WANDERLUST FESTIVAL :GUEST SCRIBE HEATHER HOLLANDER: BUST OUT AND BE RAD

Posted by Guest Scribe on 7/18/13 in Inspiration

 

Have you ever felt a wild urge inside your being to unleash the unique superhero that lives inside?

Maybe this urge is so strong it feels like frustration…

Maybe it is gentle and nudges you in your dreams…

Maybe the stresses of everyday life are louder than the urge to break through…

If you have NO idea what I am talking about, I can relate.

Honestly, it was my beloved angel dog  “Bodacious” (aka. Bodes) that finally got through to me.  One day, when I was drowning in the physical and emotional challenges that had overwhelmed my reality, he changed my life forever. 

I remember how helpless and disconnected from life I felt as I watched “Bodes” absorbed in play that day. He was pulsing with life force, absorbed in the magnificence of nature and adventure. I felt so separate from his experience; I was consumed by thoughts about how lucky he was to be a wild black lab instead of a human being facing the stresses of life.

 

All of a sudden he targeted me. It was as if he heard me and the story I was barraging myself with. He playfully began racing laps around me, at points to staring me down and barking at me incessantly. His heart was expanding beyond his body almost knocking me over, slobber was wrapped around his nose, and the fire of life was blazing out of his eyes.

I was frustrated, angry, and tired! First I yelled at him to STOP.  Honestly, all I wanted was to get back to the couch for Oprah.

And then it happened, in a split second my frustration flipped into an overwhelming urge to be like him! A surge of energy rushed through my body, I let out a playful cry and started mimicking him.  It was the first time I felt ALIVE in years.

Consider for a moment that your inner superhero is longing to break through – freeing the playful, creative, Bodacious nature that lives inside of you.

The time is Now, I invite you into the full experience of the life you were born to live!

Seriously, just “Bust Out & Be RAD”!

Bodacious Life Tips:

1. Adventure to your favorite place in nature

The elements of nature carry wisdom and medicine. Playing in nature is one of my favorite ways to charge up and breakthrough.

• Feel the breeze on your skin
• Open your heart to the sunshine
• Move and Breathe – explore and play with nature

2. Plant your Roots

The Latin root of radical is radicalis “or having roots”. Being RAD starts with planting your roots.  Just like a seed busting through it’s shell to grow roots to rise and blossom.

• Place your bare feet on the raw earth and/or in wet sand at the oceans edge
• Lightly bend your knees and focus on rooting down to straighten legs – slowly pulse up and down
• Take time for rest and reflection in nature

3. Have Fun

Whether you are facing a crazy yoga pose that eludes you, or a real life challenge, a good sense of humor and playful attitude are the gateway to freedom.

• Receive a deep breath and shake off all tension with a big vocal exhale
• See the hilarious side of the challenge and lighten up with some laughter
• Try something new, playfully bust through what used to limit you

 

 

 

 Heather Hollander is a lover of nature and life. Aligned with her dharma to inspire passion and purpose, she founded lifestyle brand Bodacious Living in 2007. Nature Yoga Play is Heather’s favorite way to connect with the magic of life.  Adventure with Heather at Wanderlust California for Nature Yoga Play in the Squaw valley Canyons of Lake Tahoe. 

Tags: guest scribe, Heather Hollander, inspiration

- See more at: http://journal.wanderlustfestival.com/connect/blog/guest-scribe-heather-hollander-bust-out-and-be-rad#sthash.Y4pWkCDC.dpuf

Sedona Arizona was a very sacred place to visit during winter solstice 2012. In the midst of a fast pace life accepting the invitation from Carissa Schumacher to slow down, connect with nature, and turn attention to prayer and shaman ceremony was a blessing. This land of red rock and mystic history is stunning!

Winter Solstice 2012 was extra special this year as it was also 12.21.2012 which marked the end of an age according to the Mayan Calendar. Taking time out to honor these gateways of time and cycles that nature moves us through is an incredible way to feed the soul and synch up with nature.

 Led by Joseph Grey Wolf and Carissa Schumacher, we turned our attention to the immense natural beauty around us. As we hiked out to Shaman’s cave, known as a site for prayer and ceremony for many ages, Grey Wolf introduced us to the traditions

honoring the resonant frequency and aliveness in all of nature. Joseph explained that the Native American’s hold great reverence for the “Rock People” and the “Tree People”.

We stopped on the path to breathe through our eyes, with our eyes closed, as a practice to strengthen the visual connection to the magic we were surrounded by. This level of awareness heightened my connection to this important transition of time and the honoring of all that has been, and the visioning of all that will be.

Our afternoon at Shaman’s Cave was surreal. We sat for intentional meditation and sent blessings and prayers out to the world, we danced and drummed, and explored the phenomenal red rock that held the cave.

 I challenged my fear of heights and practiced hugging to the mid-line stronger than ever as I explored nature yoga within the edge of the cave’s natural window.

On the eve of 12.21.12 our group ventured out to sacred Apache land for an intentional medicine wheel sunset walk and night time fire ceremony under the stars.

We each offered something to the fire and danced in celebration of all that we intend to create in our lives. Blessings and love were pouring out into the world from our little spot on the planet that night!

 Our last morning in Sedona we hiked up into the majestic rock for our morning stillness practice. I brought my cozy bear “Teddy” along for the adventure to inspire a more playful journey.

 At the peak we sat in stillness with the morning sun on our faces and breeze in our hair. At first I felt tired and relieved to have reached the peak safely again challenged by my fear of heights.

Softening and focusing on slowing down my breath I eventually found the gateway to stillness. Practicing breathing through my eyes as the shamans had encouraged, I opened my inner vision to  the magnitude and aliveness of the red rocks supporting us. Turning my attention to feeling the actual frequency of life in the rocks I thanked the “rock people” and felt the stability of the rock supporting me.

High on the red rocks near the ledge, I noticed my legs feeling weak and a bit shaky as I stood up and started to stretch. Exploring natures platform I slowly began to move, deepening my breath and finding trust I focused on hugging all my power into the mid-line of my body. Leaning back into the support of the rocks, I breathed into them, and before I knew it I was  trusting the rocks to support me and surrendering to opening….and screaming in delight:)

These moments of spontaneous nature yoga play continually amaze and fulfill me…within moments of connecting with my breath and the pulsation of life in the elements of nature around me I find myself catapulted from limitation to inspiration again and again! I’m so grateful for these moments that remind me how energy and passion pulse right thru me….WOW…I am humbled.

 I hope these images inspire you into gratitude, imagination and playful exploration….I hope you will pause at times for a few moments of “breathing through your eyes”.

I was deeply honored to lead yoga alchemy sessions for the group each morning by the pool. I love working with groups who are focused on a shared intention and journey.

Surrounded by blooming lavender and awakening hummingbirds, we circled up each morning as the sun rose over the desert to synch our breath and intentions with movement.

I was so touched and inspired by each soul as they showed up fully dedicated to their personal evolution and deeply connected to their hearts even though most had never “done” yoga before.

Ready to elevate their lives and claim their power,  these self proclaimed “un-flexible” “non-yogi’s” found their connection to the life force within and went for it!

Our circle became more magical every day as beliefs were shifting, bodies were opening, and  hearts were blossoming…it was pure joy to participate in! 

By the end of this illuminating journey with Niurka every person in the group was empowered from the inside out; shining with passion and connection to the Supreme Influence pulsing through their being. If you are feeling the call to elevate your communication, access connection to your inner radiance, and upshift your life I highly recommend Supreme Influence In Action immersion with Niurka and her team.

~ Special thanks to Rich Van Every for capturing images of these moments!

Ahhhhhh BALI….the land of chaos and serenity! Bodacious in Bali was filled with magic and challenge. 

The practice of being in the flow and allowing was essential and became my guide through this journey. The more I softened and allowed things to flow the more magical and miraculous the journey became.

Each day my eyes and heart were filled with so much life, beauty, creativity, devotion and stimulation. I must have taken almost 1,000 photos and still feel there are pieces of the experience not captured in the images. The people are so beautiful and sweet, their lives dedicated to spirit, art and celebration.

The food was exceptional and scooter rides to local open-air restaurants quickly became a cherished daily ritual.

The streets were full of temples, offerings, and families on motor bikes.

As the women arrived for retreat the experience became even more magical.

We were incredibly blessed with stunning accommodations  for our immersion into the heart….

I  was brought to tears more than once as I approached the spaces for our practices…

We traveled  from the charming surfing village of Canggu to the phenomal Villa Bodhi in the jungle outskirts of Ubuud, to the unforgettable Villa Boreh on the northern tip of the island. Seeing Bali through their eyes revealed even more layers of beauty. Our intimate group was perfectly designed by the divine and each beauty touched my heart deeply as they moved through layers of limitation into deeper connection with the pulse of their being.

This journey was just the beginning of my love affair with Bali…

Are you feeling the call of Bali?

I would love for you to join me for Bodacious in Bali…an immersion into the heart 2013.

Email heather@bodaciouslivingyoga.com for details

An Experience of Transformational Entertainment

 

When we were invited to install the Earth Harp into La Parroquia for La Calaca festival in San Miguel last month we responded with an ecstatic yes! WOW…this experience was full of life. Art, music, ancient traditions, expression, innovation, ancient culture and more…

San Miguel de Allende, a village founded in 1542, is a colonial gem of cobblestone streets and picturesque churches inspiring artists and visitors with its color, character and light. Widely considered a symbol of San Miguel de Allende, La Parroquia. This iconic pink sandstone church is set in the village center and is a unique treasure of Mexico.

La Calaca (The Skeleton) is a collaborative citywide festival of arts and culture that explores the themes intrinsic to Dia de Los Muertos: respect for the past, joy in the present, and honor for the universal cycles of death and rebirth. It is always an honor and inspiration to collaborate on Earth Harp production with Andrea Brook. However, this particular journey exceeded my wildest dreams and expanded my horizons into a whole new realm of possibility.

Andrea masterfully weaved together a collaborative team to empower the dream of turning La Parroquia into an instrument that would create an experience of a new paradigm of entertainment.

 

Onyay Pheori, vocalist and violinist and Andrea Brook co-created a phenomenal musical journey; Javad Hashemi, joined us as the steady force behind our installation; cinematographer Rich Van Every captured the visual magic; locals, Tomas Buckley and Julian Garcia held the spirit of the drum beat; and local Marco Martinez Valle finessed the production supporting me with all logistical details and connecting us to the heart of San Miguel.

 

Together, we lived the dream of turning La Parroquia in the center Jardin of San Miguel de Allende, into a powerful chamber of sound that carried hundreds and hundreds of people through an unforgettable transformational entertainment experience.

 

Andrea and Onyay, attuned to the heart and soul of this journey, composed a special song for the experience. The song, “Mariposa”, was inspired by the journey of the Monarch butterflies.  It carried the vibration of transformation and the essence of the ancient traditions.

 

My horizons and heart were blown open when Andrea invited Javad and I to accompany her on the Earth Harp for this special song. Full of inspiration and possibility we embodied the “mariposa” (butterflies)…we quickly learned the basics of playing the Earth Harp and spread our wings flying into a new horizon when we stepped on stage for the debut of this amazing new song.

 

When I close my eyes I can still feel the way my cells were dancing in the light of the love pouring from the hearts of the audience. It was beyond surreal to witness people shoulder to shoulder in every direction, peaceful, connected, tears streaming down their faces, quiet, completely entranced…and transformed by the experience that they expected to simply be “entertainment”.

 

 *Blog Post written for Prana and posted on Prana Life Blog 12/2012 

See Prana Posting and Video at: http://www.prana.com/life/2012/12/02/earth-harp-la-calaca-festival-2012/

It’s so amazing how we have the capacity as humans to create our own perspectives and find supporting evidence of them no matter where they are on the range from negative to positive. Living in a world where opposits exist and exponential evolution is driving rapid shifts in our culture is interesting to say the least!

As Creative Producer at Lightworks Creative, I have been focused on projects that illuminate and educate.  It has been incredibly inspiring to work with the brilliant team at  Autodesk to create media that provokes the conversation about how we can imagine, design, and create a better world. I feel deeply grateful and inspired to have connected with and interviewed  each of the brilliant minds and hearts of the people in this inspiring film segment on Creating a Better World. Enjoy their humor, wisdom and vision….

• How can I feel stagnant, stiff and cranky; and within moments of movement guided by my breath or moments spent in stillness I feel so alive, playful and rejuvenated?

• What is the relationship between stillness and flow? Does one exist without the other?

• Does this energy force only belong to the flexible yogi’s and spiritual people?

Moments of stillness in nature make me more aware of the pulsations flowing all around me and through me. Lately I have been feeling more reverence for both stillness and pulsation than ever. I have been tracking the synchronistic relationship between stillness and movement or flow. No matter what my state is when I get out in nature and allow my body to playfully follow my breath I am reawakened to the fluid nature of my being.  Interestingly this playful movement and connection to my breath  always guides me to deeply contented moments of stillness and gratitude. It never ceases to amaze me that within moments I can be shifted into an empowered and creative state.

Science tells me that everything within me is moving… blood cells racing through my veins and neurons firing thru pathways in my brain. Amazingly it has been discovered that at the core of these different layers and waves of movement lies a still point. It is at this fundamental still point that energy is processed and movement arises again.

It was Cranial Sacral Master, Dr. Upledger that discovered in his research that a natural wave movement arises out of the cranial still point. He determined that the oscillation of life force moving through the human body is a healing harmonizing force that naturally aligns and enlivens the body as it waves through the spine. From this research he developed a therapeutic modality known as “The Stillpoint Method” and was named most innovative thinker by TIME magazine for his discovery.

Yes, it is true that the yogi’s and spiritual masters have been seeking harmony and alignment with this primordial force for centuries. However, science has proven that this force lives within everyone and everything. We are born with this and it is our birth right to have access to it and know how to recharge and optimize it.

Life force is the energy that animates all human beings, animals and nature. Athletes often refer to aligning with this force as the “flow state”, or the state of peak performance and optimal human potential. Spiritual teachers often refer to this force as prana, and the free movement of prana as sahaja.  Dancers ride on the wave of this inner force just as surfers ride on the waves of the ocean that arise from the this force and birds fly in the air stream of the wind that arises from this same force. It’s all around us and moving through us….WOW!

GREAT NEWS….

No matter how flexible or spiritual you are… Life force lives within you, and you have the power to recharge it and activate it.

So give yourself a few minutes each day to simply align with and activate this inner harmonizing force that is your birth right….Create some space for yourself to:

• Allow your movements to be guided by your breath
• Sit in stillness and surrender to natural waves of movement
• Get out in nature and play

Claim your birth right to access and activate your fluid power and step into the fullness of a Bodacious Life every day. As we live in our own unique fullness we create a better world for ourselves and for the future of humanity.

*Special Thanks to Rich Van Every of Lightworks Creative for imagery and video

 

Held in the majestic Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe July 26th – 29th this festival is a playground of natural beauty and pranic delight. Trails and waterfalls just minutes away from the hustle bustle of the village make meditation hikes a perfect start for each day. Mountain breezes and sunlight stream into outdoor yoga venues inspiring harmony in mind, body and heart.

 

 

For me yoga is all about coherence and vitality; a lifestyle rich in nature, rhythm, and art. With unlimited paths to connection and play available every day Wanderlust creates a strong sense of adventurous community living artfully. The schedule offers classes and lectures with internationally renowned yoga teachers, DJ’s and musical artists set the rhythm in class and poolside by day, by night the main stage came alive with concerts, lightshows and stunning performance. Between the schedule, the marketplace, and all that the majestic surroundings offer there is something for everyone every moment of the day. Crossing paths with friends new and old venturing from one amazing experience to the next made it possible to vicariously plug into the best of all that was happening. It was an incredible weekend of favorites….Sianna Sherman; Yoga Slackers; Mark Coleman; Off the Mat Into the World – Suzanne Sterling, Sean Corn, Hala Kouhrey, Kerri Kelly; Dr. Wayne Dyer, Krishna Das, Quixotica, Ziggy Marley and many more!

 

 

 

Sharing about this epic weekend immersion in the mountains with my favorite teachers and performers amplifies the memories and my gratitude for the journey. I spent the weekend immersed in an exploration of various aspects of embodiment and states of flow. The journey started with a Shiva Rea Speakeasy lecture on our Rhythmic Nature followed by an afternoon ecstatic trance dance with Shiva, DJ Drez and over a hundred Wanderlust friends. Each day Shiva guided us into synch with our hearts and natural rhythms. The morning meditation hike in Shirley Canyon with Shiva and Demitri Velisarius was a favorite of mine; our group meditating on gigantic boulders with the morning sun glistening on the water was surreal. We explored the ancient Indian art of Kalari, movement meditation honoring and invoking the Sun God, Prana Danda flow with Demitri, an outdoor excursion down the river and a grounding prana flow class with special guest Krishna Das that brought the festival to a very sweet close. I especially loved the opportunity to listen in on a chat Shiva had with Mark Coleman about yoga and meditation in our modern day life.

 

In between all this amazing-ness I adventured with Rich Van Every out into Shirley Canyon for my favorite pass time – nature yoga play. We discovered a magical pool and waterfall, played on boulders and fallen trees and bed soaking up sunshine on rocks in the riverbed. Soon after we stumbled across the pool party of a lifetime at High Camp, my friend DJ Fabian Alsutany was rocking the dance tunes; there was Acro Yoga play, hooping, cocktail sipping and more! Drawn into nature I found a rock overlooking it all and was elated to dance with the wind in the sunshine.

 

 

prAna Shala was the place to land and rejuvenate in the midst of all the excitement. Set at the base of the mountain the shala was open to stunning views of green forest, rugged rock and mountainside. Andrea Brook and the Earth Harp, set within a gigantic nest (an all natural art installation created by “Nature Dreamweaver ”) transformed the space into a resonating chamber of sound. Demonstrating for the Earth Harp Yoga class was a peak prAna Shala experience for me. Set directly in front of the sound platform and under the strings, my body quickly entrained to the vibrations of the harp igniting the flow of prana within fluid power guided me on this sound and movement journey thru the charkas.

 

By day the Shala hosted a variety of yoga offerings, the somatic playground, an acrobatics rig, fresh fruit after class and more. Sunsets were celebrated with stunning evening Earth Harp performances with Andrea, violinist Onyay Pheori and tabla master Ricardo Hambra, and sacred dancer Sofiah Thom as the day shifted to moonlight. On the final night an exciting collaboration between the Earth Harp Ensemble and Quixtotic had the crowd ecstatic with joy!

 

After the amazing sunset performances our nights were filled with great music, prAna Bliss Bike adventures to the main stage, dancing and laughing with friends. Our main stage highlights included Todd Boston, Quixtotic, Ziggy Marley, and more.

 

 

 

Full of life and inspiration the weekend came to an end with another nature yoga play adventure in Shirley Canyon on our last morning in Tahoe. We crossed paths with many friends sharing stories, laughter, and plans to meet again……..see you there!

~Heather Keely, Bodacious Living Yoga & LightWorks Creative

To see more than 600 pictures from Wanderlust visit prAna’s Facebook Albums at Facebook.com/prAna and Tag away!

At 14 this Bodacious boy is still teaching me lessons and playfully showing me how to live a Bodacious life……

We arrived at the designated meeting spot a few blocks away from City Hall to find the double decker “Love Bus” surrounded by artists and performers in costume practicing Charlie Chaplin’s speech about hope for humanity.  Fired up and ready to go they practiced again and again. Finally ready for the big adventure we jumped on the bus where we were greeted by Penelope, a fuzzy white circus chicken.

The open air deck of the bus was filled with fantastic characters  rocking out to great music and soaking in the sunshine.  

With music pumping and inspiration high, we circled the City Hall block. Tents filled the block and people cheered as we passed by. The scene felt like a flashback to the 60’s, crowds of people with picket signs standing up for what they believe in..

We jumped off the bus and started to explore.

People seemed to be scattered around, some in their tents, some in the square, some on the lawn outside their tents. Small cliques of people interacting here and there.

In the midst of all of this I wasn’t sure what to think or how to contribute. Honestly, I’m not political and felt a bit overwhelmed by all that was happening around me.  Signs with political messages surrounding me, opinions flying around I felt a bit out of place.

I found a  friend to join me for some yoga, knowing that movement is a neutral universal language that brings people together.

Inspired to instigate a spontaneous yoga play, we stepped out into the square, I starting calling out poses and inspirations about movement being the key to our creativity. Almost instantly our circle grew to more than 20. A drummer joined us creating rhythm and pace. Playfully flowing together the steps of City Hall came to life.

Soon the performance started, drawing the masses into the square. Soaking in the message of hope for humanity some were moved to tears and eventually to dance. The creativity and courage of this crew lit up the crowd and instantly shifted the vibe to hope for humanity!  – Heather Keely (www.lightworkscreative.tv)