yoga retreat

Here’s another update from Leap yogini Brittany… reflections from her first day at Peace Retreat.

If you haven’t decided yet where you are going, then you cannot be lost.

If you would have asked me one year ago where I was going, I could have told you with certainty. Today I am not going there anymore.

If you would have asked me five years ago where I was going, you would have received a completely different answer, with just as much as certainty. Today I am not going there anymore.

Yet for all of the so-called certainty in my chosen path, I’ve spent a lot of time filled with the anxiety of wondering how I was going to get there. Every detour and obstacle seemed like an insurmountable challenge. Today I am much happier and calmer. I’ve learned how to live in the present moment, accepting each day’s gifts and challenges, and finding the opportunities behind each closed door. Costa Rica_1

Practicing yoga and receiving support from the LEAP community has played a vital role in my transformation. Because of the love and inspiration I’ve experienced at the studio, I have set out on my first solo international adventure. I hope this blog inspires you to find love, inspiration and an adventure of your own.

May 12, 2014

Rule #1 of Traveling with an Open Heart: Listen to others around you and don’t be afraid to speak up if you have something to offer. Kindred spirits will not only accept your gift of experience and advice with gratitude, but can share with you from their own experience as well.

As I was sitting at the table in the restaurant in the George Bush International Airport I overheard a young waitress talking to another female patron about how she was unsure of her path in life and that she may be interested in pursuing medicine or even surgery. I looked right at her and said, “You should talk to me.”

They both looked at me, a little astounded. “Why? Are you a surgeon?” I paused for a moment. “I was.” Costa Rica retreat (2)

Our conversation evolved into an interesting discussion about what happens when we are searching for something more on this journey through life. We talked about education, careers, and what it means to truly be healthy and to inspire health in others. I learned so much from each of them and by the end I felt much closer to each one and even felt that I had learned so much more about myself.

When you really listen to what you are saying about yourself while speaking with strangers, you find out what you think about who you really are. That is such an important lesson that many of us miss. How often do you listen to yourself in a conversation?

I arrived at Peace Retreat late at night. It was very dark and there were many strange and wonderful sounds being produced by the local fauna. Immediately I started to feel like I was out of my comfort zone. Costa Rica retreat (4)

Rule #2 of Traveling with an Open Heart: Let go of expectations and start having experiences. I looked outside at the hundreds of fireflies buzzing around, and I remembered seeing them throughout my childhood summers in Wisconsin. I could feel the weight of the humidity in the air, and realized it was not unlike the weather I’d felt before in the Midwest and the South. Though this place is unfamiliar, perhaps it is not quite as uncomfortable as I thought. More tomorrow.

The first time I saw Sayulita, I fell in love. Untouched, unassuming, and a little quirky. – it was the perfect place for me! There’s something about this fishing village, gone hidden surf oasis that captures your heart and SOUL. It’s hard to find the words to describe how it feels to sit along the beautiful black and gold sand beaches as the sound of drums and native American flute sing behind you, watching a brilliant sunset melt into the ocean, and the glimmer of the village lights against the lush darkness of the jungle that surrounds.

I’m not sure where I first heard of Sayulita. I had been going to Puerto Vallarta for years and would often hear people talk about this incredibly special place. With little details they would just say, “Go there. You won’t regret it.” And so I did. The first time wasn’t nearly enough, so I went back year after year. With every visit I learned and experienced something new. Every sunset looked more brilliant than the last. And when I finally caught my first Sayulita wave, it was like coming home. All I knew is that I was meant to be here. To live here. Amongst this community, and these people.

One night at sunset I watched baby turtles making their first trip down the beach to the ocean. It was magical. On another trip I sat at one of the many beachfront restaurants enjoying the freshest fish and most amazing margarita of my life as shooting stars exploded across the sky. On another trip I got the unique honor of surprising my fiancé with a private dinner at a place I had heard was magical – Haramara. We arrived at sunset and were led around the property with flashlights. Beautifully perched across a hillside that spans down to a private beach, every part of the property was so pure, so beautiful, but the hilltop yoga shala was breathtaking. Open on all sides with a view of the jungle on one side, and the ocean on the other I couldn’t help but hope that some day I would be able to practice there.

As the universe would have it, this special town, and this amazing retreat center that had hosted us in such a gracious way would be the location of my first Yoga Retreat. I love those situations when life comes full circle. It reminds me that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. I am so incredibly grateful for this opportunity to host a group of yogis at a place that has touched my heart, and soul. The place I plan to some day call home. I pray that everyone that can join us will, so that they can have their own unique Sayulita experience. The thought of being a part of that, wow, I can’t wait!

Please join us in this opportunity to Nourish Your Soul in a magical and incredible place.