Empowering Our True Selves: A Mind-Body Yoga Journey Through the Chakras (March 7–14, 2009)
Laurel Hodory
Annette Franks
A Week in Costa Rica at Pura Vida Spa Designed to Awaken Our True Potential with:
Laurel Hodory, M.S., RYT 500
Founder of It's Yoga Columbus
Annette Franks, M.Ed., LPC
Motivational Speaker/Trainer, Certified Gestalt Psychotherapist
This is an opportunity of a lifetime to adventure into your soul and into the tropical paradise of Costa Rica! This weeklong retreat is an enlightening, empowering exploration of the seven energy centers known as the charkas. Come explore the psychological aspects of your Self, taking a deeper look at behavior patterns and belief systems that may keep you from living an empowered, joyous and fulfilled life.
Together, we will systematically look at each of the chakras, identifying physical and emotional manifestations of imbalance. Then we’ll utilize various techniques such as written self-inquiry, interactive exercises, small group discussions, meditation and yoga to map new pathways that create empowerment, freedom and joy in our lives. The retreat will also include adequate time for pampering with spa services, quiet walks and/or adventuring into the Costa Rican landscape via several different eco-tour options. (Cost for spa services and eco tours are not included in the cost of the retreat). But hurry, we only have space for a limited number and registration if filling up quickly!
All Inclusive Packages
- $1245 per Person Standard Room Double Occupancy
- $1350 per Person Deluxe Room Double Occupancy
- $1505 per Person Super Deluxe Room Double Occupancy
Rates include Room, Three Delicious Vegetarian Meals, Yoga, and Chakra Study.
To Register:
Call Pura Vida Spa (1-888-767-7375 ext. 225) and ask for Di Chapman in Reservations. Register for "Empowering Our True Selves" Conference, March 7th-14th, 2009. Make Your Reservation Early - Based on Our 2008 Conference at Pura Vida Spa we know we will fill Early this Year. Space is Limited.
Tentative Schedule for 2009:
Saturday March 7, 2009
- Arrival & Check-In during Afternoon
- Dinner at Pura Vida 6:30-8 pm
- Opening Gathering 8 pm
Sunday March 8, 2009
- 9 am Pura Vida Spa Orientation
- 10:45 am-12:45 pm Meditation & Yoga with Laurel
- 3 pm-6 pm Chakra Energy Work with Annette
- 8 pm-9 pm Yoga Dance (Optional)
Monday March 9, 2009
- 8:15 am - 10:15 am Meditation & Yoga with Laurel
- 10:45 am-12:45 pm Chakra Energy Work with Annette
- Afternoon Free-Time
- 8pm-9 pm Ecstatic Dance (Optional)
Tuesday March 10, 2009
- Morning Excursions in Costa Rica
(Excursions are Optional and Cost Extra - See Pura Vida Spa Excursion Options)
or Free Time at the Spa for Spa Treatments
or Leisure Time. - 2:30 pm-4:30 pm Chakra Energy Work with Annette
- 4:45 pm-6:45 pm Meditation & Yoga with Laurel
- 8 pm-9 pm Energy Transformational Dance (Optional)
Wednesday March 11, 2009
- No Classes; Free-Time all Day for Full or Half Day Excrsions or Spa Treatments or Liesure Time.
Thursday March 12, 2009
- 8:15 am-10:15 am Meditation & Yoga with Laurel
- 10:45 am-12:45 pm Chakra Energy Work with Annette
- Afternoon Free-Time
- 8 pm-9 pm Chanting & Kirtan & Fire Circle Ceremony
Friday March 13, 2009
- 8:15 am-10:15 am Meditation & Yoga with Laurel
- 10:45 am-12:45 pm Chakra Energy Work with Annette
- 4 pm-6 pm Closing Ceremony
- 6:30 pm Closing Dinner Together
Saturday March 14, 2009
- Check Out by 11:00 am
Meals are Served Daily
- Breakfast 7:30 am-9:00 am
- Lunch 1:00 pm-2:30 pm
- Dinner 6:30 pm-8:00 pm
All Levels of Yoga Student Welcome
We anticipate that our group will be diverse in terms of interest, agility and experience with yoga.
Yoga practices in the morning will be offered in an All Levels format. This format allows varying levels to practice together, but the emphasis will be on exploring postures to gently open and move energy in the body using simple yoga techniques accessible to all students, especially new or beginning students. At the same time, options will be given so that more experienced students can step up a practice, and some studio space may be available in the afternoons for students wishing to do additional practice.
Participants will be instructed in various yoga practices in addition to yoga postures that help to cultivate the various chakra centers. These practices may include pranayama (breathing exercises), kriya (cleansing practices), svadyaya (self-reflection), mantra & meditation.
Passports are required.
- You must have a valid passport to travel to Costa Rica and that does not expire for at least 3-6 months after your return flight.
Participants should arrange to fly into San Jose Airport. Some Airlines to SJO (San Jose) are American Airlines, US Air, and
Delta. Airfares range widely, so be sure to check several search engines. Roundtrip shuttle service is available free of charge through Pura Vida Spa if you make your reservation ahead of time with Pura Vida. More information including what to bring is available at puravidaspa.com. Click on TRAVEL TO COSTA RICA.
Registering for Spa Services and Adventure Excursions
Fees for excursions and spa services are not included in the cost of the retreat. Participants have the option to register for spa and adventure excursions through Pura Vida Spa upon arrival. Payment is due at the time you make your reservation to Pura Vida Spa and is non-refundable. Please note that Pura Vida does not accept American Express. For those participants wishing to receive spa services, it is recommended that you contact Pura Vida directly and schedule your appointments as soon as convenient.
Check-In and Check-Out Times
Check-in Saturday March 7th after 2pm at Pura Vida Spa. Dinner starts at 6:30 pm. We will have our Opening Gathering Saturday Evening around 7:30 pm. (An exact schedule of times and meeting room locations will be given to you at check-in on Saturday.) You will also have an opportunity Saturday Evening to sign up for Spa Services and Excursions. Check-out Saturday March 14th is by 11am.
What to Bring
- Flashlight
- Alarm Clock
- Day pack/Backpack
- Water bottle or Camelback
- Insect Repellent
- Walking/hiking shoes
- Toiletries
- Sunscreen & hat
- Sandals with straps (ex: tevas, chacos or similar)
- Warm pajamas (cool nights)
- Bathing Suit
- Sweater/sweatshirt
- Rainwear/poncho (May-Nov)
For Self Reflection and Awareness Work, you may want to bring a Journal and Writing Paper and pen. The “Chakra Balancing Workbook” and “Eastern Body Western Mind: Psychology and The Chakras System as a Path to the Self” books by Anodea Judith are recommended to bring with you. Both of these books by Anodea Judith are wonderful compliments to the work we will be doing during the week. They are recommended only, not mandatory. You may also bring any reading material you wish that you feel will enhance your week of self-reflection, rest and renewal.
Yoga mats and props are provided by Pura Vida, but if you have a special yoga prop that you would like to bring, please do.
Yoga postures will be taught in a format accessible to All Levels.
Free Time
There is free time built into our schedule. This is intentional so that participants have time to relax and renew in the most appropriate way. Naturally, some may prefer gentler yoga and to spend free time relaxing or pampering themselves with spa services. Others will want to explore the beautiful Costa Rican landscape by participating in some of the many adventure excursions. You may also be able to arrange for the shuttle service at Pura Vida to take you into San Jose during an afternoon free-time if you want to explore the Central Market and/or another part of San Jose. A partial list of spa services and excursions is below; a full list is available at puravidaspa.com. Click on THINGS TO DO> WELLNESS CENTER> SPA MENU for spa services. For eco tours, Click on THINGS TO DO> ECO TOURS.