From Costa Rica

I am in Costa Rica facilitating transformational yoga retreats for the next few weeks. I have two different groups - one this week and one next week. We start each day with meditation and a yoga philosophy talk. We practice twice a day: once in the late morning and again in the late afternoon. Last night we finished our 7th practice since arriving Saturday afternoon. Our group is committed and strong. There are several repeat attendees which always strengthens the group. This is my sixth year of orchestrating this experience and the process people go through in one week simply amazes me. 

 

Most people's normal everyday lives involve speed and a lengthy to-do-list. This can create a life that is lead without much contemplation. Our retreats in Costa Rica allow people to slow down and get in touch with the direction their life is headed. I am always amazed by the insights students share throughout this process. Many times people are not aware of the substitute life they are living until all distractions are taken away. Then they begin seeing a dichotomy between the life they are living and the life they are yearning for. Simply becoming aware of this separation is the first step towards a change. 

 

As for me, today will be my 15th practice. I missed one day last week. Thursday, January 10, we had our ribbon cutting ceremony and party at our new fitness center, Plexus at Nemours. It was a late night (I celebrated with a few Twin Lakes beers!). When the alarm clock went off Friday at 6:00 am I could not answer the call. I didn't get too down on myself for missing practice. Instead I got back up, brushed myself off, and renewed my commitment to practice.

 
More insights to come from Costa Rica.