We spend a lot of time in our heads, thinking or planning or even worrying about what we haven’t done, need to do, should be doing etc!  Thinking is an essential and valuable skill that we humans use to great effect.  However, it can often be at the expense of our body, feelings, spirit or even soul – the thinking part takes over.

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This retreat takes you on a journey to rediscover and to enjoy your natural senses – sight, sound, smell, taste and touch – and to explore integrating the wisdom that these have to offer into your daily routine.  It can be surprising how much other information we can get coming through when we quiet the busy brain and tune back in to ourselves.

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This week will be fun, creative, healing and re-energising!

Come on a Journey with Us!

Tula Vida horses live in a state of relaxed alertness, fully connected to their herd, free to play, rest and be fully themselves.  They are very tuned in to their surroundings and each other, and they use these natural senses to create an enjoyable and peaceful life for themselves.  Imagine if we lived like this.

Horses, as prey animals, are very present and respond to their environment in each moment (without getting stuck in the past or the future like we can, as this would be dangerous for them out in the wild – a lion could creep up behind them while they were busy wondering if it would rain tomorrow or not!).  They use senses developed over their 56 million years of evolution to take in all the available information, take appropriate action, and then let it go (e.g. fear tells them there is danger, they will run until they feel safe, then they will release the stress so they can let it go).  

Their tools are ones we can learn from and practice: staying present, noticing what our senses are telling us, not judging things as good or bad, using feelings as information, connecting with others through non-verbal communication, not over-thinking or worrying about what may happen – but rather being with whatever is actually happening and responding accordingly, using our senses as a guide. 

The senses come alive in the vibrant greens of the Costa Rica rainforest, the flowing river, the toucans and monkeys in the trees, the warm sunshine and gentle breeze – so every day is a journey in delight and discovery for the senses, and tuning in becomes a joy and a practice.

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We will support you in learning to find peace in the present moment (like a horse) using principles grounded in neuroscience and Heartmath Institute techniques, Mindful Movement, breathing and sensing exercises, energy-based interaction with the horses and other wellness and balance practices.

So not only will you learn tools on the art of being present with your senses and what they can offer you, you will experience how it feels to be connected in that state with your horse.

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• Join us and become part of the herd, feeling safe and accepted, allowing yourself to explore and enjoy your surroundings with all your 5 senses, as well as your mind!

• Play in the lake, splash in the river and wander through the long grass taking in all the sights, sounds, smells and sensations of being truly immersed in the natural world.

• Explore creating relationship and connection – with no words - with a sensitive being who is able to process and accept his emotions, release stress as it arises and get back into balance – a journey in discovery in and of itself.

• Discover how much information your body and your emotions can hold for you, if only we stop to listen.

• Let your unconscious speak to you in an Equine Facilitated Sand Play experience.

• Learn tangible take-home tools to tap into your senses, release stress and take this feeling back into your own life.

• Cherish and nourish your body with healthy food, gentle movement designed to get your energy flowing, beautiful natural surroundings, restorative wood-fire sauna and healing massage. 

• Feel your energy and sense of self expand as you allow yourself to go on a sensory journey and start listening to more of your own self.

covid-19 doubts - flexibility 

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As travel opens up (albeit slowly), we are happy to be offering our retreat schedule for 2022. As the world continues to find its new normal, we need ways to find balance and restoration more than ever.  It is easy to escape from all the stresses of Covid and society in Costa Rica, where nature carries on blooming and the vibe remains peaceful and positive.   

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We appreciate that travel will continue to involve an element of uncertainty in 2022 and we do our level best to make the process as smooth and stress free as possible for you, while staying flexible on changes.  

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We invite you to sign up and give yourself something to look forward to, even if it is not 100% certain to go ahead.  Any deposit or booking you make with us that you cannot attend due to a Covid-related situation will be transferable to another group or private retreat or, if no other dates work, refundable minus a small booking fee.  

We are looking forward to welcoming you onto a retreat soon.

Stay in the stunning local area

This part of Costa Rica is surrounded by lush pastures and rainforest overlooking the Arenal Volcano and Lake, Costa Rica, about an hour from Liberia airport (LIR).

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You will have clean and comfortable accommodation run by friendly hosts in the small village of Sabalito, around the corner from Tula Vida and the horses.

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This natural and tranquil experience has plenty of Pura Vida (the locally used expression for pretty much everything good, which translates as Pure Life!) 

As well as sharing horse and Sand Play experiences and exploring the natural world with your horse, you will have the opportunity to see some of the local area and eat out at some local restaurants.  Tula Vida is located next to the stunning Lake Arenal in the shadow of the Arenal volcano.

You will have the opportunity to either go paddleboarding with Eric on Lake Arenal itself, or go horseriding with Sally and our friend and expert naturalist guide, Enrique Molina, to a private waterfall near the Arenal volcano.  Stand in the shadow of a giant 500 year old Ceiba Tree, the inspiration behind the Avatar movie and finish the day at paradise natural hot springs where you can soak your body and relax in the warm, healing waters.

Each day you will experience uniquely designed interaction with the horses on the ground, as well as Equine Facilitated Sand Play, nature, mindfulness and movement activities, and outside excursions.  Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be at Tula Vida or at a local restaurant.  

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There will be a mixture of group and individual exercises, with processing and down-time in restorative nature, together with healing massage and other natural experiences aimed at exploring your senses, tuning in to yourself and letting go of some of the mind chatter.

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The vibrant colours and sounds of the rainforest as the sun rises and sets, and the clean, fresh oxygen and water, all support your body to get back in tune with its natural rhythm and find balance, peace and contentment at a deep level.