About
The Mission of PALMA is to bring together multiple healing modalities working through the mind, body, and spirit in a curated manner that will inspire and bring forth deep wellness.
The Founders
Meredith Markworth-Pollack has been a Costume Designer For Film + TV for the past eighteen years, designing such shows as Impeachment and Dynasty. However a calling to honor her true nature has led her away from the industry, and toward a holistic and curated approach to wellness. She is currently Reiki III certified and hosting ceremonies, events and retreats. Daniel Pozas is an Intuitive Healer originally from Mexico who incorporates his indigenous lineage in his work. The husband and wife team formed PALMA Colectiva named after their two daughters Paz and Alma. They currently reside in Santa Barbara, California.
Palma Promise
We believe that wellness is for everyone. Therefore, we created the PALMA Promise scholarship fund to ensure that there is a spot at every workshop and retreat for someone in the community who could otherwise not afford to be there. Applicants and donors can apply here.
To Apply click the button below and tell us your name, location, and which event would you like to attend on scholarship? Why would you like to attend? Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
Modalities
Tea Ceremonies
A tea ceremony is a traditional practice that originated in China and Japan, and is now enjoyed around the world as a way to slow down, connect with nature, and awaken the senses.
During a tea ceremony, the host prepares and serves tea in a deliberate and mindful manner, using special tools and utensils to create a beautiful and serene environment. The tea used in a tea ceremony is often high-quality organic tea, selected for its healing properties and taste.
The ceremony itself typically begins with a period of quiet reflection and meditation, during which the host and guests prepare themselves for the experience. The tea is then prepared using a specific set of steps, each one performed with care and intention. The tea is brewed in small amounts, and each cup is poured and presented to the guests individually, as a sign of respect and appreciation.
As the tea is enjoyed, the host and guests may engage in conversation, or simply enjoy the quiet beauty of the moment. The tea ceremony is often seen as a form of meditation, with the act of preparing and drinking tea serving as a way to connect with the present moment, and to cultivate a sense of inner peace and tranquility.
Overall, a tea ceremony is a beautiful and meaningful practice that can help us slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures of life. It is a way to connect with ourselves, each other, and the natural world around us, and to cultivate a deeper sense of mindfulness and presence in our daily lives.
Cacao Ceremony
A cacao ceremony is a sacred gathering that uses raw, organic cacao as a tool for spiritual and emotional healing. During a cacao ceremony, participants consume a small amount of cacao in the form of a drink or elixir, and engage in various practices such as meditation, breath-work, and music to connect with their inner selves and the world around them.
The cacao used in a ceremony is often sourced from small-scale, fair trade farms and is considered a powerful plant medicine. Cacao contains a variety of natural compounds, such as theobromine and phenethylamine, that can help to uplift mood, enhance focus, and promote feelings of love and connection.
As the cacao is consumed, participants are encouraged to set intentions for their experience and connect with their heart center. The facilitator may also lead guided meditations or visualization exercises to help participants deepen their experience and connect with their inner wisdom.
Cacao ceremonies often incorporate other healing modalities such as sound healing or reiki, to enhance the overall experience. The goal of a cacao ceremony is to create a safe and supportive space where participants can let go of negative emotions, connect with their inner selves, and open their hearts to love and compassion.
Overall, a cacao ceremony is a beautiful and powerful practice that can help us connect with our inner selves, cultivate feelings of love and compassion, and heal from emotional wounds. By using the power of cacao and other healing modalities, we can tap into the wisdom and healing potential of our bodies and minds, and find a deeper sense of peace and clarity.
Breath-work
Breath-work is a practice that uses conscious breathing techniques to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. The goal of breath-work is to create a deep state of relaxation and awareness that can help us release stress, reduce anxiety, and connect with our inner selves.
During a breath-work session, a trained practitioner will guide participants through a series of breathing exercises designed to promote deep relaxation and healing. These exercises may involve rapid, deep breathing, long, slow breaths, or a combination of both.
As participants breathe, they are encouraged to focus their attention on their breath and allow themselves to fully experience the physical sensations and emotions that arise. The practitioner may also use music, sound, or other tools to enhance the experience and promote deeper relaxation.
Breath-work is believed to work by increasing the flow of oxygen in the body and promoting the release of tension and toxins. By bringing attention to our breath, we can also cultivate a sense of mindfulness and present moment awareness, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety and promote feelings of peace and wellbeing.
Breath-work can be practiced on its own or as a complementary therapy alongside other conventional or alternative treatments. It is considered safe and non-invasive, and can be used by people of all ages and health conditions.
Overall, breath-work is a powerful and transformative practice that can help us connect with our inner selves, release stress and tension, and cultivate a deeper sense of peace and wellbeing. By using the power of our breath, we can tap into the healing potential of our bodies and minds and find a greater sense of connection and balance in our lives.
Reiki
Reiki is a Japanese healing practice that uses touch or non-touch techniques to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. The word "Reiki" can be translated as "universal life force energy," and the practice is based on the idea that this energy flows through all living things and can be used to promote healing and balance.
During a Reiki session, a trained practitioner will place their hands lightly on or near the client's body, using a series of hand positions to channel healing energy into the client's body. The client may feel a sense of warmth, tingling, or deep relaxation as the energy flows through them.
Reiki is believed to work by removing blockages or imbalances in the body's energy field, which can cause physical or emotional distress. By promoting the free flow of energy, Reiki can help to reduce stress, relieve pain, and promote feelings of peace and wellbeing.
Reiki can be used as a standalone healing practice or as a complementary therapy alongside other conventional or alternative treatments. It is considered safe and non-invasive, and can be used by people of all ages and health conditions.
Overall, Reiki is a powerful and gentle healing practice that can help us connect with our inner selves, promote physical and emotional wellbeing, and find a deeper sense of peace and balance in our lives. By tapping into the universal life force energy that flows through us all, we can open ourselves to the healing potential of our bodies and minds, and find a deeper sense of connection and harmony in our lives.
Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini Yoga is a spiritual and physical practice that combines movement, breathwork, meditation, and chanting to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. The practice is based on the idea that we all have a dormant energy, known as the Kundalini, located at the base of our spine, which can be awakened through the practice of Kundalini Yoga.
During a Kundalini Yoga class, participants will engage in a series of physical postures, or "asanas," combined with specific breathing techniques, or "pranayama," to promote the free flow of energy through the body. The practice also incorporates meditation and chanting, or "mantra," to promote focus and clarity of mind.
Kundalini Yoga is believed to work by activating the Kundalini energy at the base of the spine, which can help to remove blockages or imbalances in the body's energy field. By promoting the free flow of energy, Kundalini Yoga can help to reduce stress, relieve pain, and promote feelings of peace and wellbeing.
Kundalini Yoga can be practiced by people of all ages and abilities, and can be adapted to suit individual needs and limitations. It is considered a safe and effective form of exercise and meditation, and can be used as a standalone practice or as a complementary therapy alongside other conventional or alternative treatments.
Overall, Kundalini Yoga is a powerful and transformative practice that can help us connect with our inner selves, promote physical and emotional wellbeing, and find a deeper sense of peace and balance in our lives. By awakening the Kundalini energy and promoting the free flow of energy through the body, we can tap into the healing potential of our bodies and minds, and find a greater sense of connection and harmony in our lives.
Sound Bath
A sound bath is a form of meditation that uses sound to promote relaxation and healing. During a sound bath, participants lie down or sit comfortably while a facilitator plays a variety of instruments, such as crystal bowls, gongs, chimes, and drums, creating a soundscape that surrounds and envelops them.
The sounds produced by the instruments are said to have therapeutic effects on the body and mind. The vibrations created by the instruments can help to release tension, reduce stress, and promote a sense of deep relaxation. Some people also report experiencing a feeling of euphoria or heightened awareness during a sound bath.
As participants listen to the sounds, they are encouraged to focus on their breath and allow the vibrations to penetrate their body and mind. The facilitator may also guide participants through visualizations or other meditative practices to enhance the experience.
Sound baths are often held in a quiet, dimly lit space to create a peaceful and calming environment. Participants may also be invited to bring their own blankets, pillows, or other comforts to help them relax.
Overall, a sound bath is a unique and powerful form of meditation that can help us tune into our inner selves and find a sense of peace and tranquility. By using sound as a tool for relaxation and healing, we can tap into the power of vibration to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.