Hi all!
I saw this link this afternoon and it offers great perspectives on Triangle Pose. Worth your time to watch all three methods offered in the video clip.
Try it for yourself.
Yoga for Cancer Patients
We were talking about Yoga for Cancer Patients. I ran across this today and wanted to share it with you all.
Virtual Studio
Where am I?
It’s been 5 days since I left Costa Rica and I’m still not quite home yet. Seems like each time I go there, it gets more difficult to return.
I know from previous years to attempt a soft landing back in reality, but obligations make it difficult to languish in the afterglow of a fabulous week of being in nature, eating organically and clean (with it all prepared and served to you!), and letting go of the things that just don’t matter.
I am going through the motions of life here and each day it gets a little more real. My ashtanga practice last night helped me feel more grounded here, but I couldn’t help but remember practicing these same sequences in the jungle with just the sounds of birds and insect songs.
Yesterday I drove to Charlotte to pick up some paddle board gear and it felt weird to be traveling by myself. I really miss the folks from the retreat. Looking out at Lake Norman, I was yearning to be paddling. Hurry up Spring!
As I reconnect with life here, I am trying to be more consciously aware of what I let into this loveliness that Costa Rica provided. I am prioritizing family at the top and opting to rest rather than over schedule. I’m focusing on the healthy things I do for myself – water and working out and staying in the midst of the positive people in my life.
Headed off to the studio. I know each time I ring the singing bowl at the end of class, I am a little more grounded here. Be patient with me. I’ll be back soon.
Pura Vida!
Ha! Not A Snake in Sight!
Costa Rica is a bit drier than usual, so our trip to the rainforest was dusty until we got to the ferry. We crossed the Nicoya Peninsula to head to just outside San Ramon for lunch at a roadside cafe/convenience store. To our delight, they served cappuccinos. We’ve been concerned all week that Starbucks’ stock has crashed with many of us not in our daily caffeine routine with them. The air was noticeably cooler and some remarked that it was like going from the Carolina beaches to Boone, except the vistas were incredibly Mayan looking. Back on the bus for the last leg of the transition to the rainforest. We arrived at about 4:30 pm with time to greet old friends at Finca Luna Nueva and get checked into our rooms. It was just as we left it last year. I was hopeful we would see sloths again this year and would be able to avoid seeing too many snakes (or any if possible)
Our first evening was relaxing and laid back as we settled into the remote rainforest sights and sounds.
Friday was our first full day. An early morning meditation and yoga practice got us moving and breathing again after the full day of travel the day before. Some went on the tour of the farm after breakfast, while others sunk into the lull of the rainforest.
After lunch, there was a tour of the park surrounding Arenal Volcano. Some opted to stay at the farm to wind down and some opted for a silent Ashtanga practice on the yoga platform in the afternoon cacophony of birds, monkeys and insects. And then more yoga for those wanting a soothing Yin practice to rebalance energy.
The yoga platform at Finca Luna Nueva is like a tree house in paradise. The texture of the ceiling, the feel of the wooden floor, the jungle view and the vibrant aliveness makes this one of my favorite places to practice yoga. It’s not a place for banter or detailed instruction. It’s a place to be enveloped into the rainforest where your vibrancy and the rainforest’s vibrancy are unified. Whether you are doing Ashtanga or a Yin class, you are in sync with nature and it feels soothing and healing.
Saturday was our last day and a full day of Stand Up Paddle boarding on Lake Arenal and then on to the Hot Springs for lunch and a soak in the mineral waters. Eager to have time to explore La Fortuna, we shortened our visit to the hot springs so we could get souvenirs, taste local cuisine, buy snacks and coffee (we stock up in the local grocery stores) and then meet to catch a ride back to the farm.
SUPing was great. We were lucky to have a beautiful day where we could actually see the top of Arenal volcano. The lake was smoother than last year and we had spectacular views of the volcano the whole time. Our guide was our same guide last year, Hanson. It was great to see him again and to tell him how he inspired us to start paddling at home in NC when we returned last year. It was great to have more people to share that experience with this year. Everyone stood up and paddled and we even got a few to attempt some yoga out there. Hanson even attempted a headstand this year. There may be more paddlers in NC, SC and Indiana now!
Saturday evening arrived too quickly – time to pack and check out before our early morning call to get on the bus and head to San Jose to fly home.
I am sad to report that we didn’t see any sloths on the farm – Shanley saw one in town (someone’s pet?!) We did see numerous Toucans and hummingbirds. Super excited to report that I peacefully coexisted with the hundred or so snakes species in Costa Rica without seeing ONE this year! I say this as I write this on the plane home – couldn’t quite utter it while on the ground in Costa Rica lest I turn around and see one or two watching me.
Sitting around with everyone late Saturday evening, I was thinking about how much I was going to miss this group we formed. There were a lot of us, and there were some natural groupings in this bunch, but we all bonded as a happy group. Lots of laughter, lots of sharing and strong connections.
I think we will all miss Phil singing “Last Kiss” just about anywhere, anytime. (although I still think I like the Pearl Jam version because it’s darker). And we’ll miss Deb’s patience with Phil (voted the sweetest couple ever!)
We’ll miss Alice’s giggle and veterinary savvy and Katie’s (Nurse Jackie) stories and sense of humor. We’ll miss Leslie’s zest for life and her list of 29 things to do in this 29th year of her life.
We’ll miss the SC crew (Chris’ laugh and energy, Armin’s questions and quips, Mark’s subtle humor and Susan’s observations and stories.
So lucky I get to see the Greensboro crew on a regular basis. I will miss rooming with Kay and getting up in the wee hours of the morning with her to hear the jungle waking up. I totally enjoy romping through Costa Rica with Sally in our matching Lululemon outfits and paddling (wish we could get our boards out next weekend!) Lynn got the hang of surfing and paddling – she’s got to keep it up back in NC. So glad we had Kim, Shanley, Phil and Deb along for the ride too. The added sweet energy to the mix. I think we all are feeling our abs from Shanley’s Pop Up Pilates class the last night in Santa Teresa! Valerie helped us get caught up on the world of entertainment gossip and led the way with her glowing endorsements of spa treatments! We are all hoping that Kim will paint a landscape from Costa Rica! We are bonded forever with this adventure. Throughout the week, it was so great to practice yoga with you all. Man, we packed a lot into 9 quick days!
The drive to San Jose this morning was bittersweet. It was raining (making it easier to leave) but the drive was foggy and Gaussian – giving me this feeling that we were leaving something special and mystical.
Every year, Costa Rica gets more difficult to leave, but I know when the wheels go up, I will be back there again. We are ready to be with our family and friends, but please give us time to come out of the mist of the rainforest and our Costa Rican adventure. We may need a few days to digest the magnitude of our time in this beautiful country. Most of us are headed back to the snow storms, but will be sun kissed underneath the winter layers we begrudgingly put back on.
Pura Vida!
Go To The Edge
Blue skies, sunshine and palm trees – Santa Teresa invited us out to play. Everyone is here for different reasons – some came with a list of challenging things to cross off bucket lists; some came to have a soothing, relaxing vacation; come came to rekindle their love of the sea, surfing and Costa Rica. Some came to deepen their yoga practice and some came to get a start for their yoga practices. With yoga and meditation in the early mornings and the late afternoons, our days were filled with expansion into Santa Teresa offerings.
We started the first day with Yoga on the Beach and Surfing. By afternoon, we were on to spa treatments, horseback riding and Stand Up Paddle boarding. So much filling our days, but here are some highlights: Fulfilled bucket list items for Leslie (celebrating her birthday this week) – Yoga on the beach and surfing. Surfing was a huge hit for the surfers amongst us. Great guidance from champion surfers.
Our first practice together was on the beach shortly after sunrise
Not sea sick, but rather sun kissed from surfing all week
Spa treatments with the sound of waves crashing on the beach – so soothing and helpful for getting the kinks out. Stand Up Paddle Boarding with the Costa Rica SUP Champion, Edith Garcia – the water was rough, but she gave us some great tips. Horseback riding to amazing vistas and galloping on the beach. Walking to town to explore the local shops and to hunt for souvenirs; birthday cake for Kim’s birthday and that was just Monday.
Birthday in paradise!
Ready for a ride down the beach at sunset
Hanging out in Mal Pais and Santa Teresa
Heading off into the sunset
More exploration on Tuesday – the surfers were getting into the rhythm of the waves were hungry for more! More shopping, lots of lounging by the pool and on the beach under palm trees. More spa treatments and more great food at Tropico Latina. More spectacular sunsets on the beach. Our candlelight yin practice led to an open awareness meditation that left us feeling like we were floating in space with the sound of waves in the background.
Wednesday was our last day here, so everyone took advantage of the blue skies for sunbathing and walking on the beach, shopping in town and surfing. Here are a few pics from this part of our journey:
Waiting for our sunset yoga practice on the candlelit pavilion
another beautiful sunset
Pura Vida!
Taking in the sea one last time before leaving for the rainforest
SUPing with Edith Garcia, the Costa Rican SUP champion
It’s OK to Disconnect
Our arrival in San Jose on Saturday was a touch down into Costa Rica – time to get our overnight rooms, to grab some dinner and then off to explore a little or get some rest before the next leg of the journey.
Nothing happens abruptly in Costa Rica, so this little stop is perfect for staging the “Let Go” of the retreat. It is here that we start getting the message that it’s “OK to Disconnect” from the lives we just flew away from.
Not discarding, but unplugging for a while to reset.
Not everyone is here for the same reason. Some of us need to get an annual dose of the beauty of this country to we make our annual pilgrimage inward, some to let loose and have a yoga vacation with friends, some to herald a new beginning It doesn’t matter – we’re all here to be here.
The process of disconnecting started back in the States. I think we all felt the frantic pull of lists and responsibilities and we forged through to get to the airport and head south. Once in San Jose, the lists dissolved for the most part. By the time we boarded the bus to Santa Teresa we just about knew everyone’s names.
Our bus took us across the Nicoya Pennisula to the mountainous dirt road that leads to the remote surf town of Santa Teresa. Dusty and bumpy so you definately know that you are in a different world.
The turn into the parking area of Tropico Latino reveals the sea right there.
Monday
Our first practices and meditations are focused on helping us make the transition to being here – disconnecting from the familiar to this new moment, new climate, new terrain. This morning we practiced on beach as the sun was rising, facing the sea.
By savasana we were disconnected from our regulars lives and that’s ok!
What to pack?
Packing for Costa Rica is simple – just bring you and a FEW casual outfits suited for a hot climate and the activities you are doing…and good solid sandals that can get wet but protect your feet from stubbing.
The first year I went to Costa Rica, I researched the #@it out of it. I packed a lot of shorts, a gazillion shirts, several bathing suits, tons of yoga clothes and toilet paper. Yes, toilet paper. For some reason, I was under the impression that Costa Rica did not have toilet paper. I’m sure airport security shook their heads when they saw my bag coming through. I also only packed by oldest and grossest underwear on the advise of a blogger that said it saves room in your bag if you wear old underwear on a trip and discard it at your destination. Needless to say, I was over prepared and got quite a workout lugging my suitcase crammed with toilet paper and old underwear to Central America.
Last year I got smarter, but I still packed too much. As I was packing to return home, I piled up all I had worn and all I had not worn for comparison – it was 50/50. So this year I am trying to pare it down even more.
I have learned that some items are essential:
Good shoes – preferably multipurpose – like Keens. See those sneakers in the pile on the right? Never wore them.
A few good pairs of yoga pants that dry quickly – you can get a couple of wears out of them so I say a pair for each day you are there and doing yoga.
A yoga top or sports bra for each day and maybe a couple extra (I’m wearing a yoga top to do SUP – great support, dries fast and provides coverage and protection from the sun.
A couple pairs of running shorts that can double as a swim bottom paired with a yoga top for SUP and other water/beach activities. Very wise wear for when your tour guide is taking a “buena” picture of you in Eka Pada Koundinyasana from a very, ahem, precarious angle.
A bathing suit. Not a gazillion. Maybe two.
Knee socks for pairing with rubber boots to walk the grounds at the biodynamic farm where we usually stay in the rainforest.
One outfit for flying to and from Costa Rica – something light, comfortable and good to wear if it gets breezy or chilly at night.
Go big on the underwear – maybe a couple pairs for each day.
One good bra. (Gentlemen, please disregard)
For an eight day trip – gulp – three or four pairs of shorts (not 10). Comfortable, roomy and neutral colors so you don’t have worry about matching outfits. Pockets are good for holding cameras and wallets so you are hands free when walking through town, climbing a volcano or navigating the path to your bungalow. (You’re in the jungle, baby!)
Comfort clothes for the end of the day – something decent enough for dinner and then relaxing after. You need a go to outfit. I love a maxi skirt and a T-shirt. I ended up wearing the same outfit just about every night last year because it was so comfy. And you know what? Nobody cared. Honey badger code here.
A sun dress that I can throw on over a yoga top or a bathing suit.
A beach cover up. I bought a long sleeve hooded beach cover up because I have some sun damage that doesn’t need to be aggravated by the strong sun. I also bring a sarong because walking down the beach without it in my bathing suit would be so wrong. You can find one there in a surf shop – makes a great personal souvenir.
On that note, I have packed UPF clothing – long sleeve rash guards for paddling – the reflection on the water is brutal.
A hat. A hat that can be crushed in your suitcase and has a brim that will cover your face in shade.
Sunscreen and bug spray.
A beach towel. Chances are you won’t have one where you are staying.
Personal care products – I didn’t bring ANY makeup the first year and brought some last year. I felt better with mascara and eyeliner. Nuff said. It’s going back in the suitcase this year. I do consolidate by bringing a shampoo/conditioner combo. One of our fellow travelers advises to bring liquid soap. I bring a small bar of soap with me. There won’t be hair dryers at the places we will be staying, so bring a one with you if you dare battle your jungle hair!
Pajamas and a sweatshirt or cardigan – a must have for sitting on the veranda and watching the sun come up while sipping Costa Rican coffee at dawn. If you plan this right, you can wear that sweatshirt or cardigan when you fly so it sees you through all the weather transitions.
A poncho that folds up into a little pouch you can stow in your tote bag. It rains in the rain forest. Duh.
A headlamp. It’s dark. You will need the headlamp to see the path when you walk to your room or if you are traveling back from town or the beach, etc. The sun goes down and it gets dark at 5:30 pm. This close to the equator and the equinox it’s just about equal time dark/light. I used mine each morning to get up and make coffee in the breezeway while we waited for the sun to rise.
Binoculars – for the past two years I kicked myself for not having them when I wanted to see the Toucans and other exotic birds, the volcano, the beach down the way, etc. This year, BAM – in the suitcase they go.
Water Bottle – you need to stay hydrated and it is HOT at the beach. There is safe water to drink, you just need to have a container. On that note, you should bring a reusable cup for soda, wine or what ever you want to drink. Can’t always rely on getting that where you stay.
Travel Yoga mat – they fold up and can let you drop and do a practice anywhere. Nice to put over the loaners at the resorts. A sweat towel for over your mat will work too. Or pack both. I pack both and use the mat towel as a blanket/pillow on the plane and as an ad hock yoga towel for support when we practice.
If you are going on a specific outing that states wear this…then pack it. There probably won’t be extras and you don’t want to play unprotected in the wilds of Costa Rica. Long pants are usually suggested for horseback riding and hiking in places where there is rugged foliage and rocks.
A journal. Prime time to jot down thoughts and things you want to remember.
Something to read. Books, trashy magazines, kindles, etc. You will have time to relax and do this. Sometimes we sat around in big groups and did this quietly together. Once I was walking down the beach and ran into Erin, languishing in a tidal pool reading. Lasting image of retreating into relaxation and enjoyment.
An empty day pack – a light backpack that will hold stuff you need for excursions – like dry clothes, a towel, binoculars, etc.
There are the obvious things you should pack and carry with you – Passport, ID, flight/seat confirmations, etc. I try to carry on something that I can live in for a couple of days – the all important underwear, bare necessity personal care items (toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, makeup remover, lip balm, mascara and eyeliner.) I pack a copy of my passport and my flight itinerary – just in case.
If you want some comforts of home as in favorite snacks, pack them. I am taking small packs of peanut butter in case my love of beans and rice fails me. We will stop at a convenience store in our travels to and from the beach so we can stock up on things like that, and beverages.
Any more you can add to the list of must haves?
Are we there yet?
maybe a I don’t need everything…
The anticipation of Costa Rica on Saturday is buzzing in me. So much to wrap up and so little I need to pack (currently editing the pile down by 50%).
Maybe the freezing cold and snow of the past couple of months is fueling this or maybe it’s the knowledge of the past two years that Costa Rica is a sanctuary where I go to rejuvenate my soul.
In the past couple of years I have faced some strong fears and visited myself deeply just being there. I wasn’t alone. Each year the group retreating together comes away with strong bonds from that shared experience.
It’s not like we sit around each night and bare our souls – we don’t. But organically, you observe and discover in conversation that you are not alone on an inner quest. Everyone faces something on retreat and experiences transformation on some level.
As I edit my pile (created the other night in the midst of excited insomnia), I am remembering that comfort rules over style; that “less is more” and that a hair dryer and my hair are not a useful partnership in the tropics.
My email is lit up with last minute questions and details. I can feel the excitement of the group – even those that are joining us from hundreds of miles away.
Are we there yet? Almost!
mind|body|fitness yoga 