across the country, with a well planned trip, good FAITH, and a positive mindset, you will absolutely be able to reach your cross country goals with your family.

 

Join Alana for, “The Joy of Being,” A Yoga Escape to Bali, Sept 12-20, 2020!!! Mention this blog article and receive $100 towards your tuition! Email us now: Explorationsofself@Gmail.com or Register now: https://explorationsofself.com/retreats/

 

Love,

Alana, Founder of Explorations of Self

Mother, Yoga Teacher, Nutrition Specialist, Travel Retreats, Surf Lover, Writer

 

 

 

Category: Lifestyle, My Travel, ParentingTag: #family, cross-country, explore, father, mindfulness, mother, parents, pet travel, retreat, superfoods, toddler, Travel

This Is A Call To Your Spirit

October 19, 2018 //  by Alana Roach//  Leave a Comment

Every single morning, when I wake… I pray & meditate.

I ask God/Goddess how I can serve.

My prayer stems from the Buddhist monks, who say something like this, before they chant:

Great Spirit, may I be a flute for your Divine whim.

That expression comes through all of us when we ask for it. It takes many forms. This morning it has taken form in smiling at my daughter this morning when she woke me up at 5:30am, making her breakfast with love in my heart, bringing my boyfriend coffee in bed, cleaning our kitchen, and then sitting down to write this gift for you.

If you’re reading this, then:

This is a call to your inner spirit.

Wake up.

Let your spirit glide and hold space for other’s to do the same.

Realize your potential as swiftly as possible.

Don’t hesitate another moment.

Love unencumbered.

Forgive often.

Bless everyone.

Create a safe haven for your friends and family to come to.

Create a nurturing environment for yourself.

Self care first.

Be an emblem of hope for your community at large.

Help at least one person today.

Give more than you seek to receive.

Receive with open arms, you’re worth it.

Smile when you wake in the morning.

Count your blessings next.

Don’t give up on yourself.

Realize your passions, and you’ve realized your purpose.

Go live your Purpose.

There’s only 1 you.

The world needs your best self.

The world needs your vulnerability & your truth.

Thank you for you,

 

 

 

Alana Roach
Founder of Explorations of Self, LLC. 

Category: Integrative Health, Lifestyle, Mindful LivingTag: Cbd, god, lifestyle, meditation, mindfulness, spiritual, Travel, Yoga, yoga-retreat

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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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