“If you value your human existence and think is worth telling, if you think your life has something epic, this retreat is to strengthen your urge to create a life full of adventure, full of dreams to realize, full of positive emotions that move your spirit towards what your heart desires!

We believe in you and in the realization of your dreams so we invite you to create an experience together where we can strengthen in community and continue visualizing ourselves in a constructive and positive way”

Includes:
Transportation
2 nights lodging
3 meals a day
Pipa and daily smoothie,
4 Yoga classes
Yoga Natyam (Energetic Activation Exercices)
Meditations
Access to Nauyaca waterfalls and Baru river

Cost: 
$ 300 before May 24
$ 350 after May 24
** Reserve with 50% ($ 150)**

Renew and Rebalance in Costa Rica—Re-Turn to Yourself with Lisa Feder & Dana Baruch

June 25 – July 2

Playa Uvita, Costa Rica

Weeklong Costa Rica Women’s Retreat for the Mind, Body, and Spirit

Join yoga/wellness teacher Lisa Feder, and life coach/educator Dana Baruch for a week dedicated to YOU! Take a retreat from your everyday life and come together in magnificent Costa Rica, where you will have the opportunity to explore and empower yourself and your life–mind, body, spirit—through yoga, meditation, coaching, creating, journaling, and service to others. There will be group activities, and plenty of free time; time to come together, and time to be within; time to move and create, and time to rest and replenish; time to treat yourself; and time to serve others.   This retreat is all about coming back to yourself, re-harmonizing (what better place than in the natural splendor of Costa Rica?!), and connecting with and rekindling your authentic, natural spirit. And we promise lots of laughter and fun!

Throughout the week, participants will have both group and individual access to yoga instruction and life coaching. All levels of yoga experience are welcome, even if you’ve never heard of, seen, or done a down dog!   And you don’t need to have big ugly issues to reap benefits from the wisdom of coaching.   We will be well cared for by the True Nature Staff at the breathtaking La Cusinga lodge facilities. For sure, what happens in Costa Rica stays in Costa Rica, but this retreat is also designed to help you plant seeds for intentional and positive change when you re-enter your life back home. Looking forward to seeing you in Costa Rica in June, 2016!
This Eco-Lodge and Retreat Center in Uvita, Co
sta Rica is hidden in the hilltops overlooking the pristine beaches of Costa Rica’s still-virgin South Pacific, where the ocean crashes into the jungle. Tucked away in a private reserve of over 600 acres, this rainforest lodge provides guests with sweeping ocean views, sandy beaches, natural pools, and the chance to experience the burgeoning forests and astonishing wildlife of the country’s most famous ecosystem.

Retreat Includes:

t7 Nights Accommodation (1st night in hotel near airport, 6 nights in Uvita)
t3 Whole Foods Meals a Day
tTransport to/from the Airport to La Cusinga
tPersonal Retreat Time
tDaily Yoga Practices
tMeditation
tCoaching
tOpportunities for creative expression
tAnd More…

Instructors
Lisa Feder

Lisa Feder is a full-time Yoga instructor and wellness consultant living in Austin, Texas.  She has had a passion for all things wellness for as long as she can remember.  While working for over 20 years in the corporate world as a strategic marketing specialist, she began teaching fitness classes in her free time.  This led her to explore Yoga, and she fell in love with the way it made her and her students feel— physically, emotionally and energetically. After teaching part-time for many years, she took the leap and started Being Well Yoga, where she brings Yoga on-site to companies to help employees learn how to live healthier, more balanced lives.   She also teaches in studios, schools, senior centers, parks and private homes.  Her approach is balanced, and she likes to bring humor, challenge and deep relaxation into her practices.  Lisa is especially interested in helping students find a Yoga practice that really works for them, and she believes that Yoga can provide more ease and comfort to all.  She has seen the effects of a healthy lifestyle on her family as well and wants to share. As a wellness coach, Lisa loves helping people explore how to incorporate healthy habits into their daily lives in a fun and sustainable way.  One of her programs, a week of Being Well, is an inclusive and integrated approach to mindfulness in eating, working, exercising, meditating, media usage and sleeping.  Her favorite thing is hearing about the positive change her participants make for themselves.  Another workshop, “A Sigh of Relief”, teaches how Yoga practices can be used during the day to manage stress before it becomes chronic. Lisa, RYT-500, E-RYT-200 incorporates many Yoga traditions into her practices.  She has certifications in Hatha, Hatha Flow, Kundalini, and I-rest Yoga Nidra.  She has had the opportunity to study with Donna Farhi, Sean Corne, Sarah Powers, Anodea Judith, Beth Shaw, Amy Weintraub and Richard Miller.  All of these wonderful teachers have shared wisdom that informs her teaching, and she is grateful to them all. Lisa received a BSBA in Spanish and MBA from Washington University in St. Louis.  She is fluent in Spanish, having fallen in love with the language during her junior year studying in Bogota, Colombia.  She has served as President of the Board of Community Yoga, an organization that brings Yoga to underserved communities.  She is also active with the Interfaith Hospitality Network, providing resources, housing and meals to homeless families. She lives in Austin with her husband and has two active offspring–a daughter completing high school and a son in college.  She looks forward to the day that her family members adopt a regular mindfulness practice.  For now, they  just attend her Sunday morning class on Mother’s Day! For more information about Lisa, please visit her website at
www.beingwellyoga.com

Dana Baruch
Dana Baruch is a certified life-coach, educator of 30+ years, organizational consultant, and community builder.  Her first job was as a teaching assistant when she was in the 5th grade (ask her about it…it’s a great story!), and she has been teaching in one fashion or another since then.  She has had the pleasure of working with people in every stage of life from infants to seniors.  One of her guiding beliefs is:  SHIFT happens!  She loves to help people and organizations set goals, get clear about their challenges, and feel motivated to make healthy and powerful changes.   Dana is also a student of mindfulness and weaves together these teachings and philosophies, among others, into her coaching and consulting work with individuals and groups.   She’s a highly skilled facilitator and expert in human and group dynamics.  Dana offers her work always with a sense of humor, compassion, authenticity, creating a safe, warm, inviting environment. Dana specializes in coaching women in periods of transition (empty nest, divorce, retirement, entering or re-entering the workplace, dealing with illness, new relationships, etc.).  She also works with men and women seeking coaching for specific issues (time management, getting organized, relationship coaching, parenting, etc.).  She is grateful to be able to do her work from wherever she is by phone and Skype, as she has clients across the US, Canada and Europe. Dana is also a community leader. She is the Founder of the Austin Jewish Academy, co-creator and educational consultant for JLead (Austin-based leadership development program), long-time board member past board Chair of Shalom Austin, founding board member of Challah for Hunger, ADL Words to Action coach/trainer, UT Schusterman Center for Jewish Studies Advisory Council member, and mentor to many.  Dana has a Master of Education degree from Tufts University, BA in Psychology from the University of Michigan and is a certified life-coach from The Life Coach School in California.  She has been married for 30+ years and is the proud mom of two mostly launched young-adult sons.     For more about Dana, visit her website at www.danabaruch.com
Accommodations

Comfortable Bed & Breakfast Style (Eco-Friendly) accommodations situated amidst acres of lush gardens, hiking trails and a secluded jungle trail leading to Playa Uvita, a beautiful beach (a 15 minute walk). The atmosphere of the retreat center is simple, healthy and relaxed. Rooms are single (inquire if interested) or double occupancy or 2 larger group rooms are available. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared daily and include healthy vegetarian options along with fish and/or chicken. The food is organic when available, and prepared with nourishing ingredients. Single Occupancy Rooms Beautiful private bungalow style accommodations all with huge ocean views, where you can see Ballena Marine National Park, the Rainforest and much more. Limited singles available for an extra fee.  Please register for a single room, and if spaces are full, register for a double accommodations and  contact us to be placed on a waiting list. We will do our best to accommodate you. Double Occupancy Rooms

Beautiful private bungalow style accommodations all with huge ocean views, where you can see Ballena Marine National Park, the Rainforest and much more. All of the rooms are made from reforested wood from our trees planted on the same land 20 years ago. Local craftsmanship with wood, stone, shell, and sand is unique. Group Rooms The group rooms offers two big rooms equipped with comfortable bunk beds. These rooms have the best ocean view, because they are located in the upper side of the lodge, also have private bathrooms and have a beautiful breeze during day and night.
Activities
While on your retreat you will also have the opportunity to take part in adventure activities and wonderful excursions. Some of the possible options include:

tZip-lining
tHorseback Riding
tSurfing
tWaterfall Tour
tKayaking
tFishing Trip
tRiver Wildlife Tour

*Price of Activities are not included in Tuition

Payment and Online Registration

tTo register  – go to our  Online Registration Platform *.
tAt the checkout you will have the option to choose your payment method. The minimum deposit you can make is the $300 which will “Hold Your Spot” and Lock in Your Price for your retreat.  There is a $35 Service and Administration fee that will be added to the tuition rate.
tFor future tuition payments please use the same Online Registration Platform
t* For Online Registration Technical Issues please call Reg Online support at 1.888.351.9948 Ext. 1

* Our on-line system does not accept checks, but if you need an alternative payment arrangements,contact us.

$2395 Single Room SOLD OUT  CLICK HERE TO BE PUT ON WAIT LIST
$1995 Double Room – SOLD OUT CLICK HERE TO BE PUT ON WAIT LIST
$1595 Group Room SOLD OUT CLICK HERE TO BE PUT ON WAIT LIST
 Cancellation

tInitial deposits are non-refundable
t50% of payments are refundable upto 90 days before program excluding initial deposit
t89 days prior to a program, tuition is non-refundable
tFull tuition is refunded if the trip is canceled due to low enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
We understand that many questions come up when visiting a place you have never been. What do I bring? What is the weather like?  We have created Participant Packages that will clarify these type of questions and more   Once you have registered, we will send you these materials.  In addition, on our website we have a comprehensive FAQ section,  that also gives detailed answers to common questions.  If you have other questions, you can always write us at info@truenatureeducation.com so we can support you.
Getting There
All international flights will arrive at San Jose International Airport (SJO). True Nature Education has a Group Travel Agent that will be happy to help you book your flights.  Just ask us if this interests you.   Some of our retreats also have a Group Flight Option so you can travel with your fellow retreatants.  The first night you will be staying at a hotel near the airport and the following morning you will travel to Uvita in a group shuttle. A group shuttle to and from the retreat center is included in the tuition. Once you are registered you will be receiving information about appropriate flight times.  Before booking your flight, be sure your retreat has been officially confirmed.
True Nature Education
True Nature is an Educational Travel Company which provides full service in the planning, support, and guiding of a diverse catalog of trips to Costa Rica each year. We believe in the power of experiential travel abroad and the multitude of affects it has on ones growth. We have hosted thousands of participants and have been honored to share in the life-changing experiences of our guests. It is True Nature’s goal to strive to meet the needs of our guests and to be of support from the time you first contact us, to the time you land in Costa Rica, and until you return home from your journey.

If this retreat isn’t up your alley, take a look at the variety of other retreats coming up around the globe!  There’s a retreat with your name on it! 

Register here →

Description
From food to medicine to building materials, this short course will cover useful tropical plants for the homestead. We will go deep into selecting, planting and caring for your plants.

Topics covered include:

tSelecting plants that are right for your site
tPlanting and caring for young trees
tUsing plants to build soil fertility
tDesigning plant guilds/companion planting

We will also introduce you to some of our favorite all-star tropical species and share resources for finding plants in Costa Rica!
INSTRUCTORS
Rachel Jackson & Scott Gallant

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.

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.
LANGUAGE
This course will be offered in English.  If we have enough interest from Spanish-speaking students, we will translate the course to Spanish.  The instructor is bilingual.
Cost
Includes all food, lodging and instruction.  
$150

ACCOMMODATIONS
All food and lodging is included in the cost of  the course.   Students will stay in the Ranch bunkhouse with options for upgrades.  We provide high quality mattresses and linens and blankets.  Please see our Accommodations page for more information.
GETTING TO RANCHO MASTATAL
Please see our Directions page for detailed information on how to get to Rancho Mastatal.
COURSE PAYMENT
Please see our  Payments page for information about how to pay.
ENROLLMENT
To enroll in the class, please fill out our Online Registration Form.  For more information please contact Tim O’Hara at info@ranchomastatal.com and/or call the Ranch at 2200-0920.

Permaculture Design Course
 

July 3 – 16, 2016
Regenerative Lifestyle, Integrating Health, Practical Design,
Community and Social Awareness
Explore all aspects of sustainable practices by learning from those in the field.

Program Includes:

~ 72 hour Permaculture Design Course & Certificate upon completion
~ Discussions in: Triple Bottom Line Business, Education Alternatives, Slow Food, Economics in Agriculture, Green Building, Alternative Energies, Community Development and more…
~ Hands on Projects (more focus for hands on activities during the practical)
~ Daily Yoga
~ Sea Kayaking, Mud Bathing & Snorkeling

Topics Covered: what to expect…

The World Situation
What is Permaculture?: Ethics, Principles & Characteristics
Ecological System Basics & Bioregions
Design Methods & Map Reading
Climates, Elements & Microclimates

Understanding Soil
Earthworks
Water Management
Plants to Trees & Trees to Forests
Windbreaks and Wind Corridors
Patterns in Nature; Context (culture, climate, etc.)

Zone 0: Bio-Architecture
Zone 1: Home Garden
Zone 2: Fruit Tree Forest; Animals & Orchards
Zone 3: Field Crops & Large Animals
Zone 4: Harvest Forests
Zone 5: Forests
Wildlife Management & Integrated Pest Management
Ethical Investment, Land Ethics and Access, Incomes from Acres
Suburban & Urban Permaculture

Ecovillages
Invisible Structures Models

Design for Disaster

Workshops & Field Activities:

Orientation to Punta Mona and Tropical Ecosystems
Weekly Sharing Circles
Compost Making, Biofermentation & Micro Organisms
Permaculture Design group project

Water Management Exercise
Soil Exercise

Bio-Char

Chinampas
Onsite Analysis

Discussions:

Value Added Products, Triple Bottom Line Business Models and Fair Trade Practices
Creation of an Ecovillage: Tacotal & La Ecovilla

Integrating a sustainable lifestyle in the modern world
GMO crops, CSAs, Economics in Agriculture and the Slow Food Movement

Daily Flow:

6-7 am: Morning Yoga

715-830 am: Breakfast

830-9 am: Farm Duties

9-12 pm: Class Time

12-2 pm: Lunch Break

2-5 pm: Class Time

5-6 pm: Break

6-7 pm: Dinner

7-9 pm: Evening Activity

* all projects determined based on group interest
Tuition for 2 Week PDC: $1700
Includes program, Permaculture Design Course, all meals, lodging, activities and daily yoga.
Tuition includes all meals, lodging, all activities, internet access and all workshops/activities.
COURSE CREDITS NOW AVAILABLE TO
UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE STUDENTS
THROUGH SUNY STONY BROOK!!
Or inquire with your university/professor about receiving internship or independent study credits! 

To Apply: please copy, fill out and send to:

Contact: Sarah Wu, Co-Director,  INFO@PUNTAMONA.ORG

Name:

Age:

Gender:

Hometown:

Current Location:

Why do you want to particpate in the program?

How will you be an addition to the program?

What is your current knowledge about permaculture?

Oudoor Experience:

Trainings or Certificates: 

Existing medical conditions?

Dietary Needs:

How did you hear about the program?

Email &/or phone number:

Emergency contact info:

Anything else we need to know?

* Transportation to Punta Mona by boat is not included, cost is $10-50 per person (depending on number of people in boat).

* Meals are organic and primarily vegetarian. Eggs and cheese are included and occasional fresh, line caught fish & organic chicken.

* Costa Rican citizen/resident prices available upon request. 

Refund Policy: All deposits are NON-Refundable, Course fees are refundable up until ONE month before the course starts.
Facilities, Housing, Meals & Participation
Permies will be housed in shared double and triple co-ed accommodations for the entire program. We have availability for couples to come and have a private room, we also have a few private cabins, which are available for an additional $400. Private cabins can house two people and are good for a couple or a small family.

Lodging is rustic and comfortable with custom-made no-see-um bed nets and screened rooms with locks. Beds are singles and doubles and will be first come first serve in regards to who sleeps where.

Facilities are shared by all living at Punta Mona. We have 3 showers with solar hot water and dry-composting toilettes in two locations.

Most classes are hosted in our outdoor classroom, in the living room of our main lodge or in the Yoga Shala. We recommend you bring your own yoga mat or little pillow to sit on.

Meals are communal and prepared fresh daily from fruits and vegetables grown organically on site or purchased from an organic farm in Costa Rica. At Punta Mona we are dedicated to wholesome, organic meals prepared with love. We consider the cuisine to be “jungle gourmet” and have a trained and seasoned staff to make sure all meals are mind blowing. We serve vegetarian meals and can accommodate vegan and gluten free diets.

We will serve farm fresh eggs daily as well as local cheeses and once weekly organic, free-range chicken from a neighbor’s farm. Fresh line caught fish is also available when we go fishing.

Permies will participate in various daily activities around the farm such as trail maintenance, beach clean up, housekeeping, composting and helping to clean the kitchen after meals.

We are an off-the-grid farm and all energy usage must be fully respected. Permies can have one shower per day and can charge their devices during the day-time only. We have internet available during specified breaks and encourage you to disconnect to reconnect.

Located in the deep tropics, on the beach, Permies can expect bugs, rain, sunshine and humidity. Please follow the packing list that is sent to you upon registering to ensure comfort and a pleasant living experience”.

Instructors:
Coordinated By Sarah Wu, teaching adjunct workshops in plant medicine, kitchen remedies, abdominal massage and cacao

Stephen Brooks and Itai Hauben are the primary instructors for each PDC.

Adjunct teachers in yoga, homesteading and plant medicine change for each session…

Itai Hauben
– Born in Israel, from an early age was fascinated by nature, ecology, sports and art. Study and experience Permaculture first in Israel at Adamama, a demonstration farm which he joins by 2002, so starting his way into the world of Permaculture Design , Organic Agriculture and Sustainable Living .

Itai completed his training in the method Biointensive with the master John Jeavons, than traveling throughout Central America on a Sustainable Solutions Caravan and decides to stay in the final destination of his journey, Costa Rica, settling in educational farm Punta Mona, where he lives on and off for two years, work and learn through immersion in the tropics

Itai qulifies as a Permaculture teacher and is currently pursuing his MSc. with Gaia University .

Itai is dedicated to the design and implementation of production systems and edible landscapes and to the formation of other permaculturists. Itai teaches Permaculture courses in different countries and seeks above all to inspire others through example, creating his livelihood and family as a real experience of sustainable living.

On 2007 Itai, along with his wife Melina have developed Symbiosis design. It is the idea of providing a professional service of ecological consulting, creating a symbiosis of knowledge and interests between a client and a consultant and between the different components of any living system.

Itai is father to two children, whom he teaches with dedication and passion the importance of connecting with nature and learn from it.