Meet Marisa Reyes | Ritual Guide, massage therapist, yoga teacher, musician, dancer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marisa Reyes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marisa, we’d love to hear about a book that’s had an impact on you.
Considering we are in a time when healing is much needed, our offerings support the community with connecting to both themselves and each other. By offering virtual rituals, we are creating a space for people to get into their bodies, be seen and heard, and have a consistent practice that will elevate them on a physical, spiritual, and emotional level. The better they feel in their bodies, the better they can show up in all of their relationships whether it be romantic, work, or family related.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have just recently recorded 13 Moon Dance medicine songs which is a big deal considering I had a fear of singing in front of people before 3 years ago. The Moon Dance is a 4-night, 5-day ceremony that involves semi-fasting, sitting in 2 sweat lodges per day, not sleeping for 4 nights, and singing and dancing through the nights which leaves us fatigued and exhausted. It is not an easy experience at all, however, I overcame the challenges by feeling the support of all of the other moon dance sisters, grandmothers, and support people which was a reminder of the power of community. Attending the annual Moon Dance in Mexico opened up my voice and gave me the courage to start singing as a form of prayer. I now bring these songs into the rituals and ceremonies I guide as a way of connecting ourselves more deeply to our hearts and to our prayers.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d start the day with a morning hike at Debs Park. We’d go for buckwheat pancakes at Squirrel in Silverlake followed with a beach visit to Venice or Malibu. I would definitely bring them to my High Vibe Ritual which takes place in our zen garden at foothill of a mountain. These rituals include intention setting, movement, working with cannabis as a medicine which is optional, dancing, breathwork, and deep relaxation. I’d then go for a bike ride around town to grab a bite at Kitchen Mouse, one of my favorite neighborhood restaurants. I’d most definitely offer a Self-Love Ceremony which is a private ritual experience with the addition of a yoni steam or infrared sauna, followed with a glorious massage. It Covid-19 was not an issue, I’d take them to the Levitt Pavillion and Hollywood Bowl for live music, and if they wanted something more intimate, I’d invite my musical friends over for a jam session around a bonfire in our garden.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband and business partner, Michael Meier, is an incredible Austrian healer who was put on my path when I was transitioning from librarian to massage therapist. Having a common love for health and wellness, I felt confident in shifting my life path to that which ignited my heart. Together, we have our wellness home in Highland Park and have created a community which is fully dedicated to connecting deeper to our physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness.

Website: www.purplelot.us and www.ganjayoga.la
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Image Credits
Photography: Samir Janjua