The Ritual Series Vol. 7: From Bali with Grace — Myrah Penaloza on Radiance & Rhythm
In this seventh edition of The Ritual Series, we step into the luminous world of Myrah Penaloza—mother, designer, Kundalini guide, and founder of a lifestyle anchored in beauty, intention, and the sacred feminine. Now living in Bali, Myrah has created a life that mirrors the natural rhythms of the island: slow, nourishing, and deeply attuned to the seasons of the soul. Through her flowing designs, tea ceremonies, and daily rituals, she invites women everywhere to reconnect with their essence.
From altar tending and Green Tara mantras at sunrise to moonlit ocean offerings with her children, Myrah shares how ritual, creativity, and motherhood are inseparable threads in her life—and what it means to live in a way that is both radiant and real.
How do you begin your mornings?
Every day feels like a fresh start for me. I try to wake up before my little ones to have some quiet moments to myself. I love starting my day by tending to my altar - it's my special space for reflection and connection. I take a few minutes to feed my altar, change the water, light some incense, and care for the candle. Chanting 108 recitations to Green Tara helps me set a positive tone for the day. But on days like today, where my babies need extra rest, I cherish the opportunity to slow down and enjoy the morning with them. As a mom, I know these moments are precious, and I'm grateful for the chance to share my morning rituals with them, even if it's just a simple tea ceremony. It's beautiful to watch them wake up and see Momma in her element, surrounded by intention and peace.
Can you share a daily or seasonal self-care practice that feels sacred to you right now?
I believe every practice can be sacred when approached with intention and mindfulness. For me, a daily self-care practice that feels particularly meaningful is my Sadhana practice, which helps me cultivate a deeper connection with myself and the natural world. Just as the rhythms of nature teach us about cycles of growth and renewal, my Sadhana practice reminds me to approach each day with intention and awareness. I also love sharing this practice with my online student community and my Sanget, where we explore the effects of Tantric Kriyas together. It's beautiful to witness the transformative power of these ancient modalities, both personally and collectively, much like how nature's beauty can transform our perspective and inner landscape. By prioritizing these practices, I'm reminded of the importance of intention, community, and spiritual growth in my daily life.
How do your clothing designs reflect your personal philosophy or spiritual practice?
My clothing designs are deeply rooted in my personal philosophy and spiritual practice, which emphasizes the celebration of womanhood in all its forms. The silhouettes I create are inspired by the fluidity and freedom of movement, reflecting the various phases of a woman's life - from the innocence of maidenhood to the nurturing spirit of motherhood, and beyond. I draw inspiration from nature's non-linear yet timeless rhythms, where growth, transformation, and expansion are constant. My designs aim to capture the elegance and simplicity of these natural cycles, distilling them into refined, graceful silhouettes that honor the multifaceted nature of womanhood. Each piece is a testament to the beauty of transformation and the freedom to evolve, just as nature does, effortlessly and elegantly.
Are there natural elements—plants, oils, or sensory materials—that you reach for regularly in your beauty or wellness practice?
My wellness practice is all about simplicity and using nature's gifts to nourish my body and soul. I've never been one for a lot of beauty products, but I've found that essential oils and flower essences are incredibly powerful tools for self-care. I'm particularly fond of peppermint oil for a refreshing pick-me-up, and rosemary oil for scalp massages that promote healthy, radiant hair. Oil pulling is a big one for me with a drop of clove essential oil. Tea tree oil is my go-to for spot treatments, paired with coconut oil to keep my skin balanced. I also love using a wooden comb to massage my scalp and distribute the oils. One of my favorite ways to detox and rejuvenate is by sitting in an infrared sauna, letting the warmth work its magic on my body. Additionally, I adore immersing myself in nature's beauty, especially during peak lunar phases like the new moon or full moon, where I can enjoy a nourishing springwater fall nature bath, allowing the waters to purify and rejuvenate me. It's amazing how these simple, natural elements can bring so much joy and wellness into my life.
What does slow living mean to you—and how do you protect that rhythm in a world that often pushes urgency?
Slow living, to me, is about embracing a natural flow and trusting that things will unfold as they should, without forcing or rushing. In a world that often prioritizes urgency, I protect my rhythm by staying focused on my own path and mission, and reminding myself of what I'm here to experience and cultivate. It's about creating a new paradigm that honors the natural flow of life, rather than getting caught up in the old patterns of stress and anxiety. To do this, I prioritize practices that raise my vibration, such as my sadhana practice, spending time in nature, and engaging in activities that bring me joy and peace. By resonating at a higher frequency, I'm better able to respond to life's challenges with clarity and wisdom, rather than reacting out of urgency or stress. This allows me to align with a deeper sense of purpose and timing, and to co-emerge with the world around me in a way that's harmonious and balanced. Living in Bali, Indonesia has also been a beautiful catalyst for this way of life, allowing me to step away from the fast-paced mentality of the Western world and immerse myself in a more relaxed and nature-attuned lifestyle that feels more in tune with my values and rhythms.
Do you have any evening or moonlit rituals that help you unwind and transition into rest or reflection?
As a mama of two beautiful kiddos, my evening rituals are all about family bonding and creating a sense of calm and connection. We love to catch the sunset at the beach, especially during the new moon, and incorporate rituals that help us release and purify our energy. One of our favorite rituals is the cotton cleanse, where we use cotton to symbolically release our thoughts and actions from the previous lunar phase, and offer them to the ocean waters. After the kids are tucked into bed, my husband and I take time to check in with each other, reflect on the day, week, and month, and plant seeds for the next day. We prioritize quality time together as a family and as a couple, making sure to nurture our relationships and set intentions for a better tomorrow. Reading our kids their favorite stories before bed is a special part of our evening routine, and we cherish the time we get to spend together as a family.
What does radiant beauty mean to you today—as a woman, a mother, a creative, a guide?
Radiant beauty, to me, is about embracing and celebrating a woman's natural essence and unique features, unapologetically and authentically. It's about recognizing the transformative power of aging and self-acceptance, and allowing one's inner light to shine through. As a woman, mother, creative, and guide, I believe that radiance is sparked from within, fueled by self-love and self-acceptance that comes from a deep understanding of one's own worth and divinity. It's about honoring the unique qualities and beauty of each individual, rather than trying to conform to external standards. In my creative pursuits, I aim to highlight and complement the natural beauty of women, rather than altering or diminishing it. Radiance is a state of being that says, "I love myself exactly as I am, and I know that I am a manifestation of the divine." It's a profound sense of self-love and self-acceptance that illuminates from within, and inspires others to do the same.
