Do you remember your first yoga class? I do...
My first yoga class was a humbling experience, to say the least. As a self-proclaimed gym rat teaching 20+ fitness classes in bustling NYC, I thought I had seen it all. I did it all -- step aerobics, hi-lo, "toning," and even some "stretch" classes. Everything was fast-paced and intense.
So when my mom came to visit and suggested we attend a yoga class together, I couldn't resist the opportunity to try something new. I had been hearing of this thing called yoga and it was on my "should" list. I had a lot of "shoulds" then.
Walking into the studio, I was met with a sense of serenity that was unfamiliar yet inviting. The instructor, seemingly older and very matter-of-fact, guided us through the poses with gentle authority. My perfectionist tendencies kicked in, and I approached each posture with a determination to excel.
I pushed myself to the limit, seeking validation and recognition from both the instructor and myself. I honestly don't know who I was competing against or what I was trying to prove, but it was something. The following day, I awoke to a soreness unlike anything I had ever experienced. Every muscle in my body seemed to ache, reminding me of the intensity of the practice. It took me at least a year before returning to yoga, but with a little more humility. I continued to practice and began to fall in love with the possibilities that yoga provided. Yes, the physical was still my doorway, but I could tell there was more.
It took many years for me to realize that yoga was more than just the physical postures. Only after delving into becoming a teacher myself did I begin to appreciate the mental and emotional challenges that yoga presented. Entering the world of yoga through the door of the physical was a revelation for me. As my practice progressed, I came to understand that yoga wasn't about competition or seeking validation from others—it was about finding inner strength and self-awareness.
In my 20s and 30s, I was a person that tended to be hard on myself and one who craved external validation. I still have those tendencies. But, yoga has provided me with a space to nurture self-compassion and acceptance. It has been a journey of discovery—one that continues to unfold with each practice.
A yoga retreat is a transformative journey. You want to choose one that will truly light you up and meet you where you’re at in terms of your yoga practice, your level of self-awareness, and your desires for adventure. The one you choose can make all the difference in your quest for inner peace and self-discovery. I’m offering two distinct options that promise unique experience, one nestled in the mountains of Alajuela, Costa Rica, and the other amidst the ocean and jungle landscapes of Belize. Whether you seek grounding and restoration or a thrilling exploration of your limits, these retreats offer the perfect avenues for personal growth.
Of course, I’d recommend both – one for a mid-year reboot and one to send the year out with a bang. Here’s what each offers and how to decide what’s right for you!
1. Alajuela, Costa Rica: Yoga, Wellness, and Self-Discovery:
- Location: Pura Vida Resort and Spa, a mountainside yoga and wellness sanctuary and the oldest yoga retreat center in Costa Rica.
- Highlights: A sanctuary steeped in tradition, this retreat focuses on restoration, self-care, and contemplation. Nestled in the mountains, it provides breathtaking views of the Central Valley.
- Offerings: Incredible spa treatments that include water therapy, deep tissue massage, Chinese massage therapy, and sound healing; guided eco-adventures to a tropical thermal springs, scenic coffee plantation, and lush botanical gardens; yoga halls with picturesque views.
- Experience: Energizing practices, grounding and centering workshops, and quiet meditation to help you find your peace and purpose.
This retreat in Alajuela is a haven for those seeking tranquility and a deep connection with themselves. Designed for restoration, the wellness center and guided eco-adventures offer a holistic experience, making it an ideal choice for those in pursuit of inner balance.
2. Belize Bliss Yoga Retreat: Dare to Rise:
- Location: Muy'Ono Thatch Caye off the coast of Dangriga and Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge near San Ignacio, Belize – a blend of ocean and jungle adventures.
- Highlights: Daily practices in vinyasa, yin, and meditation, complemented by empowering workshops that help you face your greatest obstacles and fears
- Adventures: Snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef, mystical cave exploration, and visits to Mayan ruin sites.
- Experience: This retreat focuses on your very vitality – the fullness and vibrancy of life -- so you learn how to promote it every day.
Belize Bliss Yoga Retreat is an exhilarating choice for those daring to rise above perceived limitations. The combination of diverse yoga practices and empowering workshops encourages participants to confront fears while exploring the stunning natural beauty of Belize.
Choosing Your Path:
Your choice to attend a yoga retreat is a huge step toward your personal goals. Deciding the right one for you depends on many factors, including:
- Intent and Focus: If your goal is restoration, self-care, and a tranquil environment for contemplation, the Alajuela retreat in Costa Rica aligns perfectly. For those seeking adventure, empowerment, and a test of personal limits, the Belize Bliss Yoga Retreat promises an invigorating experience.
- Preferred Setting: Alajuela provides a serene mountainside setting, offering picturesque views, incredibly lush landscapes, and a historical yoga retreat center. Belize, with its combination of ocean and jungle adventures, presents a dynamic and enriching backdrop for those inclined towards a more active exploration.
- Personal Goals: Consider your personal goals for the retreat. Whether it's finding peace and purpose or testing your limits and conquering fears, choose the option that resonates with your aspirations.
Selecting the right yoga retreat is a deeply personal decision. Whether you choose the grounding tranquility of Alajuela or the empowering adventures of Belize, both options offer unique avenues for self-discovery and growth. Listen to your inner voice, and let the path to serenity unfold before you. Both adventures promise to awaken your inner explorer and yogi – even if you didn’t know they were there.
Attending both retreats means experiencing the yin and yang of your inner journey—finding peace and purpose in Alajuela and testing your boundaries in Belize. It's a dual immersion into tranquility and adventure, a comprehensive approach to self-discovery that promises a richer, more multifaceted you at the journey's end.
So remember, you don't have to choose.
Join me for one or both.
Join us for our transformative Yoga, Wellness, and Self Discovery Retreat in the heart of Costa Rica's Central Valley. Nestled within a lush resort, this immersive experience promises rejuvenation and renewal for your mind, body, and spirit. With daily yoga sessions led by experienced instructor Andrea B and guided meditation to quiet the mind, you'll delve deeper into your body's capabilities and uncover a tranquil inner space. Beyond the yoga mat, explore Costa Rica's captivating landscapes and immerse yourself in its diverse ecosystems. This retreat is an invitation to connect with your authentic self, embrace self-acceptance, and discover your true purpose. Join us for a voyage that promises profound transformation and resonates long after the retreat's end.
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