Prana-licious Costa Rica Retreat December 4-11, 2011

From December 4 to December 11, 2011, Shasta offered seven days of meditation, yoga and teachings in one of the most beautiful places in the world – the rainforests of Costa Rica! Students offered their feedback on this seven-day yoga & nature retreat in paradise:

Thank you so much for putting the retreat together.  It was my pleasure being part of it and I will carry it with me for the rest of my life.  I really appreciate all of Shasta’s teachings (both the asanas practices and the philosophy and discussions).  I actually felt the change in some of my postures.  I loved the whole experience.  It’s been a long time since I have gone to bed to the sound of the ocean and woke up in the mornings by the sound of the ocean.  I truly feel that the week has helped deepen my yoga practice and I feel so rejuvenated! I enjoyed everyone’s company, sharing thoughts, feelings and making new friends.  I thank you and Ian from the bottom of my heart for everything that you both did to make us enjoy the retreat, practices, outdoors and so many other things.  This yoga retreat was truly an enlightening experience in many, many ways. – Nalini Dookhie, Ajax

I am so deeply grateful that I was able to join Shasta, Ian and Balanced Life Yoga on the Pranalicious retreat to Costa Rica.  It was an amazing experience with incredible people, and I would go back in a heartbeat!  Blue Osa was a truly inspiring and breathtaking venue…it was like we were practicing in a little piece of paradise!  And Shasta blessed us with uplifting, inspiring and beautiful practices each day.  True to her incredible intuitive teaching style, the classes and philosophy Shasta offered were perfect and resonated deeply with all of us each day.  I left Costa Rica feeling full of life, love, positive intention and true happiness.  Thank you to Shasta, Ian and everyone at Blue Osa for making my retreat one of the most incredible experiences ever!  Adrienne Kelly-Durys, Ajax

Upon meeting Shasta and Ian in Costa Rica I instantly felt their warmth, their generosity and their sense of adventure.  I knew from that moment that all was going to be great!  They make a great team!  Shasta led two yoga practices daily on the yoga deck at Blue Osa that my imagination could not have conceived… facing the ocean, the beautiful scenery and also it’s built-in natural soundtrack.  The teachings that Shasta offered lifted your spirit, enlightened you and really just made you feel ‘divine’ about yourself and that you were perfect just the way you are.  I felt like a sponge, hanging on every word and trying to soak it all in. Shasta is passionate about what she does, she is wise, she is inspiring, she is gifted and the best thing about it all is that she genuinely wants to share all of it with you!  My entire Prana-licious experience with Shasta, Ian and the other wonderful students was simply amazing and I loved every minute of it!  I would not hesitate to participate again and would highly recommend the experience.  I came home feeling inspired and that I was truly indeed Enough!  It was more than a vacation, it was a magical experience that I will treasure forever!!! Namaste!  – Brigitte Brousseau, Whitby

I wanted to thank you so much for a wonderful yoga week in Costa Rica As you know, Blue Osa was the perfect place to have it. From our yoga sessions, I especially loved the philosophy and all the alignment information. I think I left a piece of me at Blue Osa and hope to return there again. I wanted to thank you again for all the special memories I have of the yoga retreat and so happy that I listened to my gut and made the right decision to join with you guys. It took me several days into the trip to really believe that I was actually there as it was something I wanted to do for a year! It’s also a great feeling to know that I accomplished that goal.” – S.G., Richmond Hill

I am so appreciative for my experience in Costa Rica with Shasta, Ian and all the great friends I met through the retreat with Balanced Life Yoga.  It was an experience I will always have with me.  I achieved some very exciting accomplishments during my trip and I want to thank both Shasta and Ian for that.  Shasta’s yoga practices flowed with me in a way no other practice has.  I was able to get into postures I’ve never been able to.  And the discussions were the most enlightening gifts I could ask for, my inner awareness expanded to new depths.  I have never felt so full of life than I did during our retreat in Costa Rica and I came home feeling the most energized and healthy I have ever felt.  I am looking forward to many more yoga retreats with Shasta, Ian and Balanced Life Yoga.  Thank you so much for a great experience!” – Carly S., Whitby

Mindfullness Day Retreat with Jacquelyn

On Sunday, September 18, Jacquelyn offered one day of immersion into yoga, meditation, sangha (community), discussion, mindful eating and noble silence.  Students offered their feedback on this one-day walking meditation and yoga practice:

A day spent with a teacher like Jacquelyn is a gift.  Thank you Jacquelyn, for sharing your experiences and some of the mindfulness lessons you learned with Thich Naht Hahn. You have again gently led me to places where I have been unmindful, and given me tools to assist me in finding my way back.  I truly enjoy your integration of the philosophies of Buddhism and Yoga, and the use of asanas to link mind, body and spirit. Yoga can be so much more than physical exercise – the spiritual workouts can be strenuous too – and your wisdom and generosity in sharing the ancient wisdoms are wonderful. – Bette Hodgkins, Uxbridge

Feel Good Friday Retreat with Shasta Testimonials

On Friday, April 22, 2011 Shasta offered a whole day dedicated to mental, physical and spiritual health! Students offered their feedback on this day-long in-studio retreat:

Shasta, thanks for a great day! The yoga session was great, and the different meditation/visualization exercises we did were awesome too! More tools to help on the journey… I feel so relaxed and alive! -Lucie B., Ajax

Thank you Shasta for a beautiful afternoon of SELF care.  I feel things clearing and opening up. -Debbie G, Whitby

Return to the Source – Retreat to Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram (KYM) Chennai, India  March 11-25, 2011

Vibrancy Flow: Vinyasa Yoga, Meditation & Nature Retreat - Fall 2010

View photos from our amazing sold-out retreat weekend.  More weekends coming up in Spring 2011. Stay Tuned…

I found the retreat a terrific experience. After signing up I almost canceled because I thought I might not be able to do everything.  I am so glad I didn’t. It was a wonderful gathering of women who were all seeking something new in their lives. We were filled up! Thank you Shasta.  – Lyn Lewis

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You are a great teacher and I loved coming together with a beautiful group of women. You gave me lots of gifts and provided me a pause in my life to appreciate who I am and what I’m here for. Love you!  – Donna Williamson

I shall “lock in” this weekend full of vibrancy, teachings, connection to nature, wonderful women and a magical home. Thank you for listening to your heart so we may re-launch our lives.  Love to you.  -Anne Wilde

Besides the beautiful surroundings the best part of this yoga retreat was the holistic approach you took by mixing together physical practice with meditation and contemplation about who we are and who we want to be. Thank you for this wonderful weekend which will remain in my heart for a long time.  – Jennifer