We were lucky to catch up with Briana Torres recently and have shared our conversation below.
Briana, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from within, from a part of me that has learned to survive and choose hope in the face of adversity. I grew up in a household where it wasn’t safe to express my emotions. My father, struggling with PTSD from his time in the Marines, often took out his anger through physical abuse. Living in constant fear and confusion as a child, I learned to hide my scars and pain, carrying invisible wounds that lingered long after the bruises healed.
I grew up feeling broken and unlovable, and I carried the weight of shame and trauma for years. But through enduring that suffering, I discovered my capacity to transform pain into purpose. I learned to heal through the somatic based practices of dance therapy in nature. My resilience grew from learning to channel my experiences into healing—not just for myself, but for others.
Today, I’ve dedicated my life to creating safe spaces for self-expression, connection, and growth through Exploring Within: Music and Movement Wellness Journeys in Nature. Through dance/movement therapy, the emotional release of music, and the restorative power of nature, I help others find freedom and healing by looking within. My hope is to provide a space where people can fully feel their emotions, process them in a healthy way, and never feel alone in whatever they might be going through. I invite them to embrace all parts of themselves in a supportive, nurturing environment—where their inner child can be seen, witnessed, and celebrated. My journey has taught me that resilience isn’t just surviving—it’s creating peace, purpose, and connection from the pain we endure.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My name is Bri, and I am the founder of Exploring Within, an outdoor silent disco wellness experience based on the Big Island of Hawai‘i. I guide music, movement, and nature-based wellness journeys designed to help people reconnect with themselves, others, and the natural world — and to find freedom through self-expression.
Using science-backed principles of dance/movement therapy, the emotional release of music, and the restorative mental and physical health benefits of being in nature, I create safe spaces where individuals can explore the full range of their emotions, cultivate self-awareness through reflection, and experience personal growth in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment.
We get to dance amidst some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes on the island, including a weekly experience at the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary — the only accessible cloud forest in the United States. My focus has always been on hosting guided silent disco experiences in the beauty of the great outdoors to help people reconnect with nature, so they can see themselves as a part of it, rather than apart from it.
What I find most exciting about this work is witnessing the transformation that happens on nature’s dance floor when people give themselves permission to move, express, and feel fully. Every journey is unique, and seeing someone rediscover joy, release, or clarity through movement, music, or simply being in nature is incredibly rewarding.
I’m especially excited about expanding our offerings to include new seasonal retreats in Hawai‘i, international collaborations with other retreat facilitators, and online workshops that allow our global community to experience the Exploring Within journey from anywhere in the world. These experiences are designed to be accessible to everyone — whether someone is just beginning their wellness journey or seeking deeper exploration and connection within. My mission is to help people feel seen, supported, and empowered to embrace all parts of themselves — body, mind, and spirit.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are self-awareness, courage, and devotion.
Self-awareness was the seed of everything. Learning to understand my emotions, patterns, and needs allowed me to begin healing and to show up authentically for myself and others. Learning to sit with myself—to truly listen to my inner world and listen to my body—became the foundation of my healing and growth. Before I could hold space for others or guide people into presence, I had to learn how to be present with myself. For those just beginning their journey, I encourage practices that cultivate reflection or anything that helps you slow down and truly listen—journaling, mindfulness, or simply time to be in rest in nature. The more you learn your own rhythms, the more clearly you can hear the quiet wisdom within.
Courage was the bridge. It took courage to be seen, to share my story, and to create something that didn’t fit the mold of a traditional career. I had to let go of perfectionism and the fear of judgment to follow what felt true for me. t’s what allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and share my story, my vision, and my work with the world. Every act of bravery, even when small, helps builds the muscle of self-trust and self-love. My advice is to start the thing that has been on your heart, before you feel ready. To feel the fear fully, and do it anyways. Because on the other side of fear is liberation. Let fear walk beside you, but don’t let it lead. Each time you honor your unique path and purpose, your confidence grows.
And devotion—that’s the practice that sustains everything. Devotion to showing up, to growth, to returning again and again to your purpose even when things are hard or you’re not yet where you want to be. Transformation doesn’t happen in a single leap or overnight; it unfolds through steady, intentional, and consistent repetition. Healing and entrepreneurship both require patience and persistence. Small, steady steps. Showing up even when it’s uncomfortable creates a lasting impact. I’ve learned that consistency isn’t about never failing, it’s about returning to your purpose again and again. Remembering your WHY on a daily basis and letting that be your guiding force.
Together, these qualities have guided me home to myself. From that place of inner connection, everything I create, share, and offer flows naturally. Because I’ve cultivated self-awareness, courage, and devotion within myself, I now get to create, and inspire others to do the same.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I love collaborating with aligned brands who are passionate about wellness, nature, and connection. I’m especially looking to partner with businesses seeking to bring a unique silent disco experience to their events—including wellness practitioners, retreat facilitators, corporate wellness teams, and wellness resorts or organizations interested in sharing our transformative, nature-based experiences.
In addition to large-scale partnerships, I also offer private Exploring Within experiences for birthdays, corporate events, wellness retreats, fundraisers, family reunions, bachelorette parties, bridal showers, wedding parties, baby showers, and more. These intimate sessions are designed to help guests connect deeper with themselves, each other, and nature in a playful, expressive, and fun way.
My goal is to bring Exploring Within’s music, movement, and nature-based wellness journeys to new audiences and help elevate the luxury wellness experience. These experiences—private or collaborative—are designed to be transformative, rejuvenating, and unforgettable. This experience lives on long after everyone leaves the dance floor—the effects of the journey ripple into day-to-day life, deepening one’s connection with themselves and fostering ongoing self-discovery.
If you’re interested in collaborating or booking a private session, you can learn more through my website www.exploringwithin.com OR you can reach me directly via email at [email protected]. I would love to explore ways we can co-create meaningful experiences that inspire connection, presence, and well-being.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.exploringwithin.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exploringwithin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exploringwithin
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@exploringwithin_
Image Credits
Caylin Ziemelis
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