Integrative Wellness Retreat

30/12/2016

A NEW CYCLE BEGINS| we hope the end of the year finds you all in high spirits and in good health. Hard to believe that IWR began 4 New Year's Eves ago! We still remember how excited we were that NYE morning back in 2013 when we started putting our plan on paper. As we head into 2017, we are really inspired by the book "Wild Creative" by Tami Lynn Kent. Especially keeping this line in mind as we enter a new cycle, new chapter, new year...."Rather than calling for continual output, there's a more natural model that recognizes that we are meant to receive energy first and then build with that energy. We rest and restore, then move and create." It's been another year of stories, song, and ceremony and we're grateful to all who have both supported and inspired us. May 2017 challenge you, change you, embrace you, and meet you exactly where you need to be !!! xo + 📷 photo by:

11/12/2016

GIFTING MULLING SPICES + CINNAMON STICKS| an 11-spice blend that'll make your spiced wine + hot toddies next level. Fun, delicious smelling DIY gift from the ! For these, I got to repurpose about 10 jars I had lying around- officially justifying my jar hoarding habit. 🤓 for the how-to check the blog: http://www.integrativewellnessretreat.com/soulfultraveldiary/iwr-gift-guide-2016

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06/12/2016

ETHICALLY SOURCED CHOCOLATE GIFTS GALORE| ! Bought lots of my favorite "bean to bar" blend for family + friends... The "Mayan tradition." Here's why this bar made the 2016 .... It’s not easy to make chocolate + to develop a sustainable relationship with a grower. Chocovivo partnered up with a family-owned plantation in Tabasco, Mexico. The grower isn’t producing quantity, but quality. This plantation is over 100 years old with robust cacao trees. The grower uses pesticide-free methods of fumigating their cacao trees. A mixture of garlic, vinegar and water serve as a natural pesticide that is sprayed on the trees. And…There is no child slavery – a much longer and important topic. If that last bit piques your interest, Google "chocolate slavery" and perhaps you'll be inspired to support the chocolate companies who are sourcing their cacao beans ethically or you're motivated take action in other ways. When you know better, do better. Sharing an amazing link regarding the topic In the post previous to this one here on our FB page

06/12/2016

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER| here's why our 2016 gift guide included an ethically sourced chocolate bar...

https://martinschmidtinasia.wordpress.com/2014/08/18/is-ignorance-bliss-teaching-about-chocolate-slavery-on-day-1/

Introduction When students reflect on their time in Humanities I in Action, they frequently recall the first day of class. Grade nine students are incredibly open to new impressions on their first …

03/12/2016

IWR 2016 GIFT GUIDE | We use this platform to promote seasonal living, sustainability + social justice. These things are what inspired our 2016 gift guide. Every December, we compile a list of 15 of our favorite (non-sponsored) items. So here it is...IWR's 2016 FOOD, MOVEMENT, LIFESTYLE, + SOULFUL TRAVEL GIFT GUIDE.
Happy to share that this year's list includes more DIY gifts + projects that promote sustainability and transparency of ingredients. We're also aware that there are several causes that are in need of more attention, support + donations(we've chosen to donate to this holiday season), so we're also excited to help you find affordable gifts (12 of the 15 gifts on the list are

02/12/2016

OMICA ORGANICS | It's not everyday that you encounter a company that is mindful of where and how their ingredients are produced, closely monitors production methods, and recognizes the impact of their business practices on the people they encounter, the lifestyles they influence, and the preservation of our planet. Biodynamic Botanica Mists were in our guest gift bags + we're grateful to say they also stocked our showers with their Plant-Based shampoo, conditioner and body wash set. We're so happy we had the opportunity to connect our guests with Omica- a cutting-edge brand that's leading the way in natural health products for mindful, informed consumers. We love supporting businesses that are all about changing the game. More on this game changing brand in our retreat recap ! LINK IN BIO.

01/12/2016

SALT AFFAIR| is a sea salt scrub company started by IWRs dear friend Tracy () ! She created her line out of a desire to see more clean, organic skin care options available on the market. Her products are crafted here locally in ☀️SoCal in 🌊 . She values sourcing high quality, local ingredients and today we totally geeked out over ways she can source one of her ingredients even more locally than she already does! These are the conversations we love having with fellow entrepreneurs. We are also so grateful that she recently generated a lot of enthusiasm to help support and raise donations for "water is life" themed yoga class benefiting standing rock. An absolute honor and pleasure to showcase in our skin microbiome friendly bathrooms at and in our guest gift bags! 😘 More details about her amazing brand in our retreat recap. BLOG POST LINK: http://www.integrativewellnessretreat.com/soulfultraveldiary/malibu-2016 🙃

01/12/2016

ENERGY MUSE| is another unique company we had the pleasure of collaborating with this year for . They provided our guests with a set of crystals and we all had such a deeply relaxing time doing a crystal facial during our sound bath before our cacao ceremony! You can recreate this grounding experience at home by checking the retreat recap post for the placement + meaning of the 3 different Energy Muse stones we used! LINK TO BLOG: http://www.integrativewellnessretreat.com/soulfultraveldiary/malibu-2016 photo by:

01/12/2016

CALIFORNIA SCRUB Co.| This company upcycles fair-trade, organic coffee grounds to use as the base for their simple, yet exquisite, skin-softening scrub! Did you know plain ol' coffee grounds make for a surprisingly effective exfoliant? BUT when combined with cold-pressed, organic almond + jojoba oils and infused with essential oils, the scrub is next level. Moment of joy at when a group of us scrubbed our body's down on the beach with their Spicy Chai scrub and shrieked our way into the waves crashing at shore. When we got out, our skin felt healthy, hydrated, and smooth!! We love supporting our local friends in business here in SoCal + are grateful that stocked their coffee scrubs in our skin microbiome friendly bathroom + supplied goodies for our guests swag bag! More stories and pics in our retreat recap post LINK IN PROFILE

29/11/2016

AJAI ALCHEMY | is what we used to upgrade everyone's yoga experience at and at last week''s "water is life" themed yoga class benefiting Standing Rock. These products make us feel relaxed and uplifted, soothed and enticed, opened and centered and it was such a joy and an honor to be able to share it in our skin microbiome friendly bathrooms in Malibu and with our yogis in class. Upon arrival at our retreat, all of our guests were invited to dip their feet into the ocean while setting an intention for the weekend. When they were ready, helped them get present + clear with an individual ceremonial smudge that included: palo santo smoke, a pass with a smudging stick and a selenite wand, and for good measure, several spritzs of Grace Rose Mist. We used Ajai's Grace and Radiance serums nightly during our evening restorative yoga classes. Amanda and guided everyone into relaxing yoga poses outdoors under the moonlight, and while providing adjustments and massages, the use of Ajai Alchemy oils deepened the relaxation and enhanced the experience. Not enough good things can be said about this brand! Products are made with 100% pure, certified organic and wildcrafted ingredients. They use recycled, eco-sustainable packaging so that their alchemy arrives to you in the most conscious way with the least carbon footprint. Their packaging is so beautiful that we absolutely love that they have created a special incentive program to encourage the conscious community at large to recycle their used bottles. When your alchemy is finished, if you send them your empties, they will cleanse and sanitize the bottles before refilling with a fresh supply at a discounted price. YES!! So much love to fern for outfitting our bathrooms and providing our guests with Ajai products! Check her products out here: http://www.ajaialchemy.com/shop/

24/11/2016

STRONG WE STAND| with Standing Rock! 30 hours ago had an idea... To theme her yoga class today around "water is life" and ask anyone down to support the movement to raise awareness + donate to support the medics and healers helping the water protectors at Standing Rock! Today's yogis raised $350.00 and with the $250 from Soho Yoga together our community raised $600!!!!!!! Thank you to all the yogis and friends and above all thank you Soho Yoga for supporting!!!!! You can drop off any supplies or donations at Soho until Sunday Nov. 27! Also check out this link for other ways you can contribute!: https://www.romper.com/p/ways-to-help-standing-rock-protestors-this-thanksgiving-23424

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24/11/2016

WATER IS LIFE| many of us are gathering with family + friends this weekend. As you cook, clean, + prep, consider taking a moment of gratitude every time you use water... 💦To wash your hands, 💦to soak your grains, 💦to clean your countertops, 💦to drink. Water is an indispensable resource. Water is life. If you can't make it to noon yoga class today at benefiting the movement, but you're looking for ways to support Standing Rock today, check out the this link: https://www.romper.com/p/ways-to-help-standing-rock-protestors-this-thanksgiving-23424

23/11/2016

WE STAND WITH STANDING ROCK| join IWR's co-founder tomorrow (THR. NOV 24) for her noon TPT yoga class in . Her earnings from teaching will be donated to standing rock + anyone who donates any amount to help the cause will be matched by a donation on behalf of Soho. ••• The “Dakota Access” Pipeline (DAPL) is a $3.8B, 1,100 mile fracked-oil pipeline currently under construction from the Bakken shale fields of North Dakota to Peoria, Illinois. DAPL is slated to cross Lakota Treaty Territory at the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation where it would be laid underneath the Missouri River, the longest river on the continent. Construction of the DAPL endangers a source of fresh water for the Standing Rock Sioux and 8 million people living downstream. DAPL would also impact many sites that are sacred to the Standing Rock Sioux and other indigenous nations. Despite pressure from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, Dakota Access has failed to consult tribes and conduct a full environmental impact statement. The proposed route crosses the Missouri River at the confluence with the Cannon Ball river, an area that is of utmost cultural and spiritual, and environmental significance. The current route of the DAPL will cross over the Ogallala Aquifer (one of the largest aquifers in the world) and under the Missouri River twice (the longest river in the United States). The possible contamination of these water sources makes the Dakota Access pipeline a national threat.
The Dakota Access threatens everything from farming and drinking water to entire ecosystems, wildlife and food sources surrounding the area. The nesting of bald eagles and piping plovers as well as the quality of wild rice and medicinal plants like sweet grass are just a few of the species at stake here. We ask that everyone stand with us against this threat to health, culture, and sovereignty. art: Jackie Fawn Illustrations

22/11/2016

YOUR CHOICES MATTER ALL THE TIME, ESPECIALLY IN UNCERTAIN TIMES| Feeling extra inspired today to share words of wisdom from Nutritious Movement 's latest podcast! Episode 66 is all about how to deal with the stress of the holiday season that may be compounded by the additional stress of politics and environmental stand-offs. We're reminded that we have the ability to be proactive, to contribute, to vote with our dollars and to be part of a solution. In regards to feeling overwhelmed with our reality, Katy reminds us, "we don't have to perpetuate the idea that change happens on a large scale first brought about by government institutions and policies...what change actually is, is the transition over time of many people making small changes in habits." Couldn't agree more! This year at our retreat we hoped to inspire our tribe to make small changes with their hygiene products knowing that this could lead to using products that not only support skin health, but are also more responsible choices for our environment. We did this by creating a skin microbiome friendly bathroom! Overthinking everything that's wrong about a situation can overwhelm you to the point where no action is taken (a phenomenon called paralysis by analysis). For example, when you think of all the air pollution, water pollution, and deforestation happening around the world, it's easy to believe your choices alone don't have any impact. This is the perfect time to adopt a "think globally, act locally" mentality. When you consider that tiny pieces of plastic found in soap, toothpaste and body washes have been bioaccumulating in rivers, lakes and streams where they are mistaken for food by fish, spreading pollutants throughout the food chain (including to humans), then you realize re-thinking your hygiene products can make a BIG impact. At our retreat, we not only wanted everyone to be aware of the problem, but we also wanted everyone to experience being part of a solution. It was our hope to empower everyone to know the role they play at a local level that can be the catalyst for change on a global level. All on the blog! The !
BLOG POST LINK| http://www.integrativewellnessretreat.com/soulfultraveldiary/malibu-2016

22/11/2016

SEASONAL LIVING + PERSONALIZED MEDICINE| In Ayurveda, it is advised to live according to the seasons and cycles of the day FIRST, and then the more specific principles regarding an individual's body type (dosha) can be better applied. For that reason, at our retreats, we use seasonal food, mindful movement, and awareness of daily rhythms to encourage everyone to live in a more connected way. Seasonal awareness leads to a deeper understanding of what one's own personal needs are and a deeper knowing of what will specifically bring your body balance. Getting into seasonal living + personalized medicine over on our blog the photography: Super Food Super Life BLOG POST LINK| http://www.integrativewellnessretreat.com/soulfultraveldiary/malibu-2016

19/11/2016

IWR MALIBU 2016| It's been just a little over a month since we last gathered in Malibu and what a wild ride it has been since, huh? Between the post-retreat highs and the post-election lows, there's been a lot to process. Taking time away from social media was a much needed medicine. We're finally ready (and very excited) to share that we've finally posted our 2016 retreat recap blog post!••• At the end of our retreat we sat in a circle + reflected on our experience. As we shed transformational tears, shared soulful stories, truth-filled triumphs, and brought to light our deepest doubts, a hummingbird flew over our circle reminding us the sweetest nectar is within. In times of transition, and in a season that represents release and transformation, our time together couldn't have ended in a more joyful or hopeful way. For us, this recap represents what's possible when like-minded people gather for the good of the world. Sorting through all of the amazing photos from our photog Alexa, we're reminded that more than ever community matters, our ability to process matters, our voices matter, our vision for transformation matters. | link in our profile!

http://www.integrativewellnessretreat.com/soulfultraveldiary/malibu-2016

Ayurveda, Alignment + Yoga| Malibu, CA | October 2016 “Fall is a time of transition. It is evident everywhere around you. Many trees and shrubs are quietly un******ng in preparation for the winter... And there is the wind: slowly gathering strength, carrying the tides of winter on its breath. The au...

19/10/2016

ACORN SQUASH | top-5-wanna-try fall recipes on the blog! This season, acorn squashes will be sliced, stuffed, added into waffles and turned into soup! I've also had a tight grip on life this year, so I am excited to share ways I'm slowing down and the Ayurvedic cleanses that have helped keep me accountable. RECIPES I WANT TO TRY BY: Vidya Living ** The Crepes of Wrath ** Oh My Veggies ** PaleOMG ** Stacey Homemaker

http://www.integrativewellnessretreat.com/soulfultraveldiary/acornsquash

Heat wave on, heat wave off. Despite that being the name of the game here in LA, I'm still trying to channel all the fall vibes. Through seasonal foods, of course, but especially trying to master the art of slowing down. I am one part perfectionist and two parts control freak. In an attempt to relea...

14/10/2016

GROUNDED| “You feel so grounded, rooted, secured and belonging to this Earth only when you put your foot on the ground. It is your feet which connects the being in you to the Earth to which you belong to." -Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ay)

At our retreat, as encouraged in Ayurveda, we spent plenty of time massaging the feet with oil, not only for mobility and flexibility, but for mental serenity and emotional stability.

On our last night together, Kamala, our in-house Ayurvedic Practitioner, guided everyone through an Ayurvedic foot massage with ghee. Partnering up to both give and receive a foot massage felt like the grounding medicine many needed right before we transitioned into crystal facials, a sound bath, and cacao ceremony. We invited her onto the blog to share with our soulful travel tribe all the subtleties you may want to pay attention to this Fall season and we get into the how, what, when and why of the GROUNDING AYURVEDIC FOOT MASSAGE!

http://www.integrativewellnessretreat.com/soulfultraveldiary/grounding-ayurvedic-foot-massage

Amanda here. I can and can't believe this past week we led our 3rd annual Ayurveda, Alignment and Yoga Retreat. Jenn and I have said it before, and we'll say it again, it is ALWAYS such a joy and privilege to see everyone gather to interact, laugh, learn, cry, and return back home to themselves. Aut...

10/10/2016

IN CIRCLE + CEREMONY WE GATHER | for healing, for health, for transformation, for our dreams to be heard, and for our love to be felt. The cards we pulled in our closing ceremony reminded us to infuse our lives with •Joy• the ocean• honesty• magnetic attraction • love • awareness of the signs• energy work •surrender and release • unity, marriage, integration• trust in the perfect timing• release the worry

20/09/2016

RESET| Ayurveda encourages that we re-set our mind, body, spirit and soul at two very important junctures of the year: 1) the transition into Fall 2) transition into Spring. The Autum Equinox ushers in the Fall Season and is this THURSDAY, SEPT. 22, 2016. Check out how Seasonal Cleansing the Ayurvedic way changed our lives...

http://www.integrativewellnessretreat.com/soulfultraveldiary/how-seasonal-cleansing-the-ayurvedic-way-changed-my-life

Good Morning! Jenn and Amanda here. Over the past year we've made seasonal cleansing a part of our lifestyle. That means that at the juncture of every season we take anywhere from 5-14 days to re-set our systems. Outwardly, it can seem mainly physical...making better food choices to help optimize ou...

07/09/2016

SOPHIE THE VW BUS| made it up to the land of the big, wise trees this past weekend! A 13 mile hike through the less traveled areas in the sequoias is how we avoided the crowds 🌲🙃🌲 . Sophie's next big stop is MALIBU exactly one month from today!!! You can totally still join us!

http://www.integrativewellnessretreat.com/retreats/malibucalifornia2016

👆🏽🚌❤️ Can't wait ❤️🚌

30/08/2016

REST• REFLECT • RELAX| by the ocean at ! We have ✌🏾️two spots left! I am in Cabo right now getting my ocean needs met, but trust me, the collective group energy in Malibu x the power of the pacific = everything you didn't know you needed! ✨🌊✨

23/08/2016

CLAIRE | our beloved chef from Vidya Living is on the blog to weave your understanding of Ayurveda, stress, digestion, + the microbiome together! We hope you take her 5 tips to support your gut health to heart!

http://www.integrativewellnessretreat.com/soulfultraveldiary/ayurveda-stress-digestion-microbiome

A year ago, Jenn and I shared a 3-part blog post series highlighting the importance of our microbiome- the collection of microbes that inhabit just about every part of the human body and assist in vital functions essential for human survival. Part I breaks down my experience last year with an ear in...

22/08/2016

ANATOMY ALTAR| made with bones, stones, + sage! I () had such a fun weekend teaching anatomy at ! I often teach anatomy from this perspective... everything I say, you already know. My words simply help you to remember. Our bodies are hardwired for wholeness. I'm not here to re-write that script, just helping you to remember what on a deep level, you already know- wholeness, greatness, vibrant health. In western medicine/ the physical therapy world this nudge to remember is called "neuromuscular re-education." Emphasis on the *RE* education. It implies you already knew it, You just give the body verbal and tactile cues to help it remember. In Ayurvedic Medicine, Abhyanga is a form of bodywork that involves massaging the body with oil. More poetically, it can be translated as "anointing yourself with oil." This weekend we had the plastic skeleton man for reference and of course had the anatomy books out, but to deepen our understanding we also had yoga to help us *experience* the movement and where things deviated from your typical anatomy class is that I also busted out my oils. I love to teach anatomy as a tactile experience. The act of self-massage awakens that inner knowing. Touching, feeling + sensing is how you start connecting dots. Can't wait to keep expanding on that at our upcoming retreat !!

18/08/2016

DANCE, DANCE, DANCE | 📸 IWR photog, Alexa (), is co-producing her 1st event at this Friday, Aug 19 @7:30pm! Yoga, dancing, live drumming, sound bath + chocolate! We're all in!! Just got our tix + can't wait to dance our hearts out 🎶❤️⚡️ Hope to see you on the dance floor! "To watch us dance is to hear our hearts speak." -Derrick “Suwaima” Davis


http://wanderlusthollywood.com/events/yogic-dance-liberation-journey-0

18/08/2016

A SOUND BATH| Is an energetic experience that involves the alchemy of sound + planetary frequencies. Gia (Sound and Energy Healing with Gia Victorino) is the sound healer + soul-sista who bathed everyone in sweet sounds at AMANDA RAMIREZ DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY + YOGA INSTRUCTOR birthday party (All the bday festivity details are on the blog. http://www.integrativewellnessretreat.com/soulfultraveldiary/a-cycle-around-the-sun). She's making the move South + bringing her beats + sounds to Texas! Although LA will surely miss her, we're happy we can partake in one of her last public sound baths tonight with IWR friend, D'Andre Clayton: Yoga Teacher & Educator at impulse dance company in Torrance!
✨🙏🏽🎶 It's quite an experience + one worth exploring! Gia explains, "sound vibrations immerse and relax the body, which allows the brain to reach a deep meditative/theta state. In this state the energy body opens + releases stagnant energy that is stored within the physical body. This allows the body to receive a vibrational tune-up and reach its natural vibrational alignment. The body is restored to a state of peace and harmony.
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Sound may also bring about emotions, which provides space to clear and heal heavy energy. Sound is amazing because it's universal and has the potential to affect the spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical body!"

17/08/2016

TRIGGER POINT RELEASE WORKSHOP| with IWRs very own ! This weekend, Saturday, Aug 20th (lower body) + Sunday, August 21st (upper body). Join her at Soho Yoga 🙏🏽✨ AMANDA RAMIREZ DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY + YOGA INSTRUCTOR will be guiding the way in all things meditation + movement at our fall retreat and in her 2-part whole-body rolling workshop this weekend you will use therapy balls to target trigger points + enjoy the benefits of self-massage. Self-massage is a powerful age-old ritual used to break up muscular tension, eliminate pain, prevent injury, increase circulation, and enhance health. To deepen your trigger point therapy practice, Amanda will guide you through a head-to- toe whole-body roll out routine you can easily do at home. Along the way, she'll refine your technique, break down what's happening anatomically + tie in a bit of yogic philosophy! Join her for one day, or both!
Sign up .com

👣PART I: LOWER BODY | SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016 (1:30PM-3:30PM)
🙌🏾PART II: UPPER BODY| SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2016 (1:30PM-3:30PM)

08/08/2016

ANOTHER CYCLE AROUND THE SUN | calls for a pistachio-rose tart topped with edible flowers.
reflects on her birthday week over on the blog! Especially excited to share all the links to the recipes that inspired a flight of tonics and teas that paired well with 2 very delicious vegan + paleo desserts!

http://www.integrativewellnessretreat.com/soulfultraveldiary/a-cycle-around-the-sun

recipe

04/08/2016

MUST READ | Chloe Garcia Ponce's (Nomadic Songlines) feature on Free + Native. Being brought back to Mexico and our Retreat experience in the temescal with these words...

AGUA VITAL PURIFICAME (Water purify me)

FUEGO DEL AMOR QUEMA MI TEMOR (Fire of love burn away my fears)

VIENTO DEL ALMA, LLEVAME AL ALTAR (Wind of the soul take me to the altar)

MADRECITA TIERRA DEVUELVEME AL HOGAR (Mother Earth return me to my home)

EN EL TEMAZCAL (in this Sacred Sweat Lodge)

CANTO DE SALUD AL TEMAZCALLI (Song of Healing in the Sweat Lodge)


http://freeandnative.com/free-native-1/2016/7/27/ksuhz8icgxarequps0jjrq1ouonlar

NYC's otherworldly Curandera (Mexican Healer) that will forever change your life.

26/07/2016

SUMMER| state of mind. Seasonal resets are good for the soul. Join IWR, + this fall at to get your seasonal living on !