samasati bliss

Even though I arrived back in Oregon last Thursday, where I spend my last 4 days in Costa Rica definitely deserves a post.  I was fortunate enough to go to the Caribbean coast...what  privilege it is to travel!  I went to a nature retreat center called Samasati, which means anyone can be Buddha and or attain the highest state of enlightenment.  While I didn't reach enlightenment, the escape from the the city, the warm thick tropical air, the pulsating jungle sounds, the delicious yoga classes, and some much needed quiet time was more than enough to leave me feeling totally rejuvenated.

I left San Jose early, so I arrived there mid-day, ate lunch (3 vegetarian meals a day where included in my stay) and took a nap by the jacuzzi.  Samasati is located on the hill up above the the town of Puerto Viejo, so it has glorious views, but there is literally nothing else around.  It felt a little like being a yoga summer camp.

The view from the restaurant, you can see puerto viejo is nestled in that little bay.

This surprise visitor greeted me as I came out the shower! Fortunately a woman from the reception came to help me get rid of it.  In the evening there is a guard that watches the property, but all the lights on the paths are turned out, so guests are expected to find there way to reception, turn on the radio, and yell "EMERGENCIA".  Good thing I found this before everyone went home, I'm not sure I could have managed all those instructions!

 The food was incredible!

I spent Monday down in Puerto Viejo, checking out the town and the beach.  I hadn't spent a day at the beach since I had been in Costa Rica, so I fully enjoyed soaking of the caribbean vibes and relaxing on Playa Negra.  The ocean is so salty there, it literally supports all your weight.  One of my favorite moments was just laying back in the water and being cradled by the gentle rocking of the sea.

playa negra

river flows into the ocean

 

 

 

 

 

 

little self portrait on playa negra

Mornings at 6:30am was yoga.  The AM practice was Ashtanga, which I haven't practiced a lot of, but it was great to try.  And evenings at 5pm was the restorative gentle class.  It was such a great combo, and Danielle the instructor was kind, knowledgeable and so sweet.  

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On Tuesday I took a little hike to the waterfall.  I cannot begin to explain how noisy the jungle is...by the time I was finally leaving, I felt like I was adjusting.  It was like being on auditory overload.  And at night when I was alone in my bungalow it was down right scary to not know what in the world was creeping through the bushes just outside your window.  While I never saw what it was that was rustling around, I began to trust and find comfort in the sounds.  On this hike I tried to walk very slowing to see what all the racket was, but again, I was only left with sounds.

Self portrait at the waterfall

cute little waterfall

i loved the pattern that some insect had cut out of this leaf.

On Wednesday morning, my last morning, I woke up early (like 5am) to see the sunrise over the caribbean.  Being a born and raised west-coaster, it is such a novelty to think that the sun could rise OVER the ocean...funny how it looks exactly the same, just in reverse.

After one last yoga class with my new found traveling friends, Danielle the yoga teacher, and Kristina, I began to say my farewell to Samasati.

As I was down there I was reading The Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac, which was a fitting anthem to the end of my trip.  Just like the protagonist, I felt like I was leaving behind civilization and living out of my rucksack.  Though I realize I was partaking it some yoga, and eating some delicious food, not just beans from a can, I was in fact living out of my backpack, traveling light and for the first time ever traveling alone.  While I certainly missed the companionship of my dear partner Jon, there is something about traveling alone that in some ways allowed me to connect with new people and new experiences in a way that I don't normally.  Perhaps the insecurity of being alone allowed me to surge out of what is normally safe and protected to find new connections.

It was a beautiful experience and I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunities I have had on this trip.  I will be posting more as I reflect on and decompress from the trip.  I will be writing a final paper for my class, most likely about gender roles, and will hopefully be sharing those thoughts and ideas with you.

Until then, have a buddha-ful day!  Om shanti, shanti, shanti!