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5 Ways to Prevent Burnout

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It’s so easy to make up excuses when it comes to self-care. You could spend your whole day thinking about your desire to take it easy, or the need for a break, but you keep putting it off, putting everything and everyone else first. The next thing you know it, you’re running on empty, tired and run down. You feel like you’ve been here before… well… because you have.

What’s the pattern here? Where are you negotiating with your self about your true needs? Are you allowing others to run your day, job, schedule?

There’s always a way to find time to tend to the self. We need to put our self first or we will inevitably face burn out.

I have encountered burn out more times than I am willing to admit along my path. I get better at recognizing the signs now. The journey is always coming home to the self with love and care.

Some signs you may be on the verge of burn-out.

  • Irritability
  • Anxiousness
  • Poor sleep
  • Lack of concentration, motivation, and inspiration
  • Sadness
  • Feelings of overwhelm
  • Body imbalances (Aches, injuries, anything that starts to flare up and effects your physical health. As always, consult your doctor if there is a concern!)

 

There is always something to learn from your moments of imbalance. 

“If you wait until you are sick before you begin to try to focus more positively, it is much harder than if you begin to tell the story of Well-Being from your place of feeling good…but, in any case, your new story will, in time, bring you different results. That which is like unto itself, is drawn – so tell the story you want to live and you will eventually live it.” -Abraham Hicks

Life is a journey. A  journey that I, for one, would not ever want to miss. Being out of balance can be a delight because I am then reminded to revise my thoughts and actions to live in a better way.

5 Ways to Prevent Burnout

1. Self Care: Spend time in nature, do an Ayurvedic or superfoods cleanse (Always consult with your doctor before making radical changes to your diet, especially when there are underlying medical conditions) take slow walks, take a nap, deeper breaths, do more yoga, do less talking, read a book, be still, get more massages, laugh more, love more, worry less.

 

 

2. Positive Thinking: Shift your negative thoughts to thoughts of gratitude and appreciation. It can make all the difference. Perception is everything. You can think your way into a prison or you can think your way into freedom. Which do you choose? I love the poem “All the Hemispehres,”  by Hafez as he illustrates it so well…

All the Hemispheres

Leave the familiar for a while.
Let your senses and bodies stretch out

Like a welcomed season
Onto the meadows and shores and hills.

Open up to the Roof.
Make a new water-mark on your excitement
And love.

Like a blooming night flower,
Bestow your vital fragrance of happiness
And giving
Upon our intimate assembly.

Change rooms in your mind for a day.

All the hemispheres in existence
Lie beside an equator
In your heart.

Greet Yourself
In your thousand other forms
As you mount the hidden tide and travel
Back home.

All the hemispheres in heaven
Are sitting around a fire
Chatting

While stitching themselves together
Into the Great Circle inside of
You. ~ Hafez

3.Vacation: Even if it’s a couple of days, take time to respite.

A pause from your daily routine is necessary to reset and regain inspiration. If you simply can’t make time for a mini respite this month, ask yourself what sort of things you would be doing on that retreat. Would it be a spa day? A long walk? A healthy meal with wonderful company? I asked myself this a couple of years ago and started to implement vacation like practices in my day to day life by getting regular acupuncture, massages, taking long baths, electronics fasting, and long walks in nature, and it has made all the difference. If you are looking to schedule f a 9 day relaxing journey this September 12-20, 2020, Join me in Bali for a decadent Yoga & Meditation Escape. 

 

 4. Clear your schedule:

Make a list of everything you’re investing your energy in.

Also, know that it’s ok to say NO to that dinner party on Thursday night if you don’t really want to go. Allow your calendar to have to space to breathe. Some of the best experiences I have ever had were when I had not scheduled them. They happened because I created space for The Universe to deliver an experience. Now ask yourself: If I only had 6 months to live, what would I be doing? Gaining perspective on what truly matters will help you, overtime, refine your priorities. If there are things you can immediately shift and let go of, ask yourself: Why am I holding on to this? If it’s a career shift or something that may take time to shift, ask the Universe to provide you with clarity on how to make this attainable. Make a list of tiny steps you can take daily towards this great vision. In the mean time, know that everything you are doing is contributing to the bigger picture.

5. Receive:

A lot of really talented, genuinely good, capable people can have one fault.

They are great at creatingopportunities, getting things done, and taking care of others. However, when it comes to receiving, they have a major block. If that’s you… listen. From my own experience here. It takes a village. It just does. Every single person you see out there thriving has a team. Allow yourself to receive support and love from your community. Allow yourself to receive love and support from your Creator. The Universe yearns to provide for you. It will come in many forms when you allow it to come in. Practicing receiving. The next time someone gives you a compliment, say, “Thank you,” and breathe that compliment in. The next time someone wants to help you with your groceries to your car say, “Ok.” Allow. You deserve support, everyone does. The smallest acts of allowing can make huge differences in your life.

 

Take care of yourself. Remember that self-care should be your 1st priority. Your capacity to give will increase naturally when you give yourself the LOVE that you so deserve.

If you are looking for a lifestyle change and need support, I work 1 on 1 with people to help you improve balance and joy in any area of your life. My modalities include an entire lifestyle reboot using monthly sessions and remote energy work which are specifically designed to help you at the level of your needs. No two sessions are the same. Whether you are looking for guidance professionally, in your health, or otherwise, book in with me for a free 15 minute Integrative Lifestyle Coaching consult now.

Founder of Explorations of Self

Mom, Yogini, Lover of Life

#Godisgoodallthetime

 

 

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

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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

 

 

 

A Leap of Faith, New Moon in Taurus

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A Leap of Faith, New Moon in Taurus
My dear friends,
 
It’s been awhile since I wrote you. I have been going through a lot of change this year and writing has taken a bit of a back burner. I am returning with my pen in hand (Or keyboard) to create monthly newsletters for you to contemplate, be inspired by, share with your loved ones, and enjoy. If you are not signed up for my newsletter yet, you can sign up now at explorationofself.com when the prompt comes up.
 
My daughter turns 3 this Saturday which happens to not only be, “May the 4th be with you,” (Putting my nerdy glasses on ?…) but also the New Moon in Taurus. What a special New Moon this is!!! She has been the biggest inspiration I have had to roll out my dreams and push myself beyond my comfort zone to insure that they come to fruition. Our children deserve to see us at our best, rocking it, changing the world for the better, and taking them along with us to experience all of the beauty that this life has to offer in great support to them because they will BE THE CHANGE that we wish to see in the world. She’s such a LIGHT. It’s incredible to watch her shine everyday… she embodies JOY. The children that are being born these days are just pure heart <3 . I know that their God given GRACE on this planet will be akin to angels walking on this Earth. They are reminding us of what WE ARE. Have you forgotten your inner GRACE? Let these beautiful examples remind you that YOU, too, are an angel walking on this Earth. The world greatly needs you to to know how loved and appreciated you are. It takes great courage to walk in your GRACE, and not succumb fear, but you got this.
 
This Sun conjunct Moon is giving us a lot of energy towards creating and setting our desires in full force motion. You may find yourself reflecting on old belief systems, habits, and patterns as you step into a new, more free YOU. Now is your time to shine.

New moon ritual:

1. Take some time to meditate and reflect.

2. Draw a line down the center of a page. On the left write OLD, and on the right, write NOW.

3. Write down negative belief systems that you have about yourself in the OLD column.

4. Write down the opposite of that belief system in the NOW column. (For instance, if you write, “I feel like I am no good in the OLD column, in the NOW column you could write, “I am SO amazing in every way.”

5. Cross out the OLD.

6. Go to a mirror and look at yourself lovingly and recite your NOW column in 1st person. Be sure to say, “I am,” before every NOW belief system.

7. Do this for 28 days in a row and watch your inner and outer world start to shift in a BIG way.

8. Have faith. Most of the time, having faith means believing in what we can’t see, and trusting that the Universe has us. Keep your biggest, heart felt dream, and allow the Universe to take care of the timing and details.

 

Author: Alana Roach, Founder of Explorations of Self

There’s No One to Blame or Shame

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I think what bothers me the most about him is that he regularly forgets about me, us, we.

The moments of really seeing me are irregular; a foreign act that often surprises me. He’s a criminal. Someone who often steals my sanctity, and who else is the one to blame but me.

But there is no blame or shame here, dear One. You are a child of God. There are Lessons to be learned from your Guides above. 

You’ll Bury your worries and set aside your fears, for just one more dose of longing, and one more helping of tears. Is it really worth it? Is HE really worth it?

No, child, but YOU are Worth it. Worthy of all that is Good and Right and Justice in the world. She is your biggest Fan and you are your biggest Hope. Cast aside your shadows, and lean into longing for what you long for is Spirit, and what you die for is a lie.

There’s really no difference between you and your shadow, it’s all to be your Guide.

 

 

 

 

 

Author: Alana Roach, Founder of Explorations of Self, International Yoga and Surf Retreat Leader  & Teacher, Board Certified Integrative Nutrition Expert, writer, poet, mindful eating & living coach, lifestyle guru, mother, martial arts/bjj/qi gong/tai chi, artist, singer, Law of Attraction, lover of life

This Is A Call To Your Spirit

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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. 

The Launch of The Enhanced & Enlightened www.Explorationsofself.com

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2018 is the year of the butterfly.

“This is the year to dream a heaven on earth both personally and collectively,” Soul Matrix

I am happy to announce the launch of my enhanced and enlightened version of www.Explorationsofself.com !!

Explorations of Self, aka EOS, is a community of believers, seekers, dreamers, and visionaries. We come together through our common curiosity of bettering our lives with health, nutrition, mindfulness, nature, travel, and over all well-being.

A little background on EOS’s caterpillar to Butterly journey.

I first launched EOS’s website while living in India during 2010. It was there that I found out what my life was supposed to be about, which was everything I was passionate about. My purpose: To help others live passionately and joyfully in every area of their lives. I had to ask myself, “What am I truly passionate about? What really lights me up?” My answer: Helping others. Yoga. Writing. Travel. So, Explorationsofself.com started as a travel and wellness blog. I started creating content, even though I was terrified of publishing my work. I didn’t want to be judged for what I wrote. I had fears about being judged by the public eye, but because I knew that this was part of my purpose here on this Earth, and that this was a medium that God would use through me to teach His/Her children. I pushed through. My first 10 blogs weren’t even edited. I would write them, hold my breath, and then post them. That is was got me comfortable with writing! I love that part of my journey. Eventually I developed the courage to go over what I wrote, so that I could put on finishing touches. I love this process now. Writing is such an incredible journey, both inner and outer. With that being said, no matter how long you have been blogging, if you are a passionate writer, feel free to send me your wellness content! EOS would love to share your inspiration with our growing community!

I re-launched EOS’s website in 2012 as a travel, yoga, and blog business. This is when I moved to Costa Rica, and taught my first yoga-retreats. This site in particular holds a very special place in my heart. This is when the pieces of my life’s purpose puzzle started to really come together. I was putting my visions into fruition. I wasn’t just thinking about living my purpose and passion, I was living it. I am tearing up right now even reflecting on this period of my life. Do you understand how exhilarating this was? I was a brand new teacher who had been teaching a lot since receiving her E-RYT 200 in 2011, but to start a yoga retreat business?! I just knew I had to. I had WIND at my back. For those of you who are living to serve others, you get this. I filled that retreat on my own, with the help of Spirit of course, but that just goes to show you how powerful FAITH and TRUST are. My yoga retreat business has been steadily growing ever since. I have been running annual retreats in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Peru since this launch of that site. I have testimonials upon testimonials for EOS retreat go-ers who have had their lives vastly improved and positively changed from these week long explorations. God is so good, you guys.

So today, EOS grows again, because the community has, and so have I. I have been very, very blessed and fortunate to have furthered my wellness education so that I can serve you even more. I have been very, very blessed to have the support of my beloved co-retreat leaders, artists, web designers, accountants, mentors, guest blog writers, interns, and more. I have been VERY, very blessed to have a supportive group of family and friends who believe in my wild dreams, even when I, at times, would become discouraged. Thank you so much. EOS would not be what is without you. Seriously. The impact that you, I, WE are making on this planet is so profound and important for the betterment of Mother Earth and her inhabitants… it’s unreal.

So, I welcome you to explore the new and improved www.explorationsofself.com , the home to:

?‍♀️Life Coaching with Alana Roach
?‍♂️Integrative Nutrition Coaching with Alana Roach
?‍♀️Shamanic Healings with Alana Roach
?‍♂️Spiritual Hygiene training with Alana Roach
?‍♀️International Yoga Retreats with Alana Roach, Kate Grove, & Angelique Karditzas (More incredible co-retreat leaders will be announced very soon, signing contracts as we speak!! Stay tuned!)
?‍♂️A much easier Shopify retreat payment system (Per your request ??.)
?‍♀️The best CBD out there
EOS apparel (For infants & toddlers, too! You know I love family yoga and travel!! Yes!!)
?‍♂️A bigger and better blog, featuring subjects like: #travel #mindfulliving#nutritious #moveyourbody #integrativehealth #lifestyle #sustainability#parenting #fashionandbeauty

So, my Facebook tribe! Dig in to your new online wellness home, and feel free to share it with people whom you believe it would help! www.explorationsofself.com

So much and gratitude,

Alana Roach
Founder of Explorations of Self, LLC.

Do Date a Girl Who Travels

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“SHE’S MAD BUT SHE’S MAGIC

THERE IS NO LIE IN HER FIRE”

Do date a girl who travels. Stroke her messy, unkempt, sun-bleached hair when she’s asleep and you’ll feel her whole being unfold in your arms.

Trace the map of her wounds, scars and wrinkles with your fingertips until you know it by heart and you’ll understand her story. It’s not easy to follow and there are more exclamation and question marks than full stops and commas, but it’s worth reading for not a single word is empty of meaning.

Do date a girl who travels and you won’t be bored. She’ll make you close your eyes, jump out of a plane, talk to strangers, watch the moon, climb rocks, hike mountains, dance barefoot, chat until sunrise, skinny dip, sing karaoke. She won’t be easy to keep up with. She won’t be easy to please. But every day you’ll be grateful for her endless energy, free spirit and infectious zest for life for it will make you live fearlessly, mindfully, blissfully.


Do date a girl who travels. You won’t need to buy her expensive dinners or gifts. You won’t need to prove you’re worth her. Walk with her, hold her hand, talk to her, laugh with her. Keep it simple. Be genuine and never try to impress her with anything else but who you are and who you’re working on being. And remember that she won’t be fooled. She’s seen it all.

Do date a girl who travels for she will show you the world you never knew existed. The world where the sky is no limit. The world of dreams made into reality. The world where willpower and determination are the only prerequisites for success. Success which is not measured by fame or material possessions, but by finding your purpose and living your truth and passions. The world often stripped of order, logic and analytical thinking, but full of intuitive decisions, spontaneous changes and internal conviction. Do date a girl who travels for she’ll knock out all the walls you’ve built around yourself and find her way to places you’d never let anyone into.

Do date a girl who travels. She won’t need you. She won’t be scared of losing you. She’ll be with you because she choses to. Because life is simply better with you. Trust her. Learn when to follow her and when to let her go. If you manage to touch her soul, she’ll be back. And when she is, hold her so tight that all the beautiful, wobbly, faulty, mismatched pieces of her stick together. And every day you’ll thank the universe for bringing her your way.

This post is a rebuttal to “Don’t Date a Girl Who Travels” available

here: https://medium.com/@adizarsadias/dont-date-a-girl-who-travels-802c49b9141c

 

 

Author: Magda Procner 

Yoga Teacher, Retreat Guide for Peru, Found @ Mags Yoga

You can read more about her on her websites: www.magsyoga.com 

And follow her on Instagram: @Magsyoga

 

You Can Thrive.

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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

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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

…

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

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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.

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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

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