Samas at i M A G A Z I N E RETREAT AND RAINFOREST SANCTUARY
ISSUE 1
-
SUMMER/FALL 2015
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS Our Promise
5
Meet the Team
6
Wisdom of the Jungle
10
Carried Away
16
Jungle Beats
20
Caribbean Cooking
26
Retreats and Guest Artists
30
Resident Yogini
58
Wall Art
62
Published, produced and designed by A Big Production Company www.abigproductioncompany.com 3
OUR PROMISE
Our promise is to host your journey. We believe in creating destination environments that are far removed from what is expected. This approach awakens a passion in our guests to see what is next.
We partner with respected guest artists, healing practitioners, retreat leaders and international organizations committed to empowerment and environmental conservation in order to support our promise to you. At Samasati, new experiences in cuisine, local culture, well-being and sustainability are positively yours.
ANTHONY FINNO, OWNER
5
samasat
some of the peo Arianna Oporta, Receptionist
6
Scott McKenzie, General Manager
ti
ople you’ll meet Victor Montoya, Maintenance
7
Stephanie McKenzie, Resident
Barbara Salas, Receptionist
8
Yoga Instructor
Ludy Rivera, Housekeeper
Liseth Carpio, Reservations Manager 9
WISDOM THE
JUNGLE OF THE
BY CASIE ORIO
10
M
In times of stress, is your natural reaction to retreat to nature? The majestic beauty of Mother Nature has no demands on us; yet, like a calming mandala, she draws our attention to her serenity. She silences the constant ‘thought-chatter’ in our minds and allows us to take a break from the craziness of our noisy world. Our whole being relaxes as we expand into the natural landscape and begin to feel at one with all things. An experience such as this is what people are calling nature therapy, also known as “ecotherapy”, “earth-centered therapy”, or “green therapy”. Various methods of nature therapy are trending in wellness centers and spas around the world. One such method, “forest bathing” or “shinrin yoku”, was developed in Japan in the 1980’s and is now a common practice in Japanese culture. In forest bathing, the participant walks and spends time in the woods while mindfully immersing their senses to the natural surroundings. The psychological benefits that people reported were so remarkable that researchers around the world have been conducting studies to discover more on the healing powers of nature. Nature Therapy of the Jungle
ON
The tropical rainforests and jungles provide extensive opportunities for healing as they cover 2% of the earth’s total surface and hold over 50% of the earth’s species. Scientists estimate the number of potentially useful medicinal plants growing in the world's rainforests to be in the thousands. Here, in the jungles of Costa Rica, there are nearly 100 species of trees and the region is considered one of the most biodiverse in the world. There’s something indescribably special about coming into contact with the wilderness here. Being in this incredibly stunning eco-system, you realize you belong to a rich and intricate network within the web of life. Treading softly in this ancient sanctuary reconnects you to the heart of Mother Nature, offering well-being and healing benefits that are palpable, measureable, and residual.
asie yC B 11
A primal sense of awakening rises. The rainforest intuitively expresses without having to make meaning. The jungle's wisdom is the purest form of observation in death and creation. At Samasati we protect the rainforest from negative impact and it reciprocates this care by sharing through our imagination what is meaningful. We conjure up deep levels of listening from within and learn what is next along our path. The wisdom of the jungle is to listen for what’s next.
Anthony Finno, owner of Samasati
12
The wisdom of the Jungle is infinite, as it is the wisdom of oneness. To be connected to the jungle is to be connected to one’s self. The Jungle is the culmination of the unknown, to emerse yourself in. To give up your struggle and connect. To move with the Jungle is life changing.
Micheal Scott Mckenzie, 13 Samasati’s tour guide
Reflections from a Samasati Sunrise The waking jungle is ecstatic meditation. It glimmers with golden light and colorful confetti of falling leaves, wafting butterflies and blooming flowers. Orchestras of birds, bees, animals and trees sing and dance in harmony with the jungle's morning rhythm. Monkeys come out to play, insects circle close and the forest exhales sharing a secret. Her sweet breath is soothing, it opens your heart and clears your mind, it makes the invisible visible, carries fears away and calls forth truth from deep within. When you immerse yourself in the jungle you recalibrate to nature. This realignment clears your awareness and perception, allowing you to sense the spirit / shakti / life force of the natural world. That which you perceive is the presence that connects us all, it becomes more palpable and real the more you attune to it. Dwell in this blissful wordless observation. There, in simple loving communion, with no thoughts, judgements or distractions you will find the wisdom of the jungle meant just for you Riyaana Hartley, marketing manager
14
1.26 purvesham api guruh kalena anavachchhedat In the very beginning ( purvesham ), there were also ( api ) teachers ( guruh ) since Truth is not limited by time ( anavachchhedat ) The greatest knowledge is not passed by words. It's passed by association. Associating with nature, or associating with teacher. This teacher may come in all shapes and forms, and has existed since the beginning of time. This is why all beings, plants, animals, insects should be seen as capable of being both your greatest teacher and your most feverish student. Out of respect to this dialogue of Truth, we do not harm them, but listen. Trip, visiting artist 15
GET CARR SUP Yoga
By Riyaana H
For many yogis and athletes not much changes in terms of practice. For years people repeat and follow the same sequences, movements, teachers and styles with little to no variance. Unfortunately, this kind of training can be limiting. It keeps us in a comfort zone and denies the growth that comes from conquering fears and responding to the unpredictable. As we develop, so can our practice. Enter Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga (SUP Yoga), a fusion of floating and asana practiced on something akin to a surfboard. It challenges deeper levels of concentration, embodiment and awareness in order to be present with a flow of water beneath you. This bourgeoning practice has popped up worldwide in major cities, festivals and media and with a laundry list of benefits, rightfully so. If you’re unfamiliar with SUP Yoga picture yourself enjoying downward facing dog with an ocean view and the sound of water gently lapping at your board.
16
RIED AWAY a in Costa Rica
Hartley
17
Aside from being incredibly fun and relaxing, SUP Yoga improves performance by continuously providing feedback, wobbly or wet, on alignment, balance and weight distribution. Once on board the asanas are never static; they require constant adjustment to stay centered and dry. Simple transitions become fun challenges that demand attention and unlike a yoga studio, you cannot be in your head. The moment you are not present in your body, your body ends up in the water. After that first splash students are transported back to a beginner’s mind and yoga feels new again! One of the most powerful benefits, and the true magic of SUP Yoga, is the deep healing peace that comes with letting go
18
and tuning in to nature. When you are moving on a living body of water you cannot fight its flow. If you resist or freeze up, practice can be exhausting and chances are you will get tossed in. In contrast, if you surrender and move in tandem with what is, your body relaxes, your breath expands, your practice becomes empowered and you can experience blissful grace and support. At the end of class, after cultivating Jedi powers of perception and killer abs from 90 minutes of engaging the core, students experience the sweetest savasana ever. Troubles or tensions literally drift off and all is soothed by sounds of waves cresting onshore. Â
19
JUNGLE
20
E BEATS VIBES ALONG COSTA RICA’S CARIBBEAN BEACH TOWNS
21
A
LIVELY BEACH TOWN, PUERTO VIEJO IS CULTURALLY RICH WITH A LAID BACK VIBE AND HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE. THIS AREA IS A SPECIAL PLACE LOVED BY NATURE-LOVERS, FOODIES, AND TRAVELERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD.
22
23
24
A
S THE SOUTH CARIBBEAN IS ONE OF THE LAST NATURAL AREAS WITHIN COSTA RICA THAT IS NOT OVER RUN WITH HIGH-RISE HOTELS, THIS AREA ATTRACTS YOUNG PEOPLE WORLDWIDE WHO ARE MAKING IT A TRANQUILLO INTERNATIONAL HUB.
25
CARIBBEAN Home Cook
26
N king
Samasati kitchen magic
27
There’s a fun vibe happening in the kitchen at Samasati where laughter, joking and music are part of the process. Our team loves providing an extraordinary culinary experience for our guests where inseason, local ingredients makes every meal feel like a private tasting event.  The kitchen team prefers taking food back to its roots, reforming classical recipes with modern techniques and enhancing flavors without changing it’s purpose.
29
30
RETREAT Guest A
TS AND ArtistS
31
STRENGTHEN, LENGTHEN AND SERvE
MEREDITH ESTABROOkS FORTNER
AUGUST
1-8 2015
Begin each morning with a playful and strengthbuilding yoga practice in the brilliant rainforest canopy overlooking the Caribbean. This vibrant morning asana practice will energize your body to prepare for a full day of rest, pampering, or adventure- your choice! Each day, you have the option to choose how you’d like to spend your time. Relax with a body treatment or massage at the on-site spa or take an excursion, which includes snorkeling outings, jungle trekking, chocolate tours and more. Restorative yoga sessions are offered before dinner while the rest of the evening provides time to relax and do as you please. The capstone event of the week will be a one-day service project at The International Center for Peace, a local learning center for girls.
32
This unique yoga retreat and service trip will create inner abundance through yoga practices, wellness activities, and selfless service (seva) in action. You will leave feeling strong and rejuvenated knowing that you have left a valuable footprint behind on your travels.
For More Information: www.sevayogatrips.com/learn-more.html
BOOK NOW www.sevayogatrips.com/learn-more.html
33
THE CENTERED SELF FIND YOUR CENTER. CENTER YOUR SELF WITH STEPHANIE MCkENzIE
AUGUST 29 SEPTEMBER 4 2015
You spend your life giving to others. Now it is time to receive. Come let the staff of Samasati nurture you while you indulge in a week of yoga, massage, nature hikes, beach swims, and self-care workshops. The daily schedule will include morning yoga and meditation among the gorgeous jungle canopy, followed by a delicious breakfast from Samasati’s open-air Restaurant. In the afternoons, you’ll get to experience spa treatments, nature outings and fun self-care workshops. Evenings will be filled with restorative yoga and meditation before ending the night with a nourishing dinner.
34
Your host, Stephanie McKenzie, will share her favorite self-care practices, which she has relied on for decades to find her center and to be so full of self-love that she has the abundance to give to others.
www.samasati.com/project/aug-29-sept4-the-centered-self/
BOOK NOW www.samasati.com/project/aug-29-sept4-the-centered-self/ 35
HARI OM TEACHER TRAININGS
WITH MARCO MANDRINO, MASSIMO MONTI, LILL CAPORELLO, ADRIANA LEIvA AND JUN LEE
SEPTEMBER
5 - 25 2015
JANUARY
9 - 29 2016
36
Come join the 200 – 300 hour Hari-Om Yoga Teacher Training at Samasati Retreat and Rainforest Sanctuary. Enjoy a true yoga immersion at its finest! During this professional training, participants are stimulated to find their own personal path among the different and numerous approaches and techniques that exist in the world of yoga. Hari Om’s knowledgeable teachers will be available throughout the training to answer questions and to support students in overcoming difficulties they may encounter. We are dedicated to facilitating the development of each student as a competent yoga teacher and we believe in growing a supportive community. Our Yoga Teacher Trainings give participants the opportunity to achieve both the 200 hour and 300
hour Yoga Certificates. The Hari-Om School is a Yoga Alliance (YA) Registered Yoga School (RYS) and the Certificates are recognized by Yoga Alliance.
200 & 300 HOURS For more information: www.hariomyogaschool.com
BOOK NOW
www.hariomyogaschool.com/200-hoursyoga-teacher-training-certificationprogram/september-05th-26th-2015-200h r-ytt-in-costa-rica-at-samasati.html 37
PURA vIDA PLAYSHOP
WITH RIYAANA, kELLY AND ELISA
OCTOBER
2-9 2015
Experience a rejuvenating retreat in Costa Rica and evolve your practice through play and pura vida! This playshop offers opportunity to expand and discover through standup paddleboard yoga on the South Caribbean Sea, acro yoga and yoga in open air jungle studios and sunrise meditations overlooking the rainforest. Classes are encouraged but optional, so do what you feel, play hard, explore town, find a trail, hit the beach or hang out in the hot tub or hammock. This retreat is your time to restore and reconnect. In addition to yoga playshops, your week includes one night accommodation in San Jose, transportation from airport to hotel, from hotel to Samasati and from Samasati back to San Jose, a guided hike of the Samasati BioReserve, a vegetarian cooking class, shuttle service to town
38
and the beach, Samasati accommodation immersed in the healing beauty of nature, three delicious vegetarian buffet meals a day, homemade dessert and unlimited Costa Rican tea and coffee. Adventure or cultural tours like ziplining or visiting a shaman, spa treatments, massages and fish with dinner are optional. Travel with friends or come alone and make connections that last a lifetime. Book now and reserve your space in paradise!
www.samasati.com/project/oct-2-9-puravida-playshop/
BOOK NOW www.samasati.com/project/oct-2-9-puravida-playshop/
39
WOMEN LIkE US – IN COSTA RICA WITH DEB MYERS
OCTOBER
3 - 10 2015
40
Join the Women Like Us Foundation on this life changing trip for women. Bring your sisters, daughters and granddaughters as we inspire each other and discover who we are as women and girls. This is a transformative and empowering journey, which promises to take you away from your responsibilities and allow you to focus on just you. Breath in the tranquility of Samasati – it’s surroundings and yoga will bring you a deep feeling of peace. Your itinerary will be filled with fun activities such as horseback riding on the beach, a visit to the Jaguar animal rescue and other delightful excursions.
The magical surroundings of Samasati paired with the satisfaction of humanitarian work will make a wonderful impact on your life as well as the lives of those you touch along the way. We invite you to experience this ultimate ‘travel with a purpose’ endeavor along with our One Girl at a Time teens and mentors.
www.womenlikeusfoundation.org/event ssymposium/2015/10/3/costa-rica-2015
BOOK NOW www.womenlikeusfoundation.org/eventssy mposium/2015/10/3/costa-rica-2015 41
BECOME A LIFESTYLE TRAvEL PUBLISHER
WITH MARIA CAMILLE OF ENJOY BEAUTY INTERNATIONAL
OCTOBER
15 - 21 2015
Travel – Create – Publish Become a Travel Publisher Are you looking for a way to express your ideas, show your creativity and share your passion while living and traveling anywhere you choose?
Join us for this fun interactive retreat where you learn to produce and brand your own niche lifestyle magazine. It’s your path to living an amazing lifestyle with VIP status. Learn from Maria Camille, a pioneer in traveling the world through publishing and owning her media projects.
42
By using the newest technologies and techniques available, you’ll learn how to launch your own Brand within a few short months. It’s never been easier! Now is the best time to shine with your own Brand and reinvent your life’s work, all while controlling your time and efforts as your own boss.
www.enjoybeautyinternational.com/beco me-a-travel-publisher/
BOOK NOW www.enjoybeautyinternational.com/bec ome-a-travel-publisher/ 43
THE SANITY GURU’S FITNESS ADvENTURE WITH kRISTEN CRISP Join Kristen Crisp for a fitness adventure of a lifetime.
OCTOBER
22 - 28 2015
44
Combining body strengthening exercise with amazing outdoor fitness adventures, Kristen will help you move beyond your normal limits while also encouraging you to “listen to your body, as it is your best teacher.” Kristen is a big fan of reading the energy in a group, so while some events will have a strict schedule, others will be planned more organically based on how the group is feeling. Our adventure will include equipment-free bodyweight training (both on land and beach!), seakayaking, rainforest hiking, biking, swimming, tree climbing, ziplines, walking meditation to help unplug along with daily yoga and relaxation.
There will also be several workshops throughout the week on topics such as “Breath and Movement,” “Shoulder & Hip Opening” and/or “Heart Opening Happiness.” We’ll also enjoy trips into Puerto Viejo to shop and check out the local life. 10% of all profits will go towards the GCOG 2016 Mission trip to Eastern Guatemala with Flames of Fire Ministry.
www.sanitygurus.com/retreatsandworksh ops/fitnessadventurecostarica2015
BOOK NOW www.sanitygurus.com/retreatsandworksh ops/fitnessadventurecostarica2015 45
CREATIvE REvOLUTION WRITING RETREAT WITH LEIGH SHULMAN AND JEANNIE MARkS
NOvEMBER
1-8 2015
46
Writing and the self are intimately connected. Through writing, you can tap into your unconscious to learn more about your desires, your fears and ultimately what you want out of life. Here on the beautiful beaches and in the lush jungles of Costa Rica, you will find the space and freedom you need to open your imagination, develop a better understanding of who you are and what you want as a writer. Imagine waking up in the morning to a symphony of birds and the hypnotic hum of howler monkeys. You rise, go for a walk in the jungle, or maybe you join us for our daily yoga and meditation session.
Our work together includes discussion and sharing with other writers, focus on the mechanics of storytelling, narrative, dialogue and other aspects of the writing process plus one-on-ones with Jeannie and Leigh for you to define and reach your individual goals.
www.creative-revolution.com/writing-retreat/
BOOK NOW www.sanitygurus.com/retreatsandworks hops/fitnessadventurecostarica2015 47
A Special 200 HR. YOGA TEACHER TRAINING WITH STEPHANIE MCkENzIE
NOvEMBER 11 DECEMBER 11 2015
48
For 30 days you will be able to immerse yourself in the yogic lifestyle with the help and support of healers, teachers, care givers and friends. Give yourself this gift that will change your life. The gift of 30 days immersed in nature, deeply engaged with yoga, and fully involved in your own self-care. With like-minded individuals, we will explore ourselves through the structured study of teaching yoga while at the same time, being able to fully immerse in our own self-care. After 30 days, you will have completed the requirements to register with Yoga Alliance as a 200 hour RYT. But more than that, you will have completed a soul journey that will forever change your perspective.
Stephanie McKenzie, Samasati’s resident Yoga teacher will guide you through these 30 days with unconditional love and compassion.  She will offer nurturing and guidance as she shares with you what she has learned as a full-time yogini and teacher.
www.samasati.com/project/november-11december-11-2015-yoga-teacher-training/
BOOK NOW www.samasati.com/project/november-11december-11-2015-yoga-teacher-training/ 49
RAINFOREST YOGA ADvENTURE WITH REBECCA NIAMTU & RACHAEL GOOLSBY
NOvEMBER
14 - 21 2015
Beat the winter blues early this year with a Yoga Adventure and Retreat in Costa Rica! The first night will be enjoyed in San Jose- Costa Rica’s lively capital. The next morning, we will board our own privately chartered plane with Nature Air to the Caribbean Coast and make our way to the beautiful Samasati Retreat and Rainforest Sanctuary. You’ll get a chance to get acquainted with your surroundings and then the rest of the week will be filled fun and relaxation! This retreat offers optional daily sunrise meditation and yoga practice outside as well as afternoon/evening yoga classes. There will be a total of four hours of playful and rejuvenating yoga offered daily with Rachael and Becca, with the exception of Wednesday.
50
Wednesday is ‘Excursion Day’ and you may choose your adventure such as surfing, ziplining, hiking, exploring the town and beach, or hanging out at Samasati. Each day you’ll have free-time to lounge in the hammocks, receive a spa treatment, take a nature hike, socialize or indulge in your own solitude.
www.squareup.com/market/rachaelgoolsby-yoga-and-massage/yoga-retreatto-costa-rica-with-rebecca-niamtu-rachaelgoolsby
BOOK NOW
squareup.com/market/rachael-goolsbyyoga-and-massage/yoga-retreat-tocosta-rica-with-rebecca-niamtu-rachael -goolsby 51
THE GRINBERG METHOD
WITH ANINIA JOSEFINE SCHWANHäUSSER GUEST ARTIST
DECEMBER
6 - 22 2015
The Grinberg Method is a wonderful program, which provides the body more energy, simplicity, confidence and strength. Each session is individually shaped based on the needs and wishes a person wants to fulfill in order to be well. Usually, the focus is on relaxing, regaining energy or recovering from a symptom. At the beginning of the session we look at what your current physical experience is and what you would like to achieve. Then, a special session is structured for you. Further on the use of different kinds of touch, breathing techniques and description is taught to bring your attention to your body and experience it in new ways. You’ll learn to notice where your attention is drawn to automatically and instead how to focus it at will.
52
You’ll learn to let go of extra effort and how you can use attention to influence your level of energy, and generally what effects it has when you perceive your body more fully. www.aninia.dk
53
COSTA RICA CHRISTMAS AND CARIBBEAN NEW YEAR DECEMBER 23 JANUARY 2
54
During our Happy Holidays Retreat we’ll take care of all the Christmas and New Year festivities, dinners, brunches and special activities. Don’t lift a finger unless you want to, in which case, we’ve got family style decorating and dinner prep on two occasions. Otherwise, take this time to rest, relax, go on an adventure or explore in our tropical paradise by the sea.
Our Special Holiday Package Includes: Casita or Guest House accommodation Daily breakfast and dinner buffets Unlimited Costa Rican coffee & tea Daily shuttle service to Puerto Viejo beach town Special holiday activities & experiences Christmas Eve dinner & celebration Christmas Day Brunch New Year’s Eve dinner & celebration New Year’s Day Brunch
BOOK NOW
reservation@samasati.com
For more information: reservations@samasati.com 55
ADvENTURE, SERvICE & YOGA
PEACE THROUGH YOGA FOUNDATION WITH DR. SALLY BASSETT
JANUARY
Come take part in a special program that enriches, educates and empowers girls in the rural area of Carbón and the surrounding communities in Costa Rica. Peace through Yoga Foundation groups come to Samasati Retreat and Rainforest Sanctuary two to three times a year to experience a fun-filled itinerary of adventure, service and yoga.
2016
You’ll spend a day at the International Center for Peace working with local children between the ages of 7 and 14 years old. Assist in English classes, sewing projects, arts/crafts, or share a talent/skill of your own.
23 - 30
The other days are filled with yoga every morning and evening, zip-lining or horseback riding, a visit to an animal rescue center, kayaking, a trip to Cahuita National Park and an optional river rafting excursion on the return trip back to San Jose.
56
Our hope is for each Costa Rican girl to reach their full intellectual and earning potential, so that they are economically self-sufficient and can assume leadership positions in their communities.
www.peacethroughyoga.com
BOOK NOW www.peacethroughyoga.com/foundati on/foundation/costa-rica-retreats/ 57
SAMASATI’S RESID STEPHANIE MCkEN
58
DENT YOGINI NzIE
If you have yet to make your visit to Samasati Retreat & Rainforest Sanctuary, there are several “Must Do’s” we recommend for a memorable and magical holiday. On the list with waterfall trekking, wildlife watching and Caribbean sunrises is Yoga with Stephanie. Taking class with our resident yoga teacher, Stephanie McKenzie, is consistently listed as a vacation highlight and profound experience for guests.
Who is this woman and what exactly is she teaching? To find out, we picked the yogini’s brain as she prepares for her upcoming Yoga Teacher Training program.
The Path to the Present SM: I am a world traveler, southern USA born yogini and dancer. I have hiked the Darien Gap, been chased down a mountain by proboscis monkeys, slept in the home of cannibals, earned my living performing as a gingerbread cookie, bottled raised Siberian tigers and shared an orange with a maquac. I have immersed myself in the study and practice of Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Yin Yang, Therapeutics, Restorative Yoga, Kunga Yoga and other less known yoga traditions focused on alignment. I have shared my yoga around the
59
world, at festivals, in studios, event centers, schools, prisons, hospitals and anywhere else I felt inspired. Ultimately, I practice yoga because I am better when I do. I am better at moving in my body. I am better at navigating my life. I am better at making decisions. Â I am a better wife. A better lover. A better daughter. A better sister. A better friend. A better teacher. A better me.
Teaching for the Future SM: If you feel called to do a yoga teacher training your time is now. You have work to do and experiencing an intensive yoga immersive training will give you the clarity you need to see your path. It will give you an intimate look at the yogic lifestyle. If teaching yoga is your path, you  will gain the credentials needed to work professionally in a variety of venues. If practicing yoga is your path, you will gain a clear understanding of basic Hatha yoga techniques. A yoga immersion allows you to see the truth of your circumstances. It will bring consciousness to your past so you can step confidently into your future. I want to help guide you through this transition from what is, to what will be.
60
61
62
ART of the wall Our friend Trip Levine came to Samasati to put his artful interpretation on our big white wall. We love the outcome. Here are Trip’s thoughts during this month-long endeavour. 63
Samasati is a place in the jungle somewhere between howler monkeys, blue morphyls and mythical sloths.
Everyday while I painted, I was visited by hundreds of different animals, birds and tiny creatures.
64
After a few days, just the sound alone would regulate my thoughts the way the canopy of leaves would break up the sun.
Maybe you're looking for a place to buy some land, or to just get away for a week, this place is like no other place in the world I've visited. I hope one day I can return. by Trip Levine 65
www.samasati.com For reservations email: reservations@samasati.com Or call Toll Free: 800-563-9643 or in Costa Rica: (506) 8833-2302 Skype: samasati.retreat
66