SELVA ARMONIA INFORMATION

 

Dive into an exploration of the Five Elements as we work each in turn, devoting a full days experience to each. Calling upon the elements of Water, Wood (Air), Fire, Earth, and Metal (Ether), we honour the sacred building blocks of life and creation. Sharing Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, Acroyoga and Thai Massage we gift our bodies the opportunity to heal and create a physical foundation for our individual and collective expansion. Through chanting and journalling we harness the power of voice and mind to express the freedom of our divine nature. Transform your inner and outer being in this 6 night escape to the jungle, supported by a collective of strength, compassion and healing. Immerse yourself in a living rainforest, swim and surf in the waves of the Pacific Ocean, move your body and sing your spirit free on a Bamboo Floating Yoga Deck with a beautiful view of the Whales Tail.

 

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day One: Water (Blue, Black) – ‘Settling the Spirit: Birth and Creation’ Chakra: Pelvis and Womb (Svadhisthana), BIRTH / BEGINNINGS
8:30 – 12:30 Travel to Selva – stop at Grocery
1:00 – 2:00 LUNCH
2:00 – 4:30 Free time / Unpack
4:45 – 6:15 Circle: Getting to know you, Intentions, Expectations, Honouring the Four Directions, Compass
6:30 – 7:45 DINNER
8:00 – 9:15 Yin Yoga with Sue (Introducing Hara/Dantien, Kidney Restorative)

Day Two: Wood and Air (Green) – ‘Rising Up’ Chakra: Heart (Anahata), FEEL
7:30 – 8:00 Silent Meditation (optional)
8:00 – 9:15 Vinyasa Yoga with Emily – Boldly Bending Back
9:30 – 10:30 BREAKFAST in Noble Silence
10:30 – 1:00 Day Trip: Guided Waterfall Hike
1:00 – 2:00 LUNCH
2:00 – 4:00 Free time/naps/chillout
4:45 – 6:15 AcroYoga – Forward Bends, Side Star and Therapeutic Flying
6:30 – 7:45 DINNER
8:00 – 9:15 Circle: Aspirations, Day Master Element, Nourishing / Diminishing, Sweet Dreams Meditation

Day Three: Fire (Red, Pink, Purple) – ‘Heat the Core’ Chakra: Solar Plexus (Manipura), STRENGTH
7:30 – 8:00 Silent Meditation (optional)
8:00 – 9:15 Vinyasa Yoga with Emily – Core Power and Purifying Twists
9:30 – 10:30 BREAKFAST in Noble Silence
11:00 – 1:00 Circle: Passions and Aptitudes, Five Element Relationships
1:00 – 2:00 LUNCH
2:00 -sunset Day Trip: Mario Ballena National Park / Surfing / Snorkeling (Optional)
6:30 – 7:45 DINNER
8:00 – 10:00 Campfire

Day Four: Earth (Brown, Yellow) – ‘Ground and Nurture’ Chakra: Root (Muladhara), ROOT

7:30 – 8:00 Silent Meditation
8:00 – 9:15 Hatha Yoga with Emily – Hip Openers
9:30 – 10:30 BREAKFAST in Noble Silence
10:30 – 2:30 Day Trip: Beach Day: Whales Tail Walk and Swim – LUNCH TO GO
3:00 – 4:45 Free time/naps/chillout
4:45 – 6:15 Thai Massage with Sue – Ground and Nurture
6:30 – 7:45 DINNER
8:00 – 9:15 Circle: Planning for Change, Lunar Calendar and Time Cycles

Day Five: Metal and Ether (Grey, White, Silver and Gold) – ‘Move Inward’ Chakra: Throat (Vishuddhi), LISTEN
7:30 – 8:00 Sleep In – Noble Silence
8:00 – 9:30 Sleep In (Optional beach practice)
9:30 – 10:30 BREAKFAST in Noble Silence
11:00 – 1:00 Circle: Visioning and Dreaming, Potentials and Possibilities
1:00 – 2:00 LUNCH
3:00 – 6:15 AcroYoga: Putting It All Together, Transitions and Communication
6:30 – 7:45 DINNER
8:00 – 10:00 Kirtan with Emily: Toning, Chanting and Star Gazing

Day Six: Completion and Conclusion (All Colours) “Light of Awareness” Chakra: Third Eye and Crown (Ajna and Sahasrara), AWAKEN
7:30 – 8:00 Silent Meditation (optional)
8:00 – 9:30 Blindfolded Hatha with Emily and Yoga Nidra with Sue (Dive Deep into the Spirit)
9:30 – 10:30 BREAKFAST in Noble Silence
11:00 – 1:00 Circle: Closing Circle, Recap and Diads
1:00 – 2:00 LUNCH
2:00 – 6:00 Day Trip: Playa Ventanas Beach Trip
6:30 – 7:45 DINNER
8:00 – Sunset! Celebration Party

Day Seven:
8:30 a.m. Drop off / Airport Transfer

FACILITY AND ACCOMMODATION:

Arrive at Selva Armonia Eco-Centre to find yourself removed from the mundane. With a breathtaking view of the famous Whale’s Tail in the Pacific Ocean, Selva Armonia Retreat Center is a private and sacred space where there is something for everyone. Practice yoga in our open-air “floating” bamboo deck surrounded by peace-invoking edible and botanical gardens.  Relax and be pampered where sea-kissed breezes fold into the sweet serenades of jungle song birds and exotic fruits grow on trees right outside your door.  Hike to magical waterfalls, commune with the dragonflies, watch a lotus flower unfold, be inspired to practice your art or blissfully sit and wile away the hours with a good book. Each home site is consciously spaced to ensure privacy for residents. While we love to share and gather in community, we value the privacy and sanctuary of a home, thus plots are separated by thick corridors of jungle. We are committed to preserving as much of the natural land and plant-life as possible in order to create a sustainable sanctuary surrounding each home site. Intending that the monkeys, toucans and all of our jungle creature friends stick around, we continue to create an environment that will attract and sustain healthy flora and fauna for many generations to come. Selva Armonia has been actively developed, maintained and utilized for the last 5 years, which in Costa Rica is an important advantage and significant in that the land is well established and secure.  For more information, please visit http://costaricaretreatyoga.com/.

 

 

GETTING THERE AND AWAY

FLIGHT LOGISTICS:

FLIGHTS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RETREAT PRICE. Please make your own arrangements to book your flight into San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO).   You can arrive in San Jose, Thursday Mar 3rd at 6:28 a.m. and we will sweep you up from the airport at 8:30 a.m. to go straight to the retreat centre.   This makes for a very long day, so if you are not a happy traveler, best to book yourself in early and spend a night in San Jose.  Most hotels can transport you from the airport to the hotel for $25 per vehicle.  We’ll be spending the night in San Jose on Wed, Mar 2nd at Hotel Luisiana, and you are welcome to book your own room via the website.   The rooms are reasonable and about $30 (shared)  to $70 (private), there is a pool and the beds are fabulous! Please arrange an airport pick up with Hotel Luisiana.

If you’d rather organize other accommodation that is fine too, but please make sure you can meet us at our hotel or the airport on Thurs, Mar 3rd at 8:30am to be transported to the eco-retreat centre, which is 3-4 hrs away by car.  If you are flying in early morning on Wed, Feb 18th, we can swing by to get you at the airport, no problem.

On Wed, Mar 9th, we’ll be leaving the retreat centre after breakfast.  We’ll organize transport back into San Jose or drop you off at Hotel Luisiana. Flights leave from San Jose to Vancouver early in the morning, so we recommend that you stay overnight on Wednesday in San Jose, to catch your early flight home on Thurs the 10th.  These arrangements are to be made on your own.

ONCE YOU’VE LANDED:

Upon landing in San Jose, if you have $USD we recommend you DO NOT exchange your money in the airport as the exchange rate is high.  Most places in Costa Rica, including taxi drivers and bus stations, accept $USD.  You will most likely receive change in Costa Rican Colones (the local currency).  Uvita is only a three-hour drive on a newly completed coastal highway from the San Jose International Airport, and easy to get to if you need to make your own travel arrangements to and from.

GETTING HOME:

On Wed, March 9th we’ll arrange a shuttle back to San Jose, for those of you flying back home.  If our shuttle departure doesn’t line up with your travel plans, you can always take public transit at your leisure. The public bus from Uvita to the bus station in San Jose is $5-$10.  It takes 4.5 hours. From the bus station you can catch a cab to San Jose International Airport.  If you opt to rent a car, one with a 4-wheel drive option is a recommended in order to get to Selva.  Although the road is well maintained and smooth, small SUV’s or cars with big tires and good clearance are not good choices.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS FROM THE AIRPORT TO SELVA ARMONIA:

Note:  You need a 4-wheel drive taxi or car for the 5 km drive from Uvita to the retreat centre (about 5 km).

From San Jose, take the Coastanera/Highway 34 South to Uvita.  It is approximately a 3 to 4 hour drive.  If you plan to drive, we recommend you take your time and drive during the day if you can.

As you drive into Uvita, there are two BM Markets/”BM Supermercado“  (grocery stores) in town, both on the left/East side of Highway 34.  Take note of the second (the Southern most) BM Market. You will see the “BM Supermercado” and  “Marina Ballena Restaurant” on your left, and a “Banco Nacional” on your right. If you’d like, you can go to the Marino Ballena Restaurant and ask them to contact us at 8637-4918 or 8596-2798 (tell them you are going to Selva Armonia and they will probably hand you a phone to use. Dial only the 8 numbers). They will also help you arrange for a taxi up the mountain if you are not driving yourself.

Continue driving South past those landmarks 400 meters, take the first left onto a dirt road. You will see the Selva Armonia sign and several others:  “The Dome,” La Escuela Lider ” and “La Cacatua Lodge.”  From here it is a 5 kilometer (3.5 miles) drive to the gates of Selva Armonia.

Continue right at the only fork in the road with a sign on the right for Selva Armonia.  Drive down the road on the right approximately 500 meters to the gates of Selva Armonia on the right. Drive through the gates and continue down onto the property. Turn right when able. Honk your horn. Welcome home!

ENVISION FESTIVAL, Feb 25th – 28th, 2016:

Envision festival is an inclusive event held each year in Costa Rica on the pacific coast near Uvita.  It is an event that draws artists and musical talent from around the world for three days of dancing, creating, and enjoying the fine offerings of the magical energy of the Costa Rican coast.   The ‘Tica’s’ or Costa Rican’s have a great attitude toward life called ‘Pura Vida’, which means ‘Pure Life’ in Spanish.  This theme creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for cultural blending, and is rich with people from around the world who are passionate about sustainability for the environment, culture and global village.

Now in its fifth year, the magic and wonder of previous incarnations of Envision Festival have driven anticipation for the annual excursion to the beaches and jungles of Costa Rica each February.  Here in this little slice of paradise we find much more than a music festival, with no shortage of alternative action to enrich the senses and open the mind.  World-class performance artists create whimsical circuses for your viewing pleasure, along with interactive art installations and live painters. Yoga teachers from around the world teach life altering classes for anyone from those looking to expand an existing master practice or step onto the mat for the first time.

At the festivals core, the Envision organizers are leaders of a sustainable permaculture movement that is blossoming throughout Costa Rica.  With initiatives such as banning single use tableware in lieu of bamboo and banana leaf alternatives, a festival wide composting system, green building and multiple spaces dedicated entirely to environmental education, it is clear that the intention runs deep.  Costa Rica, a world leader in eco-local awareness, serves as the perfect backdrop for such initiatives and the festival itself is designed to provide an example of a style of communal living that is more attainable than ever in an impressively hospitable living and lush growing environment.

For more information and to purchase tickets for the festival, please visit Envision Festival’s website:  www.EnvisionFestival.com

PACKING LIST:

Earplugs
Flashlight or Headlamp
Bug Spray
Shower shoes/slip off shoes
Hiking/walking shoes
ONLY biodegradable soaps, shampoos, etc.
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Light jacket or wrap for the unusual chilly night
Books, music, crafts, art projects or items for our altar
Journal/Diary
Beach gear (bathing suit, beach towel, shower towel)
Stock up on over-the-counter things you may need and bring em as they may be harder to find here: Tylenol, Advil, motion sickness pills (such as Dramamine), TUMS, and Imodium are all good items to have on hand in a pinch. Also, if you normally take vitamins or other supplements, get enough for your trip.
Non-disposable water bottle (Metal or glass recommended. Please no disposable plastic bottles or bags)
Cash (U.S. dollars are accepted all over Costa Rica)
A photocopy of your health insurance and passport (to be safe)
PLEASE LEAVE VALUABLES AT HOME

THE DO’S & DO NOT’S OF COSTA RICA:

DO’S

Do Use Your Spanish
Costa Ricans respect the effort, and they will be friendlier with you if you at least try to speak their language.

Do Take Public Transportation Rather Than Rent a Car. 
Bus transportation is inexpensive, pretty reliable, and the drivers know where they are going. Road signs are notoriously poor in the countryside and it’s easy to get lost, especially if you don’t speak good Spanish; so unless you’re up for a real adventure don’t rent.

Do Bring Your Own Sunscreen.
It can be super expensive in Costa Rica.  Along the same lines, you can never bring enough insect repellent.

Do Drink Their Coffee
Enjoy a cup of fresh coffee in the morning or afternoon. Costa Rican coffee is some of the best in the world.

Do Greet The Locals
Smile and say hello or “hola” to everyone, even in passing on the street. Costa Ricans are very friendly and will more than likely say hello first.

Do Take Lots of Pictures & Enjoy
And most of all enjoy everything Costa Rica has to offer. It is a one of a kind experience!!!

DONT’S

Don’t pick plants or hunt for seashells
… and don’t damage trees or flowers, no matter how beautiful and irresistible they are! In Costa Rica, vegetation is strictly protected by the government and it could be the equivalent of a felony if you are caught disturbing the flora and fauna.

Don’t  Take Unlicensed Taxi Cabs
Don’t take unlicensed or unmarked taxi cabs. In San Jose, always make sure the meter is turned on. Outside of San Jose, many taxis don’t have meters; always settle upon a price before climbing inside.

Don’t Always Tip
You are not expected to tip the wait staff extra at restaurants.  A service charge of 10% is already included in your bill on top of the tax.  Taxi drivers also do not need to be tipped.  You should, however, tip hotel busboys and maids (about $1.00 per bag or $1.00 per day is more than enough).  It’s a great idea to bring lots of US $1 bills—they are easy to pull out for tips and the US Dollar is welcomed in Costa Rica’s tourism industry.

Don’t Rely On Travellers Cheques
Most hotels and tour operators do not accept them (with the exception of some of the all-inclusive resorts). If you do not feel comfortable carrying cash with you throughout your vacation and do not plan on paying for items with a credit card, bring travellers cheques with the intention of going to the bank every few days to cash them in (although you will need to pay the bank a commission to do so).

Don’t Assume All Tap Water is Safe To Drink
Sometimes it isn’t, so ask around about the water quality, or just buy bottled water to be on the safe side.

Don’t Let Your Guard Down
The biggest danger that most travellers face is theft and muggings, primarily from pickpockets. There is a lot of petty crime in Costa Rica, so keep your wits about you at all times.

MONEY

ATMs
It’s increasingly easy to find cajeros automáticos (ATMs) in Costa Rica, even in the smallest towns. The Visa Plus network is the standard, but machines on the Cirrus network, which accepts most foreign ATM cards, can be found in larger cities and tourist towns. In these areas, ATMs also dispense US dollars, which is convenient for payments at top-end hotels and tour agencies. Note that some machines will only accept cards held by their own customers.  NOTE:  Costa Rica is know for credit card fraud. It is safer to take money out from a bank. Please keep an eye on your credit card  & bank statements during and after the retreat! 

Cash & Currency
The Costa Rican currency is the colón (plural colones, ₡), named after Cristóbal Colón (Christopher Columbus). Bills come in 500, 1000, 5000 and 10,000 notes, while coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 25, 50 and 100. Note that older coins are larger and silver, while newer ones are smaller and gold-colored – this is often a source of confusion for travelers fresh off the plane.

Throughout Costa Rica, you can pay for tours, park fees, hotel rooms, midrange to expensive meals and large-ticket items with US dollars. However, local meals, bus fares and small items should generally be paid with colones.

Paying for things in US dollars should be free of hassle, and at times is encouraged since the currency is viewed as being more stable than colones. Newer US dollars (eg big heads) are preferred throughout Costa Rica.

Credit Cards
You can expect a transaction fee on all international credit-card purchases. Holders of credit and debit cards can buy colones and sometimes US dollars in some banks, though you can expect to pay a high transaction fee. Cards are widely accepted at some midrange and most top-end hotels, as well as top-end restaurants and some travel agencies. All car rental agencies accept credit cards.

Exchanging Money
All banks will exchange US dollars, and some will exchange euros and British pounds; other currencies are more difficult. Most banks have excruciatingly long lines, especially at the state-run institutions (Banco Nacional, Banco de Costa Rica, Banco Popular), though they don’t charge commissions on cash exchanges. Private banks (Banex, Banco Interfin, Scotiabank) tend to be faster. Make sure the dollar bills you want to exchange are in good condition or they may be refused.

Taxes
Travelers will notice a 13.39% sales tax at midrange and top-end hotels and restaurants, while hotels also charge an additional 3% tourist surcharge. Everybody must pay a US$26 airport tax upon leaving the country. It is payable in US dollars or in colones, and credit cards are accepted. Note that some travellers have reported that this fee was charged on their cards as a cash advance, which resulted in a hefty fee.

Tipping
It is customary to tip the bellhop/porter (US$1 to US$3 per service) and the housekeeper (US$1 to US$2 per day) in top-end hotels, less in budget places. On guided tours, tip the guide US$1 to US$10 per person per day. Tip the tour driver about half of what you tip the guide. Naturally, tips depend upon quality of service. Taxi drivers are not normally tipped, unless some special service is provided. Top-end restaurants may add a 10% service charge onto the bill. If not, you might leave a small tip to show your appreciation, but it is not required.

FIVE ELEMENTS ASTROLOGY:

The Chinese Lunar New Year is traditionally celebrated on the second new moon following the winter solstice.  It is a time when the hard ice of winter begins to melt away and the freshness of the new year has arrived.  This is a time of celebration and some believe that taking the first 14 days off of the Lunar New Year is an auspicious way to welcome in the new year’s energy and will make sure you don’t work too hard throughout the year!

Join us for a journey through the five elements as we explore each in turn, devoting a full days experience to Water, Wood (Air), Fire, Earth, and Metal (Ether).  Discover your personal master element and gain an understanding of your cosmic blueprint through the art of Bazi: Classical Chinese Astrology.  In these introductory classes we will learn how to interpret the Lunar calendar, as well as discuss Taoist principles of the five phases of energy.  We will explore the self element and the five types of relationships:  Controlling, Competing, Creating, Nourishing, Ruling.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR:

Susan Horning has studied with Master Lily Chung, PHD, Marlyna Los, Jerry King and Richard Ashworth for her thorough education in this unique subject area.  She offers spiritual guidance and cosmic flow consultations through Four Pillars Chinese Astrology (BaZii), Tarot, and the 64 hexagrams of the I-­Ching. Through careful analysis of time and destiny, she illuminates with clarity our life’s major questions and turning points.    Environment and elemental flow support her practice of Feng Shui, the art of placement and space design. Her love for the esoteric and magical qualities of our existence inspire her to see the world from a unique perspective, interpreting the unique manifestations of time as it affects all of us.
www.QuanYin.ca