This year we traveled back to Costa Rice, but this time headed to the ocean and stayed at Blue Spirit. Blue Spirit lives in one of the world's 5 Blue Zones: Nosara, on the Nicoya Peninsula. Blue Zones are recognized areas where people live the longest and report the highest level of well-being. In the last 10 years Nosara has quietly grown into one of the hip, holistic, hot spots on the planet. Nestled along the coast with 3 unspoiled, stunning beaches protected as a turtle refuge, (Playa Guiones, Playa Pelada, and Playa Nosara) this peaceful and vibrant international community of nature lovers, surfers, yogis, and families truly embraces the Costa Rican 'Pura Vida' lifestyle. Costa Rica has not only become known for its spectacular nature, biodiversity, and ecological tourism, but also as a country whose values reflect many of the ideals embraced by those of us interested in world peace, environmental preservation, excellent education, and a high standard of health care. It is unique in Central America as it as the longest uninterrupted democracy, no standing army in more than 50 years, and a 95% literacy rate.
 

We began our time together by planting a tree and our intentions.  We also participated in beach clean-up to keep the beach and wild life free of clutter.  We zip lined, swam in the ocean, and played in biolumescient algae at night where the water glowed when you ran your hands and feet through it--think of the willow tree scene from Avatar!  We were awakened each monring by howler monkey families, sacadas, and birds.  We saw iguanas, went horseback riding, some of us surfed, and we all got amaizing body treatments--some holisitc, some ayurvedic, and even a chocolate massage indulgence!

 

The ocean and howler monkies were our music for both our ocean side, open-air studio practices each day. The food was amazing as was the staff and fellow guests.  We were a small and intimate group this year that experienced brilliant transformations.

 

Thank you for each one of you that trusted me enough to come along on this most amazing inner and outer journey!

 

Namaste,

Trish