True Nature Travels Blog

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. community1 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!

Beach 8 “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.2 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. 3The 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 t4he 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! 5

True Nature Travels Blog

"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.

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!

True Nature Travels Blog

Letters From Lindsay: Being the Bridge

Dear Friends,

A beautiful sunny morning, after almost a week of rain, rain  and more rain. I like rain, however I honestly enjoy when the sun shines! I am sitting on my table, typing this letter and baking a cake for my sister.

A mom’s life is something like this… We can work, clean, cook and care of the kids at the same time… The cake smells delicious and it is also for my mom, who came back home yesterday after her monthly stay in the hospital, the cake is almost ready and this is also for you…

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Yes, for you!

Thank you for booking your vacation through True Nature Education and for giving a special value to your fun, to your time, to your expectations. There are too many reasons for us to be thankful. I am so blessed! I have a wonderful family, a mother who is fighting against cancer and you know what, she will be the winner!

It feels great to be the bridge between cultures and languages. It feels amazing to know that your visit will make a possitive change in the life of so many people, because every step you do in my country, you are making a difference.

Behind the volunteer service, there is a happy family getting the benefit and a happy community improved. Behind the school presentation there is a group of ladies preparing a special present for the kids. And, it is possible because of you.

This year, we will have a party for the people in the community, on December 21. We do not have the Thanksgiving day tradition in Costa Rica, however it will be something like this after your visit. We are going to have a party, food and presents for the people in town, for the neediest families. If you want to join this cause, you are invited to bring something, anything counts. It is fine if it is a second hand article or if it is new.

Cake is on my table now. I wish I could send you a piece of cake…

Pura Vida and Happy Holidays,

LindsayCK_Costa_Rica_True_Nature_2014-190

Lindsay Padilla is a nature lover and mom of two boys. She has been teaching Spanish since 2006 and working for the development of rural communities in Costa Rica. She enjoys writing, reading and swimming.

Are you interested in learning more about the Costa Rican way of life, called Pura Vida? Our service programs which can be added on during any of our retreats include opportunities to stay with Lindsay and her family and support our efforts in their village.  Learn more here.

True Nature Travels Blog

Being Something More with Devon Schmidt

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

Being Something More with Jeff "Firewalker" Schmitt

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

Being Something More with TNE Faculty – Crystal Gray

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

Being Something More – Andrea Dyer

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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

Top 10 Questions Your Students Will Ask You About Your Costa Rica Retreat

10006438_10151947045810812_130852963_nYou have done it! You’ve been dreaming about leading students through flowing yoga and mediation practices within the heart of the jungle or along the shore of the ocean.  And, now it is manifesting into reality! You are leading your first retreat in Costa Rica!  First of all – YAY YOU!  Secondly – Now what? Well, here is where we can help.  Now it’s time to not only share and promote your retreat – but also to learn that you will probably be bombarded with many questions that have absolutely nothing to do with how to put your legs behind your head or how to start a mediation practice.  These questions probably have a lot more to do with the logistics of navigating  how to prepare to travel outside of the country (aka outside of a lot of peoples comfort zones!).

We have combined our 10 years of leading retreats in Costa Rica into this Top 10 list of questions you will probably be asked by a student registered for or thinking about attending your retreat.  We’d LOVE to hear your feedback if you think we are missing anything!

CR2010-13441. Who do I ask questions to?

In general if you have questions about the retreat topic, classes, teacher background, etc. it is best to talk directly to the teacher. If you have questions about travel, registration, Costa Rica, dietary needs, excursions, accommodations, etc. please ask TNE.

2. What will be the itinerary? What will we be doing?

Each retreat is unique, each teacher is unique, and each group is unique. Over the past 10 years of leading retreats the formula we have found that works best is to “have a plan and then be ready to modify.” The best teachers can move with the energy of the group and the best retreats are the ones where as many students as possible feel supported, fulfilled, and transformed. Put together a rough layout of the week which we can also help you out with. Let students know, “Yes! You will be doing yoga! (usually two session a day) and… you will also have personal downtime (because we need it so bad in our culture right now), we will have free time to explore, excursions, wonderful group meals, possible morning/evening activities. If you have a group that has the need to know, let them know they will receive a tentative itinerary before they depart. But…if all possible it is best to keep you itinerary private and let them know each day an itinerary will be posted which will reveal the magical plan for each day.

3. How do we get there?

Each trip will have a flight window, which will provide specific windows of time for arrival and departure. Some trips have a group flight option where everyone can fly together. True Nature has a group travel agent that would be happy to help you book your flight within the specific window provided for your retreat. All flight will be met at the airport by a TNE Staff member.

IMG_89324. What are the accommodations like?

True Nature Education has searched long and hard throughout Costa Rica to find unique, ecologically friendly, and inspiring accommodations for our guests to stay in. All of the accommodations are clean, comfortable and close to nature. Lodging includes electricity, hot water, internet and phone on the property, comfortable beds and linens, and an environment which allows you to rest peacefully after a long day of activities. Most accommodations for large groups are either double or triple occupancy. Roommate requests are honored when possible. Private rooms are occasionally available for an extra fee on a first-come first serve basis.

5. Can you meet my dietary needs?

These days we all have our own personal needs as we continue to evolve as humans.
At TNE we continue to strive to meet the needs of our guests. We have the ability to meet the dietary needs of all of our guests using the resources available in Costa Rica. This includes dietary options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, etc. Please remember the Costa Rican diet in general is very simple and made of many whole foods. We don’t have various milk options, supplements, various meatless options (ie. tempeh, saitan, etc.). If you have a strict diet we also recommend bring snacks that will help supplement and support you while in CR.

6. Is Costa Rica Safe?

When we think of safety at True Nature, we think of “Mindful Awareness”. When we are focused on the moment at hand we have statistically a much greater chance of being safe. When on retreat we support the cultivation of presence and mindfulness and therefore support having a safe experience. Part of being aware is knowing what to be aware of? In the US in certain places we need to be aware of weather such as tornados, or in certain urban areas we need to be aware of where we talk at night. In Costa Rica we also need to be aware. Depending on your location we will make it know of what you need to be mindful of.
Beach: sun, drinking enough water, riptides, leaving valuables on the beach
Mountains/Rainforest: critters, certain plants, storms
We have been running programs in Costa Rica for a decade now and have not had any serious injuries or major safety issues on any of our trips. We are committed to continuing this trend by educating you and our staff and supporting a mindful awareness on all of our trips.

photo7. Activities! Can I do them all, how much do they cost, when do I sign-up, etc?

Costa Rica boasts a wide-range of incredible excursions and activities which draw people from around the world. During your time in the country you will have time to take part in these activities! Prior to your departure you will receive an activity list. (Teachers we can get you your list now!) Once arriving in Costa Rica you can book your activities, excursions, and spa treatments too! Each retreat normally has one day that is dedicated to activities. You can take part in 2-3 activities in that day and often the group decides to go together. If you are an activity junky you can always book more during your free time in your schedule during the week.

8. What will the weather be like?

We do our best to base all of our programs on pleasant times of year to be in CR. The months we avoid to hold retreats are September-November, during the rainy season. If you are at the beach between Feb-April you can expect lots of sun and heat. If you are in the mountains or traveling to the beach outside of these months you can expect Sun with some periodic showers.

9. What do we bring?

TNE has an ever-evolving “What to Bring List” on our FAQ Page. After every trip in our evaluations we ask, “Is there anything that was left off the What to Bring List.” Because of this, the list is long and quite expansive. Take into consideration what you think you really need. We suggest bringing only one suitcase that you are comfortable handling and that is easy to use/move, and one daypack. We offer a prize to the one who packs the smallest bag!

419288_618442004837729_1506649283_n10. When all else fails what do I do?

We strive to be available for our teachers as close to 24/7 as possible from the time you come on-board until the time you return back to the US. When all else fails…Text or email TNE or Joshua, The TNE/Costa Rica Guru! We are here to support you!

There is some additional great info over on our FAQ Page as well!

True Nature Travels Blog

Being Something More with Karina Ayn Mirsky

Karina Ayn Mirsky, MA, ERYT, Sangha Yoga Institute

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

Being Something More with Trish Carty

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.

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