Home and back to making decisions. At the yoga retreat the biggest decision of my day was to go to the pool or beach after morning yoga. It was wonderful, far exceeding all expectations.
Two days prior to heading to Nosara a small group of us traveled to La Fortuna. It was rainy, lush and green. We stayed at an authentic hotel (a bit out of my comfort zone, but turned out to be perfect), went canyoning, AKA repelling down waterfalls (in the rain), the largest being 165 feet, and one free drop (surprisingly that was my favorite). After, we went to one of the more local hot springs (basically not attached to a resort), called Eco Termales. It was perfect. You have to reserve your time slot because they do not allow anymore than 100 people in at a time. The pools are drained and cleaned nightly and naturally filled up each day.
Next day brought our 4 1/2 hour drive to Nosara. Quite honestly I did not think it was as bad as all the reviews made it sound. They did warn that a 4 hour drive is more like 5 hours just because of the roads. Roads from La Fortuna to Nicoya were paved and relatively good shape. As we got closer to the coast it became mostly dirt, but again not bad as long as you watch the holes and ruts.
This place and experience is hard to put into words that could adequately describe it, so I hope I can do it justice.
There were just over 20 of us there from Wenatchee. All different personalities and at different places in our lives. The purpose of a yoga retreat is to make it your practice. I knew all but two of the ladies (and quickly got to know and like them). This was the first time in my life taking a vacation like this, for me, about me with only myself to think of. So truthfully I wanted to embrace it. I love quiet and no schedule. It's something that is rare in my day to day life. I had running shoes but had told myself I was there for yoga and to get back into meditation (something I practiced regularly in my early 20's and benefitted from). However I typically woke up at 5:30, so I started almost everyday with a run along the beach. Came back drank a cup of Costa Rican Coffee by the pool and ate a bowl of fruit before yoga.
Three meals a day were fixed for us. All gluten and dairy free. The food was amazing and the way I felt after a week there has inspired me to attempt a 75% raw diet. We're already pretty clean eaters here. I avoid pastas and rarely have bread, and we are heavy on the veggies, but cutting out gluten, sugar and dairy for a week, yet eating all the time delicious foods was inspiring.....thank goodness for Pinterest!
The group of woman was incredible. We all had different personalities some constantly wanting to be on the go others not so much. The beauty of such a diverse and accepting group is everyone did exactly what they wanted to do. I realized how introverted I actually am. I am not super social. I like people but I crave small groups over large. I was there to practice yoga and focus on me. That's what I did, most afternoons I spent by the pool or on the beach with my book. I realized how closed off I have become in the last 6 years since my ex husbands affair. That year was crazy and filled with self doubt for so long. I've carefully selected those around me, to those that have stayed the course with me, those I can trust with 100% certainty. It's not that I don't like other people, I have plenty of room to love and accept more, but perhaps I don't give as freely of my time anymore. Putting yourself in a situation like we were in was a perfect way for me to get to know others, in a safe environment. I came away feeling like it's time to get back out there getting to know other people I see routinely but don't take the time to invest in. This was a bit enlightening to me, and until being with others for a week I didn't know how scared I had been to allow more friends in. The person my husband had an affair with was a "friend" to me, someone that on the surface seemed fun, loving and loyal. I was easily deceived. This week at the retreat, with all these different woman was pure, mature. We each set our own intentions with no judgement, just support for each other's journey.
Finally the yoga.....it was phenomenal. Our instructors from our studio (here at home) had a surprise for us, they basically brought along some serious all stars instructors. A few past and present ones arrived to teach as well. Twice a day yoga was a luxury. I am hook, loved it so much. I came away so excited to continue and better my own practice!
I did miss my daughter something fierce, like I knew I would. However, I'm so excited to share this trip with her one day.
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