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Welcome to our blog. We invite you to read our posts and feel free to leave a few comments! Your feed back is much appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to learn about Natural Building and a little bit more of what we are up to at our sanctuary. If you have any questions or would like to connect directly, please send us an email at info@ecomaste.com

Wholeness, Much Love, and Pura Vida.


Embarking on a 10-day Hridaya Silent Retreat proved to be a transformative and deeply enlightening experience, provoking profound reflections on the essence of the spiritual heart. Through the focused lens of Hridaya meditation, the retreat emphasized the significance of connecting with our spiritual heart - the epicenter of our being, the channel to divine love and ultimate reality.



As I navigated the challenges of stilling my mind, internalizing my focus, and surrendering to the present moment, I witnessed a revolutionary shift in perspective. I was able to experience this alive stillness. In this stillness I felt immense love and peace that wasn't focused on an object. It was the remembrance of what we are, ultimately unconditional love. This was a truly felt experience and it gave way to liberation that comes from releasing the burden of incessant thoughts and futile attachments, urging us to simply be and allow things to dissolve with love and compassion.


When thoughts did come we were guided to ask a question that mind can’t answer,

“Who am I?” This quandary helps you deepen into places we very rarely have the opportunity to explore. For me I was able to connect to this sense of vastness and spaciousness. I experienced moments of deep wonderment and subtle vibrations in stillness. 




It sparked contemplation on the preciousness of time and the realization of how much energy we expend on trivial pursuits. My last 10 Day Silent retreat struggles paved the way for this year's revelations, as I gradually cultivated a meditation practice with discipline and focused attention during the previous year.


Through this journey, I experienced a subtle transformation in my thought patterns - evolving from fear to neutrality, and eventually blossoming into responses rooted in compassion and curiosity. Each moment spent in introspection felt like a gentle unveiling, offering glimpses of the infinite possibilities that lie within.


The gift of these retreats in my experience is the lasting transformation as long as you integrate the practice into your life. One of the many beautiful quotes from spiritual masters and enlightened beings that Sitara offered us was,

“Descend with a view and descend with conduct.” It takes discipline and enthusiasm to continue to grow in connection with the Ultimate Reality. One of the many gems of this experience was receiving the the 14 Hridaya Attitudes that feel in deep resonance with Ecomaste.

We are so grateful to have receive deep support and encouragement in our holistic living journey and we hope to share that nourishment with you!


Looking forward to growing more deeply with the Hridaya Yoga Community in the future and for hosting more Hridaya Yoga Meditation Retreats, and Courses!


To learn more about Hridaya Yoga check the link below:

To learn more about Sitara and her offerings visit her website:





Mucho Amor,

Amanda Luna


Amanda is the co-founder of Ecomaste, a passionate herbalist, and a 

Holistic Wellbeing Guide. She intertwines her love for the natural world through various forms of herbalism and movement medicine like qi-gong, yoga, and dance. 

With a mission to support love, harmony, and wholeness for people, beings, and lands, Amanda strives to rebuild regenerative relationships with the Earth and guide others towards balance and holistic wellness through her compassionate and intuitive approach.

To learn more about Amanda Luna :

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In a world that feels heavy—torn by the pressures of demanding modern life, social inequalities, and ecological crises—it is vital to remember that we have the means to cultivate a deep sense of embodied safety within ourselves. While the challenges we face may seem overwhelming we can restore our connection to resilience and resourcefulness through intentional practice.


Here are 5 of my favorite ways to regulate the nervous system. These techniques can easily be woven into any busy schedule to help navigate stress more gracefully & reaffirm your sense of well-being:


Grounding and connecting to nature 

Grounding draws you into the present moment and alleviates feelings of anxiety. It has been shown to reduce inflammation and anxiety by connecting your body to the earth’s natural electrical charge, promoting relaxation and emotional balance.  


How to do it:

  • Make your way to a space where you can sit or stand with your feet on the earth—grass, dirt, or sand. 

  • Close your eyes and take slow deep breaths.

  • Focus on the ground beneath you and witness all of your senses—a soft breeze, vibrant colors, textures, sounds, and smells of nature. 


Mindful Breathing

Mindful breathing exercises are simple yet powerful. They activate the parasympathetic nervous system(Rest-and-Digest) and encourage relaxation. This 4-7-8 technique is also known for helping to reduce anxiety or insomnia through deep, slow breathing.


How to do it:

  • INHALE softly through your nose for a count of 4.

  • HOLD your breath for 7 counts.

  • EXHALE completely through your mouth for 8 counts.

  • Repeat this cycle 5-10 times 

Movement

Regular movement helps reduce stress hormones, stimulates positive neurotransmitters, enhances circulation, and promotes a calm, grounded state of being. Incorporating movement into your routine can have a deeply profound effect on your well-being. 


Movement ideas:

  • Walking 

  • Stretching

  • Yoga classes

  • Tai Chi or Qi Gong 

  • Swimming

  • Dancing or Free Movement

  • Bike rides

Journaling 

Journaling allows you to express and process emotions, thoughts, and experiences in a safe and structured way. By externalizing internal experiences, journaling helps release tension, increases self-awareness, and promotes grounding


Journal prompts:

  • "What is something that’s been weighing heavy on my mind or heart? Write it down and let it go."

  • "What’s one thing I’ve been holding onto emotionally, and how can I release it?"

  • "What are three things I am grateful for right now?"

  • "What emotions am I feeling right now, and where do I feel them in my body?"

  • "Is there a specific situation that triggered these emotions? Can I see it from a different perspective?"

  • "What do I need to hear right now to feel calm or supported?"

  • "What is something I can remind myself of when I start to feel overwhelmed or anxious?"

  • "What’s one thing I’ve done recently that I am proud of?"

  • "What have I learned from this challenging situation that I can take forward with me?"


VISUALIZING 

Visualization or guided imagery taps into the power of the mind-body connection. Positive imagery activates the brain's reward centers (like the release of dopamine), which can counterbalance the effects of stress. It's an effective tool for managing stress, anxiety, and even trauma by helping the nervous system recalibrate to a place of safety and ease.


How to do it:

  • Close your eyes and take several deep, slow breaths—inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, and exhale for 6 counts.

  • Imagine a peaceful scene—this could be a beach, a forest, or a meadow. Picture every detail of this place: the colors, sounds, textures, and smells.

  • As you continue breathing deeply, mentally connect with the tranquility of your environment, feeling the calmness wash over you with every breath.

Remember consistency is key! Practicing these techniques regularly can help retrain your nervous system, making it easier to tap into a sense of calm whenever needed.  

Take a deep breath, find your center, and let yourself unwind. 

Love & gratitude,

Jess 



Hi, my name is Jess. I am a certified yoga instructor &  body-based coach. I love exploring movement and ways to make life more fulfilling. You can find more information about me and what I do at  jesscorwinyoga.com 


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Is it just me or have you noticed that the world we live in has exponentially increased its demand for our time and attention? Between cell phones, social media, and the internet we are basically “on call” at any time of the day. With the massive amounts of “connectedness” that we’re engaging in, it's common to find ourselves endlessly pouring energy into others while ignoring(unconsciously or not)our own needs. 


We know that we can’t pour from an empty cup, yet we often choose to ignore this.



We cut back on sleep, forego alone time, rush around, and prioritize others' needs over our own. While the joy of giving to others can be extremely fulfilling, it can also have adverse effects when we don’t create a balance between giving and self-love. 

In my early 30s, I hit a wall. I had been over-committing on all fronts of my life from personal to professional and eventually found myself completely unfulfilled. I was disconnected from my passions and purpose. Daily life was brutal. I had unknowingly set myself up for emotional and mental fatigue by giving to the point of emptiness and not even realizing it until I was deep in it. This is when I decided to dissect the way I was living my life and make some changes.

So, I invite you to pause for a moment. Reflect on how much you are giving. How is it serving you? Is your giving meter skewed? Are you pouring so much into others that your own needs are being neglected? If so, it’s time to reclaim some of that energy for yourself. 


Here are 3 simple but helpful ways to help balance your giving meter. 


1. Turn Off Autopilot

The moment you start feeling emotionally exhausted allow yourself to pause instead of pushing through it. Where can you release control and let life unfold more naturally? This means you may have to cut back on things and check your people-pleasing and perfectionist tendencies. Bringing mindfulness into your routine makes you more self-aware and begins to change how you respond to events. 


2. Set Boundaries 

Learning to say NO is a vital part of self-love. Look at where you may be overcommitting and practice saying no to anything or anyone that drains your energy. When we prioritize ourselves and our needs, we are showing love and respect towards ourselves and showing others how to love and respect us in return.


3. Nurture Your Body and Mind

Do activities that promote well-being whether it’s going for a walk around the block or in nature, practicing yoga, reading a book, or exploring your creative side. Treating yourself with kindness reinforces the idea that you are deserving of love and builds stronger self-worth. 

Fostering self-love isn’t selfish, it's vital for maintaining mental health and avoiding burnout. By committing to yourself and integrating these simple practices into your routine, you can cultivate a deeper appreciation for yourself, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life. 

Remember, you are worthy of LOVE and CARE—so take the time to choose yourself! It will change your life. 


Love & gratitude,

Jess 




Hi, my name is Jess. I am a certified yoga instructor &  body-based coach. I love exploring movement and ways to make life more fulfilling. You can find more information about me and what I do at  jesscorwinyoga.com 

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