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sound healing

You are here: Home / Archives for sound healing

You Can Thrive.

October 12, 2017 //  by Admin//  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

Category: Creative Explorations, Lifestyle, My Travel, Travel, YogaTag: #digitalnomad, #entrepreneur, Costa Rica, destination, dreams, fierce, grace, health, inspiration, meditation, money, mother, motherhood, new, selflove mindfulness, sound healing, spiritual, spring, thrive, Travel, traveler, traveling, wanderlust, wildlife, Yoga

5 Steps to Manifesting Your Dream Lifestyle

May 4, 2017 //  by Admin//  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

…

Category: Integrative Health, Lifestyle, TravelTag: #digitalnomad, #entrepreneur, Costa Rica, destination, dreams, fullmoon, grace, health, inspiration, mobile, money, nomad, selflove mindfulness, sound healing, Travel, traveler, year spiritual, Yoga

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

March 9, 2017 //  by Admin//  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.

Category: Basic Yoga, Creative Explorations, Meditation, Mindful Living, My Travel, Workshop, Yoga, Yoga TutorialsTag: #digitalnomad, Costa Rica, destination, dreams, fullmoon, grace, health, mother, selflove mindfulness, sound healing, Travel, year spiritual, yo, Yoga

Liberated Heart

January 29, 2017 //  by Admin//  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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Category: Travel, YogaTag: Costa Rica, destination, dreams, inspiration, mother, nomad, retreat, selflove mindfulness, sound healing, Travel, traveler, wanderlust, wildlife, Yoga

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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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