We will be posting more information about this week-long class with a focus on earth building in the coming weeks.

Liz Johndrow of Earthen Endeavor Natural Building will return to Rancho Mastatal to join the Ranch staff in mid-March for 7 days of hands-on and feet-in learning and classroom theory and discussion coupled with slideshow presentations and evening topic discussions. We will cover everything earth, lime, and clay from site selection, foundations and earthen wall systems, to the fine art of sculpting, Moroccan tadelakt, and finish plaster. You will want to join us for this opportunity unlike any other! The Ranch provides years of beautiful and inspiring natural building to emphasize successes and learning curves, beauty and function. And Liz brings expertise, passion, fun, and serious learning opportunities to their workshops.

About the Instructor
Liz Johndrow
Liz is founder of Earthen Endeavors Natural Building and has been building and teaching for several years. She has worked with all kinds of materials and techniques and has collaborated int the past with Kleiwerks International teaching a 4- month women’s natural building apprenticeship. She also co-leads timber framing workshops with Sarah Highland of Highland Artisans and also enjoys all things mud, particularly all types of plasters. She is presently collaborating with women’s organizations in Nicaragua to help increase quality of life through natural building opportunities for locals.  Liz enjoys spaces that bring her in touch with the natural surroundings. As a builder, she was thrilled to discover she could bring that contact deeper into a home experience through the choice of building materials. Since that discovery, she has been exploring the world of cob, strawbale, adobe, earthbag, earthen plasters and floor systems, and timber framing. The simplicity of these systems and materials allow for people of all ages and abilities to participate in some manner. The past several years have taken her further into the role of teacher, facilitator, instructor and co-conspirator. She is increasingly passionate about helping others learn these skills so they in turn can share their vision of beautiful, sustainable, and socially just structures. Her more recent work in Nicaragua with the women and youth in the northern pueblos has been her most challenging and rewarding work thus far. Check out her website for more of her vision and her work. www.earthenendeavors.com.

Arrival
Students should plan on arriving to Rancho Mastatal the evening before the start of the class.  This night is included in the cost of the course.

Cost
Costa Ricans:  $500
Expats in Costa Rica:  $600
Foreigners:  $800

Cost includes 8 nights lodging starting on the night before the start of the class, all meals, course instruction and full access to Rancho Mastatal and its private wildlife refuge.  A $250 deposit will secure your space in the course.

Accommodations
For more information about food and lodging please see our website at accommodations.

Course Payment
Please follow the link for payment options.

Enrollment
To enroll in the class, please go to our Online Registration Form.  For more information please contact Tim O’Hara at info@ranchomastatal.com and/or call the Ranch at 2200-0920. We have a maximum of 15 openings for this workshop and a minimum of 5 students to run the course.

 
A 2 Level All Inclusive Retreat and Teacher Training of Conscious Connected Breathing in Costa Rica

March 13 – 27
We are meant to Thrive here in this life!
– Level 1, The Self Healing Path
March 13 – 19
– Level 2, The Facilitators Path
March 20 – 27

Awakening the Gifts we have always had in a circle of amazing friends beside Nauyaca Waterfall in Costa Rica

Come for 1 or 2 Levels based on your intent.
This breath retreat and teacher training is a 1-2 week offering to our selves deep into a ceremonial practice and evolutionary boost with the innate healing power of vibrational medicine.
Cradled in the jungle of our own wilderness we lift each other up with the powerful and balanced healing art of Conscious Connected Breathing.

Slow down the mind, open your heart, embrace your power and firmly establish a personal practice for next level freedom and vibrant health.
Breath is a master key to a balanced life.
There is nothing we have found that the breath doesn’t help and literally no contradictions to who can benefit from the simple power of circulating source energy with a relaxed continuous breath.

The schedule is 5 days and 2 days off, 5 days and 2 days off.
2 separate levels of personal training in a playground of waterfalls.

Level 1, The Self Healing Path
March 13 – 19
This 5 day breath offering to your self is designed for anyone to ground down into the body temple, breathe and open your wings by cultivating the practical means of a self healing practice.
This Level 1 is a ceremonial dance of the 5 Elements through morning yoga, 2 daily breath sessions, group council, sound healing, meditation, life visioning, developing goals and intentions, complimentary breath techniques and tools for integration.
All nourished by the amazing staff at Diamanté retreat centre beside the magnificent Nauyaca waterfalls in Costa Rica with locally sourced, seasonally inspired mostly organic vegetarian cuisine. Your life is changed four ever, this week is to give back to you.
The only prerequisite for this retreat is to establish a clear intention by filling out the Application form.
Level 1 participants in the retreat are not required to stay for Level 2 but are encouraged to stay for 2 extra days on the land for a smooth integration back onto your path with wilderness activities, massage and down time.
Establish the breath as a companion, ally and tool for life.

Level 2 – The Facilitators Path
March 20 – 27
This 5 day 50 hour intensive training is packed with the tools to facilitate Conscious Connected Breathing. Designed for professionals to learn the necessary tools to support others as a breath coach. We continue to dive deep in ceremony with the opportunity to breathe and facilitate the breath each day.
– Daily yoga, council, song, dance and other integrative tools guide our journey.
– Through Breath Analysis and coaching skills we learn from the patterns that arise in the breath and how to hold space for what is moving while deeply trusting in the Universal intelligence of the human bodies innate wisdom.

We encourage another 2 days on the land nourished by the food, the waterfall, the jungle, the rivers, hands on healing (massage) and down time for smooth integration.

This 50-hour training includes;
Foundational Breathwork theory, philosophy, and techniques, including experiential education in:
* the technique of conscious, connected breathing
* related breathing techniques that support and complement conscious, connected breathing
* self inquiry and empowering questions
* reading the body and breath
* developing the ability to perceive the imbalances/”story” in the body and breath
* a wide variety of effective tools used to safely and confidently facilitate others
* conscious touch
* affirmations correlating to the story of the body and breath
* inquiry
* toning, releasing movements, and body repositioning
* how to recognize and work with common breathing patterns
* use of intention, invocation, and themes
* psycho/spiritual counselling
* sound healing – the power of our own voice and using vibrational healing instruments and music
* a ceremonial approach to holding of sacred space
* holding group sessions vs private sessions
* collaborating with other modalities
* Six personal facilitated breath sessions
* Six opportunities to practice facilitating someone else in a breath session
* the importance and helpful keys to self practice
* The Conscious, Connected Breathwork Facilitator Training Manual

Interested in offering Conscious, Connected Breathwork sessions in your community and around the world?
These 2 levels as a full 10 day, 100 hour experiential training is a profound healing and learning experience that will give you what is necessary to develop an abundantly rewarding profession as a breath facilitator and guide for others.

Level 1 participants in the retreat are not required to stay for Level 2
Requirements for Entrance into Level 2 – The Conscious, Connected Breathwork Facilitator Training to be completed prior to the first day of Breathwork training are as follows:
-Completion of the Conscious, Connected Breathwork Facilitator Training Application form
-Previous participation in at least five (5) facilitated conscious, connected breathwork sessions (in any related style of breathwork (i.e. Breathwave, Holotropic, Rebirthing, Clarity, Shamanic, Integrative, Aletheia, Transformational, etc.)) or completion of Level 1
-Previous education, training, and/or work experience that will support your ability to safely and effectively facilitate breathwork (e.g. massage/bodywork, counselling, yoga teacher training, alternative medical training, or similar/equivalent) (This requirement regarding training is flexible for those that demonstrate solid capacity but may not have yet completed other training – decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis)

Each application will be reviewed thoroughly and, if deemed necessary, you may be asked to complete additional practices and/or Level 1 prior to being granted entrance into Level 2 of the Conscious, Connected Breathwork Training Program.

To Register:
Email Robin Clements – bajawellness@gmail.com
An Application Form will then be emailed to you to print out, complete in full, and return via mail (It may also be submitted electronically. ie. you can photograph it or scam it and e-mail it back)
Your application will then be reviewed and, if entrance into the Training is granted, you will be requested to submit a $200 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot in the course.
Full payment is due the first day of the Training

Cost:
Level 1 – $1000 Includes tuition, 3 meals a day and camping for 5 days
Additional $100 for 2 days down time on the land with food and camping.
Level 2 – $1000 Includes tuition, 3 meals a day and camping for 5 days
Additional $100 for 2 days down time on the land with food and camping.
These optional 2 days after each level is highly recommended for integration.
Early bird until Jan. 1- $2000 for 14 days! All Inclusive
Or $1000 for 7 days! All Inclusive
Complete cost in full after Jan. 1 – $2200 for 14 days, All Inclusive
– $1100 for 7 days, All Inclusive
Let us know if you have any questions.
So looking forward to this magical time together as we collectively surrender and co-create more peace and harmony in our world.

Robin Clements is a fire-keeper for the One.
Sr.Trainer of Conscious Connected Breathing, founder of Baja Wellness, healer and yogi.
His passion is facilitating collective awakening in groups through breath ceremony. He offers a space held in prayer, insight, compassion and humility with 18 years experience guiding BreathWork and yoga.
The offering of this Breath Training is his deepest call to service at this time.
He will also be accompanied by special guest teachers and facilitators to assure every participant gets the hands on support and guidance neccesary for this training.

www.breathwave.net/events

Reverse the physical effects of aging, clear limited beliefs patterns, tap into your full creative potential in this life and rise into the stream of conscious evolution at this powerful time.

Apply to – bajawellness@gmail.com

The Jungle Camp: A Transformational Summer Camp for Adults
April 2-6
The Punta Mona Center for Regenerative Design and Botanical Studies
Find yourself where the jungle meets the sea….on miles of uninhabited beach… covered in healing mud… with chocolate from cacao grown right on the land…celebrating freedom…. off-the-grid on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast!
A Transformational “Summer” Camp for Adults ~ April 2-6, 2016
At Jungle Camp, we journey deep within ourselves and explore our profound connections with nature all while playing, crafting, moving, learning and dancing with new best friends at the gorgeous Punta Mona Center for Regenerative Design and Botanical Studies.
Disconnect to reconnect
You won’t even miss your devices with our incredible lineup of yoga, workshops, camp activities, music, and more.  While at camp you choose your own activities with workshops on permaculture, meditation,medicinal plants, fermentation, chocolate making, yoga plus some old summer camp standbys all while eating gourmet jungle cuisine, frolicking on the uninhabited beaches, cooling off in the river and going deep with new friends!
The international array of talented teachers and facilitators each bring diverse experience in a myriad of modalities that will  expand your perspective of the world in ways you may never have thought possible!
For more information and an application to attend send us a message to info@puntamona.org. We look forward to seeing you at camp!!

Just a few of the incredible activities we’re working on for Jungle Camp!

Intro to Permaculture
Fermented foods workshop
Chocolate making
Talent Show
Volleyball
Snorkeling
Kayaking
Jungle hikes
Mud-Bathing and make your own body scrubs!
Bamboo building 
Natural tattoos 
Sweat lodge
Sing a-longs
Community creation workshop
Dolphin watching
Off the Grid Electronic Music Making 
Campfire Music Jams

and SOOOOO much more

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