Quiero agregar mi propio evento / I want to add my own event
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Intensive 24 day program, meets 6 days a week
Become a professional yoga teacher or study to deepen your individual practice
and understanding of yoga. A 200 hour Yoga Alliance certified yoga teacher training provides a strong foundation for confidently practicing and safely teaching yoga. It will offer you opportunities to make discoveries through self-inquiry and experimentation in connecting to mind, body and spirit. The class provides personal growth opportunities and assists your developing a deeper level self-awareness.
Bienestar encourages the sacredness of teaching and an understanding of courage we need to teach. To become a teacher is to have been on a journey of learning, to have a deep knowledge of your topic and a great desire to share it with and inspire others.
Anyone can take a yoga teacher training…. Yoga Alliance 200 hour criteria covers a broad scope including the 8 limbs of yoga, the physical, the breath, meditative practices, energy systems, philosophy and history, teaching methodology, general anatomy and physiology. Through the daily yoga practice, lectures, discussions, and personal experiential work one grows into it. Yoga teacher training requires your attention, focus, practice, inquiry and objectivity.
“There is nothing more beautiful than seeing a person being themselves. Imagine going through your day being unapologetically you.” ― Steve Maraboli
Teachers
Lura Shopteau M.A., LPC, E-RYT-500, IAYT ( ask for my c.v.)
Ananda Munoz B.A., PT, CMT, CPT, RYT- 200 (teaches Anatomy and Physiology)
Location: Bienestar, Playa Colonia, Uvita, Costa Rica
For more information on Bienestar please visit – Tripadvisior at
http://www.tripadvisor.com.mx/Attraction_Review-g635755-d5562784-Reviews-Bienestar_Uvita_Yoga_Shala-Uvita_Province_of_Puntarenas.html
Daily schedule
Class begins at 6:45 a.m. with practice every morning and finishes before sunset daily. Long breaks are given each day. There are days with homework and each student will be given several opportunities to practice teaching others. Class size is kept small to make sure we can accommodate the full scope of your needs and provide experiential opportunities to individuals within the group.
More details on the Yoga Alliance website. www. yogaalliance.org
Yoga Teacher Training Cost:
$1800 US and 13% Tax Total $2034
Payment: A 25% deposit is required to confirm registration.
Final Payment must be received 21 days before start date.
Cancellation can be made and a full refund given up to 30 days before program start date.
Payment can be made in cash, by check, or by bank transfer.
Materials provided: all yoga props needed will be in the class, Bienestar Teacher Training manual,
Yoga Sutras translated by Swami Satchidananda, Moola Bandha the master key.
Fruit, tea, pipa’s & juices provided for morning and afternoon breaks.
— Snacks provided: Raw, Vegan, Vegetarian
Accommodations:
A variety of accommodations are available in the community and can be arranged through Bienestar, prices range from $350. a month upward. Food plans for general or specific diets can also be arranged for the duration of the program, each plan is unique therefore pricing must be customized.
There are two hotels and a hostel within walking distance of Bienestar.
Each one has a different flavor, style and they all give me a special price by the month, plus that program is in low season. Currently they all range from $340 -360. per month and I doubt there will be any change.
Flutterby Hostel – a hostel but one of the most loved in Central America, busy, fun, close to the sea, community kitchen, dorm style sleeping and shared baths.
www.flutterbyhouse.com/
La Flori de Bahia – no cooking, but air conditioning and a small pool American style rooms.
www.lafioridebahia.com
Casa Bahia – separate kitchen available to guests, a bit further to walk but on a breezy hilltop, very quiet – private, nice rooms. I use the space for small retreats because it is so quiet and private.
I provide fruits and juices in the a.m. and I am trying to offer a low cost optional large organic fresh salad lunch, Gluten free with or with out protein in my next program. So I hope to be offering that again… and then dinner is on your own. If you chose a place with a kitchen it will be the least expensive option, otherwise meals out here are 3000 – 7000 colones. That is $6. to $14 dollars.
…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
Course Description:
The moon has long been a beacon of the divine feminine. A symbol of goddesses, light, wisdom, sister-mother-grandmotherhood, intuition and inner power. In modern society, however, we’ve lost this innate connection to all that the moon represents, and to our birthright as women. We’ve minimized our womanhood to superficial portrayals of who we really are, and often found ourselves deflated in a largely masculine dominated world. This workshop is about reconnecting to the power of the feminine and embodying what it’s means to be a woman- body, mind and soul. Through yoga, meditation, ritual and ceremony we will explore our right side brain- intuition, creativity, metaphor, wisdom, empathy, dreams, art and synthesis- and discover each for ourselves what our femininity means, both individually and collectively. With the support of a soulful community of sisterhood, we will reject norms of “right” and “wrong”, and whole heartedly embrace what is true, authentic and meaningful to each of us.
Teacher Bios:
Jackie Mucaria, E-RYT 200 and Yoga Therapist:
Jackie is the is the founder of Yoga for Positive Living, a source for community inspired yoga offerings around the world. She completed her 200 hour yoga teacher training in Nosara, Costa Rica and her 300 hour yoga therapy certification through the Inner Door Center in Royal Oak, Michigan. She has worked diligently teaching yoga therapy as a healing method for those recovering from eating disorders and has trained professionals around the country in the integration of yoga philosophy and practices into their treatment for eating disorders. Through Yoga for Positive Living she deisgns and implements community centered retreats and programs aimed at creating small and powerful yoga tribes, comprised of individuals ready to share their unique gifts, and strengthen the greatness of the yoga community at large.
Jackie draws strength and inspiration for her teaching from her studies in wilderness based workshops and vision questing, and from the teachers she has been blessed to learn from. She strives to lead these sacred practices with love, respect and commitment to everyone she has the pleasure to teach. Jackie currently shares her passion for yoga, holistic wellness and inner exploration both internationally and in her home community of Lake Arenal, Costa Rica.
Language class is taught in:
English
Cost:
Early Registration Price (before 2/1/16)
– Main Lodge (3-4 people/room with shared bath): $588
– River Casita (2 people/room with private bath): $615
Registration Price (after 2/1/16)
– Main Lodge: $638
– River Casita: $665
Registration complete upon payment of non-rufundable $150 deposit and submission of a registration form (found on our website). You will be contacted for next steps shortly after registration form is submitted. Payment plans are available. Payments can be made through PayPal or by check.
Prices do not include airfare to Costa Rica or transportation to/from Living Forest Retreat Center. We are happy to assist you in arrangements for transportation.
Accommodations:
4 nights at Living Forest Retreat Center, 3 fresh locally sourced meals/day, coffee, tea and fresh juice available all day.
— Food Options:
Raw, Vegan, Vegetarian
REGISTER HERE
Notes or Comments:
Other activities available in the Lake Arenal area include visiting hot springs, zip lining, horseback riding, waterfall hikes/visits, canoeing, kayaking, wind/kitesurfing, water rafting, SUP boarding, bird watching, hiking, volcano excursions, relaxing in a hammock and more.
Directions:
Living Forest, the Lake Arenal Retreat Center is situated by Lake Arenal in the province of Guanacaste, 13 km from the town of Tilaran.
If possible, it is best to fly to Liberia, officially called Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR). We are only 2 hour drive away from the airport.
San Jose Santa Maria international airport is further away from us; three to four hour drive.
If you would like to rent a car, let us know. Our guests are able to get a good discount and a great service. We are happy to forward you the contact details. To get to Living Forest you don’t need a 4X4, but for some of the roads in Costa Rica we recommend it.
For group or individual pick-ups from the airport we are happy to assist you.
Driving directions:
GPS co ordinates: Latitude 10.553120, Longitude -84.989672
From Liberia airport:
From Liberia drive the Pan-American Highway south in the direction of Canas, where you turn left to Tilaran. Just when you reach Tilaran, take a left to Arenal. You will come to a fork where on the right is Puerto San Luis, but you keep on the left towards Nuevo Arenal. You drive this lake road about 13 km; approx 20 minutes. Take a left when you see a sign for Tierras Morenas. (There are many signs and on your right a coffee shop called Plaza del Cafe). After about 3 min drive – 700 meters- among the green hills you see on your right hand side a large gate and a house with a swimming pool. There is a sign for Living Forest at the gate. Take this dirt road to the end, after a steep hill down you have arrived at Lake Arenal Retreat Center: Living Forest.
From San Jose:
You can either take the Pan-American Highway in direction Puntarenas/Canas or you can take the high way (27) into Caldera/Puntarenas – this depends on what part of San Jose you are coming from. From Puntarenas you follow the road north towards Canas, where you turn right to Tilaran. Just when you reach Tilaran, take a left to Arenal (direction La Fortuna). You drive this road about 13 km; approx 20 minutes. Take a left when you see a sign for Tierras Morenas. (There are many signs and on your right a coffee shop called Plaza del Cafe). After about 3 min drive – 700 meters- among the green hills you see on your right hand side a large gate and a house with a swimming pool. There is a sign for Living Forest at the gate. Take this dirt road to the end, after a steep hill down you have arrived at Lake Arenal Retreat Center: Living Forest.
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 …
We invite you to join us April 8-10 for In Tune Expansion, Corazón Verde, for a 2 day, 2 night gathering and celebration featuring a variety of classes, workshops, presentations, performances, ceremonies, and more.
In Tune Expansion is an intentional event series focused on connection, cultural exchange, and community empowerment.
We are Agents of Change with the intention of providing a consistent platform for sharing inspiration, co-creation, and conscious expansion with others in this beautiful global transition we are experiencing here together.
Each ITE event is themed around a different social benefit or regenerative education project and donates money raised from the event towards the selected group or organization. The series also chooses a new host location for each event so as to promote for different land projects blessings the community with their offering as well.
We have chosen the beneficiary focus of In Tune Expansion, Corazón Verde to be the amazing reforestation project Community Carbon Trees Costa Rica, run by the beautiful, selfless servant and warrior for the planet – Jennifer Leigh Smith.
Cost:
1 day passes to In Tune Expansion, Corazón Verde are available online and at the gate for – 17,000 colones or $33
2 day passes including 2 nights of camping are available online and at the gate for – 40,000 colones or $77
Tickets can be purchased online at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-tune-expansion-corazon-verde-tickets-22627598757
Additional workshops, performances, and vendor information will be announced soon. Stay tuned for more details!
Check out Community Carbon Trees Costa Rica official website to learn more about the important work they are doing here in Costa Rica – http://communitycarbontrees-costarica.com/
——-
Le invitamos a unirse con nosotros el 8-10 de Abril para In Tune Expansión, Corazón Verde, unas 2 días y 2 noches de reunión y de celebración que ofrece una variedad de clases, talleres, presentaciones, actuaciones, ceremonias, y mucho más.
In Tune Expansión es una serie de eventos intencional centrado en la conexión, el intercambio cultural, y la potenciación de la comunidad.
Somos agentes de cambio con la intención de proporcionar una plataforma consistente para compartir la inspiración, la co-creación y la expansión consciente con otros en esta hermosa transición global que estamos experimentando aquí juntos.
Cada evento ITE está inspirado en un beneficio social diferente o proyecto de educación regenerativa y dona el dinero recaudado en el evento hacia el grupo u organización seleccionada. La serie también se elige una nueva ubicación de host para cada caso a fin de promover bendiciones para diferentes proyectos de tierras a la comunidad con su oferta también.
Hemos elegido el foco beneficiario de In Tune Expansión, Corazón Verde a ser el impresionante proyecto de reforestación de Carbono Árboles Costa Rica, a cargo de la bella, siervo desinteresado y guerrero para el planeta – Jennifer Leigh Smith.
Costo:
1 día pasa a la expansión Tune, Corazón Verde están disponibles en línea y en la puerta de – 17.000 colones o $ 33
2 días pasa incluye 2 noches de camping están disponibles en línea y en la puerta de – 40.000 colones o $ 77
Las entradas pueden adquirirse en línea en:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-tune-expansion-corazon-verde-tickets-22627598757
Talleres adicionales, actuaciones y la información del proveedor serán anunciados pronto. Estén atentos para más detalles!
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.
Course Description:
Describing the cultural background of mandalas and the meaning behind the forms and figures found in mandalas. This is a hands-on workshop and we will be coloring, designing, interpreting mandalas and learning how to use them in our own meditation practices.
Notes or Comments:
Lunch is provided for workshop participants
Cost:
10,000 colones (includes workshop materials and lunch)
Directions:
Cocina Eclectica, Escazu. 900 meters from Rosti Pollo and first house on Calle Itabo.
Spend a week with us in the jungle and learn to design a bountiful garden that supports all life.
With the era of consumerism, the world faces many challenges from loss of habitat, to environmental degradation and social disconnection. We believe it’s time to cultivate opportunities for positive change and learning. Permaculture – derived from the words “permanent” and “culture” – is a design science based on mimicking efficient patterns and relationships found in nature. Permaculture is yoga for the land, as yoga is permaculture for the body.
Introduction
Our week-long course includes the following:
7 Days / 6 Nights at Rancho Delicioso
3 Meals per day that showcase healthy fresh cooking from the farm or local providers
Introduction to Permaculture – Daily Workshops
Daily Yoga Class
Aerial Silk Beginner’s Class
Archery Class
Beach Trip To Playa Hermosa (Surfing Lessons Optional)
Montezuma Waterfalls Excursion
Anamaya Yoga Excursion
Pool Party
Introduction to Permaculture Daily Workshops:
The program will include eight permaculture courses, from 90-120 minutes long each, throughout the week, earning you an “Introduction to Permaculture” certificate from Rancho Delicioso. These eight courses will be:
1. Definition, Ethics and Principles:
Participative discussion that includes the Web of Life Activity.
2. Soil Science:
Know your soil types, micro-organisms, textures, Ph, simple tests to do at home.
3. Composting:
Making a “lasagna-style” compost pile and bio-fertilizers.
4. Biointensive Gardening:
Hands on mulching, seeding, transplanting, making beds, moon cycles, pest and disease control, plant propagation, seed saving.
5. Garden Design:
Using patterns and the edge effect – design and hands-on making an herb spiral or mandala garden.
6. Medicinal Plants and Medicine Making:
Native plant walk, tinctures, honey cough syrup and ointments made with local herbs.
7. Food Forests:
Tree planting and maintenance, layers of the forest, guilds, observation exercise in a native forest.
8. Sustainable building:
Discussion about various methods of natural construction techniques, natural cooling, energy, and green building.
Horses and Animals
Animals are an essential part of a sustainable cycle in a farm. They provide companionship, food, work, and even their poop is vital to our work of soil restoration.
Many more photo here: PYP Photo Gallery
Activity Details
Aerial Silk dance class in Rancho Delicioso’s passion fruit dome.
Aerial Silk Basics
Ever wonder what it’s like to dance in the air? Our workshop teaches how to move with the silks using breathing techniques that prevent muscle exhaustion. This is a fun way to activate all muscle groups, while learning a few tricks to show your family and friends back home!
Archery Basics
Perhaps after seeing “The Hunger Games” you have wanted to try shooting a bow and arrow? Now is your chance to let fly a few shots into some hay bales on the farm. It’s surprisingly addictive and cathartic.
Healthy Cooking and Nutrition
The truth is we can all cook like Nigella Lawson without using ingredients from the whole world. Learn to live sustainably by using local seasonal produce to create magic on your plate. From kefir to sauerkraut workshops and making dehydrated chips coated in cashew goodness, our workshops will leave your mouth watering and your body craving more!
Daily Yoga Classes
You don’t have to be a ballerina doing split handstand to be able to practice yoga. Whether you’re a beginner just wanting to stretch, or an advanced level yogi, our daily classes will allow you to connect with your body.
Excursion to do yoga at Anamaya’s new yoga shala
Yoga at Anamaya Resort
The yoga decks at our partner resort – Anamaya – are truly spectacular. With views over Montezuma and out to the ocean, it is a wonderful place to practice at the beginning or end of the day.
Beach and Surfing Trip
No trip to Costa Rica would be complete without a chance to dive in, balance your body, and feel the power of the ocean. Surfboards and surf classes, boogie boards rentals, etc, require an extra fee, but a trip to enjoy the beach is included. Click here to read about some of the area’s best surf spots: Surf Spots Near Rancho Delicioso.
Pool Party
An opportunity to chill with your new-found family beside a cozy bonfire. Enjoy our salt-water swimming pool to cool off from the tropical heat. Stargazing included! Afterwards, those who want more can head down to Montezuma for the famous “Reggae Night” street party every Thursday.
Adriana Pal, our permaculture instructor
Retreat Leader
Meet
Adriana Pál
. Adriana is a native Costa Rican, and our area’s leading permaculture expert. She is the founder of
La Escuela de la Jungla
(The School of the Jungle) and has been teaching various courses in the area for several years.
Originally with a background in tourism and hospitality, Adriana became enamored with permaculture and sustainability, and has been educating herself in all things “green.” With a delightful personality, a love of teaching, and a natural ability to connect with people, you will fall in love with her passion for the earth and her drive to help protect it.
Dates offered:
February 7 – 13, 2016 – (Dorm spaces sold out – bring a tent only!)
February 21 – 27, 2016 – (One Dorm Space Left!)
March 6 – 12, 2016 – (Dorm spaces sold out – bring a tent only!)
March 20 – 26, 2016 – (2 Dorm Spaces Left)
April 3 – 9, 2016 – (2 Spaces Left – 1 dorm, 1 tent)
April 17 – 23, 2016 – (3 Spaces left)
May 15-21, 2016 – (Just Added!!)
June 19-25, 2016 – (Just Added!!)
July 3 – 9, 2016 – (Just Added!!)
July 17 – 23, 2016 – (Just Added!!)
August 7 – 13, 2016 – (Just Added!!)
August 21 – 27, 2016 – (Just Added!!)
All programs begin on Sunday and end on a Saturday. This gives a generous window of time if you leave your home country on a Friday night or Saturday, and return to work/school on a Monday.
Video of the farm
Week Schedule
This is a general week schedule, which may shift a bit depending on various things like the availability of teachers. We try to fit all this in here, and more. Sometimes if someone amazing is in town and offering something unique we’ll bring them to the farm and offer it to the guests, such as a unique style of yoga or something that fits with our vibe. Some guests find there’s too much to do and want to relax more… that’s fine too, you’re not obligated to do any of these activities.
Sunday – Orientation
Opening Circle
Introduction to Permaculture
Monday – The Fun Begins
Morning Yoga
Permaculture: Soil Science
Archery Class
Permaculture: Composting
Open Mic Night at Cafe Organico in Montezuma ($4 addl pp for transport)
Tuesday – Anamaya and Waterfall
Healthy Cooking Class
Waterfall Hike and Lunch
Ocean View Yoga at Anamaya Resort
Permaculture: Garden Design
Our Aquaponics Growing House
Wednesday – Beach & Surf Day
Morning Yoga
Permaculture: Biointensive Gardening
Beach Trip – Surfing Optional
Thursday – Anamaya Dinner Night
Morning Yoga
Permaculture: Aquaponics or Greenbuilding
Permaculture: Medicinal Plant Walk
Dinner at Anamaya Resort
Dance and Street Party Night in Montezuma ($4 addl pp for transport)
Friday – Free Day and/or Aerial Silks
Morning Yoga
Permaculture: Food Forests
Aerial Silk Class
Raw Chocolate Making Class
Saturday – Goodbye Day
Morning Yoga
Closing Circle, group hugs, tears, and goodbyes
Click here for a
calendar of classes and events
.
Lots More Photos
Many more photo here: PYP Photo Gallery
A Typical Day’s Schedule
6:30-7:45am
– Yoga
8:00-8:30am
– Breakfast
9:15-10:00am
– Fitness Class (optional)
10:00-12:00pm
– Permaculture Class
12:00-1:00pm
– Lunch
1:00-4:00pm
– Siesta, Free Time, Swimming Pool, or Various Activities
4:00-6:00pm
– Permaculture Class
6:00-7:00pm
– Dinner
7:00-9:00pm
– Free Time. Movies, bonfire, various extra activities
9:00pm+
– Sleepy Time…
For more detail, click here: Detailed Schedule of Activities
Prices & Payment
Dates: February through April 2016
The PYP Program price depends on your accommodations. We currently have three options:
1. Bring Your Own Tent:
– $450
2. Dorms:
– $500 – Check this out here:
Volunteer House/Dorm
3. Joseph’s Treehouse:
$450 base price + $79/nt or $59/nt May-Nov (Please check Joseph’s prices in case of changes.) It has a queen-sized bed, private bathroom and full kitchen. Can be shared by couples who book together. The treehouse is booked directly with Joseph from his AirBnB page:
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/3164732
Dates: June through August 2016
The price is higher for June-August because our new accommodations will be ready with much more space for everyone.
1. Bring Your Own Tent:
– $450
2. Dorms:
– $600
3. Joseph’s Treehouse:
$450 base price + $79/nt or $59/nt May-Nov (Please check Joseph’s prices in case of changes.) It has a queen-sized bed, private bathroom and full kitchen. Can be shared by couples who book together. The treehouse is booked directly with Joseph from his AirBnB page:
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/3164732
Payment and Deposit:
When you’re ready to book, we’ll send you a PayPal money request for 50% of the price of the program, as a non-refundable deposit. The balance is due two weeks before your arrival, and we’ll send you a PayPal money request for that as well. If you prefer to pay the balance in cash when you arrive, that can sometimes be arranged too.
Liability Release Form: Upon arrival you must sign our standard liability release. Please read it before booking: RD Liability Release Form
Additional Notes
Why not add a week?
If you’d like to add a second week, after your program ends to practice what you have learned, the cost is $200 for the week (7 additional nights). Limited space for 4 people so let us know asap if you want to stay on as a farm volunteer. PYP students who add the extra week will work on the farm with the regular volunteers, but less work is required. We ask for 3 hours per day for this extra week (compared with 6 hours per day for regular volunteers.)
Join a like-minded community to gain the tools to empower our humanity and live to the fullest. Let’s create an abundant future together!
• Class Description:
Join renowned permaculture instructors Scott Gallant, Chris Shanks, Rachel Jackson, Mitch Haddad, and Laura Killingbeck for this annual life-changing 2-week experience. The course covers the core Permaculture Design curriculum and emphasizes creating diverse multi-functional human landscapes based on ecological patterns. Utilizing Rancho Mastatal as a living classroom, the class will mix lectures and hands-on work, exploring design solutions for both temperate and tropical regions. Putting Permaculture into practice, the course concludes with students working in teams to create their own permaculture site design. This course is applicable to anyone with an interest in designing resilient and regenerative futures as well as professionals in the fields of architecture, planning, ecology, education, farming and community development. The whole-systems design thinking outlined in the course will give participants the tools to re-design and improve their surroundings; from gardens, farms and homes, to livelihoods, relationships and communities.
Please note that permaculture is a principle and ethic based design science. This course does not include metaphysical, spiritual, nor religious topics and practices. For a general overview of what a PDC includes and what you can expect, please listen to this podcast from Permaculture Voices.
To learn about who this course is designed for, learning outcomes, what to bring, and much more, please read our 2016 PDC Course Information Book.
Our PDC Flyer in English and Spanish for anyone able to share the word!
Topics covered include:
tPrinciples and ethics of Permaculture Design
tDesign methodologies: observation, overlay mapping, etc
tThe basics of mapping and surveying
tSite analysis and assessment, from the tropics to temperate regions
tClient interviews and goal setting
tLandscape master planning and microclimate design
tReading the landscape and pattern recognition
tDesign for climate change
tRegenerative land management and stewardship
tWater catchment, storage, filtration, and distribution
tBiologically based treatment of greywater and blackwater
tNatural building techniques including timber framing, bamboo and cob
tIntegrated animal husbandry
tAquaculture and aquaponics
tNursery techniques, plant propagation and grafting
tAgro-forestry and organic horticulture
tCultivation and use of medicinal plants
tSoil rehabilitation and fertility strategies
tOrchard design and maintenance
tAlternative cooking technologies: methane bio-digesters, rocket and bio-char stoves, cob and solar ovens
tRenewable energies and biofuels
tLocal and regenerative economics
tUrban and suburban permaculture strategies
tVillage design and community building strategies
• Teacher Bios:
Scott Gallant
Scott Gallant is an agroforester and food system designer from small town Ohio. He graduated from Wabash College in 2008 with a degree in Economics. As the farm manager at Rancho Mastatal he works with an amazing team to cultivate 15 acres of a emerging tropical agroforest. He is the lead permaculture design instructor on site and one of the principle founders of the Rancho Mastatal Design/Build Collective. Passionate about regenerative agriculture, holistic thinking, ethnobotany, community development, and re-skilling, he still makes time to hike and bike, read exhaustively, and work on his basketball jump shot and frisbee throw. He and his partner Laura have traveled and volunteered extensively in Latin America, leading to a love of the culture, food, and language, which they speak. Scott is a certified Wilderness First Responder, writes for the Permaculture Research Institute and has been featured on the Permaculture Voices podcast.
Chirstopher Shanks
A multi-talented teacher, organizer, permaculture enthusiast, and design visionary, Chris has worked with some of the finest Permaculture and ecological designers in the Western hemisphere. Fascinated with living systems, Chris has invested himself heavily into the study of whole systems design, ethno-botany, horticulture, mycology, and ecology. His interests have led him to study agro-ecosystems and cultural anthropology in Spain, the Bahamas, Costa Rica, the USVI, Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama, Hawai’i, as well as the temperate and sub-tropical regions of both coasts of the United States. Chris combines leading the ground team at Project Bona Fide, a non-profit research and demonstration farm in Nicaragua, with his own work in the professional design world. He works in master planning and site design with Whole Systems Design LLC and serves as their chief horticulturalist and Project Manager. Chris also founded and runs his own company, Living Systems Solutions, based in Nicaragua. When not working in the non-profit or design world he can be found masquerading as a builder, a mason, a decent plumber, a poor electrician, a sailor, a fanatic for bamboo, a lover of palms, a permaculturalist with a rock/tree climbing habit, and as an avid motorcyclist.
Rachel Jackson
Rachel holds a Masters Degree in Sustainable Landscape Planning and Design from the Conway School in Conway, Massachusetts. She has been practicing permaculture in the tropics since 2009, working in both the rainforests of Costa Rica and the dry forests of Nicaragua. She is passionate about creating harmonious, healthy relationships between humans and the landscape. From urban renewal projects in New England to food forests in Latin America, Rachel has used her skills to create integrated, whole-system designs in difficult locations. She has also worked as a garden-based youth educator, art handler, photographer and carpenter and harbors a life-goal of trying as many varieties of tropical fruits as possible.
Mitch Haddad
A dedicated community organizer and permaculture aficionado-in-training. He holds joint degrees in Latin American Studies, International Studies and Spanish from Providence College. Since joining the Project Bona Fide team in 2010, Mitch has grown into a key player within the organization. He emphasizes a community-based approach to project management and is a wealth of knowledge about the ins and outs of daily life at the farm. In addition to being an amateur builder and carpenter, he is passionate about natural building, food security and appropriate technology. When he’s not running around the farm and interacting with the local community, he gorges himself on guavas and continues to refine his jamming, fermentation, and chocolate-making skills.
Laura Killingbeck
Laura is wildly passionate about food, nutrition, and whole systems health. She has a BA in Sociology and Philosophy from the University of Rhode Island and is a current Wilderness First Responder. She worked previously as a superhero mascot, a sawyer, and a sustainability consultant. Laura spent several years traveling through Latin America by thumb, boat, bike, and bus before landing at the Ranch with her partner Scott in 2009. She spends her days concocting live culture ferments, curing vanilla, planting rhizome guilds, and living in community.
• Language class is taught in:
The course will be taught in English and simultaneously translated into Spanish. Este curso será traducido simultáneamente al español . Se requiere un mínimo de dos hispano hablantes para ofrecer servicios de traducción.
• Cost
Cost
Central Americans, US$850; residents and ex-pats, US$1350; foreigners (non-Central American) US$1,500. These prices include 15 nights lodging (starting on April 16), all meals (except on Sunday nights when we support a local restaurant), course instruction and full access to Rancho Mastatal and its private wildlife refuge.
• Accommodations:
For more information about food and lodging please see our website at accommodations.
• Course Payment:
Please follow the link for payment options.
• Directions:
Rancho Mastatal Sustainability Education Center
Mastatal, Puriscal
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.
