The Roots of "Root 2 Rise Yoga" & Why Costa Rica?

Culminating 13 months living as a volunteer English teacher in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, I sat at the local beach staring with awe at a most vivid sunset.  Not knowing what the next chapter of my life story read, I knew it was time to turn the page. 

Throughout the rollercoaster ride of living here, my heart-fire had been rekindled by the undoing of deep old patterns that led to self-healing-- spiritually, mentally and physically.  My refuge had become an acquired daily Yoga practice running in nature. I had survived the challenges of delving into my fear of the unknown.   This entailed leaving my 7-year career as a California schoolteacher, moving to a country I knew little about, learning to adapt to a slower-paced and very unpredictable lifestyle and unfamiliar culture and spending an abundance of alone time with my inner critic, among other things.

With a path now unclear, I was down to the essentials—a suitcase, a yoga mat and a passion to share what I learned and support others in their self-healing and thriving.  As I sat on the sand, I asked the universe for a sign, a compass to know what to do next.  On cue, a stranger walked towards me, handed me a stuffed animal, said, “Este es para ti (This is for you),” and disappeared before I could respond.  The random panda bear held a heart that read, “I love you.” I felt reassured that my  heart, pulsating with my joy-inspiring passions, is my compass!
 
I realized what you love most enduringly in life serves a divine purpose to steer you on your path.  Trusting yourself is key.  As a young child, I aspired, “When I grow up, I want to be a teacher on the weekdays and a physical therapist on the weekends.”  Now, as a Yoga and Retreat Facilitator, I feel aligned to that childhood calling, promoting mind-body-spirit wellness.  
 
Today I’m honored to share with you the experiences, culture and land that inspired much clarity, simplicity and joy that continue to steer me through life’s journey. Immersing in the pure love evident in nature—from luscious rainforest trees to cleansing waters in rivers, waterfalls, ocean, and even your own purifying perspiration in the warm tropics—I trust you’ll bring home many treasures in your heart from our upcoming retreat in Costa Rica.  I hope you’ll create the opportunity for yourself to join us in practicing just how to embrace pura vida (or pure life)-- as the Ticos (or Costa Ricans) say.