Hands-on Learning

Learn about renewable energy technologies for the developing world in the developing world! Hands-on learning will occur at Rancho Mastatal, a private nature reserve, and in nearby La Cangreja National Park. 

This workshop provides an introduction to all the major renewable energy technologies with a focus on designing and installing small, rural systems. We’ll get our hands dirty — the majority of the workshop is hands-on field work, and it also includes classroom sessions and the following projects: 1) building and using solar ovens, 2) a solar hot water or solar-electric system, and 3) installing a methane biodigestor. This is an experiential program, with a non-technical, overview focus. These hands-on installations give participants the opportunity to interact with local members of the community, experience both the challenges and satisfaction of working within the developing world, and the opportunity to install systems that can dramatically improve the living conditions of the local people. 

Workshop Topics include:

tSolar Electricity 
tWind Electricity 
tMicro-Hydro Electricity 
tSolar Hot Water

tSolar Cooking and Food Drying (with Sol Verde, a women’s cooperative) 
tMethane Biogas Digesters (with Viogaz) 
tTechnology Transfer and System Maintenance
tSocial & Cultural Issues of Working in the Developing World

tHands-On Installations in the Local Community  

For millions of people around the world, renewable energy can replace dirty, expensive, and inconvenient energy. For those in the developing world, it may provide the first electric lights a family has seen, replacing darkness at sunset with the opportunity to read, study, or recreate after a day of work. This hands-on workshop teaches volunteers how to ensure quality renewable energy assistance to the people who are most in need.

In the classroom portion, students will gain a basic understanding of all the major renewable energy system types, including solar electricity, micro-hydro electricity, and wind electricity, solar cooking, solar hot water, and methane biogas digesters for developing world applications. Participants will learn the components, applications, and limitations for each system type, and will be able to analyze a site and make suggestions on the most appropriate renewable energy technologies.

Participants will join with Sol Verde, a women’s solar cooking cooperative from Guanacaste Costa Rica, to build and use solar cookers. Participants will also help install a small solar-electric system or solar hot water system, and will work together with Central American experts to build a methane biogas digester. These hands-on installations give participants the opportunity to interact with local members of the community and experience both the challenges and satisfaction of working within the developing world.

In our fourteenth year at Rancho Mastatal, this springs workshop builds on the success of our past workshops. Our program is focused on learning through hands-on work. We’ll spend about one-third of our time in the classroom, studying renewable energy technology basics. The rest of our time will be in the field or lab, getting our hands dirty, learning by doing. The course is taught in both English and Spanish. Price includes dorm bed or camping, all meals and in-country transportation. Private accommodation may be available at additional cost (contact Rancho Mastatal). Ask about options for family members not taking the workshop.

US $1,325 includes:
• Instruction, tools, and materials 
• In-country transportation

• Dorm lodging (upgrades may be possible)

• Three delicious meals a day

• Enjoyment of Rancho Mastatal trails, waterfalls, and reserve

Rancho Mastatal

In addition, Rancho Mastatal and the community of Mastatal have fine examples of:

• Sustainable agriculture, forestry, and living
• Small renewable energy systems
• Micro-enterprise and ecotourism
• Composting and biodigester toilet and wastewater management systems
• Nature study and awareness
• Natural building
• Medicinal plants & indigenous skillsRancho Mastatal is an environmental learning and sustainable living center, retreat, and lodge located in the last virgin rainforest of Costa Rica’s Puriscal County. Rancho Mastatal practices and promotes living responsibly in the tropics, while educating its visitors about the significance and majesty of the world’s disappearing tropical forests. The site encompasses 500+ acres of picture-perfect waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers, and impressive trees in the transition zone between very wet and pre-montane rainforest in one of Costa Rica’s most undiscovered regions. The property shares a significant border with the splendid La Cangreja National Park, a protected area providing habitat for a number of endangered animals and flora, and containing some 2,000 plant species and varied fauna. Rancho Mastatal owns 19-kilometers of rainforest trails, connecting to a network of footpaths in La Cangreja National Park.On site and in the community, the Rancho Mastatal crew builds using natural techniques, including the use of bamboo and cob, and supports the use of renewable energy systems. In their ongoing commitment to education and instruction, they organize and sponsor a wide array of workshops ranging from alternative design and construction to wilderness first response certification, and work with schools in both the United States and Costa Rica in offering customized educational programs on rainforest ecology, Latin culture, and Spanish and English as a second language. Rancho Mastatal welcomes volunteers, graduate students, interns, and all others in search of a memorable and unique tropical experience.Our schedule is designed to give you time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and people of Mastatal. We try to take a two-hour lunch/siesta/swimming break in the middle of each day. And we take the middle day of the workshop off from our project work, to go on 
recreational or cultural trips in the area. Our past groups have experienced an educational, exciting, and inspiring time while having fun with a great group of people.Lodging & Food at Rancho Mastatal

Your workshop fee includes dorm lodging, all meals (primarily vegetarian, and sumptuous), and in-country transportation. Private or semi-private accommodations may be available at an additional cost—contact Rancho Mastatal.  Ask us about options for family members not taking the workshop.

Please see www.ranchomastatal.com for more information. Please note that the folks at the Ranch do not check e-mail frequently, so please make your lodging upgrade inquiries well before the beginning of the workshop.

Costa Rica Language and Culture

Costa Rica is a Spanish speaking country. However, in many places you will find people who speak some or plenty of English, and it is quite possible to get along with minimal Spanish. The people are used to tourists, and are very helpful. We recommend that you invest some time in learning at least some basic Spanish to facilitate your journey, and out of respect for the local people. Lonely Planet’s Costa Rica Spanish Phrasebook is an excellent, inexpensive introduction to the language. Our workshop will be taught in English, with Spanish translation for local participants if necessary.

Ticos, as Costa Ricans are often called, are generally easy-going, open, helpful, and fun people. The country’s tranquil nature shows through in all aspects of the culture. Since 1949, the country has been without any armed forces. Costa Rica, despite its relatively small size, has an incredibly diverse geography. A series of volcanic mountain chains run down the center of the country. The highest point is Cerro Chirripó, which reaches 3,820 meters high, rivaling some of the taller mountains in the United States. The variety of flora and fauna found throughout the country is remarkable for a country so small. It is a nature lover’s paradise. The majority of people are white, with smaller percentages of blacks and Indians. Though not quite as “advanced” as the United States, Costa Ricans enjoy a life expectancy similar to that of Americans, perhaps a result of a more laid back lifestyle, and a healthy dose of fish, rice, and beans.

What to Wear & Bring

Mastatal in April will be warm, humid, but relatively dry. We recommend traveling as lightly as possible. Resist the temptation to bring everything you think you might possibly need. Light, long sleeved shirts and pants are recommended for sun, insect protection, and evening use. In the tropical climate, darker clothes will make you hot and attract bugs. Bring plenty of underclothes, and clothes that dry easily. Heavy jeans are thick and take an extremely long time to dry in the humid, tropical climate where you will be staying.

Bring a good hat to shade your eyes and forehead and to keep your head dry if it rains. If you are light skinned or very heat sensitive, bring a wide brimmed hat. You will be in a tropical forest, and we will be doing physical work, so make sure you bring a pair of shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Rubber boots are very popular in Costa Rica, and can be purchased in country if necessary. Work gloves will be handy for protection from blisters, stones, dirt, and plants. A local family is available to do laundry for a fee, or folks can do their own in one of the outdoor sinks/basins.

Here is a list of smaller items that you may find useful:

• Small flashlight with spare bulb and batteries (rechargeable)
• Travel alarm clock or watch
• Swiss Army-style pocketknife
• A section of cord or line (clothesline or for a thousand other purposes)
• Sewing kit
• Sunglasses (good ones as the sun is very, very strong)
• Toiletries (use soaps, shampoos and toothpastes that are biodegradable)
• Sunblock (don’t skimp on sunblock, and use the biodegradable type)
• Insect repellent
• Water bottles
• First-aid kit
• Prescription medicines (many are available cheaper in Costa Rica, but don’t take your chances)

We recommend that you carry your gear in a large, internal frame backpack. It’s less tiresome to carry your load on your back, although you have to be aware when in crowded places. Make sure that you choose a good quality pack that won’t rip, break or become damaged in any way as it may get “tested.” In addition, a smaller backpack is useful when doing shorter day hikes.

There is only one public telephone in the town of Mastatal. There is also a police radio in town for emergencies. Internet service is sporadically available in Mastatal in a few different forms, but you shouldn’t count on it. The ranch has a telephone for emergency use. Check with your wireless carrier for voice, text, or data plans. My experience is that voice and data are relatively costly, while modestly priced text plans can keep you in touch with family and friends without absorbing as much of your $ and attention.

Travel

For this workshop, we will be meeting and traveling as a group once participants arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica. You will need to make your own arrangements to fly into the Juan Santamaría international airport (SJO) in Alajuela, the primary international airport in Costa Rica, which is approximately 17 kilometers west of San José. If you are willing to carry some gear with you from the states, please contact me.

Participants must by ready to meet outside the San Jose, Costa Rica airport (airport code SJO) by 3:00 p.m. at the latest on Saturday, April 2, 2016, and will be returned to the same airport by 11 a.m. on Sunday, April 10, 2016. Please plan your flights accordingly, with
leeway for the vagaries of travel. Those not at the meeting place at the appointed time on April 2 will need to make their own 
arrangements to get to the ranch.

On our final night in Mastatal, we’ll have a farewell party, and perhaps some entertainment. On the following morning, participants will travel by shuttle bus to the San Jose airport, arriving by 11 AM on Sunday, April 10.  If you need to stay overnight in the San Jose area on either end of your trip, or want ideas for other travel within the country, we can give you advance advice, or talk while we are together in Mastatal.

Register Now!

 
Cancellation Policy: If a workshop is cancelled (rare), you will receive a full refund. If you cancel more than 90 days before start of workshop, you will receive a 75% refund; 30-90 days before workshop, 50% refund; less than 30 days before start of workshop, no refund.

Program information and logistics:

Ian Woofenden, Workshop Coordinator
  PO Box 1001, Anacortes, WA 98221

360-770-1520

ian@renewablereality.net

Lodging upgrades and local information:

Tim O’Hara, Owner, Rancho Mastatal Environmental Learning Center & Lodge
info@ranchomastatal.com, www.ranchomastatal.com

Stepping Into Your Wild Side
A Yoga, Pilates, and adventure retreat in Costa Rica
APRIL 2- 9 , 2016.
Finca Luna Nueva Lodge
If you feel over loaded with civilization: cell phones, to do lists, obligations, work, out side expectations, achy bodies and feel disconnected this retreat will put you back together.
Each day we do both a yoga and a pilates practice, and build into these physical and spiritual modalities an exploration of the unknown within us.
We will expand and stretch our perception of self to re gain inner space.
Through meditations and breathing techniques we will remove boundaries and access more of ourselves.
 
Finca Luna Nueva is a Sustainable Rainforest Eco-Lodge Hotel providing comfortable accommodations situated amidst acres of lush gardens, hiking trails and a secluded jungle with views of the magnificent Arenal Volcano. The atmosphere of the retreat center is simple, healthy and relaxed. Rooms are single, double, or trip occupancy with fans and hot water and the eco-lodge has beautiful chlorine free swimming pool and jacuzzi.

Home

This Retreat includes:
7 Nights Accommodations at The Luna Nueva Rainforest Eco-Lodge Hotel

Daily yoga and Pilates sessions.

3 Whole Foods Meals a Day (Organic and Local when possible)

Personal Retreat Time (plenty of free time to nap, walk, swim, read, just be)

Chocolate tour

Night time rain forest  tour

Visit to the local hot springs

A sprinkling of magical soul dust at unexpected time

Luna Nueva, a private rainforest reserve. Luna Nueva is an organic, biodynamic herbal estate, providing ecotourism and harmony in the rainforest of Costa Rica while demonstrating a tropical example of sustainable living. A spring-fed pool and hot tub heated by the sun will soothe your senses as you transform yourself through easy healing yoga. We provide all-organic, vegetarian meals created from Luna Nueva’s own fruit and vegetable gardens.

Cost:
A deposit of $300.00 holds your spot.

Reserve Your Spot: Click Here

Shared room: $ 1495.00
after Feb 16, $1695.00

Single room $ 2095.00
After Feb 16 – $2295.00
Airfare is not included

The difference between the deposit and the payment due must be paid before Feb 16 to secure your discount.
Please pay the difference here:
Single Room: Click Here
Shared Room: Click Here

Directions to Fina Luna Nueva Lodge:
By Bus from San Jose or Alajuela

From San Jose you have two choices to arrive by bus:
1) Take the bus to Ciudad Quesada. From there, transfer to the bus that goes to La Fortuna via Chachagua. Get off in San Isidro de Peñas Blancas. or …
2) Take the bus to San Ramon. Then take the bus to La Fortuna via Chachagua, and get off in San Isidro.

By Bus from La Fortuna: Take either the bus to Ciudad Quesada via Chachagua or the bus to San Ramon via Chachagua and get off in San Isidro de Peñas Blancas.
By Car from San Jose
From San Jose head north to San Ramon via the Pan American highway. At San Ramon, exit Pan American highway by making a right turn. Go straight until the last stop sign, and turn left. Immediate right turn at traffic light. Follow road for about 2 km staying to the left. When you go uphill over a speed bump with small school on right then another speed bump make a left at the y intersection. This is the road to Fortuna. Follow this road north for about an hour when you will arrive at a single lane suspension bridge over the Peñas Blancas river.
About two kilometers after the bridge watch for a church and cemetery on left. 150 meters past the cemetery turn left onto a paved road (you will see the “Luna Nueva” signs on your left). Go 2.3 km west into the jungle. Stay on the paved road  passing a large tin building. 50 meters after the tin building turn right  and pass thru our gate. It has pink columns. Continue driving into the farm to the large two story house.
If lost ask for Finca Luna Nueva or finca de Steven.

From the Beaches in Guanacaste and Liberia Airport
If you are driving from the Liberia International airport or from any of the main beach resorts in the Guanacaste Region, we recommend driving west to Liberia, continuing on to Cañas and Tilarán, and driving the scenic road bordering the Arenal Lake. The drive from the beaches should take between 3 to 4 hours, depending on the point of departure.
From Liberia head east onto the Interamerican Highway, the road to Cañas, Puntarenas and San José. Drive past the town of Bagaces, reaching the city of Cañas. Turn north into town, departing from the Interamerican Highway. Follow signs to Tilarán in the mountains north of town. Tilaran is about 20 minutes from Cañas. When you arrive you must make a hairpin to the left at the top of the hill where a brand new gas station is on your left. Ask if not sure the way to Arenal (lake and volcano Arenal).
Within 10 minutes you will reach a fork on the road. Stay on the left, following signs to Fortuna, and Arenal Volcano.
Stay on the scenic road that takes you around Lake Arenal. Drive for about 90 minutes, passing the town of Nuevo Arenal and the dam that forms the lake. At this point, you will depart from the Lake and continue east towards the volcano and the town of La Fortuna. Stay on this road for approximately 20 minutes, until you arrive in Fortuna.
You will reach a point of the road were you can not continue straight and must turn right. Follow the road to the right, crossing a bridge after one block and leaving town. Signs will say route to Chachagua, La Tigra and San Ramon.
After approximately 20 minutes you will reach Chachagua. You will know Chachagua since there is a road bump right on a curve of the road. You may want to ask several people to be sure.
Passing Chachagua keep looking for a store called CocoLoco. This will be on your left hand side. Once you have passed CocoLoco you will cross a small bridge. After this bridge continue uphill unitl you see a paved road on your right (you will see the “Luna Nueva” signs on your Right). Go 2.3 km west into the jungle. Stay on the paved road passing a large tin building. 50 meters after the tin building turn right and pass thru our gate. It has pink columns. Continue driving into the farm to the large two story house.

…Imagine balancing effortlessly in Tree position, feeling the quiet strength of your roots burying deep into the earth, as you gaze upon the ancient, mossy trunks of jungle giants standing silently all around…

…Imagine burying your feet in soft coral sand, warm waves cleansing your skin, feeling the caresses of a healing breeze on a body that is full of vitality…

…Imagine closing your eyes and drinking in the smell of the ginger flower mixed with the ylangylang tree, while your ears take in the symphony of parrots, howler monkeys and the slow rush of a sleepy sea…

At Punta Mona Center, Costa Rica, every moment is breathtaking. 

We start our day with what is real, filled with the power of nature: we wake with the sun, we breathe with the sounds, we meditate in this flourishing space and we move with these natural flows… and bit by bit, we re-synchronize ourselves to the rhythms of this wild earth.

Built on the power of community and the beauty of living a simple, intentional life, close to what is real.  Here, you will have the opportunity to literally immerse yourself in the lush environment of the coastal rainforest, living close to the earth as you feed your soul with blue clay mudbaths, freshly picked gourmet superfoods, and cleansing daily swims.

We practice and learn in the open air, drawing constantly from the elements of the Earth to help us in our process of discovery. Experience the sweetness of life while dancing to the heartbeat of the jungle beaches by moonlight. Swim in the warm, shallow waters of the Caribbean and experience the life-changing magic of a phosphorescent ocean under a sky full of stars.

Indulge in plates filled with healing jungle gourmet cuisine, connect with the extensive diverse wildlife and surround yourself with acre after acre of extreme beauty, extensive gardens and diverse eco-systems, all yogically drawn together into a thriving and self-sustaining permaculture community.Form strong bonds of lifelong friendship, while learning how to share the deep peace of what you truly love!

Come and grow yourself in this incredible environment and follow your heart to la Pura Vida!

Yoga Style: Sadhana Yoga
We teach Sadhana Yoga- The Yoga of Spiritual Practice including Vinyasa and Hatha Flows
Curriculum
Our approach is contemporary and eclectic. We bring to life the ancient teachings of yoga through accessible spiritual lessons.

tLearn to teach two sequences: Vinyasa and Hatha flows
tDaily practice of Pranayama
tUnderstand many different Meditation Techniques
tYoga Anatomy & Physiology for yoga teachers
tIn depth study of select Yoga Sutras
tUnderstanding of the history of yoga
tFocus on integrating Yoga into your life through daily Spiritual Lessons
tIntroduction to The Business of Yoga
tImproved personal yoga practice
tArt of Teaching Workshops
tRegular peer-teaching starting day one.
tYou will be qualified to register with Yoga Alliance as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200).

Highlights

tPracticing yoga while listening to the soothing ocean waves (ujayi!)
t3 Gourmet jungle vegetarian meals per day, mostly organic & local!
tLocated in a jungle wildlife refuge, with pristine nature viewing and hiking opportunities
tIncredible variety of medicinal jungle herbs and fruits (over 200 varieties of fruits are grown on the property!)
tRaw foods workshop, with many raw culinary choices throughout the training
tHerbal Medicine Workshop
tSustainable Living Practices and Intro to Permaculture Sessions
tBeautiful beaches to swim, play, surf, relax
tExperiencing Pura Vida!

Guided group meditation starts at 6:30am and is followed by yoga class. A Daily yoga lesson on theory and philosophy is weaved into the yoga asana practice and applied to our daily living. Yoga lectures cover yoga philosophy, yoga theory, yogic living, yoga diet, yoga anatomy, yoga and business, meditation, kriyas, and yogic healing. Permaculture lectures on soils, composing, seeding, fermentation and eco building will prepare the group for some hands-on permaculture projects. Daily Satsang (wise gatherings) in the evening allow the group to contemplate and reflect on our sadhana (spiritual practice) for the day.

Teacher Bios: Julia Jiya Randall: Jiya is a deeply spiritual leader who roots her teaching in the healing energy of nature. She has worked with SchoolYoga Institute for several years, sharing yoga across the continents, and is a source of dedicated guidance and inspiration. Jiya specializes in alternative health, bringing in a range of practices including energy healing, herbology, personal therapy, massage and nutrition. Her teaching invites students to explore their own, unique unfolding, through profound awareness of and trust in the wisdom of the Self. Jessi Long: Since a young age, Jessi has studied dance and creative movement. Yoga found Jessi seven years ago, and since her first RYT200 teacher training in 2008, Jessi has led retreats and workshops throughout the States, Guatemala, Mexico, and Costa Rica. She completed her RYT500 hour certification in 2012 and is now an RYT facilitator in several countries for School Yoga Institute. Jessi teaches a Vinyasa based practice to combine elements of dance and natural movement with traditional yogic sequencing. She is grateful for the journey and to share movement of bliss with others along the way. Jessi lives and teaches in Guatemala, where she also founded JUSTA, a holistic network that connects indigenous artisans, global designers, and projects that promote self-sustaining development, creative expression, and holistic empowerment within family and community Jed Pennell: Born to a hippie woodsman and an indigenous seer, Jed’s roots run deep in the streams of earth knowledge. A middle child of four brothers, he spent his childhood playing in the clean cold streams of southern Oregon, building forts among the sacred cedars. His character serene like the old-growth firs he in the Kalamiopsis wilderness behind his house: charred by fire, growing sweeter and stronger through tragedy yet inclined toward victory. Upon graduating from Illinois Valley High School as valedictorian, ASB president, and a 3x state wrestling champion he went to Oregon State University where he continued his search. As a NCAA Division I wrestler he flourished through a relentless work ethic and driving longing for realization, becoming the Pac-10 newcomer of the year and a perennial national competitor. Earning a minor in Philosophy and a Masters Degree in Exercise and Sport Science, he was the recipient of numerous prestigious awards. En route to his teaching degree the universe orchestrated one of the most magical, synchronistic meetings of his lifetime: his soulmate Keri! It was also in college that he began practicing yoga. Here he found a crystallization of his spiritual values and his life purpose. Studying under Sujita Sklenar, after a few years he began subbing for her classes. Moving to the southern Mendocino coast, with his soon to be wife, Jed spent the next six years teaching Physical Education, Health, and other subjects at Point Arena High School. There he also led spiritual flow yoga classes twice a week, became an avid surfer and was blessed with the birth of his two sons. In the summer of 2009 he took a pilgrimage to rediscover the ancient knowledge of his ancestors in Peru, while transforming his practice through studying with Vedantin in his 200 and 500-hour School Yoga Institute teacher training courses. Delving into the shamanic realms, in 2011 he finished his 1000-Hr and facilitator SYI trainings. His mystical epic soul journey continues today as he spends time back at home in southern Oregon working on various organic permaculture gardening projects, when not travelling the world facilitating Teacher Training Courses with the SYI. As a follower of the Mayan Tzolkin and 13 moon calendars, Jed embodies Cib/Ajmac (vulture/condor/owl) and the Blue Resonant Monkey, respectively. A peaceful warrior letting his life emerge through humor, paradox and change, his motto has become: ‘shine love n’ light’. Emanating out from the moment of formlessness the flower of life is the pattern of creation he follows. Passionate about embodying the shift back toward the galactic center—the Divine feminine—Jed practices holding space, seeing through illusion, and recognizing the one in all, whether studying crop circles, drawing sacred geometry, practicing yoga, playing devotional music, raising his precious family or surfing voluptuous waves.

 
General Information
Who: This Yoga Teacher Training Course is designed for prospective participants who fit any one or more of the following criteria:

tFoundation yoga teacher training course for people who are interested in pursuing RYT 200 hours level and become a certified yoga teacher. No prior experience needed.
tIndividuals who have a long-standing yoga practice and who are interested in exploring the deeper practice of yoga incorporated with healing arts.

Typical Day During the Costa Rica Yoga Teacher Training 6:00-9:00 Guided Meditation/Pranayama/Asana 9:00-10:00 Breakfast 10:00-12:00 Ancient Wisdom and Yoga Anatomy 12:00-1:00 lunch and snack on your own (small portion please) 1:00-2:00 Healing Art 2:00-5:00 Art of Teaching and Alignment 5:00-7:00 Dinner and Self Sadhana 7:00-8:30 Ceremony and Satsang (Healing practice, kirtan, and reflection) 8:30-10:00 Quiet Time
Prerequisites for the Costa Rica Yoga Instructor Course
Our only requirement is that participants set an intention to devote their time and energy to make the course a success. The course is open to people with any amount of yoga background. Before the Program: We also suggest that after enrolling in the course, that people complete the following: 1. Asana–We provide two videos of the flows that we teach. Practice teach flow at least twice before coming to the program. We will cover these flows in detail during the course, and it is great to be familiar with them. After the Program: 1. Teaching–Teach 5 yoga classes and write reflections of them after complete the course. 2. Spiritual Reflection–Read a spiritual book and write a written reflection. All work should be submitted to us electronically after the program. Continue Education: Every five year you are asked to join one of our 3-5 day Teacher Reunion Retreat (of course you can come every year if so desire) at our Mystical yoga farm parts of the world, even online program. Required Texts for the Costa Rica Yoga Certification

tSchoolYoga Institute Yoga Teacher Training Manual
tYoga Sutra by Dennis Hill

Tuition $2,400 tuition for the comprehensive 200-hr Yoga Certification Course.
 
Food and Lodging

tRoom and Board Package: $1300 at Punta Mona ($50 per night for extra nights)
tHousekeeping: bedding will be washed once a week during the training
tGetting to Punta Mona: Remember that once you arrive at San Jose (SJO) International airport it is still a half day journey to the farm!! For detailed information see: www.puntamona.org/getting-punta-mona
tExtra costs for day off activities (eg: Surfing equipment, Kayaking, Snorkling, Guided Hikes/Herb Walks, Spanish lessons)
tTransportation to the farm by boat at the beginning and end of the training will be free. However, if you desire to leave the farm by boat during the training the rate is $50 each way for 5 or less people, with 5 or more people the rate is $10 per person.
tOur yoga deck is steps away from the beach and comfortably accommodates 18-20

 
Questions and More Information

tYou can call or email anytime.
tEmail info@schoolyogainstitute.com
tTel: 888-964-2123 (toll free from US and Canada)
tTel: 603-831-2281 (USA)
tSite Coordinator: Sarah Wu contact@puntamona.org
tTraining site website: www.puntamona.org
tPlanning: Keri Pennell mamakeri_love@yahoo.com
tLead instructor: JedPennell jed@schoolyogainstitute.com

 
HM: 541-855-7777 Cell: 541 231 8163
 

Instructor Bios

Instructor Bios

Jed Pennell:
Born to a hippie woodsman and an indigenous seer, Jed’s roots run deep in the streams of earth knowledge. A middle child of four brothers, he spent his childhood playing in the clean cold streams of southern Oregon, building forts among the sacred cedars. His character serene like the old-growth firs he in the Kalamiopsis wilderness behind his house: charred by fire, growing sweeter and stronger through tragedy yet inclined toward victory. Upon graduating from Illinois Valley High School as valedictorian, ASB president, and a 3x state wrestling champion he went to Oregon State University where he continued his search. As a NCAA Division I wrestler he flourished through a relentless work ethic and driving longing for realization, becoming the Pac-10 newcomer of the year and a perennial national competitor. Earning a minor in Philosophy and a Masters Degree in Exercise and Sport Science, he was the recipient of numerous prestigious awards. En route to his teaching degree the universe orchestrated one of the most magical, synchronistic meetings of his lifetime: his soulmate Keri! It was also in college that he began practicing yoga. Here he found a crystallization of his spiritual values and his life purpose. Studying under Sujita Sklenar, after a few years he began subbing for her classes. Moving to the southern Mendocino coast, with his soon to be wife, Jed spent the next six years teaching Physical Education, Health, and other subjects at Point Arena High School. There he also led spiritual flow yoga classes twice a week, became an avid surfer and was blessed with the birth of his two sons. In the summer of 2009 he took a pilgrimage to rediscover the ancient knowledge of his ancestors in Peru, while transforming his practice through studying with Vedantin in his 200 and 500-hour School Yoga Institute teacher training courses. Delving into the shamanic realms, in 2011 he finished his 1000-Hr and facilitator SYI trainings. His mystical epic soul journey continues today as he spends time back at home in southern Oregon working on various organic permaculture gardening projects, when not travelling the world facilitating Teacher Training Courses with the SYI. As a follower of the Mayan Tzolkin and 13 moon calendars, Jed embodies Cib/Ajmac (vulture/condor/owl) and the Blue Resonant Monkey, respectively. A peaceful warrior letting his life emerge through humor, paradox and change, his motto has become: ‘shine love n’ light’. Emanating out from the moment of formlessness the flower of life is the pattern of creation he follows. Passionate about embodying the shift back toward the galactic center—the Divine feminine—Jed practices holding space, seeing through illusion, and recognizing the one in all, whether studying crop circles, drawing sacred geometry, practicing yoga, playing devotional music, raising his precious family or surfing voluptuous waves.

Jessi Long:
Since a young age, Jessi has studied dance and creative movement. Yoga found Jessi seven years ago, and since her first RYT200 teacher training in 2008, Jessi has led retreats and workshops throughout the States, Guatemala, Mexico, and Costa Rica. She completed her RYT500 hour certification in 2012 and is now an RYT facilitator in several countries for School Yoga Institute. Jessi teaches a Vinyasa based practice to combine elements of dance and natural movement with traditional yogic sequencing. She is grateful for the journey and to share movement of bliss with others along the way. Jessi lives and teaches in Guatemala, where she also founded JUSTA, a holistic network that connects indigenous artisans, global designers, and projects that promote self-sustaining development, creative expression, and holistic empowerment within family and community. www.justacollective.org

YOGA
Balancing Body and Mind

April 8 – 10, 2016 (part of the Fire Season Transformation Cycle)
“Today, I recognized that the jewel-like beauty is the presence…”
– Rumi
Yoga invites the practitioner to meet the inner space with awareness, self inquiry, and curiosity. When one listens, the expansion of the body continually reveals new layers of emotional energy, patterns of mind, and ultimately the brightening essence.

This work with Adya provides a sacred container to rest in presence and meet whatever arises, shedding layers of contraction and attachment, embracing the simplicity of the moment.

Witnessing presence unveils a natural movement towards wholeness, where thought, sensation and emotion are met equally in the field of awareness, and the awake presence beneath the movement of life shines with “jewel-like beauty.”

April Price: $255

Yoga is an invitation to rest into the present moment.
It provides a solid foundation for a process of transformation.

Tyohar
quoted from Satsang

Adya
Adya’s graceful meditative style draws on a diverse range of influences and forms. She first trained as a teacher in the Vinyasa flow style at the White Lotus Foundation in California. Here she began a period of seven years of study and training while teaching at various yoga studios in California and Seattle.
While the flowing form of graceful Vinyasa is very present in her style, the soft restorative form of yin yoga brings a meditative aspect with gentle opening and melting into the asana. Here it is about surrender and breath, witnessing presence. While she has also trained extensively in pre-natal yoga, her most formative training took place at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram in Madras, India where she studied yoga therapy.

This work with Adya provides a sacred container to rest in presence and meet whatever arises, shedding layers of contraction and attachment, and embracing the simplicity of the moment. Witnessing presence unveils a natural movement towards wholeness, where thought, sensation and emotion are met equally in the field of awareness, and the awake presence beneath the movement of life shines with beauty.

Velan
Velan is deeply influenced by the discipline of Master Zhen Hua Yang, a Shaolin monk trained and guided in the temples of China. This lineage holds the energy of over 400 years, through the people who served as guardians of the Chinese Emperor. Velan shares layers of this lineage as a 3 dimensional form fusing Tai Chi, Qi Gong and traditional Hatha yoga to awaken internal power, vitality and stillness in motion. This form reveals a dynamic synergy between internal power and deep integrative moments of stillness. Connecting to the body’s innate wisdom, its desire to move and heal is the foundation of his teaching.
Unifying various styles into a creative flow of movement, he has been influenced through the study of Vinyasa Flow, Sivananda Yoga, and Yoga therapy With Simon Borg Oliver. He studied Ayurvedic Medicine in Kerala India, functional movement training in Sydney Australia and has anchored a deeper understanding of the body through the study of various forms of healing work.

In Pachamama YTT Velan shares his passion of Calligraphy Yoga, Ayurvedic principles of health and assessment, functional movement, energetic cultivation, healing and free form movement.

Accommodation:

More information on accomodations …

Meals are not included.

Meal prices in
PachaMama’s Restaurant*:
Breakfast: $7 – 9.5
Lunch: $7 and up
Dinner: $8.50

* prices do not include
13 % sales tax

Besides the restaurant the Wild Treats Cacao Bar is serving delicious drinks, smoothies, snacks and sweets, all raw and without sugar. More …

 
 
 
 
The workshop will focus on techniques for improving plant and nature photography while exploring tropical beauty and attaining a deeper understanding of how to relate to plants. The fee is $1300 (double occupancy) and $1600 (single room) that includes six nights accommodation, all meals and airport transfer. Round trip airfare from your originating airport to San Jose Costa Rica (SJO) is additional. To reserve your space email:grupos@fincalunanuevalodge.com.

Finca Luna Nueva Lodge features the best of tropical comfort including an ozonated swimming pool and solar heated Jacuzzi along with spa services. Delightful meals of Costa Rican-Asian fusion cuisine, served three times a day are included with the package. Much of the food is produced on the farm.

Finca Luna Nueva Lodge features well-groomed hiking trails, along with the Sacred Seed SanctuarySemillas Sagradas, an ethnobotanical garden harboring over 250 medicinal herbs. The garden, first established in 1994, has evolved under the guidance of New York Botanical Garden ethnobotanist, Michael Balick, America’s herbalist-in-chief, Jim Duke, and Costa Rican ethnobotanist, Rafael Ocampo.  This extraordinary collection of neotropical medicinal plants is under the care of Steven Farrell, President of Finca Luna Nueva and Biodynamic farmer extraordinaire.  The garden serves as a model for the creation of other Semillas Sagradas ethnomedicinal gardens elsewhere, in an effort to preserve not only local biodiversity, but the indigenous traditions that are keepers of the knowledge.  Rafael Ocampo and Michael Balick co-authored Plants of Semillas Sagradas: An Ethnobotanical Garden in Costa Rica (2009). The book can be downloaded as a pdf file at the Finca Luna Nueva website. And that’s just a taste of the botanical offerings. Turn around at any moment and you could see a three-toed sloth, emerald basilisk lizard, green iguana, red-eyed frog, toucan or morpho butterfly!

Getting great photographs with the equipment you own

Topics Covered:

tOur focus will be on techniques for improving your plant photography. Rather than dry optical theory or studio techniques, we will spend most of our time on techniques for fieldwork.
tYou do not need sophisticated, expensive equipment to take great photographs. It’s more about understanding simple concepts—lighting, being in the right place at the right time, and patience. And like anything worth doing, practice, practice, practice.
tWe will explore working with ambient natural light and making the most of the equipment you have. Just bring your iPhone. That’s all you need for equipment. Nature presents special conditions for photographing in the rainforest environment, and we will highlight getting the best images in varying situations, whether you are taking photographs for your own personal enjoyment or for use in scientific publication.
tAssessing our equipment. Don’t be intimidated by the fact that you don’t have thousands of dollars worth of camera equipment. You can get good photographic results with the equipment you own. One key to successfully capturing images is to know and understand your equipment, while learning to keep your photography simple. For plant photography ideally, you may want to have a decent digital camera body, close-up lens (macro lens or a diopter for a fixed lens), and perhaps the single most important piece of equipment – a tripod. A wide-angle lens (28 mm or wider) and a telephoto lens (at least 200 mm, for a 35 mm camera body) will also enhance your enjoyment of taking plant and flower photos. Photographing plants often requires relatively long exposures, so besides the camera itself, a decent sturdy tripod is essential for plant photography in general.  Another piece of equipment that you will want to long exposures is a cable release. And finally, one other very essential piece of equipment is your camera manual. Read, re-read it and read it again until you begin to understand all of the features available to you as well as the camera’s basic operation. If you don’t understand something in the manual, highlight the item or write down a question to bring to the workshop. It really does take reading the manual several times to understand it. Remember —most camera manual are probably written by an engineer with English as a third language. . . .
tOr forget all of that equipment and just bring your iPhone or other pocket digital camera!
tIf you don’t have thousands of dollars of camera equipment, don’t fret. You can take great photographs with whatever camera you own. One professional photographer with over three decades of experience that I admire, music venue/musician photographer David Horwitz, likes to keep it simple. He uses a 1970s vintage Nikon camera with just three basic lenses, a $79 point-and-shoot digital Minolta and on occasion $10 throwaway camera.
tPhotography is not about equipment. Photography is about light. As George Eastman, founder of Eastman Kodak put it, “Light makes photography. Embrace light. Admire it. Love it. But above all know light. Know it for all you are worth, and you will know the key to photography.”
tFinding a subject and knowing what you are shooting. Anyone can take a photograph of a beautiful flower. If you want to find great subjects, especially plants, you have to know what you’re looking for and where to find it.  Finca Luna Nueva offers exciting photographic opportunities simply by walking outside the front door of any building. We will also discuss the ethics of plant conservation and “gardening” to create a more pleasing composition. The key to ethical wildflower photography is “leave no trace.”
tBring some of your own work if you wish and share it with the group. We will also look at images and talk about elements that make them interesting compositions, or a technically good photograph, keeping in mind the words of Ansel Adams, “There are no rules for good photographs. There are only good photographs.”
tWe will cover essentials of you helping to understand photographic concepts such as depth of field, focus, exposure, composition, making the most of ambient light, and macro techniques.
tYou took a great picture. Now what? In this new era of digital photography, snapping the shutter is only the first step. Once you have captured images and downloaded them to your computer, we will explore digital workflows, with information on useful software, file formats, key-wording and metadata, color space, equipment calibration, and other steps necessary for creating the best output for prints, the web, electronic media, and publication.

Directions to Finca Luna Nueva Lodge:
By Bus from San Jose or Alajuela

From San Jose you have two choices to arrive by bus:
1) Take the bus to Ciudad Quesada. From there, transfer to the bus that goes to La Fortuna via Chachagua. Get off in San Isidro de Peñas Blancas. or …
2) Take the bus to San Ramon. Then take the bus to La Fortuna via Chachagua, and get off in San Isidro.

By Bus from La Fortuna: Take either the bus to Ciudad Quesada via Chachagua or the bus to San Ramon via Chachagua and get off in San Isidro de Peñas Blancas.
By Car from San Jose
From San Jose head north to San Ramon via the Pan American highway. At San Ramon, exit Pan American highway by making a right turn. Go straight until the last stop sign, and turn left. Immediate right turn at traffic light. Follow road for about 2 km staying to the left. When you go uphill over a speed bump with small school on right then another speed bump make a left at the y intersection. This is the road to Fortuna. Follow this road north for about an hour when you will arrive at a single lane suspension bridge over the Peñas Blancas river.
About two kilometers after the bridge watch for a church and cemetery on left. 150 meters past the cemetery turn left onto a paved road (you will see the “Luna Nueva” signs on your left). Go 2.3 km west into the jungle. Stay on the paved road  passing a large tin building. 50 meters after the tin building turn right  and pass thru our gate. It has pink columns. Continue driving into the farm to the large two story house.
If lost ask for Finca Luna Nueva or finca de Steven.

From the Beaches in Guanacaste and Liberia Airport
If you are driving from the Liberia International airport or from any of the main beach resorts in the Guanacaste Region, we recommend driving west to Liberia, continuing on to Cañas and Tilarán, and driving the scenic road bordering the Arenal Lake. The drive from the beaches should take between 3 to 4 hours, depending on the point of departure.
From Liberia head east onto the Interamerican Highway, the road to Cañas, Puntarenas and San José. Drive past the town of Bagaces, reaching the city of Cañas. Turn north into town, departing from the Interamerican Highway. Follow signs to Tilarán in the mountains north of town. Tilaran is about 20 minutes from Cañas. When you arrive you must make a hairpin to the left at the top of the hill where a brand new gas station is on your left. Ask if not sure the way to Arenal (lake and volcano Arenal).
Within 10 minutes you will reach a fork on the road. Stay on the left, following signs to Fortuna, and Arenal Volcano.
Stay on the scenic road that takes you around Lake Arenal. Drive for about 90 minutes, passing the town of Nuevo Arenal and the dam that forms the lake. At this point, you will depart from the Lake and continue east towards the volcano and the town of La Fortuna. Stay on this road for approximately 20 minutes, until you arrive in Fortuna.
You will reach a point of the road were you can not continue straight and must turn right. Follow the road to the right, crossing a bridge after one block and leaving town. Signs will say route to Chachagua, La Tigra and San Ramon.
After approximately 20 minutes you will reach Chachagua. You will know Chachagua since there is a road bump right on a curve of the road. You may want to ask several people to be sure.
Passing Chachagua keep looking for a store called CocoLoco. This will be on your left hand side. Once you have passed CocoLoco you will cross a small bridge. After this bridge continue uphill unitl you see a paved road on your right (you will see the “Luna Nueva” signs on your Right). Go 2.3 km west into the jungle. Stay on the paved road passing a large tin building. 50 meters after the tin building turn right and pass thru our gate. It has pink columns. Continue driving into the farm to the large two story house.
 

Free Spirit Retreats
Free Spirit

Free Spirit Retreats was born from a belief – that it only takes one spark to start a blaze. When positive change seems far from real and we get caught up in day-to-day life, we need space and time in an effortless environment to surrender to what is. The magic will then always unfold.

Free Spirit Yoga retreat is a spiritual adventure of 7 days / 6 nights in the spectacular location of Playa Hermosa Costa Rica. Experience a week of adventure. You will be surrounded by the beauty of nature where you will find yourself, grow spiritually, and create lasting friendships.

Costa Rica
All trails seem to lead to waterfalls, misty crater lakes or jungle-fringed, deserted beaches. Explored by horseback, foot or kayak, Costa Rica is a tropical choose-your-own-adventure land. And then there are the people. Costa Ricans, or Ticos as they prefer to call themselves, are proud of their little slice of paradise, welcoming guests to sink into the easygoing rhythms of pura vida (the pure life) – every bit as much a catchy motto as it is an enduring mantra. With the highest quality of life in Central America, all the perfect waves, perfect sunsets and perfect beaches seem like the pure life indeed

All retreats packages include:
3 fresh vegetarian organic meals per day
Transportation from / to SJO airport
1 yoga class per day
1 guided meditation per day
Alignment workshop
3 eLIVate workshops
Shaman sweat lodge ceremony
Reggae night
Sangria & tamales cooking class
Surf contest
Beach dinner
Sky lantern ceremony

Cost:
$1.795 for double/triple occupancy
$2.295 for single occupancy

REGISTER HERE

Location:
At Free Spirit Retreats we are responsible for transportation from the San Jose, Alajuela Airport (SJO) to our site. You must take responsibility to be at the meeting point and the designated time to meet your Free Spirit Retreat representative for transportation to the location. You will receive meeting location and timing after you pay your Balance together with all the general information about your trip. You can always request support booking for your transfer if you arrive outside the parameters of the retreat schedule.