Embrace Change: A Journey to Presence and Connection
- Amanda Louise
- Oct 14
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
If you think about it, most of our lives are spent worrying about the future or replaying the past. We grip tightly onto the good times and resist the uncomfortable ones. We crave certainty, clinging to comfort instead of venturing into the unknown.
But in doing so, we often let ourselves be ruled by fear — trapped in a cycle of distraction, overwhelm, and disconnection. We chase fleeting highs — the next achievement, the next relationship, the next experience — hoping they’ll finally make us feel whole. Yet the satisfaction never lasts.
The truth is, many of us have become addicted to our own patterns of DISease. We avoid the practices that could actually transform us because they require slowing down, facing ourselves, and letting go. And yet… this is where real change begins.

Meditation: The Gateway to Presence
Meditation is not about escaping your life — it’s about meeting it fully. It’s the practice of returning to the spaces between the breath, the stillness beneath all thought. It’s where you rediscover peace, clarity, and truth — the parts of you that exist beyond the constant noise of the mind.
When you start to meditate regularly, subtle shifts begin to unfold:
You react less and respond more.
You feel grounded, even when life moves fast.
You start noticing the beauty in small, ordinary moments.
You rediscover joy not as something to chase, but as something that’s always been within you.
From the way you sip your morning tea to the way you handle a challenge at work — meditation changes your quality of being.
How to Begin: Simple Techniques to Anchor You
You don’t need to have hours of free time or a perfectly silent space to start meditating. You only need your breath and willingness to begin. Here are a few ways to start today:
1. Counting the Breath: Close your eyes and inhale slowly to the count of 4. Exhale to the count of 4. When your mind drifts, return to the count — gently, without judgment.
2. Breath Awareness: Notice the natural rhythm of your breath — cool as it enters the nose, warm as it leaves. Follow it like a wave, allowing thoughts to pass without attachment.
3. Use a Meditation App: If you’re new, apps like Insight Timer, Calm, or Headspace can guide you with structure and consistency. Even five minutes a day can begin to rewire your nervous system for peace.
When You’re Ready for a Deeper Shift
For many, the real transformation happens when you step beyond the comfort zone — when you immerse yourself fully in silence and self-inquiry.
Our 10-Day Silent Retreat offers a unique opportunity to do just that. Held in a beautiful natural setting, it’s a space where your nervous system can truly rest — where you’re supported by a community equally committed to introspection and growth. The shared silence becomes a mirror, helping you meet yourself more deeply.
Your peers’ commitment encourages you to keep going — to journey back home to your heart. By the end, you don’t just return to your life refreshed; you return with a new perspective — a grounded awareness that turns ordinary moments into sacred ones.
Come Home to Yourself
If you’re tired of the cycle of distraction and disconnection, there’s another way. Meditation isn’t about escaping the world — it’s about remembering how to truly live in it.
Join us for our next Retreat (January 3rd - 8th) and experience the shift from doing to being, from noise to stillness, from separation to connection. The journey home begins in the spaces between breath. Early Bird Pricing ends December 1st
The Power of Community
In our fast-paced world, we often forget the importance of community. When we gather with others who share our intentions, we create a supportive environment. This connection fosters growth and healing.
Imagine sharing your journey with like-minded individuals. Picture the warmth of shared silence, the comfort of knowing you’re not alone. This is the essence of our retreats. Together, we cultivate a space where transformation can flourish.
Nature as a Teacher
Nature has much to teach us about presence and connection. When we immerse ourselves in the natural world, we begin to understand our place within it. The rustle of leaves, the sound of flowing water, and the warmth of the sun remind us of the beauty surrounding us.
During our retreat, you’ll have the chance to explore the stunning landscapes of Costa Rica. Each moment spent in nature is an invitation to reconnect with yourself and the earth. Let the sights and sounds guide you back to your essence.
Embracing Vulnerability
Change often requires us to embrace vulnerability. It’s not easy to face our fears and insecurities. Yet, this is where true growth occurs. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we open the door to authentic connection.
In our retreat, you’ll be encouraged to share your experiences and feelings. This shared vulnerability creates a bond that deepens our understanding of one another. Together, we can navigate the challenges of life with compassion and support.
The Journey Continues
As you embark on this journey, remember that transformation is a process. It doesn’t happen overnight. Each step you take brings you closer to your true self. Embrace the journey, and be gentle with yourself along the way.
Incorporate meditation into your daily routine. Explore the techniques that resonate with you. Allow yourself to be present in each moment. The more you practice, the more you’ll discover the beauty of simply being.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Are you ready to take the leap? To step away from the distractions of daily life and immerse yourself in a transformative experience? Join us for our Natural Rhythms Retreat and discover the power of presence and connection.
Let this be your invitation to reconnect with yourself and nature. Together, we can create a more harmonious and regenerative future.
Written by: 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, mindfulness, and movement medicine like qi-gong, yoga, dance, and art. 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.
Click below to learn more about Amanda Luna & her ongoing & upcoming offerings: Aluna Living








Dear Amanda,
It is so heartwarming to see how beautifully you've grown into the Realized Being that you are! Immersed in all the healthy relationships with yourself, other human beings, the natural world, the creatures, the plant kingdom, and how you are contributing your wisdom and learning to each of these as you share your passions. I am thrilled for you! I hope to come to Costa Rica sometime next year because my friend Heather whom you have met and Gabriel who is her partner are fulfilling a dream of mine--to turn my book The Call of Mother Earth: How a Being of Light Draws Forth Humanity's Response into a film. Gabriel is an independent film maker and while…