The Art of Slowing Down Is Life Changing

April 3, 2019 // by Alana Roach// Leave a Comment

Are you listening to the Universe? What is your current Spiritual lesson? What keeps coming up for you in meditation, conversation, song, road sign, yoga class, email newsletter, etc? Write it down, begin to explore it. None of these things happen by coincidence!

My lesson of late is balance through the, “Art of Slowing Down.” I call it this because it is literally that. Moving slower, breathing slower, taking time to pause even when my task makers say go. You are the liaison between thought and action, mind and body, you and him or her. What nourishes your soul nourishes the deepest part of mine, so when you start feeding yourself in a way that creates enough space for you to know you are following joy, you are inherently being of service to the world.

I recall a memory from when I was about 25. It was months before I moved to India and started truly listening to my passionate heart. I was waitressing at the time to put myself through college. The eatery was well known for it’s food and service. If you know anyone who has ever worked in the restaurant business, they will surely tell you that it is quick paced and not error proof. There are a lot of moving parts to make that beautiful plate of food come to your table whilst the food is still hot (We hope.) Maybe you have worked at a restaurant yourself and you are nodding your head as we speak. I was good at my job, but tired. I had picked up extra shifts to pay for my plane ticket for an upcoming trip to India.

Thank God I had yoga and meditation at that time, but even that on some days did not feel like it was enough to slow my mind down. I have the tendency to be a huge people pleaser when I forget to take care of myself and place boundaries. It stems into the work place, and it definitely stemmed into that work place. Here is the exact memory to illustrate a busy bodied Alana and the little boy who changed everything for me that day with two simple words:

The restaurant’s Section 5 was closest to the kitchen on the left hand side. The kitchen was exposed so you could see the chefs, the food line up, the waiters/waitresses, and the food runners. I was literally running to the kitchen to grab table 55’s food, two hot plates of deliciousness in each hand with a cup of split pea soup stacked on a small plate resting on my forearm. I hurriedly walked to table 55 and successfully dismounted all of the plates, quickly smiled at beautiful brunette haired mother who was maybe in her 30’s, only to hear her 8 or 9 year old son say, “Where’s my soda?”

Shoot, I said to myself.

“I’ll be right back with that.” As I went to turned around I remembered I had to plug in table 50’s order still, and it was definitely supposed to have happened 5 minutes ago. I must have looked stressed as I spun on my left heel to turn to the waiter station computer and banged my funny bone and this time I let out a very audible, “SHOOT.” I was tired and overworked, and I felt like crying and that little boy saw all of this and said in a very direct tone.. “Slow DOWN.”

Wow. He’s right. How did I forget?

For whatever reason his words stuck with me. The Universe is amazing that way. She will send you reminders and experiences to help assist you in returning to the present moment if you are seeking them. I made sure to slow down for the rest of the day. I felt much more centered and at peace with the pace that I was going because I trusted that if I just kept breathing slowly and doing the next right thing as it arose, all would be well. It was.

How do we forget to slow down? Why do we hurriedly rush from thing to thing and cram out schedules SO tight that we exhaust ourselves to the point of burn out? Even Ariana Huffington, the creator of the Huffington Post and many other amazing businesses will tell you that taking time to slow down and pause is essential for your health, both mind and body. Even she, who is an incredible business woman had her limit when she collapsed from burn out and injured herself. That was her wake up call. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want that wake up call. She listened! I was listening to a podcast interview with her the other day, and she said that when she was in the hospital recovering from that incident, she was determined to find balance in her work and personal life. She did!

I want to stop that madness before it gets to that point.

Don’t you?

I still get gentle reminders today to slow down. I listen and try* to shift gears and re-find balance through slowing down when reminders occur. I know that those reminders get louder if I ignore them, just like ALL spiritual lessons do. It is very easy to get back to running the rat race because it’s all around me in the USA. I am so grateful for my yoga and surf retreat portion of Explorations of Self because it gets me out of my routine here and these retreats always, always, always remind me that life can be lived in a much fuller way when I slow down and keep things simple.

If this article is speaking to you right now, the Universe is most likely nudging you to take a pause and breathe deeply. Be grateful for what is in front of you right now. Any successful AND happy person will tell you that their happiness comes from appreciation of what and who they have in their life right now. Their appreciation from the NOW moment is what propels them into a forward flow of success. Gratitude for what we have and living a purpose driven, happy life go hand in hand.

So when you wake up tomorrow morning, I encourage you to ask yourself 2 things.

How can I find balance in my day, TODAY? What gave you balance yesterday won’t necessarily give you balance today. Schedules change. Surprises arise. How can you adapt and find balance in each day? This is LIFE CHANGING and when you make sure you honor your balance every day, you will find more joy and happiness in your life.
What am I grateful for TODAY? Write a list or mindfully review what you are grateful for today! My lists always start with God, my daughter, the people in my life, roof over my head, running water, yoga, Explorations of Self, the clients I have… etc. When you appreciate what you have, you send a vibration out that feels GOOD. The Universe feels what you feel, and when you feel good things, you are open to receiving all of the good things that life has to offer. Most importantly, you feel uplifted. Gratitude is empowering! Keep it simple. Try these 2 practices every day for a month and let me know what shifts for you!

Author: Alana Roach, Founder of Explorations of Self. Business Owner International Yoga & Surf Retreat Leader, Mother, Writer, and Social Media guru.

Harness Your Inner Strength, Truth, & Sensitivities with This Full Moon in Taurus Ritual!

October 24, 2018 // by Alana Roach// Leave a Comment

This full moon’s theme:

Gravitate towards the things, people, and places in life that make you feel good, nourished, happy, & supported.
Shed the things, people, and places in your life that do the opposite.

For me, one of the places that offers nourishment and respite is nature. During today’s full moon in Taurus, the Earth element is beckoning to us to harness our inner STRENGTH, truth, and sensitivities.

Your full moon ritual today:

Alana Roach, Found of Explorations of Self Photo by: James Trudeau

Get outside. Even if it’s for a few minutes. Ground yourself in the beauty of nature, and as you do, journal on what lights you up inside! Ask yourself, “What makes me feel good, nourished, happy, supported?”

Write your heart out, don’t stop until you’re really done.

This is your full moon ritual. Tonight, go back outside with your piece of paper, and burn it under the full moon light with a silent prayer of, “Thank you,” to the Universe as you watch the smoke carry your full moon intentions away, reflect on the aspects of your ego that you would like to release… let them go with the smoke as well.

When you free yourself of the past, the present moment is an opportunity to lean into your best self more than you ever have before.

Remember, anything is possible, and you are a co-creator with the Great Spirit that made the stars, sky, Earth, cosmos.

Belief is everything.

Re-direct your intentions to the positive, always, always, always.

Much love,

Founder of Explorations of Self

A Yoga & Meditation Practice to Balance Your Throat Chakra during Mercury in Retrograde

August 28, 2017 // by Admin// Leave a Comment

Hello EOS Community,

This month’s pose is, “Plow Pose,” aka “Halasana,” (In Sanskrit, India’s sacred language of yoga) accompanied with the fifth of the 7 main energy centers in our body called the, “Throat Chakra,” or ,”Vishuddha,”in Sanskrit which translates to, “Especially pure.”

This blue, 16 petaled lotus of the throat chakra is located in your throat.

This energy center governs our ability to speak our inner truth through accepting our authenticity . When balanced, not only will you be able to express yourself with confidence and compassion, but you will also be a great listener.. You will have a sense of personal integrity and honor. Maintaining a regular chakra balancing practice is necessary to cultivate the dance between communicating and listening, which is ESSENTIAL during this month’s Mercury in Retrograde.

Halasana pose helps to nourish our throat chakra by activating our glandular system & directing the life force energy of prana to this center for activation. If this is your first time in Halasana, or you have a tight back, grab a chair to place behind your head for the feet to rest on, please do so now. You can also grab a block or a folded up blanket to place under your hips for support in this posture.

Let’s begin.

1. Lie down on your mat after doing some gentle warm ups.

2. Breath in, and draw your knees in towards your chest, holding your knees with your hands, while gently guiding your shoulders and head towards the earth.

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

4. On an exhale, allow your feet to draw up towards the sky, keeping your head and shoulders rooted on the earth while breathing deeply, start to lift your lower back off of the earth, either placing a blanket or block underneath of your tailbone or walking your hands towards your mid back, fingers facing upwards. Shimmy your shoulders underneath of your chest a little more, while walking your hands as close to your shoulder blades as possible. Keeping your gaze at your toes or the sky directly above your head, start to breath deeply in and out through your nose while slight constricting the throat.

5. Visualize your throat chakra in the center of your throat as a swirling 16 petaled blue lotus flower. Every breath in you see your flower grow brighter and brighter, and with every exhale you see it spin faster and faster. As it spins, you may notice old energy leaving this energy center as dark and oily drainage. This is completely natural and to be expected during this meditation. Breathe slowly and rhythmically. Syncing your breath with your visualization will enhance this sadhana or spiritual practice.

6. Stay with the visualization for 15-20 breaths, and then slowly release your hands to use them as breakers while you unwind your spine vertebrae by vertebrae back down to the Earth. Stay in Savasana or Corpse Pose for a few minutes to allow this posture to marinate.

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 weekly emails over the next 3 weeks to journey through yoga asana and the remaining 3 chakras!

Namaste,

Alana

Owner & Director of the Explorations of Self Travel Community

Celebrating our Dream: Peru 2017

March 30, 2017 // by Admin// Leave a Comment

You are being called to embark upon a life changing adventure; to journey to a new land and leave with new eyes. Peru 2017.

Click here to learn more!

Are you ready for this rollercoaster ride? You’re going to want to buckle up and empty your pockets because this exploration of self is going to take you through the greatest twists and turns of your life. I am Anahata. My soulmate Calliope and our best friend Alana will be your guides on this journey to heal yourself and heal the planet.

You begin to wake up to your true nature when you see past your past and create your life from the NOW. Peru is THE place to awaken because it is home to the Kundalini energy.

Kundalini is energy of the Earth that creates the resonance for the expansion of your consciousness.

This is a good thing because when you have greater clarity in navigating your exploration of self, your whole life is enlivened by the fun of choosing the dream you create every moment!

For nearly 13,000 years, the Kundalini energy resided in Tibet. So it’s no surprise that so many enlightened beings lived there as it was the place where the light energy was pouring into the Earth! But after the Chinese invaded Tibet in 1959, the Kundalini made its journey to the mountains of Peru and Chile. In Peru, the energy now acts as a mirror, quickly showing you where you are at; both the light and dark sides of yourself! Everything is brought up to the surface so you leave what no longer serves you and embody fully what does.

Last year, I journeyed through Peru for months and visited the various places where the Kundalini energy is strongest to activate it within myself. The Peruvian energy is so pure and powerful that it really enabled me to see the ways in which I was not being the best version of my self. The Kundalini energy there enabled me to clear trapped emotions and mental obstacles that were clogging up my energy flow.

My practices allowed the coiled Kundalini sleeping at the base of my spine to stretch out and rise up through each vertebra through the pineal gland in the center of the brain. The opening of the pineal gland can happen gradually but a Kundalini awakening is a major opening that allows you to see where you are now and how to get where you are going in this space and time. It’s basically awakening to your Destiny. It wasn’t until a few months later until I had a Kundalini awakening (the awakenings keeps on going!). The seeds for it were planted in Peru, simply by sitting in her mountains and watching the sunrise past the peaks in the Sacred Valley. The energy awakens effortlessly and on its own accord when you have the inner silence and practices to feel it flow!

That brings us to our Retreat in Willka T’ika. All the people who are meant to come are already called in. You are reading this because perhaps you are one of them. From Oct. 6^th to the 13^th, we will celebrate our selves to our heart’s content. Our heart’s content is sharing our hearts with eachother. We will all awaken each other and have fun doing it! Through yoga asanas (poses) and pranayama (breath control), crystal bowl sound baths and more, we will strengthen our spines and open our hearts.

With perfect food, beautiful people, out-of-this-world excursions and being present to the magic, we will be totally held in the harmony of our this beautiful space in time.

If you are interested in this retreat, apply soon! There will be exactly 33 of us in Peru in 2017, which means 30 spots for participants plus, myself, Alana and Caileigh. Once you are accepted into the group, you will receive exercises from us that will prepare you to flow easily for the retreat. Like everything, the more you put in the more you get out. So, if you fully commit to this journey, know it begins NOW and it is up to you how powerful this time will be to transform your life and live your dream.

The 33 people on the retreat are symbolic of the 33 vertebrae in the human spinal column. In our final ceremony, we will tone and move in a way that helps all of us to awaken the Kundalini. We will harness the Kundalini of the Earth and eachother to celebrate the energy that is arising on the planet at this time for the health, wealth and happiness of all beings! Each person on the retreat is your mirror to bring out in you what you need on your path. You may be re-minded of yourself through the joy in an other or you may be triggered and shown a ‘dark’ side of yourself to bring light to the situation, but its all for the best! The snake sheds what no longer serves to emerge anew. Are you ready to become who you were always meant to be? It’s certainly time to find out. Click here to register now!

Cayacama,

Anahata

Brian Anahata Russo

(Tibetan Singing Bowls and Sound Shaman)

Brian is a teacher, healer and channel who is here to raise the vibration of his generation. He brings the mind, body, heart and soul back into balance through overtone chanting, crystal and tibetan singing bowls, tuning forks, and drumming. Brian 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.

Brian has been an English Dharma Instructor for the Chogye Order of Korean Zen Buddhism since he was fourteen. He has lived in a monastery in Bodh Gaya, India where Buddha attained enlightenment and studied throat chanting in Dharamsala at the Gyuto Monastery. He has also studied with Fabien Maman, the founder of vibrational therapy and singing bowl guru Sarah Turner. He uses voice analysis software from the BioAcoustic Institute to detect and correct physical and chemical imbalances in the body. Most of all, Brian enjoys learning and teaching from the heart to align all beings with their highest and best!

A Powerful Sadhana for the Spring Equinox

March 20, 2017 // by Admin// Leave a Comment

Namaste EOS Community!

Happy Spring Equinox!!! This is such an amazing day for this post! The solar plexus chakra is directly in alignment with the new energies we are arriving with in this new Spring season. This is a time to really own our destiny’s work and live out our dreams! It all begins with owning your power with GRACE.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our Light, not our Darkness, that most frightens us.”

-Marianne Williamson

So, in lieu of planting our seeds of our deepest desires and hopes, this week’s practice will include “Cobra Pose,” aka “Bhujangasana,” (In Sanskrit, India’s sacred language of yoga) accompanied with the third of the 7 main energy centers in our body called the, “Solar Plexus Chakra,” or ,”Manipura,”in Sanskrit which translates to, “Jeweled City.”

This yellow, ten petaled lotus solar plexus chakra is located in your abdomen, right above the navel.

This energy center governs our self confidence, well-being and personal power. Are you ready to really go after what you desire? What is your destiny? This is the center that reminds us that all of these things and more are possible. When this center is out of balance, one can become angry, depressed, and suffer from an over all low self-esteem. On the other end of the spectrum. Maintaining a regular solar plexus chakra balancing practice is necessary to feel motivated in pursuing your passions

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

Cobra pose allows us to develop flexibility and strength in our lower back, while nurturing the lumbar spine.

*******

Let’s get started!

1. Come on to your mat with your belly facing down.

2. Place your forehead on the mat and draw your hands underneath of your shoulders, palms facing down, fingers wide.

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. Breathe slowly (Think of breathing up and down the length of your spine) drawing the tops of your feet into the earth and slowly peel your chest up, guiding your shoulders down your back, while keeping your head and neck in alignment with your spine. Keep your elbows close to your side body (Not bowing out.) Only come up as much as the spine allows WITHOUT straining. Once you have found your edge, stay there and find the gentleness in your cobra pose while we hold…

5. Visualize your sacral chakra as a swirling 10 petaled yellow lotus flower. 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. Visualize what you would like to manifest for your life over the next year. Really see it in your minds eye & feel it in your body, as if it were your reality right now. Do this for at least 5 minutes. Inhale through the nose slowly, and exhaling through the mouth while creating an, “O,” shape with the mouth as you exhale slowly. Syncing your breath with your visualization will enhance this sadhana or spiritual practice.

6. Slowly release your chest, shoulders, neck & head back onto the mat.

Stay tuned to our weekly emails over the next 4 weeks to journey through yoga asana and the remaining 4 chakras!So much love,

Alana

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

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.

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

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.

A Rooted Practice for Mahashivarati

February 25, 2017 // by Alana Roach// Leave a Comment

Hello Explorations of Self Community!

This week’s pose is, “Easy Pose,” aka “Sukhasana,” (In Sanskrit, India’s sacred language of yoga) accompanied with the first of the 7 main energy centers in our body called the, “Root Chakra,” or Muladhara.

The root chakra is at the base of our spine, and it is said to connect us to the earth. It governs our sense of security and practicality. When this center is out of balance, one can feel spacey, fearful, and insecure. A regular root chakra balancing practice is necessary to feel more in control of your mind and body.

As we enter the new moon and solar eclipse of February, we may feel a little un-grounded. These new energies can stir up old energies that are no longer serving us, and while they come up and out to leave, it is most necessary to find stillness through this mindful practice.

I love guiding my clients through gentle breathing and visualization exercises while in this pose. If you would like to try this at home, find a blanket, pillow, or yoga prop to sit on, and let’s get started.

1. Fold the blanket in half or thirds so that you have a half a foot length to sit on. If you have a pillow, make sure it is also about this height. Come to sit on the edge of your prop. First extending your legs out, and then gentle bending your knees to find a comfortable position with your shins crossed, guiding each foot behind opposite knee.

2. Gaze down to make sure that to make sure that your feet are relaxed and that there is a bit of a space between your pelvis and feet.

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 stomach. Close your eyes, and start to center your mind by focusing on your breath, , feeling your abdomen rise and fall.

5. Visualize your root chakra as a swirling 4 petaled lotus flower at the base of your spine. Every breath in you see your flower grow brighter and brighter, and with every exhale you see it spin faster and faster. As it spins, you may notice old energy leaving this energy center as dark and oily drainage. This is completely natural and to be expected during this meditation. Breathe slowly and rhythmically. Inhale through the nose slowly, and exhaling through the mouth while creating an, “O,” shape with the mouth as you exhale slowly. Syncing your breath with your visualization will enhance this sadhana or spiritual practice.

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

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.

A Shameless Retreat

January 9, 2017 // by Admin// Leave a Comment

Retreat! Surrender! Give-in! Fall back!

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

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

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

To retreat;

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

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

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

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

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

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

A New Year to LIVE

December 31, 2016 // by Admin// Leave a Comment

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

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

So how do we get so lost?

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

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

“The breezes at dawn have secrets to tell you

Don’t go back to sleep!

You must ask for what you really want.

Don’t go back to sleep!

People are going back and forth

across the doorsill where the two worlds touch,

The door is round and open

Don’t go back to sleep!”

― Jalaluddin Rumi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In deep DEVOTION and AWE of this WILDLY ABUNDANT UNIVERSE,

I go in PEACE & JOY,

Alana

Namaste, soul family

A Place to Plant in Your Heart

November 30, 2016 // by Admin// Leave a Comment

With our Costa Rica retreat just two months away, we want to share with you why Nosara, Costa Rica is one of the most vibrant, healthy and beautiful places on Earth!

Our retreat takes place at the Bodhi Tree Resort in Nosara on the Nicoya Peninsula. The entire region is a protected wildlife area and remains one of the most pristine places on the planet!

Nosara has one of the greatest numbers of centenarians in the world based on it population. It is one of best of “blue zones” on the planet where people live the longest. My first thought was “What are they doing and how can I do it? The answer came in the form of food, fun, movement and nature!

The food in Nosara is not only fueling but the most delicious you’ll ever try! The fruits and veggies are healthy and huge! In the USA, we only see such big produce when it’s genetically engineered. In Nosara, the fruits and veggies are not only 100% organic but they are also the freshest. In U.S. supermarkets, they are shipped frozen or chocked full of preservatives. So, it’s really refreshing to bite into a juicy mango that’s been plucked off the tree in Nosara!

While we walked through, my talented and handsome companion took these beautiful pictures www.lancelaurence.com

Good food is a huge part of the equation but it is the spirit of the people that will make you fall in love with this corner of the world! The people are warm-hearted and happy to lend a hand or point out directions. The people work hard but know how to have fun too. Whether its traditional festivals or just sitting around playing cards and laughing, there’s a lot of joy here! The people of Nosara are hardworkers but work is far more pleasant in paradise. No need to stop working at 65 like in the States. You’ll find the centenarians here are still out in the fields doing manual labor! But they don’t bemoan still working because they have the vitality to do it! After all, it’s the movement of their daily activities that give them such a long lifespan! The centenarians say that having a “plan de vida,” or reason to live makes them feel needed and gives them a sense of purpose that often centers on their family.

Fresh and local fruit and vegetables! I am in heaven![costaricantimes.com]

The health and wellness puzzle of Nosara would not be complete without the piece of nature. It’s not just humans that call Nosara and the Nicoya Peninsula home, over 100 tropical species from parrots and monkeys to anteaters and iguanas roam freely in this land. The locals share the land and it’s their love for the land that is the biggest secret to their longevity. Mutual support sustains the people, plants and animals in a well-balanced harmony. The land provides so much and teaches us to align with our spiritual self. We feel so connected to that deeper part of ourselves here just by breathing in the air and feeling the sun’s rays.

The energy of Nosara is palpable. You can feel it just by walking through the rainforest canopy or lying on a white sand beach. Many visitors say they do not need to sleep or eat nearly as much in Nosara as the energy of the place sustains them. This magical aspect of the land makes it a perfect place to practice yoga, self-reflect or sing and dance with community!

The more we experience Nosara, the more we find to love! Scuba-diving, surfing, waterfall hikes, awesome people and nearly year-round sunny days truly makes this paradise shine!

But to really explore the Nicoya peninsula, you have to experience it firsthand! Just a few spots left for our retreat of a lifetime this January at the Bodhi Tree Resort. Come join us for world-class yoga, sound healing, food and adventure at the most beautiful resort in the most beautiful place in the world. See you soon!

About the author: Brian is a teacher and healer. He brings the mind, body, heart and soul back into balance through overtone chanting, 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.

Meditation

The Art of Slowing Down Is Life Changing

Harness Your Inner Strength, Truth, & Sensitivities with This Full Moon in Taurus Ritual!

This full moon’s theme:

When you free yourself of the past, the present moment is an opportunity to lean into your best self more than you ever have before.

Belief is everything.

A Yoga & Meditation Practice to Balance Your Throat Chakra during Mercury in Retrograde

Let’s begin.

Celebrating our Dream: Peru 2017

You are being called to embark upon a life changing adventure; to journey to a new land and leave with new eyes. Peru 2017.

Click here to learn more!

Kundalini is energy of the Earth that creates the resonance for the expansion of your consciousness.

A Powerful Sadhana for the Spring Equinox

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our Light, not our Darkness, that most frightens us.”

-Marianne Williamson

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Let’s get started!

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

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.

∞

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

A Rooted Practice for Mahashivarati

A Shameless Retreat

A New Year to LIVE

A Place to Plant in Your Heart

Services

Meet Alana

Meditation

This full moon’s theme:

When you free yourself of the past, the present moment is an opportunity to lean into your best self more than you ever have before.

Belief is everything.

Let’s begin.

You are being called to embark upon a life changing adventure; to journey to a new land and leave with new eyes. Peru 2017.

Kundalini is energy of the Earth that creates the resonance for the expansion of your consciousness.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our Light, not our Darkness, that most frightens us.”

-Marianne Williamson

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Let’s get started!

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.

∞

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

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Services

Meet Alana

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