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A Costa Rica Yoga Retreat, What’s Not To Love?

The sky ripped and roared. Lightening illuminated the sky and thunder shook the oceans. I was coming in on a ferry boat into a foreign land in the dark by myself. I have traveled solo quite a bit and I was no stranger to thunder storms. So I took in the rain and pondered what was awaiting me at my final destination. After all, I was in Costa Rica, a place of paradise, covering something I care tremendously for, yoga retreats.

In Cost Rica there is one Spanish lesson you need, Pura Vida. Hi= Pura Vida. How are you= Pura Vida. I am doing well= Pura Vida. The locals, or “ticos” joke about this, but really there is a lot of truth to this phrase that literally breaks down to Pure Life, and is virtually used as much as possible. That is the mentality of this gorgeous country; pure life. Barely the size of West Virginia, Costa Rica has so much to offer from culture to landscapes. The hospitality is unreal and the abundance of love and greenery is just as mind blowing. I couldn’t wait to join the Shakti Yoga retreat!

I was excited to dive in and as I arrived to the lush tropical retreat center on the ocean, I had butterflies of what to expect. Every yoga retreat is different and beautiful in their own special and unique way. I was joining in the last leg of this trip. It was the Shakti Power Yoga retreat. I walked in at the end of dinner and immediately felt at home. Warm beaming smiles, radiating hearts, and glowing yogis greeted me. I knew I arrived.

Long story short, the Shakti Yoga sisters, Lauren and Kelly, know how to lead a robust and fantastic retreat. They have been part of the True Nature family for sometime and their global adventures have evolved to an art. The community they bring with them from Nashville and the yogis from around the nation that join their retreats all reflect what Lauren and Kelly are all about, love.

They truly love what they do and it shines. The community they build during retreat is strong with acceptance, dedication, and a playful spirit. It was such a pleasure and honor to get to know these lovely ladies and explore what retreat means on the shores of Costa Rica.

To accurately account and share the entire retreat would need more than one blog space dedicated. Alas, this is one blog post, so I will do my best to share my top 3 things I love about going on retreat with the Shakti sisters and True Nature.

1. Karma Yoga Project: The heart and soul of True Nature is the act of giving back, or Karma Yoga. Sure you can travel and participate in eco tourism. But, it is another thing to dive in heads first, roll up those sleeves and immerse yourself into the culture. Paying particular attention to seeing what work needs to be done and then physically fulfilling that work on a micro level is such a lovely way to give back to the communities your visiting. Most True Nature yoga retreats include an aspect of this. For the Shakti Yoga retreat we participated in a school that serves elementary school children. We cleaned up yards, prepped gardens, taught yoga, played, laughed and learned.

2. Family: Family is more than just blood. It is the people you connect and share with. Every one of these beautiful ladies on retreat were so sweet, accommodating, and genuine. Deep and beautiful friendships were forged. Also, there was literal family on this trip; multiple groups of sisters and moms!!! Daily practicing, group meals, excursions, and service projects made relationships strong and vibrant. Being surrounded by this energy is an amazing boost of connection that I greatly appreciated. Lauren and Kelly did an amazing job fostering these relationships and allowed a space for new friendships to blossom, and past relationships to strengthen.

3. Adventure. You can not have a Costa Rica experience without adventure. Whether your four wheeling through dense jungles with howler monkeys guiding your way, trudging through rivers to experience a powerful waterfall, or being covered with saltwater from surfing in rolling waves right outside your room’ a Pura Vida experience is at your finger tips. During retreat, excursions are abundant and supported by local and knowledgeable guides. Not only will you know you will be safe and the outing will go smooth, but you will push your limits and experience something totally new. I am a strong believer that adventure wakes something up in all of us. One of my favorite experiences with the Shakti yoga group was four wheeling through rainforests to the close by town of Montezuma, a quaint rootsy coastal town. Delicious food, local goods, waves crashing, and speed on four wheels allowed a memorable experience.

I could go on and on about how wonderful this week is for yourself offering a chance for one to reconnect, serve, practice, and adventure on. The best way to experience it, is first hand. We would love to have you! The Shakti sisters are hosting a True Nature Italy retreat this fall with only a couple spots available! Be sure to check it out here and hope to see you global!

Whether you are packing for a yoga retreat or heading to your favorite yoga class, good yoga gear is important. We’ve taken a moment to compile five of what we believe is the best yoga apparel and gear available today. Take a look at what we love and why we love it!

1. Jade Travel Yoga Mat

This mat is everything you need in one. Not only does it boast a great grip, but it’s light and can be rolled or folded to fit into your luggage. Which means you can take this mat anywhere without it being a big hassle. To top it all off, it’s made by Jade, a company well known for producing high-quality, long-lasting, and durable yoga mats.

2. prAna “Rai Swim Tight”

Summer is around the corner, which means it is the perfect time to prefect your on-the-beach yoga practice. But if we’re being honest, yoga on the beach isn’t always as magical as the pictures make it seem. You’re bound to get sand all over your yoga pants and then you have to find a place to change before you can jump in the water. prAna came up with the solution for that: yoga pants that double as swim bottoms. I mean, really, what more do you need in life. (P.S. We love everything on the prAna website. They have some of the best yoga apparel around).

3. Spiritual Gangster “Love is All We Need” Tank

The world seems to be in a state of turmoil. There’s an unfortunate amount of hate being tossed around. Which is why we love this “Love is All You Need” tank. Where it proud and let the message serve as a constant reminder that with a little more love, everything else will follow. We are big believers in the philosophy that the best yoga apparel isn’t just those that fit well, but those that speak to the bigger picture of what yoga is all about.

4. Travel Zen Inflatable Meditation Cushion

We applaud those yogis that can comfortably sit in full lotus for hours on a hard surface. We also understand that most of us don’t fit this description. Meditation cushions are a great solution for making meditation more comfortable, but they tend to be large and heavy and inconvenient for anyone who ever wants to meditate somewhere that isn’t home. Insert that Travel Zen. This inflatable meditation cushion gives you the opportunity to find zen wherever you go.

5. Anjali “Jai Top”

The 70s style is back and crop-tops are flying off the shelves. We get it—sometimes a sports bra feels too revealing, but it’s just so dang hot. Well now you can look great, stay cool, and help the environment all at once. The Anjali Jai Top isn’t just adorable, it’s also practical and comfortable. To top it all off, it’s made from recycled materials! So you can buy it guilt-free.

Put your yoga gear to the test!

Now that you’ve got the best yoga apparel and gear, it’s time to put it to use! And you know what the best way to break in your yoga gear is, right? No?? Well here’s a hint: yoga gear and soaking up the sun on a white sand beach in Costa Rica tend to go hand in hand. Or at least, we think they do. Check out our calendar to see when and where we are hosting yoga retreats, and sign up for one of these life changing experiences today!

Whether you are packing for a yoga retreat or heading to your favorite yoga class, good yoga gear is important. We’ve taken a moment to compile five of what we believe is the best yoga apparel and gear available today. Take a look at what we love and why we love it!

1. Jade Travel Yoga Mat

This mat is everything you need in one. Not only does it boast a great grip, but it’s light and can be rolled or folded to fit into your luggage. Which means you can take this mat anywhere without it being a big hassle. To top it all off, it’s made by Jade, a company well known for producing high-quality, long-lasting, and durable yoga mats.

2. prAna “Rai Swim Tight”

Summer is around the corner, which means it is the perfect time to prefect your on-the-beach yoga practice. But if we’re being honest, yoga on the beach isn’t always as magical as the pictures make it seem. You’re bound to get sand all over your yoga pants and then you have to find a place to change before you can jump in the water. prAna came up with the solution for that: yoga pants that double as swim bottoms. I mean, really, what more do you need in life. (P.S. We love everything on the prAna website. They have some of the best yoga apparel around).

3. Spiritual Gangster “Love is All We Need” Tank

The world seems to be in a state of turmoil. There’s an unfortunate amount of hate being tossed around. Which is why we love this “Love is All You Need” tank. Where it proud and let the message serve as a constant reminder that with a little more love, everything else will follow. We are big believers in the philosophy that the best yoga apparel isn’t just those that fit well, but those that speak to the bigger picture of what yoga is all about.

4. Travel Zen Inflatable Meditation Cushion

We applaud those yogis that can comfortably sit in full lotus for hours on a hard surface. We also understand that most of us don’t fit this description. Meditation cushions are a great solution for making meditation more comfortable, but they tend to be large and heavy and inconvenient for anyone who ever wants to meditate somewhere that isn’t home. Insert that Travel Zen. This inflatable meditation cushion gives you the opportunity to find zen wherever you go.

5. Anjali “Jai Top”

The 70s style is back and crop-tops are flying off the shelves. We get it—sometimes a sports bra feels too revealing, but it’s just so dang hot. Well now you can look great, stay cool, and help the environment all at once. The Anjali Jai Top isn’t just adorable, it’s also practical and comfortable. To top it all off, it’s made from recycled materials! So you can buy it guilt-free.

Put your yoga gear to the test!

Now that you’ve got the best yoga apparel and gear, it’s time to put it to use! And you know what the best way to break in your yoga gear is, right? No?? Well here’s a hint: yoga gear and soaking up the sun on a white sand beach in Costa Rica tend to go hand in hand. Or at least, we think they do. Check out our calendar to see when and where we are hosting yoga retreats, and sign up for one of these life changing experiences today!

A lot of times you will see dried fruit used in these recipes. While I love dates and prunes, I wanted to create a less sticky option for
those days when you you are multitasking preparing food with the kids and the job. This is also an easy to clean up option for when you want something quick to bring on a summer’s hike.
This is a healthy, delicious, easy to make, no bake, protein packed recipe. These all vegan Coco & Choco Nut Butter Bites will become a favorite in your home and on the trail.

I have been preparing ALL of my food at home over the last few months. In addition to yoga teaching and wellness retreats, I have been in school to be a nutrition and wellness coach! These lectures that I have been attending remind me of the value of preparing the food we make and the massive health benefits of it. Plus, it saves us money & time in the long run AND gives you a sense of accomplishment. When you can prepare your food in the beginning of the week, it frees up so much time for the other joys in life! This is incredibly important to me as a new mother. Not only is it important for me to have healthy options that I can grab on the go, but I believe it’s also important that my daughter gets to witness home cooking so that this can become a healthy habit for her one day! Preparing food brings people together! It’s a beautiful, community building, familial, and sacred event! While I prepare food, I take some to speak my gratitude to the soil, farmers, plants, and hands that went into it being in our presence. I also honor the abundance of resources that we have and our good health. Food and the capacity it has to keep us in good health should never be taken for
grantedLove is the best ingredient in any meal.

I hope that you enjoy these little bites as much as I have. Now, get your hands sweetly messy and enjoy your summer in the sun.

Ingredients

(Makes about 8 balls)

•3/4 cup natural and unsalted nut butter of choice

•1/4 cup (around 65-75grams) Chocolate Vegan Protein Powder

•1/4 cup of maple syrup

•3/4 cup gluten free quick rolled oats

•1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

Instructions

1. Mix wet ingredients in a medium sized bowl
2. Mix dry ingredients in a medium sized bowl
3. Combine ingredients and either stir or use a blender
4. Hand roll into 8 balls

ॐ

Alana Roach  is a International Yogi currently based out of Annapolis, MD. Formerly adorned by the city lights and the busy streets of America, she was then whisked away by the illustrious path of yoga and took to traveling the world to share it with others. A few years back she started to write about the transformation she undertook by  practicing conscious meditation. Her passions became her career and she now holds RYS Teacher Trainings & International Retreats, Health Coaches, and writes every opportunity she gets. In her spare time she loves cuddling with her daughter,  surfing, being in nature, and living amongst her ever growing and global loving and conscious community. She is on Facebook , Instagram, Twitter, and can be reached by email explorationsofself@gmail.com

A lot of times you will see dried fruit used in these recipes. While I love dates and prunes, I wanted to create a less sticky option for
those days when you you are multitasking preparing food with the kids and the job. This is also an easy to clean up option for when you want something quick to bring on a summer’s hike.
This is a healthy, delicious, easy to make, no bake, protein packed recipe. These all vegan Coco & Choco Nut Butter Bites will become a favorite in your home and on the trail.

I have been preparing ALL of my food at home over the last few months. In addition to yoga teaching and wellness retreats, I have been in school to be a nutrition and wellness coach! These lectures that I have been attending remind me of the value of preparing the food we make and the massive health benefits of it. Plus, it saves us money & time in the long run AND gives you a sense of accomplishment. When you can prepare your food in the beginning of the week, it frees up so much time for the other joys in life! This is incredibly important to me as a new mother. Not only is it important for me to have healthy options that I can grab on the go, but I believe it’s also important that my daughter gets to witness home cooking so that this can become a healthy habit for her one day! Preparing food brings people together! It’s a beautiful, community building, familial, and sacred event! While I prepare food, I take some to speak my gratitude to the soil, farmers, plants, and hands that went into it being in our presence. I also honor the abundance of resources that we have and our good health. Food and the capacity it has to keep us in good health should never be taken for
grantedLove is the best ingredient in any meal.

I hope that you enjoy these little bites as much as I have. Now, get your hands sweetly messy and enjoy your summer in the sun.

Ingredients

(Makes about 8 balls)

•3/4 cup natural and unsalted nut butter of choice

•1/4 cup (around 65-75grams) Chocolate Vegan Protein Powder

•1/4 cup of maple syrup

•3/4 cup gluten free quick rolled oats

•1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

Instructions

1. Mix wet ingredients in a medium sized bowl
2. Mix dry ingredients in a medium sized bowl
3. Combine ingredients and either stir or use a blender
4. Hand roll into 8 balls

ॐ

Alana Roach  is a International Yogi currently based out of Annapolis, MD. Formerly adorned by the city lights and the busy streets of America, she was then whisked away by the illustrious path of yoga and took to traveling the world to share it with others. A few years back she started to write about the transformation she undertook by  practicing conscious meditation. Her passions became her career and she now holds RYS Teacher Trainings & International Retreats, Health Coaches, and writes every opportunity she gets. In her spare time she loves cuddling with her daughter,  surfing, being in nature, and living amongst her ever growing and global loving and conscious community. She is on Facebook , Instagram, Twitter, and can be reached by email explorationsofself@gmail.com