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.

True Nature Travels Blog

Being Something More – True Nature Education 2015 Yoga & Wellness Retreat Schedule Announced!

Being Something More
Have you ever been tugged with the question – “How can I be something more?”  Has your heart ever whispered in the early hours of the morning, reminding you of dreams yet to be realized, and then somehow, in just a whisper of that whisper, shared how to make it happen?  The True Nature Education (TNE) community is honored, humbled and extremely grateful for the amazing group of teachers and leaders who make up our first round of 2015 Teaching Faculty. Individually, they answered their inner call to be something more, and are now taking it to Costa Rica to share with hundreds of inspired students from all over the world.  Could you be one of them?

communityyoga_eventphotoBeing Something More

What does this mean to you? Here at TNE – we strive to ask ourselves that questions daily.  How can we “be more” in all we do? “Being Something More” is our theme as we kick off our 2015 Retreat Season and wrap up the last half of 2014.  Over the course of the next few months we will introduce our teaching faculty with exciting blogs about their courses, personal one-on-one interviews  and guest blogs  to share with our community.

You can stay up to date right here as our 2015 Retreat Calendar adds new retreats weekly.  Below is our first round of programs.  From the beaches, to the mountains to the jungles of Costa Rica; along with program offerings in yoga, meditation, nutrition and more –  we have something for you.
If you are a teacher looking to answer the call to ‘be something more’, please contact us as we have several spaces still open in our calendar and would love to help you answer the tug at your heart.

Wrapping up 2014

June 7-14, 2014
Jungle Love! A Costa Rica Yoga Experience
with Missy Balsam
Luna Nueva Ecolodge

June 14-21, 2014
Costa Rica Service and Adventure Program
Manuel Antonio and Luna Nueva EcoLodge

July 26-August 2, 2014
Costa Rica Service and Adventure Program
Manuel Antonio and Luna Nueva EcoLodge

July 21-28, 2014
Shakti Power Yoga Costa Rica Retreat
with Lauren Farina and Kelly Farina Carter
Hotel Tropico Latino

December 13-20, 2014
Costa Rica Service and Adventure Program
Manuel Antonio and Luna Nueva EcoLodge

2015

January 10-17, 2015
Explorations of Self: A Costa Rica Yoga Experience
with Alana Roach
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

January 10-17, 2015
Finding Your Foundation
with Helen Lee and Rachel Bunting
La Fortuna, Costa Rica

January 31-February 7, 2015
4th Annual Mind|Body|Fitness|Yoga Costa Rica Retreat
with Andrea Dyer
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

January 31-February 7, 2015
Surrender to the Flow: A Costa Rica Getaway
with Carrie Williamson & Crystal Gray
Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica

Feb. 7-14, 2015
Relax and Renew in Costa Rica
with Laura Vanderberg
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

February 7-14, 2015
Fermentation for your Mind, Body, and Spirit Retreat
with Trish Carty and Cathy Eason
La Fortuna, Costa Rica

February 13-20, 2015
The “Day Yoga” Studio Costa Rica Experience
with Devon Schmidt
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

February 21-28, 2015
Serving from a Cup Overflowing
with Karina Mirsky and Friends
Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

March 2-7, 2015
3rd Annual Rhythms of Joy Retreat
with Tiina Kivinen (A Special Post Envision Retreat)
Play Uvita, Costa Rica

March 7-14
2nd Annual Space, Sound, Silence Yoga Retreat
with Jessica Caplan
March 7-14, 2015
Playa Uvita, Costa Rica

March 7-14, 2015
Nourishing Your Heart of Courage
A Mindfulness Yoga Retreat
with Joni of Healthy Body Peaceful Soul
Carribean Coast, Costa Rica

March 14-21, 2015
Open to the Possibilities:  A Costa Rica Yoga Adventure
with Tim Washburn
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

 

Keep checking back in with us as we will continue to add retreats to our program calendar. 

 

 

True Nature Travels Blog

Five Ways to Create a Mindful Morning

communityyoga_eventphoto“Good morning is not just a word, its an action and a belief to live the entire day well. Morning is the time when you set the tone for the rest of the day. Set it right!”

Fain Blake

 

 

Every morning when we rise, each and every one of us are given a precious and priceless gift.  We have the opportunity to start fresh.  Whether you consider yourself to be a morning person or not, creating a simple routine in the morning when you wake up can set you on the right track to move through your day with a little bit more ease and grace.  And, who would not want a little less effort in their lives these days?

“Be willing to be a beginner every single morning.”  

Meister Eckhart

1. Linger a little longer

Let the first thing you do when you open your eyes be just that.  Open your eyes.  Give yourself and opportunity to drink in this precious moment of awakening.  Many of us literally dread that moment each day when you have to wake up.  Let’s be honest.  If you actually dread opening your eyes in the morning – is that really setting yourself up for a good beginning to the rest of the day? This may take some practice, but if you allow yourself 3-5 minutes to wake up slowly and gently, stretching your body, feeling the rest that you received the night before preparing you for the day ahead and actually visualizing yourself having a great day – then you are giving yourself the best possible start to having a great day!

cr2010-2006-12. Wait a while before turning on your computers

For at least 30-45 minutes after you wake up, try not to have any devices working on you.  No television. No computer. No phone.  Your email will be there.  Facebook will be there.  The to-do lists and the calendars will be there.

3. Have a glass of warm water with lemon.

Studies show  that drinking a glass of warm lemon water supports immune function, battles bad breath, can jumpstart weight loss and much, much more. It also just makes you feel good.  And that’s a good thing.

4. Find a few moments for stillness

It’s no surprise any more that meditation is good for the body, mind and spirit.  Taking five to 15 minutes a day to still your mind and focus on your breath, a mantra, a flower or just simply taking a quiet walk in nature aids in lowering stress levels, more restful sleep and cultivating more mindfulness throughout your day.

5. Don’t forget to say “thank you”

Starting your day with a thankful heart is such a simple but impactful practice.  You can end your meditation by taking a few moments to sit with gratitude for all of the things in your life you wish to give thanks for.

247015_10150339855958136_7874773_n

“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.”

Marcus Aurelius

 

 

 

True Nature Travels Blog

Summer Sangha Retreat with Karina Ayn Mirsky & Friends

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.

Screen Shot 2014-05-27 at 1.06.46 PM

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

True Nature Travels Blog

A Day in the Life at a True Nature Retreat

Have you every wondered just what a day on a yoga retreat looks like?  What exactly will you be doing from the moment you open your eyes until you hit the pillow to go to sleep?  Welcome to your “virtual” day in the life at a True Nature Retreat. Take a deep breath and enjoy…

cr2010-20065:30am – Good Morning!! Be prepared to rise with the sun in Costa Rica.  And if the sun doesn’t lure you out of bed, then the sounds of the jungle or the neighbors roosters just might!

5:45am – Morning meditation or time to journal and reflect.  The symphony of the world waking up around you combined with the stillness of this auspicious time of day is a perfect combination and reason to pack your meditation cushion.

6:15am – Tea time!  Many of the retreat centers in our portfolio of offerings will have tea, coffee and juice out for attendees by 6am.  It’s a nice opportunity to connect your community or maybe continue your meditation and enjoy your morning cuppa in silence.

sound of silence7:00-9:00am – Morning session with your retreat leader.  You can feel every hair on your body standing up with pure joy as you tuck your yoga mat under your arm and walk to the yoga deck to do what you came here to do.  Practice yoga in the exquisite and breathtaking settings that Costa Rica has to offer.  We guarantee this is nothing less than a magical feeling!

9:30am – BREAKFAST!!  Enjoying the fresh, whole foods that our retreat centers offer will definitely be one of the highlights of your experience.  By the end of the week – after eating mostly raw, organic and at some locations – right off the farm where you are staying – you will feel energized, lighter and ready to clean out your fridge when you get home!

10:00am-12:30pm – Free time – Relax at the beach, by the pool, take a nap in a nearby hammock, chat with new friends or all of the above.   We encourage all of our retreat leaders to schedule plenty of free time for their students as this is when you are able to really process and begin integrating the transformation that is taking place!

lunas-dahl1:00pm – LUNCH – Fresh squeezed fruit juices, brightly colored greens and lots of opportunities to try out Costa Rican typical dishes like rice and beans.

2:00-4:00pm – Excursions and Service Projects!  Perhaps you have always dreamed of horseback riding along the beach or zip lining through the rain forest.  Our service initiatives partner our retreats with sustainable community projects in rural villages throughout Costa Rica.

4:00-6:00pm – Relaxing evening yoga, meditation session with your retreat leader to wind down and process the days activities.

Village-Rep-Lindsay-Padilla6:oopm – DINNER – Enjoy the community and bonding by sitting around a table and enjoying a meal together.

7:00-9:00pm – Free time or perhaps an evening sat sang, lecture or kirtan.

9:30pm – Lights out!

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True Nature Travels Blog

Being True To This Moment

2476194865fc99f24a7d8661d779533bWe often get caught up in thinking that mindfulness, love and compassion will reveal themselves to us in a climatic and dramatic way.  We begin to “expect” something like this and with those expectations, we can miss the message that the present moment is sending us.  And that is, that this very moment is enough.

Our culture of “achieving” often can get wrapped up into thinking that even inner peace is something we need to work hard for.  In fact, it is when we empty our minds of all the “to-do” lists that our true nature – our inner light – begins to reveal itself to us.  This moment is not asking anything more from us than our complete and total presence to it.  Whether that is taking a deep breath, watching your children play, honoring Mother Nature by sitting down to take in a sunrise or sunset.  To let yourself become absorbed completely in the moment is when your awareness of living a mindful life begins to deepen.

390572166d02379f0068722cd31abd76So, what about the moments when you are sitting in traffic?  Or, when you are arguing with your partner? Or when you walk into the laundry room and the clothes are stacked up to the ceiling and you wish you could just close the door and make them disappear?  What about the moments when you feel overwhelmed with all there is to do and you wish you could manifest more hours in the day to get everything done?  Well, those moments are just as real and just as important as the ones when you find yourself immersed in the delight and laughter of your children.  We must be able to find presence in those uncomfortable moments as well.  But, it takes time.  It takes patience and most of all, it takes practice.

Join us for a #MindfulMonday series where we will share simple practices to support you in connecting more deeply with your True Nature and cultivating tools to live a more mindful life.  And, the first lesson is – it starts right now.

 

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