Hello there, I'm Habiba Walid, and like countless others I am at the mercy of today's fast-paced and often chaotic world, where balancing career aspirations with personal wellbeing is a constant challenge.
To say that the world is in turmoil is an understatement. Finding inner balance is more vital than ever. Not just for my own benefit but equally to develop resilience to play my part in supporting the community overall.
My journey, shaped by the relentless demands of a tech-driven lifestyle, took a transformative turn at Nirvana Resort, where I embarked on a profound journey with breathwork, somatic movement, and mindfulness.
This is the review of a Computer Engineer on a right brain healing odyssey.
Urgency for Wellness Practices
Breathwork, movement, mindfulness of different permutations and combinations. It’s increasingly accepted that these practices are effective in relieving stress, but also in helping us craft a lifestyle that presses the ‘pause’ button on the endless flow of...adjectives defy me. Post-modern madness, techno-feudalism? You name it. The gravitational pull inherent in this era is unique in both its challenges and its opportunities.
According to a study by the American Psychological Association, nearly 77% of individuals regularly experience physical symptoms caused by stress. This alarming statistic underscores the urgency for practices that mitigate these effects.
Breathwork: A Deep Dive into Emotional Wellness
Breathwork was my first step foray into an emotional clarity practice. To imagine that our breath, so often overlooked, can be calibrated, enriched and deepened for greater clarity and vitality, was a revelation.
American Breathwork Master JD Thomas's ‘Proactive’ breathwork approach was the perfect name for his personalised hands-on method. I was struck by his philosophy:
"Breathwork is not just about reacting to stress; it's about proactively shaping your emotional landscape. For over 20 years I have witnessed the radically transformative power of conscious breathing. It fast-tracks healing and unlocks creativity like nothing else.”
After daily sessions with JD that carried me on emotional waves from agony to ecstasy, delving deeper into the science behind Breathwork was a must. I discovered compelling research that underscored its benefits. Controlled breathing, as studies show, can significantly decrease stress hormone levels. This finding offers a potential lifeline to the 264 million people worldwide affected by anxiety disorders, as reported by the World Health Organisation. The convergence of JD Thomas's practical no-nonsense wisdom and scientific research painted a clear picture: If I am going to take self-care seriously then breathwork is a powerful tool in managing stress and enhancing vibrancy.
Somatic Movement: Reconnecting with My Body
In somatic movement, I found a way to release, reconnect and overcome shyness. There are so few avenues to safely express movement without feeling judged, so the daily somatic flow soon became a channel for me to communicate with my body in ways I had never experienced before.
The group sessions were oddly private. More than a mere series of dance moves; they were a lyrical dialogue, a give-and-take inner flow where I learned to listen to the subtle cues of my body and respond with authenticity. Being present and attentive to my own needs, emerged wordlessly, bypassing the ego mind.
This personal deep-dive into the power of somatic movement was further validated by scientific research. A study published in the Journal of Dance & Somatic Practices reveals that somatic techniques significantly improve body awareness and emotional expression.
Hannia Zanana, a co-facilitator in the Breathwork, Movement & Mindfulness Staycation, an advocate for integrative health, took us through amazing sessions during the all-inclusive holistic experience.
She explained:
"The body never lies. Somatic movement of various forms ultimately results in unlocking our energy centres, increasing the capacity to listen to our body's signals and imbibing its wisdom."
Mindfulness: Anchoring in the Now
To reinforce the daily schedule of breathwork and movement, experimenting with several practical mindfulness techniques offered me a sanctuary in the present moment, as well as a tool-kit to take back home.
Fascinatingly, research in the journal Mindfulness found that regular mindfulness meditation can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by up to 60%.
Lisa Durante, wellbeing evangelista and curator of this unique Daycation/Staycation adventure, expressed it movingly:
"Cultivating mindfulness is not only incremental, it’s exponential in its ability to add quality and discernment to life. The ways and means are many, but the art of immersing oneself completely in the tapestry of the present, is timeless. For me, it’s more than just being in the ‘Now.’ It is to be mindful of my core ideals: building communities dedicated to seeking and sustaining optimal radiance and resilience."
This expanded view of mindfulness highlighted the collective aspect of wellness, the power of shared experiences and support in nurturing a resilient and radiant community and this resonated deeply with me. I feel inspired and energised by what oxygen and openness can bring forth.
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Nirvana Resort: A Haven of Tranquility
Nestled in the serene landscapes of Ras Al Khaimah, [Nirvana Resort](https://www.nirvanarak.com/) was the perfect backdrop for my wellness and self-discovery getaway. This boutique wellness resort with a relaxing equestrian mien, is a mere one hour’s drive from Dubai.
Cosy enough to be intimate, spacious enough to lend privacy, Nirvana - excuse the pun - led me to paradise with its harmonious blend of nature and comfort, offering an ideal setting for deep introspection and renewal. Surrounded by desert, the resort's peaceful eco-ambience complemented the practices of breathwork, movement, and mindfulness impeccably, making each session more profound and impactful.
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The To-Be-Repeated Experience at Nirvana Resort
At Nirvana Resort, I not only learned these effective practices but also experienced their transformative power in a supportive community setting. JD Thomas, Hannia Zanana and Lisa Durante, together with the gracious hospitality of the resort's in-house team helped me to unravel layers of stress and reconnect with my inner self. The blend of expert-led sessions and the natural beauty of Nirvana created a unique experience that was both healing and empowering.
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A New Life Begins
My time at Nirvana Resort has reminded me of the value of investing in experiences that nourish the soul. In a world advocating ‘what we have’ more than ‘what we are’, the journey of correcting this equation for personal and collective upliftment, is invaluable.
It taught me that the journey towards self-awareness is not just an individual pursuit but also a communal endeavour. The resort's unique blend of expert guidance, natural beauty, and a supportive community created an unparalleled experience in personal and collective wellbeing. I made new friends and learnt the ropes of a smarter wellbeing lifestyle. Will it stick once I get home? I don’t know. Let’s see. Either way, I encourage everyone feeling the weight of modern life to explore these life-enhancing practices.
For those looking to embark on their own journey of self-discovery, I highly recommend exploring the offerings at Nirvana Resort. Feel free to reach out to them at seekwel@wellnessworldllc.com or WhatsApp at +971 58 591 5036.
Wishing you peace and wellness
Habiba Walid