True Nature Travels Blog

Beautiful beaches, peaceful serenity, daily yoga; that and much more sums up the experience that is waiting for you with Devon Schmidt and the Day Yoga Studio Yoga Retreat.  We caught up with Devon and she filled us in on her Costa Rica bucket list and what “being something more” means to her.

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What does it mean for you to “be something more” as part of your yoga practice, teaching, and your intentions for your retreat?
I am always trying to stay connected with my own inner wisdom in my personal practice and sometimes that means stepping out of my usual boundaries and comfort zones on and off my mat while facing new challenges Sometimes I find that being something more is as simple as letting go of things that aren’t working. When I can explore this through my practice it helps me to come back to why I am a yoga teacher and I can better serve my students, my family and the community. In my teachings I enjoy weaving in spiritual principles while encouraging students to challenge themselves but to also be compassionate with themselves when it’s needed. My intentions for this retreat are to have an amazing time sharing it with others who enjoy this practice of yoga in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Who has been your greatest influence and why?

So many people that have influenced me in positive ways and I don’t think I can narrow it down to one. I am grateful to have trained with many wonderful national and local yoga teachers and am inspired by each and every one of them. In addition the people that I have contact with on a daily basis, my husband, kids, friends, the teachers and students at Day Yoga are the ones that inspire me the most because they remind me to live up to my fullest potential and to be of service to others.

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

Half Moon- I love the combination of strength, flexibility and balance that is required in that pose and I strive to incorporate these important qualities in every situation in my life!

Other than yoga, meditation, nutrition – what are some of your passions?

I enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, spending time with family & friends and trying anything new and fun!

What is on your “Costa Rica Bucket List?”

On this retreat I plan to visit Arenal Volcano, swim in hot springs, spend time at the beach swimming and relaxing, hiking, go to the Cloud forest, eat amazing local food, and practice lots of yoga of course!

Read more about Devon and her upcoming 2015 Retreat.

True Nature Travels Blog

38364_1464762812287_6895362_nIt is not everyday that you have the chance to meet a Shaman.  We are deeply honored to introduce you to Jeff Firewalker.  He and his wife are leading a Yoga and Shamanic Healing Retreat in March/April 2015.

What does it mean for you to “be something more” as part of your yoga practice, teaching, and your intentions for your retreat?

For me, ‘being something more’ has always been a rich theme for reflection. So many of us connect this statement to the trappings of an I-centered culture … more power, more money, more sex, more pleasure, etc. But when I think about this in the context of the collective awakening that is occurring all around us, these thoughts and aspirations arise: being something more means: increasing your capacity for service, awakening spiritual warriorship, facing the shadow and the woundings of the past, gratitude, feeling your connection to the sacred web of life and finally — somewhat paradoxically — being something more ultimately means being something less. Less individuated, woven deeply into direct experience, the drop of water in the sea, the hollow bone thru which the great mystery can speak.

Who has been your greatest influence and why?

I really don’t have a single greatest influence. I have been deeply inspired by so many teachers and guides.

Beatrice Bruteau – encouraged me to become a bridge builder, uniting my understanding of science and spirituality.
Richard Feynman – demonstrated to me that being a great scientist doesn’t mean diminishing awe and wonder and adventure.
Cat Matlock (my beloved) – for teaching me the importance of Faith
His Holiness the Dalai Lama – for showing us the path of balancing compassion, personal power, humility and humor
Wade Davis – for his passionate and powerful articulation of the need to protect cultural/ethnic diversity

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

The channeling of the Medicine Song and spoken prayer. For me the Spiritual path is a Verb; it is about showing up with clear intention and it is about surrendering yourself to be a channel for the Great Work.

Other than yoga, meditation, nutrition – what are some of your passions?

Sacred music, indigenous and sacred healing practice, the nature of consciousness, internal martial arts, parenting.

What is on your “Costa Rica Bucket List?”

I would like to fully experience the people, the spirits of the land, the jungle, the coast and the waters.

For more information about Jeff’s retreat, click here.

Check out our entire 2015 Program Schedule.

True Nature Travels Blog

1001291_182300528606161_1146230267_nGet to know Crystal Gray, TNE Faculty and hosting a “Surrender to the Flow” retreat in Costa Rica next winter. Embrace your own inner weirdness along with Crystal and her retreat partner, Carrie Williamson while you chill in a tropical paradise.

1. What does it mean for you to “be something more” as part of your yoga practice, teaching, and your intentions for your retreat?

Being something more in my yoga practice means connecting more to my body, mind, or spirit than I did the day, week, or year before. Being more in my teaching is being able to translate more knowledge, having to do with the mind, body, or spirit as it relates to yoga than I did the day, week, or year before. To be something more in regards to our intentions for our retreat, we want to offer the students a chance to set their own intentions, whatever that may be, that will help them to find ways to be something more in their yoga practice or daily life.

2. Who has been your greatest influence and why?

My mother. She is one of the strongest people I know and also one of the nicest! She’s always been a great role model and let me embrace my “weirdness”.

CrystalG3. If there was a yoga pose or mediation practice that described you – what would it be and why?

Visualization practice. You create your world by your thoughts and emotions. 

4. Other than yoga, meditation, nutrition – what are some of your passions?

Music (listening and playing), kirtan, cooking for my friends and family, and helping my daughter explore the world around her.

5. What is on your “Costa Rica Bucket List?”

Surfing!!

View our entire 2015 Schedule of retreat here!

True Nature Travels Blog

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Veteran TNE faculty member, Andrea Dyer has her 4th Annual Mind | Body | Fitness Yoga Retreat coming up in early 2015.  Andrea has a great community behind here that is on board for a little fun in the sun – and there is always room for one more!  She has definitely found her “Costa Rica Legs” as she puts it and would be an amazing guide and teacher for anyone who is looking to experience “the happiest place on earth.”

1. What does it mean for you to “be something more” as part of your yoga practice, teaching, and your intentions for your retreat?

Being something more (to me) is about breaking out of the daily routine and taking the practice to a place with none of the excuses we make for ourselves that detract us from knowing where our “work” is. In my practice, I find it easier to venture into new things when I am “away” and it is my intention to lead folks on my retreats to an expanded world of their practice and experience and maybe help them push the edges out in a good way. For instance, I like to check in with those on my retreat to find out the direction their practice is going in and see what I can do to assist in getting them there – helping them with physical asana, making them more comfortable with meditation, with practices like Yin and the essential Flow practices (Ashtanga) that may open new perspectives for them – especially since meditation and Ashtanga have connotations that can be off putting and false. So my intention on our retreat is to offer avenues into a deeper practice with connected instruction and encouragement to “work and play” in an expansive way.

2. Who has been your greatest influence and why?

David Williams and Erich Schiffmann are my teachers and my guides on the yoga path. They both promote staying connected to the simplicity that is the path to comfort, happiness, bliss, longevity and being the best person you can be. They have their own ways of cutting through the fluffy, non-essential stuff and getting connected to what is real and real useful. They have helped me teach from an authentic place and to ignore the pressure to be concerned about the outward appearance of it all.
3. If there was a yoga pose or mediation practice that described you – what would it be and why?

Headstand – many years ago, I was told by a teacher that I wasn’t getting into my headstand because I wasn’t trying hard enough. I pushed and grunted and worked, but to no avail and ended up with neck pain that sent me to a neurologist. I was told to never do headstand again. I couldn’t accept that and found a compassionate teacher that showed me how to eliminate the risk to my neck and to work differently. It didn’t happen overnight, because I was so scared and hurt that I was told I wasn’t trying hard enough. I had to work on those deep inner things to let my core be strong and then I did it. Yoga happens on the inside, not the outside so much. Now I love to share how to get into a SAFE headstand and help people find empowerment and patience in their practice. If I had to choose a meditation, it would be the Lovingkindness Mettas. Same reasoning – we have to love ourselves and send love to others to be free of suffering.

4. Other than yoga, meditation, nutrition – what are some of your passions?

I am totally in love with Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga. It all started on my 2nd trip to Costa Rica on Lake Arenal. I love being in nature doing my practice, but on the water is so interesting – tests balance constantly – so many lessons in easing up and using strength in balance. After practicing yoga for so long, it has refreshed my outlook on poses. Having a busy schedule that keeps my inside teaching or running my studio, I look forward to getting on my board when ever I can. And lucky me, I get to teach SUP Yoga and share my love.

5. What is on your “Costa Rica Bucket List?”

I want to spend more time in the Pacific Ocean for sure – more SUP, snorkeling, MAYBE surf lessons. I spent a lot of my life intimidated by the sea and open water, so it is great to face that and have fun at the same time.

I plan of exploring more waterfalls and doing some more sloth meditations. Unlike many of my friends that have retreated with me, I plan on a nap in a shaded hammock by the sea.

Andrea Dyer ‘s retreat registration is OPEN if you want to jump on board!  Check out our whole 2015 Retreat Program Schedule here.

True Nature Travels Blog

Karina Ayn MirskyTake a sacred sabbatical from your busy life and the cold winter weather.  Join Karina Ayn Mirsky on the Pacific shore of the lush Costa Rican Rainforest.  This retreat offers an opportunity to restore your vital energy, revitalize your life, and reach into and out from your Heart. Learn more about Karina’s retreat and register here.

1. What does it mean for you to “be something more” as part of your yoga practice, teaching, and your intentions for your retreat?

The mainstream objectives for yoga practice often center on health, wellness, and physical fitness. Though this is useful, it is also a limited understanding of the more intrinsic value of yoga. My aim is to offer people a glimpse into a broader scope of what yoga is, and what it can do for them; like observe and transform patterns of suffering, know who they really are and what they really want, and experience deep and lasting contentment. In my seminars, trainings, and retreats participants learn to do self- inquiry, manage life force energy, connect to internal resources and guidance, and courageously live in the world from an authentic ground of being. We also emphasize the importance of selfless service and connecting to spiritual community as means to success on the yogic path.

2. Who has been your greatest influence and why?

I’ve been blessed to have several exceptional teachers and mentors influence my world view, language systems, and lifestyle. I often profess my devotion to these teachers, and honor their names as the source of my knowledge. But after 20 years of spiritual practice, I’ve learned whose voice should “most” influence my thoughts, speech and actions. In the stillness of my body and deep silence of my mind, there is an inner guide, a direct connection to Source. When I hear the whisper of that guidance, there is no hesitation and no doubt. This is why it is the greatest influence. It is clarity. It is compassion, acceptance, and peace. The direction it guides me in is always in high service, it has no other agenda.

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

Praying Child Pose: to me, this posture embodies humility, devotion, surrender, turning inward, receptivity, quietude, and a yielding to the sacred. It withdraws focus from external matters and attunes the mind to the heart. It relinquishes the need to be seen, to be big, to be anyone or anything “special.” It embodies a longing to be in service to that which is higher than “I.”

4. Other than yoga, meditation, nutrition – what are some of your passions?

I have loved to sing and dance since I was a child. But nothing makes me come alive more than sitting with others as they become present to what “is” – what they really long for or what is really true. I thrive when holding space for people to be curious, accepting, and compassionate with themselves and others. Nothing brings me a greater sense of purpose than watching someone’s breakdown turn into a breakthrough. I truly live for the moments when a heart is opened to loving kindness, or a mind is freed from a painful bondage. I‘ve dedicated my life to uplifting and empowering people to think, speak, and live from a place pure equanimity, a space I call the core “Self”.

5. What is on your “Costa Rica Bucket List?”

In all the years that I’ve been visiting Costa Rica and running retreats there, only once have any of the local Ticos joined us for practice. My retreat groups do service projects in the regions we visit every year, but I’d love to empower the locals to practice and teach yoga. I’d love to find a way to gift yoga to the aboriginal Costa Rican population, and show them that yoga is as much for them as the Americans who come to their country to do fancy retreats. Any Spanish speaking yogi’s out there up for the task?

Top_PhotoKarina Ayn Mirsky (Devidas), is a widely sought after Yoga and Meditation Educator. She is the director of Sangha Yoga in Kalamazoo, MI, a faculty member of the Himalayan Institute, and an adjunct professor at Antioch University Midwest.

Karina has been teaching yoga since 1998. She was one of the first certified teachers of Rod Stryker’s ParaYoga®. She also holds a Master’s degree in East-West Psychology. Her decades of work with individuals and groups, as well as her own experiences with injury and illness make her a deeply empathetic guide to others. Karina’s depth of wisdom and light-hearted nature have inspired and uplifted thousands of lives.

Karina is a regular contributor to Yoga International, of which she graced the Winter 2012 cover. She has also been featured in publications such as the Huffington Post, and Origins. In March 2008, Yoga Journal named Karina as one of 21 teachers under the age of 40 who is shaping the future of yoga in America.

 

 

True Nature Travels Blog

alanaportiatAlana Roach is committed to getting the very most out of the spiritual experience she is having in this human lifetime. She has chosen to share her discoveries on the yoga mat with her students and the TNE Community is thrilled for her upcoming retreat, Explorations of Self, in Santa Teresa, January 2015. Here is what Alana has to say about what it means to “be something more…”

What does it mean for you to “be something more” as part of your yoga practice, teaching, and your intentions for your retreat?

What does “being something more” mean to me in my practice? I find that at the end of the day my personal practice is to just “be.” It is not being anything more or less, it is simply “be-ing.” Once I am in a place where I can sit and simply accept that moment for what it is, that is when I effortlessly become what it is that I was all along, infinite love. How can you become something that you already are?

I try to bring this “Be-ing-ness” into my teaching. I remind the student that they are perfect in this moment and to really sink into that. I believe that my purpose as a teacher is to guide you back to You. We can spend so much time running from this to that trying to accomplish some goal or task and when we get there often times we ask, what’s next, and so it goes on until one day we are left feeling let down, lost, empty. It’s because what we are seeking was never really lost, it was within us, always was and always will be. There is no need to want to be anything more than what you innately are, a perfect extension of the Universal Spirit and that is unbreakable.

At Explorations of Self: A Costa Rica Yoga Experience, I set the group intention of remembering. The practice of remembering that you are infinite love and infinite peace is like riding a bicycle. The more you tune into the frequency of Self (With a capital S to represent the Higher Self/Divine Self) the more you can recall. It will come through in the physical practice of yoga, the seated meditation, the chanting and singing, the laughter, the tears, the ocean and rainforest, the stillness. This week long retreat will re-unite you with You and it will be… well, just come and find out for yourself. As the Buddha once said, “When you realize how perfect everything is you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky.”

1186238_202564636579750_212885431_nWho has been your greatest influence and why?

My greatest influences have been those who teach this truth with every fiber of their being. Names like Seane Corn. She followed her bliss and has since introduced and inspired others to their own form of bliss. I relate to Seane’s journey. She came from a dark past and yoga sort of swept her off of her feet and she never looked back, and so it was with me. She lives her life by being of service with her God given talents. I believe that we are given talents that we enjoy for a reason. Seane has shown me that no matter what anyone says to you about what they think you should be doing with your life, in the end it is your journey. She was one of the first people I looked to and said, “If she can do it, so can I.” I started following my bliss immediately and I continue to in every moment, with every breath that I take.

1001291_182300528606161_1146230267_nIf there was a yoga pose or mediation practice that described you – what would it be and why?

Isha Kriya meditation. The repeated mantra in the beginning is, “I am not the body, I am not even the mind.” In that way I suppose it’s “Not me.” Ha ha.

Other than yoga, meditation, nutrition – what are some of your passions?

I love creation. Writing, dancing, singing, playing instruments, nature, just to name a few. I’ve been getting swept up in writing especially for the last few years. It’s a way for me to communicate my heart to others in a way that is unique to the way that my mind forms sentences. I blog (www.explorationsofself.com) and journal often, and I am in the beginning stages of writing my first book.

What is on your “Costa Rica Bucket List?”

Honestly, to learn how to surf and be decent enough at it to carve in the Pacific.

Join Alana in Costa Rica this January 17-25 2015 to explore the truth of who you have been all along and maybe catch some waves with her as well.  View our entire 2015 Retreat Calendar here.

True Nature Travels Blog

TrishCarty09Trish Carty is a part of the 2015 True Nature Yoga & Wellness Faculty. Her retreat, Fermentation for your Mind, Body, and Spirit combines nutrition with a focus on making your own fermented foods and yoga against the backdrop of the rainforest. Her blog, Keep the Beat, is packed full of wisdom, recipes and information to help people live and enjoy a healthy life.

What does it mean for you to “be something more” as part of your yoga practice, teaching and your intentions for your retreat?

Personally, I am so excited to bring nutrition and fermentation into a retreat based around the whole picture of a healthy lifestyle. Our workshop Fermentation with Mind Body and Spirit is just that! My intention is to inspire many to embrace their health through the knowledge of their body and the nutrients that it needs. Understanding nutrition fully is so important so that each participate can move forward with proper education for themselves, to empower and enrich their lives. As one aspect of this retreat I hope to help and teach anyone ready for this information.

bottled-veggiesWho has been your greatest influence and why?

Ann Widmore, Sandor Katz, Weston A Price, Dr. Pottinger, Cathy Eason, Caroline Berringer, Dr Natasha Campbell McBride and Nora Gedgaudas are just a few of my influences in the field of nutrition and fermentation. These are the pioneers in the field who have taught and lived their lives fully with purpose. I have learned so much. My biggest influences in my life as role models were my Mother and Father and Grand Mother. They taught me to live by example and hold your inspirations high and with the utmost integrity. Another huge inspiration is Don English. He taught me the powers of mediation through the Buddhist teachings. His lifelong quote is “accentuate the positive.” His personal interpretation is to “never give up. Always push forward with positive attitude and gratitude.” By chanting a very special phrase, each time you are “raising your positive vibration.” His brilliant analogy was to think of it “like polishing a tarnished mirror. Imagine that it becomes shinier and shinier. Or that you are polishing a jewel, ie you! So the action then, is to attract the (shiny) people into your life, positive people full of light and good!” Through his lifelong friendship, chanting and positive lifestyle I believe anything is possible!

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

Tree Pose and Buddhist meditation practice. One of my mentors has been a big inspiration for me to bring my meditation practice into my life on a daily basis. It is his life and intention that inspires me daily to stay focused and practice.

Tree Pose- one of the fundamental poses in yoga. To me it symbolizes the grounding I need to start my yoga practice. I feel like a tree in that regard. I try to root into the ground and stay grounded in life to be the best I can be to grow and learn. I try to be a role model to bring the best intention into my work as a nutritionist and chef. In order to be that I must stay focused and clear to help others find their way to a clean lifestyle, like a tree.

Other than yoga, mediation and nutrition what are some of your passions?

My passions are gardening, and living an intent filled life. I love to be full of joy like a child, but with the wisdom to carry on a graceful life. I love the outdoors and nature and my greatest passions in life is to move freely there. I love to hike, swim, ski, run, and generally be in the sun.

images2What is on your “Costa Rica bucket list?”

To explore inspire, teach and learn! I want to see all that Costa Rica has to offer. The volcano, waterfall, ocean and rain forest! Every aspect of this magical place I want to drink up while I am there. To share and experience with our participants and employees of Finca Luna Nueva will be such a joy!

For more information about Trish Carty, visit her website and to learn about her Fermentation Retreat, click here.

True Nature Travels Blog

426638_2774069488134_1808831123_nThe True Nature Community extends beyond the retreats we host in Costa Rica.  Our family or sangha reaches right into the heart of the teachers we connect with and supporting them at home, in their local studios and the students and communities they serve on a daily basis.

Karina Ayn Mirsky is more than family to True Nature.  She is our sister, teacher and friend.  We have worked, taught and served alongside her for over ten years – in Costa Rica and at home.  This summer she is bringing teaching a retreat at the Himalayan Yoga Institute to rejuvenate, inspire and uplift while in the company of other dedicated yogis.

580617_10201475583745110_1470843495_nShe is bringing together a group of bright beings to teach along with her during this retreat. True Nature co-founder Kristin Luna Ray will life voices and hearts with chant and kirtan during the immersion.  The spiritual head of the Himalayan Institute, Pandit Rajmani Tigunat, PhD is also a special guest presenter.

Dates for the retreat are August 6th-10th.  More details about how to register and accommodations at the institute here.

ALSO! Check out Karina’s 2015 Retreat Information with True Nature in Costa Rica! We are so grateful for our connection with this amazing teacher and human being.

 

479910_10151044555750812_1405883343_nKarina Mirsky is a certified ParaYoga teacher and the director of Sangha Yoga in Kalamazoo, MI. She holds a master’s degree in East/West Psychology and is an adjunct professor of Yoga Studies at Antioch University Midwest. Karina draws on her experience as a performance artist, massage therapist, and cancer survivor to convey yoga as a therapeutic science and catalyst for personal transformation. In the March 2008 issue of Yoga Journal, she was featured as one of 21 teachers under the age of 40 shaping the future of yoga in America. Karina hosts teacher trainings and conducts private practice at Sangha Yoga, leads seminars in the USA and Canada, and holds annual retreats in Costa Rica.

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Check out Luna’s music video for Sita Ram on the True Nature Youtube Channel!

True Nature Travels Blog

“I know how much comes together to put a retreat on. It’s such a joy to work with Joshua, Luna and True Nature Education. They took care of everything and made the whole process easy so we could focus on what we enjoy doing most. We are really happy and hope to be back soon.”

~ David Newman (Durga Das)

Screen Shot 2014-03-27 at 8.42.19 AMKirtan Artist, David Newman (Durga Das) co-created a retreat with True Nature Educations co-foudners, Kristen Luna Ray and Joshua Canter this past January.  We were so honored to share this sacred time with David, his wife Mira and their daughter, Tulsi (who is the same age as Josh and Luna’s daughter, Jaya).

1545864_10151860138775812_1497835783_nDavid has been compared to George Harrison, Paul Simon and Dylan when they are in their “soul” mode by LA Yoga Magazine.  He is at the forefront of bringing the kirtan community together through he and Mira’s “Stay Strong” project, creating a global message that shows the community coming together through music, song, and prayer, to unite and uplift people and strengthen their ability to help in times of need.  100% of proceeds from their efforts are donated to Global Green USA.  Check out his Stay Strong music video featuring some of the leading kirtan artists today including Jai Uttal, Krishna Das and Radhanath Swami.

Hear more about what David has to share about his experience with True Nature Education on our You Tube Channel.

1618690_10151860137970812_342940989_nAlso, to read more about what our first family retreat together was like, read Joshua’s reflections on being in community with David and his family.

True Nature Travels Blog

3acc086f1a4d1e767e6ca195aa5bf9a8It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle of life, the speed of the Facebook feed, the limited hours in the day and the dreams and opportunities that we sometimes feel are passing us by.  The amount of energy that we spend “thinking about being caught up” is staggering when you actually take a moment to reflect on it.

 

 

 

How much time have you spent lately worrying about something or replaying a negative story in your head?

A lot, huh? What if you took all of those moment you spent worrying and put that energy towards cultivating more presence and awareness in your life?  Or better yet, building on a dream, imagining, spending time with loved ones, letting someone know how grateful you are for them. Yes, life CAN feel and be overwhelming sometimes, but it’s truly in those moments that we have the opportunity to step back into presence.

Wait, what?  When we feel disconnected from living fully – THAT is when we need to step back into it?  YES!  When we notice ourselves getting wound up in a story or pattern, that is the perfect moment to notice and bring yourself back to your center.  To remember your true nature is one of love, pure being and you are whole and perfect in this moment.

This powerful practice can change your life because no matter where we are on the path, there will always be countless moments throughout your day when you have the opportunity to notice yourself disconnected from presence.  Moment by moment you begin to recognize that each one counts.

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It’s a gradual process, one that takes practice, patience and the willingness to keep coming back, day by day; moment by moment.

Here are some thoughts to support you in calling this practice into your life.

Befriend your habits (the good, the bad and the ugly)

Recognizing that your habits, patterns and beliefs are all truly a part of the wonderfully already perfect you is an important first step.  We will always have obstacles (inner and outer) in our lives so approaching them like a “friend in need” with compassion, empathy and forgiveness is a good approach.  Hey, everybody worries sometimes.

Let your “bad” habit jumpstart a positive one