PEACE RETREAT, COSTA RICA
Since my first experience of the Self Love retreat I attended last September at 1440 Multiversity in California and the Journey to Joy online course led by Jessica Scott, I have been moved through the practice and growth of inner work. We often need to shut out the outside world and take time for ourselves to truly listen and to seek what we need to heal and grow. This year, a dear friend, Sam, and I decided to head off to a five-day / four-night yoga retreat in Costa Rica together at Peace Retreat.
We knew it was the rainy season, however, also a very recommended time to visit (the Pacific coast side), we didn’t really know what to expect as we arrived in Costa Rica. It was an overcast day and sprinkling as we headed in our taxi to our destination about 75 min away. The first thing I noticed was how beautifully green everything around me was (something I would later find out, is unique to the rainy season). The trees instantly began to speak and call my name. I couldn’t get over the vast variety of species in which I had never seen. Roots that seemed to grow from tall branches above and reach down far below into the ground. Leaves that were bigger than 6 of my handprints combined. Gorgeous crawling vines, bright red, orange, and yellow flowers, and endless palms of all shapes and sizes. Nature was speaking to me the moment we arrived. She immediately began to show her magical powers of healing.
Peace Retreat was nestled in the jungle on a beautiful property. The minor details the owners have put into the place really show the love and dedication they have for this sanctuary, a home away from home for visitors seeking a place of refuge and comfort. The off-season meant there were fewer people around. More time to tune within, to journal, to read, and to just be. Fewer people also meant a lot of the local shops were closed, but personally, I was okay with this. My soul had exactly what it needed, solitude. I wondered what it would be like to be there with others. Would we have had the room with the beautiful 360 balcony view that we did? Would we have had the place to ourselves for two full days? Most likely not.
Statues of Buddha, paintings of Ganesh, and other significant spiritual gods were tucked away around corners. Quotes danced around the property on rocks, on signs, and on flip calendars. I felt instantly at home and more relaxed than I ever had on a vacation or place away from home on the first night.
The wildlife awoke me every morning as dawn began to break around 5:15 a.m. From the beautiful birds to the almost spirit-like sounds of the monkeys calling across the property from a distance. Though we never saw these tree swingers or mango thieves, I liked to envision them as the spirits of the jungle calling me home.
We walked the jungle path to the beach one morning, in which again, we nearly had the place to ourselves other than a few talented and dedicated surfers. We watched in awe of their talent and ability to glide across the water for hours. We soaked in vitamin D, breathed in the calming negative ions of the ocean waves, journaled, and read. Though not clear water and white sands, it was a more natural and calming beach than I had ever visited before. It was exactly what I needed and had envisioned.
Days began with waking early and heading to the rooftop balcony to journal. To really sit with my truth, tune within, to learn what needed to be worked on, what needed to be released, and what needed to be healed. I let whatever needed to flow from within, flow. We then proceeded to a morning yoga practice where a delicious fresh breakfast would be awaiting us shortly after. With the variety of options including the beach, walking, the pool, bikes to borrow, and other excursions to partake in, if you choose to do so, you could really dive into your inner work while also exploring the culture around you. I couldn’t have asked for more. I would take advantage of the screen-enclosed yoga studio and flow in the early afternoons with a nice dip in the pool after. Our days ended with restoration yoga that calmed not only our bodies but also our minds. Meals were of fresh ingredients cooked with love from local women who each have a story of their own. Each meal nourished our bodies and souls.
Jess, the property manager, was a beautiful soul and made us feel instantly at home. She was always smiling with a positive light and words of encouragement. Her Great Dane, Lola, stole my heart (as most Danes do). Having come on the off-season, we would not be able to cross paths with the owners who had put so much work into the magical jungle abode. I can only imagine how much more this place would have shined in their presence. Possibly our souls and paths will cross at another time.
Leaving this beautiful jungle sanctuary was so very bittersweet. I tuned within. I grew as a person. I laughed. I cried. I played like a child. I let go of the everyday tasks and comforts that typically hold me back. Surrender is my path. Surrender the need to control. Surrender all that I feel is supposed to be and let come what does. Everything is meant for us in our lives. The good days are to light us up. The bad days are to help us to grow. I have no doubt I was meant to be in this place of peace and joy and experience this with my dear friend, Sam. A beautiful experience and would recommend it to all. Arrive with open arms and open hearts. Quiet your mind, awaken to the sounds of the jungle, and tune within. There is no doubt this place will move you in ways you would never have thought possible.
Until Next time.
Love. Light. & Health. - Renee
