Past Trips

Presence Retreat
Presence Retreat
Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica
06 Aug, 2023

Reviews

I believe the word I borrowed from another was remarkable. The Presence Retreat held true to its name and offered exactly that - a thoughtfully crafted safe space to be present, in a way that can’t be achieved at home. Presence with self through mindfulness, meditation and movement, and presence with others through exercises, dialogue and community. Vida Asana was the perfect escape - simple but spacious and comfortable rooms, fantastic food, welcoming staff, a bike ride from the black sand beach. Mike and Kaita share their wisdom with humility and grace, offering both challenge and comfort in their respective areas of expertise. I felt relaxed and at ease the entire time, grateful for the opportunity to not only go deeper within but to connect meaningfully with others. I’ve waited a long time to go on retreat and my choice to partake in this one was well worth the wait. I’d go back in a heartbeat.
By Tamara E for Presence Retreat on Aug 30, 2023
AN
This experience is hard to describe because, a week after being home, I'm still noticing how I'm being impacted and I wouldn't be surprised if I continue noticing new things in the months to come. The stay: Kaita and Mike have done an incredible job working with Vida Asana to provide a seamless and stress-free stay. From the beautiful and comfortable accommodations, delicious food, and beautiful campus, nothing was overlooked. The pool was a magical place to cool off and chat with others as well! The experience: I don't feel like words can comprehensively explain what the experience was like. I started the week feeling depleted and like I was just surviving until the next thing, to quickly reconnecting with myself and my partner, and leaving feeling inspired to re-design my life to better fit who I am now. The awareness that we practiced together has bled into my life back home and I have already benefitted immensely from decisions I have made using the tools learned during this retreat. The hosts: The best facilitators of an experience like this - you can see the beautiful blend of their individual strengths and how they complement each other to cultivate an environment of re-connecting with your mind and your body. The learning is inspiring and the movement is empowering. The community: We started as complete strangers and quickly became trusted friends through intentional exercises that meant to softly push us outside of our comfort zones. Many people mentioned the concept of feeling like they were "home" and we absolutely agree. The country: Exceptional. Monkeys visited us almost daily, flowers and greenery everywhere, ocean water the perfect temperature..and delicious fresh food :) The takeaway: The best way I can describe this experience was that it was the perfect mixture of mindfulness, movement, learning, community, and Costa Rica. You will be softly and safely pushed outside of your comfort zone in a way that leaves you feeling healed and re-charged. I cannot recommend this experience enough and have already started gathering people to join us next year as we will absolutely be returning.
By Alana N for Presence Retreat on Aug 19, 2023
Authentic, safe, intentional, warm, loving, encouraging, genuine and rare are words that come to mind when I think of my experience at the Summer Institute in Applied Psychology. And honestly, I feel like I could return every summer and keep building on the wisdom. Our world (even more so in this noise filled digital web) is flooded with self-help influencers, healers, quick-fixers, gurus, coaches and trainers confident in what they're selling you. Often times these people selling a solution haven't put in the time. And while I think some things come effortlessly, I'm also a firm believer in time. I re-read this quote by Bruce Lee recently, "I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times." We've been spoiled with access to everything. For many individuals self-help has become a form of yo-yo dieting. Going from one thing to the next. Sometimes experiencing a bit of relief, but then falling back into the same discomforts. Why? Because they were sold a system or idea that fundamentally is fluff packed in a well marketed idea. Summer Institute in Applied Psychology is the antithesis to the noise and fluff. They're the real deal. Three instructors lead the workshop. Every one of them has put in the time and has a PHD level proficiency in what they're teaching. The best part is they deliver these time tested tools and insights in a way that's approachable, digestible and simplified. Every student at the workshop, including myself, walked away with wisdom that has GENUINELY impacted day to day life. The instructors and staff at Vida Asana are genuine and kind individuals. The experience was a safe space for our entire group — enveloped in Costa Rican rainforest to boot. I could keep going, but go for yourself. This is a life changing experience. You're worth the investment!!!
By Arna B for Summer Institute in Applied Psychology on Nov 30, 2022