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How to Maintain Your Yoga Practice & More Without Childcare During Quarantine

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I was talking to a fellow yoga teacher and mama friend the other day and she asked me, “How do you do things with your little one at home since you can’t use help?”

I immediately thought of  my yoga practice and how much it has shifted and changed over the years since the birth of my daughter, and yet, I continue to practice daily, despite the perceived interruptions.  And that is the thing, they are only interruptions when I perceived them to be.  The truth is there is nothing other than this moment, and non-dualistic perspective gives us the opportunity to see all things as moving parts of our SELF.

So, she had a great question.

How do you continue to do things without the help that you might be used to?

For the last 4 years I have raised my daughter as a solo mom for the majority of our experiences and I have traveled the world, run international yoga retreats, ran several different facets of wellness businesses, AND she has been right there, the whole entire time.  When she was younger, I strapped her to me and I practiced yoga wearing her!  I did a lot of things wearing her.  That’s just one thing that you can do.  It’s great core work and great for baby!

I have hired help and used the help of the daycare centers at gyms when I taught abroad and locally. For the majority of the time I am alone with my daughter and I love it.  But, when this pandemic first hit and gyms were shut down, all of the sudden those few hours where I could get acupuncture or take a sauna were gone.  It DID take a few weeks to adjust to for both of us!!  My daughter missed playtime with kids her age.  We still prevailed.  We found new things to do together, which I am forever grateful for.  After those few weeks passed and I started to really relish in the fact that I was working less and had more time to be present with her.  We are in a groove now.  One that I am seriously grateful for.

So, we adapt.  We have this insatiable ability as humans to adapt to new situations and environments over time.  We can choose to make the best of it or not.  I suggest taking the high road here.  This takes mental diligence.

It has not always been easy to let go of the way that I think things should be done, or that hour long “Uninterrupted,” yoga practice, but when I surrender to the beauty of this sacred DANCE of life that I get to participate in, I get to do all of the things that I enjoy + household chores with a sense of joy and ease.

I set the intention every single day to co-create a day that not only nurtures our minds and bodies, but also, our souls.

I pray every morning to Divine to please keep me open to the miracles He/She has in store for me today.

When I do this,  I am blown away by the little things.  My daughter’s smile.  The leaves rustling in the breeze. The smell of fresh air.  The sun shine or the rain.  It’s all incredible.

I also whole heartedly believe that when I ask God for guidance in the way that I see my day, I am always given the opportunity to see the ease through out it all.   Divine gives us the opportunity to see Heaven on Earth all of the time.  The question is, do you want to see it?

Takeaways on “How to do things with your little ones at home & no help.” 

  • Remaining flexible and open to a new kind of day.
  • Staying open to the beautiful new ways of being.
  • Integrating my children with my day.
  • Remaining in witness to the miracles in each moment.
  • Remembering that we are human.
  • If your children take naps, use that time to do something for yourself.
  • When your children go to bed at night, take an hour to do self-care.
  • Take a deep breath.
  • Ask Divine to show you the reality of this moment.
  • Smile more.
  • They are only this age once.
  • You can do this.
  • Talk to other parents who might be in the same boat!  Connecting has this incredible ability to help us feel not so alone in our experiences, which can be very cathartic!!  Community, even if it’s remote, is so important.
  • Things are always changing so how can you adapt and raise up your vibration to meet this excellent new change?
  • Stay grounded in LOVE and be buoyed by the Divine Spirit.
  • Don’t forget to laugh… at yourself, at each other.  It’s most important.

Just as the certainty that life is always changing, our yoga practice will, too!  Remaining open to the change is what’s key here.  If we become attached to some facet of our practice, we may become distressed.  Yoga is meant to help you let GO of what was and welcome what IS.  You may be pleasantly surprised to find that what IS is just as incredible as what was, because the core of Divine is in each moment as it is and THAT is the only thing that never changes.  Are you willing to remain open to that JOY within this moment as it is?

 

In love and light,

Alana Roach

Founder of Explorations of Self

Using Your Menstrual Cycle as a Guide to Success

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Yes.  I’ve said it.  Your menstrual cycle.  A guide to success.  I call it a Moon Cycle and it is your super power. Ever since I  started looking into the moon phases a decade ago, I noticed my periods aligned with New or Full Moons almost always.  I’ve talked to MANY women about their moon cycles and they can concur.  Women are in sync with the moon and this synchronization is a creative force.  

Dr Christiane Northup noted:

Studies have shown that peak rates of conception and probably ovulation appear to occur at the full moon or the day before.

During the new moon, ovulation and conception rates are decreased overall, and an increased number of women start their menstrual bleeding. Scientific research has documented that the moon rules the flow of fluids (ocean tides as well as individual body fluids) and affects the unconscious mind and dreams.1

The timing of the menstrual cycle, the fertility cycle, and labor also follows the moon-dominated tides of the ocean. Environmental cues such as light, the moon, and the tides play a documented role in regulating women’s menstrual cycles and fertility.

In one study of nearly two thousand women with irregular menstrual cycles, more than half of the subjects achieved regular menstrual cycles of twenty-nine days’ length by sleeping with a light on near their beds during the three days around ovulation.2

We, as a culture,  often overlook our menstrual cycles as just one of those things that just happen.  I am often surprised about the lack of conversation within communities of women on this topic.  We need to re-claim our bodies as powerful, sovereign, MAGICAL, creative life forces.

I noticed long ago that my cycles were important for cleansing, creating, restoring, and balancing.  Our menstrual cycles are a gift.  They not only give us an opportunity to create an actual life, but also give us a huge opportunity to create life to our dream life.

 

If you do not know your cycle, there are so many great apps to help with that.  I use the Flo App and it’s free!

Follicular phase

The phase that happens right after your period.  During this phase you start to feel more alive and energetic.  This is a great time to start new projects, make new connections, be creative, be in front of the camera, write, and travel for business.   You will enjoy being around people and connecting with others at this time so take advantage of your outgoing nature!  I will often take on a little bit more during this time because I know I have the energy to manage it.

Ovulation

During your ovulation phase you will feel most likely feel magical.  People are attracted to you more than ever.  Schedule business meetings with people who have possibly been on the fence.  Get into receptive mode.  The more you can just allow the abundance to find you, the better.  This is a great time to ask The Universe to bring you people that you can help with ease.

Luteal Phase

During this phase we will want to slow down. Give yourself this time.  Don’t take as many appts.  Do less.  Self care more.  This is a time to allow all of the work that you have done earlier in your cycle to incubate.  There is an incredible intelligence at work here within our mind, body, and spirit.  Trust yourself.

Dr. Christiane Northup also states that:

“Women, too, go through a period of darkness each month, when the life-force may seem to disappear for a while (premenstrual and menstrual phases).4 We need not be afraid or think we are sick if our energies and moods naturally ebb for a few days each month. In many parts of India, it’s perfectly acceptable for women to slow down during their periods and rest more.

I have come to see that all kinds of stress-related disease, ranging from PMS to osteoporosis, could be lessened a great deal if we simply followed our body’s wisdom once per month.”

Menstruation

Our body is cleansing at this time.  In the Ashtanga Yoga tradition, women do not practice yoga for the first 3 days of menstruation.  They honor their bodies and the apana (Downward flowing energies.)  This is a time of transformation.  Energy that we have taken on or emotions that we have possibly shoved down away from the surface are released.  This is a great time to meditate, journal, take baths, get a massage, rest, organize and clean if there’s natural energy for that.  If there’s anything that didn’t quite feel right in your business this month, now is the time to release it and let go.

We should be celebrating our Moon Cycles. There is great MAGIC in it!  We are very blessed.  We are creative forces.  If our cycles can literally create a life,  why wouldn’t our cycles be able to create limitless possibility in every area of our life?

If you are experiencing difficulties with your cycle or would like 1 on 1 life coaching for a particular area in your life, go here to schedule your free 15 minute consult!

With love,

Alana

Sources:

https://www.drnorthrup.com/wisdom-of-menstrual-cycle/

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/menstrual-cycle

Wish Granted, Now What?

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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

 

4 Steps to Manifesting Your Success in 2020!

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The spiritual journey is one of GREAT MYSTERY, and growth can happen both gradually and suddenly.  For the last few years, the collective has been going through what feels like an uphill climb through a thick fog. Has your inner clarity felt stifled up until recently?  There is always a reason for this. You are being prepped for greater vision. 2020 is The Year of Clear Vision. Punny? It is!! Yet true…

When inner clarity feels muddled, stay the course of loving awareness and do the next right thing. You are never abandoned. I believe that at some point, the Universe will take off our training wheels so that we can be prepared to surrender our egos even more, and throw our hands up in the air exclaiming, “Ok, Creator, I don’t know what to do. Please help.”

Ask and it shall be given you, because it has already been given. ~Course in Miracles

This next year will be a home coming for you. You will once again feel the nearness of your Creator because you, my friend, have been so incredibly patient and steadfast in your Faith. The fog is being lifted. Your mountain has been climbed. It’s now time to peer out at the beauty of this world with a fresh spirit and wide child-like eyes. Our inner child has been healing, and is ready to play and celebrate!!!

From my spiritual seeking, I have received wisdom that 2020 is the year of JOY. Earlier in 2019, I was guided by The Universe to put a deposit down on a yoga retreat center for a 2020 retreat in Bali and call it, “The Joy of Being.” After that, the Universe sent me 3 social media clients who were all intuitive joy  life coaches. You can’t make this stuff up. I was being guided to do this all year. Preparing the soil for you those who felt called to join me on this journey to sow their roots and blossom in the most incredibly JOY-filled ways. I feel really excited for this retreat. It’s already half way full and there are a few spots left. If you are feeling the call to come with me to Bali, you can learn more here.  

 

In Chinese Zodiac, 2020 is going to be a very prosperous and passionate year!

TheChineseZodiac.org says that,

“The Metal Rat Year is going to be a strong, prosperous, and lucky year for almost all Chinese zodiac signs. Everyone will show determination regarding their goals, aspirations, and even their hobbies. This is a great year for founding and evolving. Those who plan to buy real estate, to start a business or to invest money in a long-term project have great chances of being satisfied in the future. But, beware! This type of initiatives will only be successful if they are carefully planned.”

 

Are you trusting the inner guidance that you are receiving at this time, Old Soul? Are you ready to steep in your Divine purpose and delight your community with your gifts?

2020 is your year!!!

4 Steps to Manifesting Your Success in 2020!

1. Meditate: Meditation is a form of listening to your Creator. When we pray, we are speaking, and when we meditate we are listening. You have most likely already asked for guidance. Now listen. Often times it helps to create a sacred space or alter in your home to meditate every day. This area will become rich with meditative, sacred energy and it will become easier and easier to drop into a meditative state to hear your Creator the more and more that you use it. Sit between 5-30 minutes daily and listen… journal what you find.

2. Vision Board: 

After you have meditated, it’s time to get creative!!! Whether you like to vision board with old magazinesand a large poster board or use Pinterest! Vision boards give you a daily reminder of what you desire on this journey in every way!! According to an article written by Huffington Post: 

“Visualization is one of the most powerful mind exercises you can do. According to the popular book The Secret, “The law of attraction is forming your entire life experience and it is doing that through your thoughts. When you are visualizing, you are emitting a powerful frequency out into the Universe.”

Whether you believe that or not, we know that visualization works. Olympic athletes have been using it for decades to improve performance, and Psychology Today reported that the brain patterns activated when a weightlifter lifts heavy weights are also similarly activated when the lifter just imagined (visualized) lifting weights.”

 

 

 

 

 

3. Get a mentor and increase your positive network: The most successful people in the world all have had mentors. When you surround yourself with successful and positive people who have what you desire, you up-level, too. Like attracts like. Spiritual mentors can help you get out of stuck patterns like procrastination or negative thinking, and can introduce you to new ways of taking action to achieve your goals. It can be easy to beat yourself up or get tapped out when you are walking the road towards success. It’s not an overnight thing. Mentors hold you accountable and cheer you on the whole way through your process and can introduce you to other positive and successful networks. The more cheerleaders you have, the better. If you would like to work 1 on 1 with Alana to be successful in your life’s purpose, you can learn more here.  

4. Do more of what inspires you. What lights you up? If you get stuck here, you can return to your vision board for inspiration. Do more of what inspires you. When we do more of what inspires us we tap into our bodies

When we find ourselves inspired our body produces higher levels of serotonin and dopamine…

Dopamine is the neurotransmitter involved in movement, memory, pleasurable reward, and motivation. Serotonin is involved in well-being, appetite regulation, and the transmission of nerve

Impulse” (5). This means that the more inspiration, the more of such simulations.

On the other hand, if we are victims of circumstances and just getting by in life then we will stimulate a higher production of cortisol. You have probably heard about this neurotransmitter as well. It is most commonly known as the neurochemical related to stress.

In the long run what impacts our mood the most, either energizing or depleting us, are the chemicals in our body called neurotransmitters. Inspiration “juices us up” with good ones, while the lack of it poisons our body with stress. `(Resource: https://intentioninspired.com/how-inspiration-works/)

I wish you so much joy and personal freedom in this next year to fulfill your wildest dreams in serving your loved ones and the world at large with your unique Divine Purpose!

Love,

Founder of Explorations of Self

How Having a Baby Made Me a Successful Entrepreneur

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I was already half in the entrepreneur world when I was pregnant with my daughter. I got a taste of what this kind of freedom tasted like after running Explorations of Self Retreats and Blog for a few years already at that point. It tasted GOOD, and I trusted that if I put one foot in front of the other, all would fall into place for me to create the Lifestyle Design that I so craved, which was, to have the ability to work from wherever I wanted in the world and make my own hours. I knew that this would take a lot of consistent FAITH and foot work to fulfill this Divine mission. Every morning I prayed for God to use me for His will. I talked to God & asked to be guided to the right people and places at the right time to fulfill my MISSION here on Earth and in this lifetime.

I also had a deep knowing that I was meant to parent this baby angel in a mindful way. I would stumble across these incredible methods of parentings like, “Attachment Parenting,” through out my Doula trainings and Prenatal Yoga teaching even before I conceived my little girl. It was as if God was whispering in my ear, “Raise her like this,” or, ”She will really thrive with this.” I even had a dream about what kind of bed she was to have one night, a month before giving birth. Up until that dream I had never heard of floor mattresses in Teepees. I woke up from that dream like, whoa, I need to look this up. Thank Google. I found out that Montessori schools use this model of sleeping to encourage a sense of confidence and independence within the child. So, rather than a crib, which to me, felt like a jail, I got the floor mattress and the teepee. It was the most perfect sleeping arrangement ever. We both slept great. We still do 3 years later. She is the most confident, happy, loving, and courageous little girl that I have ever known. I am proud of her. I thank God for leading my parenting for her every single day.

With all of this being said, I knew that I would need to give my daughter a lot of close to me comforts. I wanted to be the one who woke her up in the morning and made her meals. I wanted to be able to play with her whenever she desired, and hold her whenever she needed her mother’s warmth.

This desire to bring my daughter with me where ever I went through her early developmental years was crucial in my sail’s catching wind into my full time Entrepreneur life as a digital nomad. I create my schedule. I dictate my hours. I am with my daughter all the time, and guess what? I LOVE IT. My daughter has been by my side on all of my international retreats & I would not want it any other way. I sometimes get the question, “What do you do with your daughter on your retreats?” I TAKE HER, YES! I also hear, “What happens when she is in school?” I CREATE MY OWN SCHEDULE! NO BIG DEAL! To every problem, there is a solution when we involve God.

If I decided to pick up and move tomorrow, I could. My online copy-writing , social media marketing , yoga retreats/teaching, fitness training, energy healing and lifestyle coaching skill sets allows me to do so. I keep evolving in my skill set the more that I do them. I am absolutely an expert in my field, and so are you, you just need to start believing it.

My point is, what you LOVE to do, you LOVE for a reason. God wants you to be HAPPY. What makes you HAPPY? Write it down. What makes your grateful today?! WRITE IT DOWN! The more that we anchor down into this moment with the blessings that we have been given, the more we will be happy. The more often that we find that happy place, the more often we will start to navigate towards that happy.

Small steps every day, ignited from your Heart-Centered truth, will absolutely set you FREE.

If you feel like you’ve had the desire to do something but haven’t because you thought it had to be done a certain way, then you are not alone, but guess what? God is a master Designer. If it’s been laid on your HEART to do something, then you have a mission to fulfill. Everything in your life will rise up to support you in this and more if you keep following your INTUITION. Prayer and meditation are the keys. I also suggest going for walks in nature, traveling, and doing more yoga (Of course.) Eat a healthy diet. Surround yourself with positive and uplifting people. Keep working on yourself & continue to evolve. You were meant for GREATNESS.

What do you feel guided to do? Let’s transform our lives together through Explorations of Self Community. 

Journal Prompt:

What limiting beliefs are holding you back from reaching your goals?

What are NEW EMPOWERED beliefs that you can set in place? Cross out your limiting beliefs and replace them with the opposite belief. For example: If my limiting belief was, “I have children, I can’t do that with children.” My NEW EMPOWERED belief would be, “Having children makes this even easier to accomplish! I look forward to inspiring my kids with this new way of being!”

 

Author: Alana Roach, Founder of Explorations of Self, LLC. Woman of BIG FAITH, Mom, blogger, copy writing, social media marketer, surfer, yoga teacher, meditation guide, barre & TRIBE Team Trainer, free~spirit.