Adjusting to Life in the Jungle - Jan 20

Well I've been here in Costa Rica now for a few days. The first morning in this new terrain, in San Jose, was beautiful! Lush morning air, choirs of birds, the warm summer air and the sweet aromas dancing in the gentle breeze! I connected with others from the retreat...a beautiful interaction before arriving in Nosara.

Arriving at the Hacienda Del Sol was exciting as everyone settled into their cabins and started the process of interaction. I realized that we are in a very remote part of the country, which today, I am understanding the reasons as to why.

To be honest yesterday was rather challenging for me...I was really feeling the reality of being here, in rustic nature....sort of reminds me of being in Deux Rivieres (where I grew up in Northern Ontario)...the closest town being a 40 minute dirt road ride away. We are located in the mountains of the jungle, but the dryer part of the country so it's not too humid.

Yesterday I was really missing my family and friends and the daily interaction with my beloved clients. Some come on retreats like this to escape their life or world, running to something better. But for me, life is really great at home. I really missed not being able to reach out and talk to my girlfriends! I really sank into gratitude and appreciate for them and how much they mean to my world.

Today has been much easier. Adjusting to living in the secluded jungle with the echos of monkeys in the near-by trees! People have been really generous with lending me their computers to stay connected to the outside world!

I spent the afternoon yesterday by the ocean...which is always so healing for me. Gave the sadness, grief, fear and tears to the ocean. The freedom of floating in loving support of the water was so healing for me....completely rinsed me clean!

We are engaging in yoga practice 2 -3 times per day! I feel my body transforming already! the food is AMAZING!! All raw....we had the most incredible raw carrot cake last night for someone's birthday!! And the others students here are wonderful....I can really feel a connection to each and the whole and as to why we have all chosen to be here at this moment in time, with one another!

In yoga philosophy this morning we learned about the principles of yoga...one of them being about letting go of the familiar, of security, of friends and family and material possessions..."aparigraha"....and this is what we are doing by retreating into nature...letting go of the familiar and placing ourselves in a slightly uncomfortable situation...stretching our limits!

We have time off every afternoon for lounging at the beach, sleeping or doing homework....today I really wanted to connect with all of you!

sending each of you sooo much love from the jungle!!!
Tara