Jungle Love in Costa Rica

Well I just got back from the jungle which was a highly expansive and powerful trip. I can finally say that I have seen some insects the size of my hand now! The trip was amazing from the moment the door to the plane opened up and we stepped out to feel a strong, warm wind. After a 2.5 hour drive, half of it a crazy dirt road, we arrived at our new home for the week, Casa Capatian.
The next morning we had a nice tour around, followed by an amazing breakie of fresh fruit, smoothies, the food was delicious all around. Off to the beach, wow, endless beach on both the right and left. The ocean was showing off with her beach break surf that I could not wait to get into to. My lifelong wish of surfing, finally! I surfed almost everyday we were there and I find I am already missing the ocean, the waves (some very scary and intimidating) and the feeling of freedom when you catch a wave and ride it out.
While in the jungle I saw, giant grasshoppers, we mistook them birds at first, scorpions, butterflies, tropical flowers, palm trees, bamboo, sugar cane, mangroves, buzzards, unfamiliar birds, sea shells, a dead tortoise, 2 dead armadillos, giant iguanas, dogs, cats, horses, ticos and ticas, gorgeous red sunsets and dark nights illuminated only by the light of the millions of visible stars. I am still savoring all the wonderful highlights of this trip.
I am thrilled to have been able to teach and introduce Anusara Yoga to yogis on the retreat, meet and reconnect with friends, share many meals with the new kula and celebrate the beginning of the new year (we were in way before the clock struck midnight) with amazing people in an amazing place. I am already putting out the vibe to go back and teach another retreat there.

Buenos dias!
Mindy

Yoga at the Beach

I just had a great weekend with some great friends at the beach. One of the reasons I like the beach so much is that I love doing yoga in the sand. Sure you are giving up some of the stability of the floor but the sand is a soft catch if you try a new pose and fall over. I did my very first drop back on the beach and maybe some other poses too. Yesterday all three of us were in a line doing headstand, how fun?? Warning, you may get some strange looks but people are really just curious and want to know what your doing? Last Thursday we had a group of kids watching us and clapping when we did handstands and arm balances. Before you know it you will see kids and adults staring to give it a try too. I think seeing a group of adults laughing, hula hooping, spinning poi, swimming and laughing is so great for the next generation. You choose how you participate in the world so choose well and have fun :)
Blessed to have great people in my life and to live by the beach,
Mindy