We are constantly inspired by the teachers we work with and Monica Mesa Dasi is no exception. This May, Monica will be leading a Costa Rican yoga retreat, so we’ve asked her a few questions to help you get a better feel for what it will be like to go on a Costa Rican adventure with this inspiring woman!
True Nature: How does the idea of Yoga of Heart & Soul play into your Costa Rican yoga retreat? What themes do you see coming up throughout the journey?
Monica: I called this yoga retreat the Yoga Heart and Soul because the Prana Vinyasa classes that I will be teaching will be deep, fulfilling, and nourishing classes. The study of Bhakti, which is the yoga of love, devotion, and service, and the magic of the sea will add to the alchemy of this week together. As far as themes, we will be focusing on: connecting to the Divine inside ourselves, inspiration from the great masters of the Bhakti tradition, and connecting to the beauty that surrounds us.
TN: Who has been your greatest influence and why?
M: Shiva Rea has been the greatest influence in my life. Through her, my path in yoga has blossomed and she has brought me to my other two greatest influencers, Neem Karoli Baba and Lama Tsultrim Allione. They have all three blessed my life fully with jewels of wisdom and inspiration.
TN: If there was a yoga pose or mediation practice that described you – what would it be and why?
M: My sadhana, or sacred daily practice, begins with pranayama and meditation followed by a creative namaskar and flow that answers my needs for the day. This is the way every day of my life begins and it is my anchor to be able to live a soulful life of love and service.
TN: Other than yoga and meditation, what are some of your passions? Will these be explored in your Costa Rican yoga retreat?
M: My other passions are surfing, the ocean, the power of nature, and bonding with others to support one another on the path of life. This Costa Rican yoga retreat is perfectly aligned to enjoy and explore all of my passions!
TN: What is on your “Costa Rica bucket list” and what are you most excited about?
M: I am most excited to meet the wonderful souls that come together for this Costa Rican yoga retreat as well as the magic of the sea and all that Santa Teresa has to offer us.
TN: Is there a saying or quote that really resonates with you and your upcoming Costa Rican yoga retreat?
M: “Love everyone, Serve everyone, Remember God.” ~ Neem Karoli Baba. This is my Guru’s teaching and it is my great honor and joy to spread it in all that I do and teach.
Join Monica for her Costa Rican yoga retreat by going here and signing up!
Monica Mesa Dasi
Prana Vinyasa Yoga Teacher/Trainer
Shiva Rea Samudra Global School of Living Yoga
