I've always known about yoga, but I didn't really find it until about two years ago. I was in a rut and struggling to find release.
One day I had lunch with a friend that told me some good news and I struggled to find happiness for her. It wasn't her fault, there was a lot going on in my life at that time. I couldn't hide my upset and lucky for me, she listened to me as I try to explain my frustration with how I was feeling.
"Try yoga," she said (among many other supportive things).
It's normal for people to offer advice in conversation and it's equally normal for the receiver to not take it lol. But I did. I was ready to throw myself towards anything that would offer that release and freedom to breathe.
Even the most skilled of yogi's will call it a practice because it's so easy to get frustrated with yoga. But when you finally learn to surrender and listen to what your body needs. Understanding that you are exactly where you are meant to be in your practice and in your life. It's life changing.
Yoga and surfing in Costa Rica is for sure a thing to try. But just like finding the right therapist, finding the right yoga instrcutor is an important thing to do. Kelly (pictured) and her husband John are two of the loveliest people seamingly living the dream in Playa Carrillo, Costa Rica. They run a yoga, surf, and SUP school on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
How they came to be is a super interesting story and they have shared it with me over the years. It is remarkable, admirable, and although it takes place in a picture-postcard setting, there’s actually a ton of blood, sweat, and tears involved and they are very honest about it.
It includes everything from the run-of-the-mill everyday struggles of life and business to the harsh environmental elements of Costa Rica. Palm trees or not, it’s not easy running a business anywhere, it turns out. But they make it work and they make it work really, really well.
Above it all , when my heart and mind need escape and I cannot be in Costa Rica, I join Kelly online for a virtual yoga class. She started offering them throughout the pandemic and it’s brought me that feeling I get when I’m right there with her in practice - peaceful & safe.
I can hear all the sounds of Costa Rica, the birds, the monkeys, the rain, the chickens! And Kelly’s calming voice, walking me through the flow and sending oxygen throughout every cell of my body.
Yoga is a tool small business owners can use for a full spectrum of well being and care. If you can’t physically join Kelly in Costa Rica for practice, I highly recommend you follow her on instagram @chillasanayogasurf and join her for a virtual flow in paradise!
For now, she is offering a free-pass to one virtual class. Let her know I sent you and perhaps I will see you on your mat.
Namaste xo