I always tell people Nosara attracts two types of visitors: surfers and people on a spiritual or holistic, well-being path. We rarely get the “typical” tourist here (think Jaco, Manuel Antonio, Puerto Viejo crowds) and when we do, they stick out like the balls on a Howler Monkey.
This is because, every year, people flock to Nosara Yoga Institute, Pacha Mama, the Harmony Healing Center, and L’Aqua Viva—all world-recognized spas and educational centers. However, there are several smaller, more intimate and economical holistic retreat centers throughout the area, and I will be highlighting their work throughout the year. I am going to start with Nosara Bed and Breakfast Retreat Center, in Playa Pelada.
Nosara Bed and Breakfast is well, a bed and breakfast—but it also acts as a holistic, healing educational center. This December, Deborah Thom, owner of Nosara B & B Retreat Center, will be introducing a new weekly schedule of classes that exercise and heal the mind, body and spirit.
Starting December 1, 2009, you are invited to attend the following classes. All classes are 1.5 hours long @ $10 each, but ask Deborah about local discounts and monthly rates:
Mondays: Qigong with Milagros, 9 AM
Tuesdays: Yoga Flow with Katherine Silva, 9 AM
Wednesdays: Yoga Flow with Nancy Sun, 9 AM
Thursdays: Yoga Flow with Katherine Silva, 9 AM
Fridays: Qigong with Milagros, 9 AM
Saturdays: Empowerment Breath-work with Milagros, 3 PM
Sundays: Yoga Flow with Deborah Thom, 9 AM
More about the classes:
Qigong: This is an ancient internal Chinese meditative practice, used in Chinese hospitals today, which uses slow graceful movements (similar to T’ai Chi) and controlled breathing techniques to promote the circulation of qi (energy) within the body to enhance overall health and well-being.
The scientifically-proven benefits of Qigong:
- Improves circulation; opens arteries
- Stimulates appetite; sexual function; digestion/elimination; metabolism
- Strengthens immune system
- Increases energy and vitality
- Relieves depression
- Enhances mental acuity: focus and memory
- Full mind-body-spirit relaxation
Milagros is a bi-lingual certified Qigong instructor, as well as a Food-Based Healing Teacher and Breath Worker with practices in LA, Miami and now Nosara. She will also be leading 9 Breaths Empowerment Breath classes each Saturday at 3 pm. This is an excellent way to energize and relax yourself before heading for a night out, better than a Red Bull!
Yoga Flow: Deborah, Nancy and Katherine are all graduates of Nosara Yoga Institute. Yoga Flow is a fluid series of “flowing” yoga postures, in combination with conscious breath work. Each instructor adds a slightly different style and pace to Yoga Flow. Deborah’s Sunday Yoga Flow classes are especially slow, deliberate and gentle—excellent for beginners and our elders. Both Nancy and Katherine set their pace to the needs of the participants.
You can also arrange to have a Shiatsu Massage session with Maila. In case you are not familiar with shiatsu, this is not your typical massage– but based on chi energy (from traditional Chinese Medicine), with roots in acupuncture—thus, it is more of a spiritual, emotional and physical therapy than just a relaxing massage. There is actually diagnosis, followed by therapy. In Japan, shiatsu is a popular form of holistic complementary treatment for several illnesses both mental and physical.
Coming in January: Nosara B & B Retreat Center will also be hosting a writers’ workshop, NIA Dance and sustainable gardening workshops for the community.
For directions and more information visit: www.nosararetreat.com
Or call Deborah at 2682-0209 or email: info@NosaraRetreat.com
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Nosara's Coconut Telegraph 