I work as a writer around the clock, I’m always stressed, and I don’t sleep well. I was reaching burnout. I was diligent about hitting the gym, though I knew I needed to embrace the calming practices of yoga and meditation. But I never felt like I was doing meditation right, and I found yoga boring.
When I learned about Peace Retreat in Playa Negra, Costa Rica, I felt drawn to it. It was time to take care of myself. Getting out of my hectic city life and going to a yoga and meditation retreat was what I needed. I signed up for an October retreat.
Upon arriving in Costa Rica, I first went to Tamarindo and spent two nights in this beach town by myself to decompress. It was the midst of rainy season and was pouring, so I mostly stayed inside and read. But that alone was lovely since I never get to read for hours on end.
When the rain would stop, I’d sit on my balcony overlooking the ocean. There were colorful trees and flowers everywhere. I saw howler monkeys from my window. I began to feel more connected with nature.
Then I headed to Playa Negra, a tiny tropical beach town 20 minutes away. Peace Retreat sits quietly in the jungle and was opened a year ago by Kevin and Hali McQuillan. They were yoga instructors from Vancouver Island who had fulfilled their dream of opening a yoga retreat in Costa Rica.
Yoga commenced each morning at 7:30 a.m. and ran two to three hours. It was challenging, but invigorating. They helped me hold difficult poses, and I slowly became more confident about my yoga abilities. I had totally underestimated yoga’s mental component; the harder the pose, the more I was able to connect with my body and mind. The yoga studio is open-air, so I could hear the rain and howler monkeys, and feel the breeze.
Each yoga session began and ended with meditation. I learned that it’s OK to still experience thoughts, and it’s all about being present in your mind and body.
I left feeling empowered and wanting to take better care of myself. I headed to Liberia and stayed at the airport hotel for a night before flying home. I ordered room service and simply relaxed. I was learning that I deserved peace and happiness just as much as anyone else.
Since I’ve been back home, I’ve gone to several yoga classes and committed to make it a part of my life. Getting out of my comfort zone and into Costa Rica started my journey. I’ve learned that sometimes you just need a change of scenery, and that is what’s beautiful about travel.
17 November, 2011 1:03 pm
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