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.  My heart-fire had been rekindled by much self-healing-- spiritually, mentally and physically—largely due to my personal yoga practice in asanas (postures), breath and daily living-- having survived the challenges of working and living in an unfamiliar and “less privileged” culture.  With a path now unclear, having left a life with much security in the U.S. for over a year, I was down to the essentials—a suitcase, a yoga mat and a passion to empower others to see their own ability to heal themselves, too, and thrive.  As I sat on the sand, I asked the universe for a sign, a compass to know what to do next.  The next moment, 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 was reassured that my heart, filled with my most 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.”  Teaching mind-body-spirit wellness through yoga and body-breath connection has filled my heart with gratitude, as we have built this community (Root 2 Rise Yoga) of lovers of life since 2010.    
 
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 trip this summer.  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.  Root 2 Rise Yoga’s 3rd Annual Yoga, Culture & Adventure Retreat is July 16-23, 2016.  Please visit here to learn about my favorite inspiring destinations and activities there we’ll explore.​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.  My heart-fire had been rekindled by much self-healing-- spiritually, mentally and physically—largely due to my personal yoga practice in asanas (postures), breath and daily living-- having survived the challenges of working and living in an unfamiliar and “less privileged” culture.  With a path now unclear, having left a life with much security in the U.S. for over a year, I was down to the essentials—a suitcase, a yoga mat and a passion to empower others to see their own ability to heal themselves, too, and thrive.  As I sat on the sand, I asked the universe for a sign, a compass to know what to do next.  The next moment, 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 was reassured that my heart, filled with my most 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.”  Teaching mind-body-spirit wellness through yoga and body-breath connection has filled my heart with gratitude, as we have built this community (Root 2 Rise Yoga) of lovers of life since 2010.    
 
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 trip this summer.  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.  Root 2 Rise Yoga’s 3rd Annual Yoga, Culture & Adventure Retreat is July 16-23, 2016.  Please visit here to learn about my favorite inspiring destinations and activities there we’ll explore.