Our True Nature ~ Yoga & Meditation Retreat

Guanacaste Province, Nosara, Costa Rica

MB
14 reviews
Jan 18 - 25, 2020
Group size: 16 - 16
Our True Nature ~ Yoga & Meditation Retreat
Guanacaste Province, Nosara, Costa Rica

14 reviews

Jan 18 - 25, 2020
Group size: 16 - 16

About this trip

Returning To Our True Nature ~ with Brian Dean Williams & Melissa Berry Appleton


A Meditation & Yoga Retreat 

Ahki Retreat Center, Nosara, Costa Rica

with Melissa Berry Appleton and Brian Dean Williams


Living in the modern world, in the busyness of our lives, it's easy to forget our intimate connection with nature. We also forget, from a Buddhist perspective how, being aware and at ease is also our true nature.  We invite you to return to both.


In this retreat, we will be explore both Yoga and Buddhist meditative techniques to uncover our relationship with our inner and outer landscapes in a beautiful setting, with access to jungle and beach.   Our days together as a community will consist of periods of yoga and movement practices, silent seated meditation, mindful walks in the jungle, therapeutic dialogue, writing practice, and long afternoons of free time.


This retreat will be drug and alcohol-free, and is intended to be inclusive of diverse genders, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and belief systems. 




Accommodations


AHKí RETREAT is a tranquil and enchanting facility nestled in 5.5 mountain acres, located near the Pacific coast, in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica and has been named one of five ‘Blue Zones’—where people are said to be healthiest and happiest. Imbued with lush green mountainsides, blue ocean waters and plentiful sunshine. As remote as AHKí feels, it is only minutes away from beaches, kayaking, horseback riding, surfing, zip-lining, nature hikes, shopping, restaurants and more.  


AHKí is a truly sacred space - built specifically according to the ancient science of Vastu Shastra, “the yoga of space”, invoking peace, wellness and harmony - with the environment as well as within one’s self. All the structures are built oriented in conjunction with the 9 directions, 5 elements, the earth’s vibrational grid, and the planetary energies.  Nestled amongst the trees along a mountain ridge, are two beautiful and spacious cabinas with a total of 6 large guest rooms. The heads of all the beds are positioned to the south or east, a Vastu principle that helps to induce a restful night’s sleep. All rooms are decorated with handcrafted Costa Rican hardwood furniture made by local artisans. Rooms have large ceiling fans, large windows and doors, and plenty of overhead ventilation for optimal airflow. Each room has a private bath with a large unique, indoor/outdoor hot water shower, and patio decks that command stellar views of the mountains and valleys. Triple, double, and single occupancy are available.



Sample Schedule


7AM Morning Hike. 

8AM Breakfast

9AM-12 Yoga & Meditation 

12:`15 Lunch 

5 PM Optional Meditation

1-6PM Free time for excursions, beach, hiking, solitude, etc. 

6PM Dinner 

7:30-8:30PM Dharma Talk & Discussion



Things to Bring

  • Sunscreen, 
sun hat, 
swim suit

  • Toiletries

  • Simple slip-on shoes

  • Mosquito repellent

  • Some cash in American dollars for massages / excursions
  • Water bottle
  • light breathable clothing


Refunds


All payments are final; there are no refunds available. You may find another participant to take your place in the retreat or if there is a wait list and your spot can be filled, then reimbursement may be possible.

What Previous Guests Have To Say ~

"This was an amazing experience. I cannot speak highly enough about this retreat that Melissa and Bill created. The setting is breathtaking (Ahki Retreat Centre), the effort and care taken with each and every delicious and nourishing meal was inspiring and the teachings offered resulted in a week in paradise that I will never forget. Melissa and Bill exceeded my expectations on every level. The days were laid out in a way that afforded participants a balanced experience of rest, challenge, quiet and connection with others. The meditation and yoga practices introduced me to many new concepts and deepened my practice. I have come away from this experience rejuvenated, re-aligned and excited to take this experience into 2018 and beyond. Thank you so much for the preparation and energy you both put into this retreat. I have been blessed by it." Gratefully, 

Terry-Lynn Hammering, BC


'As a yoga teacher who has been teaching for 20+ years, I attended the Pause Yoga & Meditation Retreat with a beginner's mind. It felt relaxing to be a student and not only did I learn new movements but I was able to take my practice to a deeper level with the meditations and thought provoking topics. Melissa and Bill are fabulous leaders and we're a nice balance of masculine & feminine energies. They really excelled in teaching to a group of students with varying abilities and experience! A bow of gratitude for a memorable experience. ? Namaste, 

R.C.Luna(SantaFe, N.M.)


'I could not have stumbled upon a more perfect retreat experience.  AHKI centre is a stunning retreat nestled in the middle of the forest with delicious healthy food and beautiful rooms.  The balanced combination of meditation, Dharma talks and Yoga led by our incredibly knowledgeable teachers was perfect, and left me feeling completely fulfilled and energized to move forward in my life.  It was the exact reset button that I needed.'

Robin Duncan, San Diego, California.

Retreat Teachers

Melissa & Brian met through their good friend Michael Stone.  The first time they met, they all shared a great meal together in Vancouver at Nuba Cafe.  At the next meeting they stepped onto the hiking trails of the Okanagan BC and began a path of Dharma friendship.  Brian and Melissa have led Dharma Inspired Wilderness Expeditions for Teens, Mindfulness Meditation for Clinicians, Educators and Front-Line Workers, and Reconnection - Recovery Retreats.  They take family vacations together, are children of the 70's, and deeply love the wilderness, dharma and community life.


Melissa Berry Appleton


The Practice of Yoga and Meditation provide an opportunity to slow down, notice that time is precious, expression of love matters, and experience how all of life is truly interwoven.  Through movement and stillness, we work beyond language to shift our own habits and support the outer world in endless ways.  Melissa's classes invite people to explore inner landscapes of the body, outer landscapes of the world, compassion, creativity, wise alignment, and breath.  Both yoga and meditation practices are strong, gentle, and accessible in the same way we might want our lives to be ~ 


Currently, Melissa is in Buddhist Chaplaincy Training at Upaya Zen Centre, New Mexico under the study of Roshi Joan Halifax.  Her current work explores a woman's aspect in family life, 21st-century feminist perspective, cultural anxiety, addiction, consumption of information technology, time, and the greater impact on the future of our world.  How does self-care and spiritual formation serve as a collective 'we care' ultimately unfolding our greatest aspirations for parenting, partnership, human flourishing, community engagement, meaningful work, and influence on generations moving forward ~


Melissa teaches yoga at Moksha Yoga, leads workshops, retreats, and is Executive Director of ENSO society (registered charity) in collaboration with amazing Buddhist Practitioners, Clinical Counsellors, Movement Specialist, and Wilderness Guides.  Her current passionate work projects include ~

  • Annual Yoga & Meditation Retreat in Costa Rica
  • ENSO Silent Retreat - Stillness and Movement
  • Chaplain Residency, Somatic Movement, Karis Addiction Recovery Centre for Women
  • Dharma-Inspired Wilderness Expeditions for teens 
  • Compassion-based training for Front-line workers. 
  • Weekly Meditation & Yoga - Zen Inspired.
  • Addiction Recovery Retreats ~ Shift Education & ENSO
  • Teaching Yoga at Moksha Yoga Kelowna

melissaberryappleton.com

ENSOsociety.com 



Brian Dean Williams 


With a background in social activism, cultural anthropology, and community organizing, I bring with me a commitment to social justice, and collaborative, non-judgmental, ethical, and compassionate treatment.


I have worked in numerous programs – including a peer-based centre for youth experiencing homelessness, a therapeutic day treatment program for criminally involved youth, and a low-barrier treatment centre for adults.

After graduating with presidential honours from City University of Seattle’s masters in counselling psychology program,  I trained in Los Angeles as a meditation facilitator, and co-created a weekly meditation group for service providers in Vancouver’s downtown eastside.  I worked as a counsellor on an Assertive Community Treatment team, assisting individuals to exit homelessness and recover from mental health and substance use struggles.  I have presented at numerous conferences and workshops about our team and the weekly support group that I co-facilitated. I am a registered member in good standing with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.  I am a national trainer for the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness.

I live with my family in East Van, and when I’m not working I enjoy gardening, cycling, and making music with friends.


www.briandeanwilliams.com 

What’s included

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • 3 meals per day
    plant-based, fresh fruit, coffee and tea throughout the day
  • Morning Meditation
    Noble Silence
  • Morning Nature Walk
    Walking & Writing
  • Morning Yoga
    Yoga Flow - All Levels
  • Free Afternoons
    12:30 - 6 p.m.
  • Evening Dharma Talk
    community counsel circle
  • Airport Pick-up Drop-off
    Shuttle pick up at 4 p.m. on arrival and drop off at 10:30 a.m. on departure day
  • Private Driver
    private driver for all afternoon excursions and explorations

What’s not included

  • Flight
  • Thursday Evening Dinner
    Sunset Dinner on the beach at the famous La Luna Restaurant
  • Body Treatments
    Massage

Available Packages

tripple occupancy

USDollars


Infused with simple elegance and just a short walk down from the main house, our six sizable, guest rooms can accommodate up to 3 people per room. All rooms have ceiling fans, large windows and doors, as well as plenty of overhead ventilation for optimal airflow. All rooms have private baths with large unique and luxurious indoor/outdoor showers, and patios and decks that command stellar views of the mountains and valleys.  ALL GROUP ACCOMMODATIONS INCLUDE:

  • Private baths with large, luxurious indoor/outdoor showers
  • Fine Linens
  • US style on-demand heaters for reliable, safe, environmentally-friendly hot water
  • Handcrafted Costa Rican hardwood furniture, made by local artisans
  • 3 Full Vegetarian Meals a day
  • All Day Coffee/Tea and Fruit
  • A Closet-full of Yoga Mats & Props
  • Daily housekeeping
$1,990
Deposit: $500
double occupancy

USDollars


Infused with simple elegance and just a short walk down from the main house, our six sizable, guest rooms can accommodate up to 2 people per room. All rooms have ceiling fans, large windows and doors, as well as plenty of overhead ventilation for optimal airflow. All rooms have private baths with large unique and luxurious indoor/outdoor showers, and patios and decks that command stellar views of the mountains and valleys.  ALL GROUP ACCOMMODATIONS INCLUDE:

  • Private baths with large, luxurious indoor/outdoor showers
  • Fine Linens
  • US style on-demand heaters for reliable, safe, environmentally-friendly hot water
  • Handcrafted Costa Rican hardwood furniture, made by local artisans
  • 3 Full Vegetarian Meals a day
  • All Day Coffee/Tea and Fruit
  • A Closet-full of Yoga Mats & Props
  • Daily housekeeping
$2,590
Deposit: $500
Single Occupancy
$2,990
Deposit: $500


Your Organizer


MB
Melissa Berry Appleton
14 reviews
Melissa is a Buddhist Chaplain (Soto Zen), lay ordained by Roshi Joan Halifax, Upaya Zen Centre. She is a Master Clinical Counselling Psychology Candidate, meditation, yoga and somatic movement teacher. Currently a Chaplain at the University of British Columbia Okanagan, educator with Third Space graduate interns, and provides support groups for physicians of Interior Health BC. Her work takes deep interest in care providers and centres around burnout, stress, trauma, moral despair and system theory resilience and flourishing. ​​

Reviews

This was a wonderfully nourishing experience. Melissa and Suniti's teachings and energy provided a good reminder of all that is important in life. I have been able to 'return to my cushion' with regularity and greater resolve...... the outcome being that I am more present in relationships and daily life. The retreat center was beautiful with stunning gardens and architecture, the delicious meals were freshly prepared (much of it grown on Stowel Lake Farm) and the other participants were a joy to get to know. I would highly recommend a retreat with Melissa and Suniti!
By maria z for Spirit of Zen - Meditation & Yoga Retreat on Oct 09, 2023
The essence of this experience; the practices, the farm, the people, the birds and bunnies, all are continuing to live and breath in me. The opportunity to rest in the sunny fields, help out on the farm, be fed by food and spirit, and practice sitting and moving together was transformational. Attending Spirit of Zen with Melissa and Suniti is a gift.
By Jessica E for Spirit of Zen - Meditation & Yoga Retreat on Sep 26, 2023
SM
Melissa and Suniti created a great container in which to retreat, grow and learn. Thoughtful, supportive, challenging. I unreservedly recommend them if you're considering going on a future retreat.
By Susan M for Spirit of Zen - Meditation & Yoga Retreat on Sep 19, 2023
This is my second time at Stowel Lake Farm Retreat with Melissa. The food is truly a highlight of staying at the Farm. The grounds are gorgeous and tranquil, the accommodations warm and comfy, and there is plenty of time and space to be alone. This retreat is the perfect balance between silent meditation, contemplation and somatic movement to embody practice and regulate the body. Really value attention to fostering an inclusive, safe community. Evening Dharma talks are provocative. Perfect week of attention to mind, body and spirit under the guidance of two fabulous teachers.
By Lynn B for Building Buddha Body - A Meditation & Movement Intensive on Sep 19, 2023
Had such a beautiful experience on this retreat with Brian and Melissa. It was a true vacation for the mind, body, and spirit. Friendship is the whole practice. Much gratitude to all of you, and especially to Brian, Melissa, and Jenn.
By Naomi M for True Nature - A Meditation & Yoga Vacation Retreat on Oct 04, 2022
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References

I’m so grateful to Melissa for the thoughtful and powerful way she leads retreats, meditation, and movement practice. I particularly appreciate her trauma-informed approach to yoga. I’ve learned so much from her and I look forward to what the future will bring. I treasure Melissa as a wonderful and highly skilled teacher, chaplain, and leader.
By Naomi M on 08 Jul, 2021