Written By: Sonya Genel
Costa Rica is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful, powerful, and enchanting places on earth. Every time I visit, I encounter a radical experience and feel utterly transformed. That’s why I am so excited to hold space for others to discover the power of this land in a supportive and intentional way at my Earth Body Activation Retreat this winter, Dec. 27, 2017 – Jan. 7, 2018. I hope you can join us for a deep dive into alchemy, magic, and heart activation! Get ready for a most transformative week of adventure, healing, and community.
Here are 5 reasons to visit the outrageously magical land of Costa Rica:
1. It’s the world’s Happiest Country
Costa Rica is known as the happiest country on Earth. A common saying among locals is “Pura Vida” meaning “life is good” or, literally, “pure life”. Everywhere you go in Costa Rica you will be welcomed with a smile by the locals, and they will truly make you feel at home in their country. Costa Rican citizens have an average life expectancy of about 80 years! And according to the most recent Happy Planet Index (which aims to measure the well-being of human life as well as environmental impact) Costa Rica is the most satisfying place in which to live, with an HPI rating of 64!
2. The Food
When in Costa Rica you will eat nothing but fresh local food that is pulsing with prana! Eating food that is grown on the land where you are staying is a key practice of physical and spiritual health. The lush rich land of Costa Rica grows an abundance delicious fruits, vegetables, beans, and grains. The meals at our retreat will be mostly vegetarian, with some options for local and sustainable fish or chicken.
3. No Military
Costa Rica is totally army-free; the army was abolished in 1948 as being considered unnecessary, and due to this, the country’s foundations are the peace, neutrality and freedom. This is incredibly refreshing for me coming from a country like America, where the military is massive and sensationalized, and many citizens feel the need to be armed, too.
4. Surfing
Costa Rica is famous for its waves and is one of the top three surfing destinations in the world. The water is warm year round and the waves are great any time of the year as well. The rainy season can often be the best time to go when it isn’t as crowded. The surf is also good on both sides of the country and there are a lot of great breaks to choose from. If you are new to surfing, there will be opportunity at our retreat to take surf lessons!
5. The Wildlife and Biodiversity
This small piece of land represents barely 0.3% of the earth’s total surface area and houses 5% of the global biodiversity.
In the Costa Rica’s diverse habitats and ecosystems live 13,000 plant species, 2,000 kind of moths and 4,500 butterfly species, 163 varieties of amphibians, 220 types of reptiles, 1,600 species of fresh and salt-water fish, and at least 870 types of birds, as well as an incredible amount of different mammals and insects. Here it is possible
to observe and connect with a very large variety of plants and animals. As an ecologically destination, Costa Rica tries to offer to its visitors a real experience of contact with nature in which they have the opportunity to learn, discover, and be aware of the importance of taking care of wildlife and natural resources.
I assure you that the lush rainforest, amazing landscapes, and incredible variety of life will take your breath away.
Sonya Genel, ERYT-500, joyfully embraces the power of yoga not only to heal and transform the body but also to heighten human consciousness and to create a radiant life. In her classes, Sonya weaves precise anatomical alignment with flowing movement. Always approaching her students with authenticity and humor, Sonya’s intention is to hold space for a direct embodied connection with Spirit. When she is not teaching yoga, Sonya can often be found drawing or painting. As an artist, she notices the profound effects yoga has on her creativity, and she has dedicated herself to enthusiastically guiding others toward enhancing their own unique life path through yoga. She brings over a decade of teaching experience to her classes, workshops, trainings and retreats.
Connect with Sonya online at www.sonyagenel.com or on Instagram/Facebook @sonyayoga
