Connect to Your Heart at this Costa Rican Yoga Retreat with Monica

We are constantly inspired by the teachers we work with and Monica Mesa Dasi is no exception. This May, Monica will be leading a Costa Rican yoga retreat, so we’ve asked her a few questions to help you get a better feel for what it will be like to go on a Costa Rican adventure with this inspiring woman!

True Nature: How does the idea of Yoga of Heart & Soul play into your Costa Rican yoga retreat? What themes do you see coming up throughout the journey?

Monica: I called this yoga retreat the Yoga Heart and Soul because the Prana Vinyasa classes that I will be teaching will be deep, fulfilling, and nourishing classes. The study of Bhakti, which is the yoga of love, devotion, and service, and the magic of the sea will add to the alchemy of this week together. As far as themes, we will be focusing on: connecting to the Divine inside ourselves, inspiration from the great masters of the Bhakti tradition, and connecting to the beauty that surrounds us.

TN: Who has been your greatest influence and why?

M: Shiva Rea has been the greatest influence in my life. Through her, my path in yoga has blossomed and she has brought me to my other two greatest influencers, Neem Karoli Baba and Lama Tsultrim Allione. They have all three blessed my life fully with jewels of wisdom and inspiration.

TN: If there was a yoga pose or mediation practice that described you – what would it be and why?

M: My sadhana, or sacred daily practice, begins with pranayama and meditation followed by a creative namaskar and flow that answers my needs for the day. This is the way every day of my life begins and it is my anchor to be able to live a soulful life of love and service.

TN: Other than yoga and meditation, what are some of your passions? Will these be explored in your Costa Rican yoga retreat?

M: My other passions are surfing, the ocean, the power of nature, and bonding with others to support one another on the path of life. This Costa Rican yoga retreat is perfectly aligned to enjoy and explore all of my passions!

TN: What is on your “Costa Rica bucket list” and what are you most excited about?

M: I am most excited to meet the wonderful souls that come together for this Costa Rican yoga retreat as well as the magic of the sea and all that Santa Teresa has to offer us.

TN: Is there a saying or quote that really resonates with you and your upcoming Costa Rican yoga retreat?

M: “Love everyone, Serve everyone, Remember God.” ~ Neem Karoli Baba. This is my Guru’s teaching and it is my great honor and joy to spread it in all that I do and teach.

Join Monica for her Costa Rican yoga retreat by going here and signing up!

Costa Rican Yoga Retreat Monica Wild Thing

Monica Mesa Dasi

Prana Vinyasa Yoga Teacher/Trainer

Shiva Rea Samudra Global School of Living Yoga

Knowing…. A Personal Piece from True Nature Leader Becky

True Nature is so fortunate to be working along side amazing, inspiring, and talented teachers that lead global retreats! Two of our newest instructors is leading a Costa Rican retreat in February 2017.

Join Virginia natives Becky and Betty for a week of self discovery and reconnection with the core of our infinite being. Surrounded by nature, nestled between the ocean and the jungle, warmed by the tropical air and embraced by the infinite sky, we will take advantage of the surrounding elements by combining asana practice with workshops that invite earth, air, wind, and fire to parallel the elements within us.

We will explore the beauty of the external landscapes of Playa Uvita, Costa Rica while navigating our internal landscapes; flowing freely on our mats while quieting our minds with stillness and meditation. As we partake in island adventures, we remain open to infinite possibilities. As our journeys take us within, we invite you to dive deep through opportunities for ceremonial work, self reflection, and healing. Stripping away the distractions of everyday life, we will get back to basics, cultivating our ever present and universal truth that lies within.

You can learn more about their retreat and sign-up here!

Becky shared with us one of her inspirational poems with us. Take a look below……..

Knowing

Something deep within me knows. Knows where I have been and where I am going. It is not a knowing in my mind. It is a knowing deeply rooted in the depths of my soul. It is the animal of my body; constantly in touch with my instincts no matter how distracting the stories become.

A tiny seed does not need instructions to grow as it fearlessly roots down into its loving mother two then courageously grow up towards its father. The seed does not think. It knows.

A delicate spider does not study an instruction manual to weave her silver miracle that comes forth from within; providing her with everything she needs to survive. The spider does not think. She knows.

A stallion does not need permission to run wildly through the fields when his muscles ache to move. He listens, he feels, he unapologetically flies. The horse does not think. He knows.

Why must I think?!

Ha!

Exactly.

I shall leave you to your thoughts as I grow… As I weave… as I fly… Empty and free…

This is what it is to trust.

Namaste.

Here is a little bit about this good vibe goddess!

Becky Eschenroeder—a Richmond Virginia native—is an accomplished Yogi who is recognized as a 500 hour RYT, 200 hour E-RYT, RCYT and was voted as one of the top three yoga instructors by Richmond Magazine in 2015. Becky studied under Arlene Bjork and Grace Yoga Training Systems prior to Arlene’s passing in late 2009. Becky then obtained her 500 hour RYT through Om On Yoga under the guidance and wisdom of Jennifer Elliot. It is through this experience that she made the commitment to be a full-time yoga teacher. Becky made the conscious decision to dedicate her life to bringing her love of yoga, movement, and learning to all walks of life as evidenced by her deep commitment and involvement in such initiatives as Project Yoga Richmond and YoKid.Golden Goddess

With a degree in Psychology from James Madison University combined with her elementary school teaching license from Mary Baldwin College, Becky uses both her knowledge and experience in these disciplines to design yoga workshops, classes and retreats, here and abroad, that expand the senses, broadens the mind, and opens the heart to what is truly possible. Her ability to meaningfully connect with those she serves so selflessly arises out of her personal commitment and disciplined approach to deepening her own learning and practice of yoga, philosophy, and meditation.

Becky has been a proud Ambassador for Lululemon Athletica, Project Yoga Richmond and YoKid Stretch Your Limits. Becky is a certified YoKid Facilitator Trainer responsible for training fellow adults in ways to incorporate yoga into children’s lives. Becky is also trained to teach children’s yoga through the “Yoga with Nitya” format, and yoga to individuals who have undergone trauma.

Becky can be seen riding her bike around town as she commutes to and from teaching yoga classes, private lessons, and meeting with community leaders. You might also see her leading a Yoga Hike along the James River during the warmer Virginia months. These only a couple of many examples of how she lives her life in full beauty and in alignment with the yoga teachings and practice. Becky is a creative and passionate woman who loves art, freelance photography, hiking, kayaking, traveling and running along with most outdoor adventure activities. She adores doing all these things with family and friends—both old and new.

This is the fundamental lesson that keeps Becky grounded in uncertain times and one that she learned many years ago when she first began practicing on the mat. Becky lives her life holding a deep belief that it is her responsibility to guide others down this path and help lift them up through action and word. Namaste.

Yoga Retreat Leader: Interview with Dakini

This October, the beautiful and inspiring yoga retreat leader, Dakini will be teaching a Vino your Vinyasa retreat in Italy. Read on to learn who she is and how you can join her adventure!

True Nature Education: How does the idea of Vino your Vinyasa play into your upcoming Yoga Retreat, and what themes do you see coming up throughout the journey?

Dakini: Vino Your Vinyasa is obviously a play on words but it also metaphorically represents the feel of how I guide yoga. While I believe the practice delves into the inner depths of a person’s psyche, I also see being whimsical-the Divine play of Lila Rasa- as a way to lighten the mood.

TNE: Who has been your greatest influence and why?

Dakini: I have been lucky to have a multitude of teachers that have inspired me throughout my life but true influence comes from my students. I feel honored to be able to witness how this practice transforms each of them.

TNE: If there was a yoga pose or meditation practice that described you – what would it be and why?

Dakini: Bhakti. I have found as my practice has shifted so has my need to be connected to the Divine. There is beauty in every being and chanting the names of the gods and goddesses has helped me to personally experience peace.

TNE: Other than yoga and meditation – what are some of your passions? Will these be explored in your retreat?

Dakini: I am extremely into art and fitness and weave these two things into my teaching. The retreat is a way for us all to explore things and ideas that inspire us.

TNE: What is on your “Italy bucket list” and what are you most excited about?

Dakini: Cultural immersion is a part of my Italy bucket list. I am excited to meet the locals and experience all the Italian culture has to offer.

TNE: Is there a saying or quote that really resonates with you and your upcoming retreat?

Dakini: ‘Let the beauty of what you love, be what you do.’ ~ Rumi

Find out how you can join yoga retreat leader, Dakini on her Italian adventure at http://truenatureyogawellness.com/event/yoga-retreat-dakini-italy-2016/!

Liberation of the Highest Self: A Costa Rica Yoga Retreat

A Costa Rica Yoga Retreat

A UNIQUE JOURNEY TO LIBERATION OF THE HIGHEST SELF

When I started to prepare to lead this upcoming Costa Rica yoga retreat in June, I tossed around a million ideas of what I thought would be cool to share with students for a week intensive study. For example, I thought about working towards attaining advanced asanas but I wanted something MORE. Even as a teacher, I want to come away from this retreat feeling fulfilled and recharged.

I met with a woman who is looking to get into yoga – she started out by telling me that she has had previous back surgeries and for many years has had chronic physical pain. When I asked her what she wanted to get out of our private yoga sessions, she mentioned to “stretch” and “not feel in pain every day”. The more we talked, our conversation got deeper. Because of the injury that led to the surgeries, she was laid off from her job, which then led to months of being contained to the home as she could not get around very well and obviously financial worries became an issue. You can imagine how this eventually led to a very dark place of depression and pain pill dependancy.

I honestly feel that the universe takes care of us and does not let us wallow around in the dark for too long, especially when we are ready and open to make a change. When we finally got to the bottom of things, I mentioned that the reason why I practice yoga personally is to have FREEDOM. Freedom from WHATEVER is keeping me from being happy. Being in chronic pain can feel like a prison, physically and mentally, so we look to open the areas of the body that have been injured and search for freedom from pain. Depression, anxiety and consistent sadness can also feel like shackles around your brain and then we physically manifest these emotions. Allowing yourself to LET GO and BE FREE from these issues is a lot of work but it IS possible to find that freedom.

Or maybe you don’t suffer from these particular matters but know that there is something bigger meant for you…you just haven’t figured it out…yet. I feel like FREEDOM AND LIBERATION is attainable for many different areas of our lives and the ULTIMATE GOAL OF THIS BEAUTIFUL FREEDOM AND LIBERATION IS…..HAPPINESS AND CONNECTION WITH OUR HIGHEST PURPOSE.

There is a reason why each of us are here on this beautiful Earth! I want the students who experience this week with me on a Costa Rica yoga retreat to come away feeling like they have a closer knowledge and are at peace with who they are, why they are here and what they will do once they get home to keep living with this flame lit inside. All I ask is that you show up with an open mind, a ready heart and are willing to experience the unknown. This will be an exhilarating time of physical movement paired with breath, unlocking the barriers to allow the life force within to flow. There will be opportunities to have meditation, reflection, and internal study as well as group support. We will do something that serves our community spirit by a local service project. Plenty of time will be open for you to schedule adventures such as zip lining, lounging by the pool, spa treatments, hiking and so much more! Costa Rica is the perfect backdrop for this rejuvenating retreat aligned with the healing energy of nature. I could not be more honored to share this week with all who attend.

Each person is on their own unique journey and by attending this retreat, I hope to guide you to a place where you understand and connect with your highest Self. You deserve it!!!

Namaste, Kim

Shaktis Retreat Leaders Share How Retreats Impact Communities With Love, Power, Courage, and Awareness.

This will be Shaktis 3rd year to partner with True Nature Education and lead a retreat in Costa Rica. We are thrilled beyond words to have such a dynamic and vibrant trio of ladies as a part of our family. We are constantly inspired by the community they build with their students! We asked them, what they thought made their yoga collective so strong and present, and their answer was simple, retreats. Retreats are a fantastic opportunity to build bounds, break barriers, and form connections with your fellow yogis. Want to experience this magnetism first hand? Join their retreat today! Click here to learn more and sign-up. Explore more of Kelly, Jennifer, and Lauren’s Costa Rican retreat and how they foster this feeling of togetherness. Lauren was kind enough to share her thoughts and a little preview of the Pura Vida that is in store!

“One thing I know for sure is we all three connect with the ocean and each other. Kelly, Jennifer and I are excited to travel to the beautiful Costa Rica and lead our first retreat all 3 together. The three of us have known each other for over 5 years and we have supported each other in the growth of family, being students, teachers, studio owners, and community leaders. Kelly and I founded Shakti Power Yoga in Nashville in 2012, and a year later Jen founded Glow Yoga in Gulf Shores and just recently opened one in Mobile, AL. Jen We all three thrive on creating community and sharing our love of yoga with all we meet. Yoga has shifted each of our lives and it opened us up to something bigger. We want to make a powerful impact in our communities and generate love, power, courage, and awareness. This will be Shaktis 3rd year to partner with True Nature Education and lead a retreat in Costa Rica. The time we spend there is absolutely magical, seriously each moment is special and we have fond memories of the joy and restoration it brings us. We thrive on creating community and partnerships and our yoga retreats allow people to step away and create space for new relationships, for rejuvenation, for fun! Let me share just a little taste of our wonderful experience. We stay at a beautiful resort in Santa Teresa Beach. The journey from San Jose is adventurous and a special time to connect with the everyone on the bus and boat. From The moment we arrive we are greeted by the kind staff and taken to our bungalow. The smell and breeze of the ocean is present right when you arrive and you know you are only a few hundred yards from the sand being in your toes, oh bliss. The bungalows have hammocks hanging just outside, perfect place to cozy up with a book or a nice afternoon nap. There is a calm about the place and feel of home. Oh and the practice space, it overlooks the ocean and the sound of the waves remind you to breath deep and free. The warmth on your skin adds the extra heat to the practice allowing you to dive in and let the residue fade away. You are a part of nature, free to play, grow, and explore. The Costa Rican fare speak to my heart and body. You can eat clean and fresh and feel nourished everyday. The resort has an amazing restaurant team that cares about the food they are serving and most of all are so kind and welcoming to each one of us. We have created friendships over the years and look forward to returning and connecting with the amazing staff. The community service project we commit to each trip is one of the most memorable experiences. We volunteer at a local school. We play soccer with the kids, sing, teach yoga, paint, garden, or anything we can do to be of service for the school. I know we get more out of it than the students. Our hearts are filled when we get to make a real connection with children and the feel of welcome and love from this is inspiring to see. I feel we left more connected and stronger as a group after this project, we still talk about the amazing kids and look forward to returning next year. Kelly, Jennifer, and I have a strong connection and we do a great job of going with the flow and working together. I think we all 3 could be sisters! We each have our own unique way to connect with people, how we teach, but we all three are committed to impact and build community and to live an INSPIRED life. We are excited to share our love of the practice in Costa Rica Retreat in 2016. We hope you will join us! Pura Vida!

Mayan Magic: TNE Retreat Leader Shasta Dives Head First Into the Rich Culture of Guatemala

Guatemala is an extremely unique and magical country. Rich in culture and natural wonder, this land is a fantastic place to host a yoga adventure retreat. True Nature Education is so thrilled that Shasta Townsend is leading a very special Guatemalan retreat. Shasta has years of experience and a passion of travel. She will embark on an adventure with her students that embodies the soul of Guatemala. This is a week of exploration as well as restoration as Shasta offers her unique combination of experienced guidance, wisdom teachings, and joyful spirit in twice daily Yoga classes.

There’s more…
Wonder-Full includes the opportunity to experience the unique teachings of the Mayans. Shasta hosts a local indigenous Mayan Shaman who will share earth-based wisdom teachings that will inspire your reconnection to nature, the mystics and your own heart.

Shasta decided to host an amazing webinar where she shares her love of Guatemala, Yoga and more as well as a comprehensive overview of the Mayan Prophesies and Philosophies…Learn why this time is a special time to be alive. Learn the basic info on her 2016 WonderFULL Yoga Retreat to Guatemala too!

Embrace the magic, listen, learn, and watch here!

Check out more on her retreat and register today!

Interested in leading a yoga retreat to an amazing location like Guatemala, Peru, Costa Rica, or Italy? Contact us today!

"FOR LOVE IS HERE AND NOW" ALANA'S INSIGHT ON TRUST IN THE UNIVERSE AND ON SUP YOGA

“Ma’ane’i no ke aloha,” is Hawaiin for , “For love is here and now.” Every day of this summer has been led by love. It has been a journey of heart expansion. Since my first retreat with True Nature Education this past January in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, I have learned that home truly is where the heart is. Living from the heart is a way of Be-in. It is not something that can be learned, rather it is something to be returned to. It is a home coming.

I have been undone by Costa Rica. I am being rebuilt with Love. Last year, I lived in Costa Rica for 6 months. I moved there thinking I would get married to my then boyfriend, buy a home there, have some kids, settle down, teach retreats, happily ever after, etc. Things do not always work out the way we SEE them working out but I know that we are all in good hands with the Universe. My plans didn’t pan out the way I thought they would. However, they have turned out to be better than I could have fathomed.

I left the boyfriend. I decided to move back to the States after my January Retreat. My heart is with yoga and showing others how to find compassion for themselves and the world by SEEING the world. This is a BIG piece of my Path. It is what lights me up from within. That is how I know. A great teacher once told me, “Listen closely to what the heart deeply desires and follow it with complete abandon.’ I knew I would continue to teach in Costa Rica . The retreat turned out to not only be a life changing experience for my students but for me as well. I was shedding my old snake skin to become an empty vessel for Spirit to use. All I knew from that moment on was I was meant to help others by using the faculties that God gave me. My inherent gifts and passions. I knew that I was meant to inspire others to do the same. I had no idea what the details between these points would be, but I trusted the Universal Spirit to take care of it… and so it is.

I made a vision board in early 2014. On it, visions of beautiful retreats and service work, a career and Path in yoga, yoga photography and modeling, singing kirtan and beyond, writing, having a beautiful home, paddle boarding and surfing, traveling the world and connecting with myself and nature in a way I hadn’t before. All of these have come to fruition in different stages since.

After Costa Rica, I moved to Boulder, CO to settle down and come back to after teaching retreats. What happened the following month after the move was totally unexpected. Boulder was highly competitive and my saving was dwindling. I know from experience that my Creator does not want me to struggle.. I prayed and meditated on what was I to do next. I had the inspired thought to call a new studio that had opened up just before my Costa Rica adventure. I asked the owner if there was space for me at the studio to teach full time… her response was that and beyond. I would fly back a week later to become a manager and lead teacher of the studio. This studio is founded in love. I absolutely LOVE Ruah. Through teaching at Ruah I met this wonderful lady who owns a stand up paddle board yoga company called SunriseSUP. She knew I was in love with surfing from my time in Costa Rica and thought of me for teaching with her in the Annapolis area.

I have been teaching all summer and while I don’t have the West Coast swell here, SUP keeps me connected to the water and ultimately keeps me grounded and humbled. I am a beginner at yoga all over again, both teaching and as a student. I am re-learning basic postures like Warrior 1. I absolutely LOVE it. It is ultimately making my earth practice much stronger.

On top of everything else I am continuing to write my first book and just recently got connected with some amazing Kirtan artists and I am going to begin training to be a Kirtan singer as well. To add icing to that, I met the man of my dreams here. We are deeply connected, desire the same things, and have a free spirited zest for life. I never thought I would end up back here but can I tell you, I am so happy I did.

My retreat for Jan 2016 is full and we are now checking into overflow options for guest! I am incredible grateful. I am preparing to launch a second retreat in Peru with True Nature Education (Stay tuned!). The more I TRUST in the Universe, the more I am miraculously taken care of in ways hadn’t even dreamed. The gift of it all is I can be PRESENT for these gifts today because of my continuous practice and desire to experience life fully. Join me for love, laughter, adventure, and yoga abroad.

Mahalo,

Alana

“I always did something I was a little not ready to do. I think that’s how you grow. When there’s that moment of ‘Wow, I’m not really sure I can do this,’ and you push through those moments, that’s when you have a breakthrough.” Marissa Mayer

Interested in checking out a Costa Rican yoga retreat? Check out all of our retreats here!

“FOR LOVE IS HERE AND NOW” ALANA’S INSIGHT ON TRUST IN THE UNIVERSE AND ON SUP YOGA