“A delight in every way”

December 7th, 2011

Calling Blue Osa a sanctuary is perfectly fitting. We went there in search of an escape from the mundane and to take a breather from the harried pace of daily life. We found what we were looking for and more.  Although Blue Osa’s website gives a good sense of what you can expect to find there, you have to experience it to truly appreciate it. The setting is lush and beautiful, with perfectly manicured grounds enclosed by untouched natural beauty, and just remote enough to feel like the office and rush hour traffic are a world away. The staff is welcoming and gracious in every way.  The food is wonderful–fresh, creative, and delicious; the rooms are clean and spacious; and the yoga classes were unintimidating and helped put two beginners like us at ease.

We loved our stay at Blue Osa and would definitely recommend it.

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“Truly Amazing”

November 30th, 2011

What a beautiful place for a vacation! My wife and I went to Blue Osa for a 6 night stay in order to unplug from our busy lifestyle. Rest and relaxation is exactly what we got.

From the moment we were picked up at the airport, we were treated as first class guests. Heidi, our driver, pointed out caymans, monkeys, and various tropical birds on our 30 minute drive to the resort.

Once we arrived, we were treated as if we were the only guests staying at the resort. Michael showed us around the beautifully landscaped grounds, situated in the rainforest, with it’s own beach access. Our room was very clean and simply decorated, and the beds were quite comfortable.

Aaron, one of the owners and also the resort’s Yogi, introduced himself after the morning yoga class, and he could not have been more accommodating. We let it slip that we were there for our one year wedding anniversary, and we treated like a king and queen.

Marie, the resort’s resident chef is both an amazing person and an extraordinary cook. All of the meals were prepared fresh and from scratch, and everything was so healthy and delicious. This was absolutely some of the best food we have ever eaten.

On the day of our anniversary, the staff arranged a bouquet of local wild flowers for my wife, and the night after, Aaron arranged a pool party with tapas for all of the guests in our honor. 
 Jesus, the masseuse at Blue Osa, might as well be a national treasure of Costa Rica. His hands are truly magical, and he is versed in 7 types of massage. Al of the guests sang his praises, but of course, feeling is believing. My wife and I both opted for 60 minute tranquility massages, and while parts of the massage were a bit tough for me (I have a lot of tension in my shoulders), I left feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. In fact, one of the other guests was a massage therapist, and he left the spa looking like a changed man. My wife also opted for a sea salt scrub, which she absolutely loved, and said that it really helped relieve the itching from a few mosquito bites. 
 For our excursions, my wife and I decided on the rainforest bike and hike, and the wildlife sanctuary tour. Theo, another of the staff at Blue Osa, was our guide for the trip. His English was excellent, and even though we went in a torrential downpour, he was able to point out 3 different species of monkeys, a few hawks, and some poison dart frogs. The trip can be a little tough if you are not in good shape, but my wife and I had very little trouble, even in the rain. It would most likely have been easier had it not been raining so hard.

The wildlife sanctuary tour was incredible. Our boat captain dropped us off at the sanctuary, where we were greeted by Carol, the park’s resident conservationist. Her tour was wonderful and informative, and her knowledge of the local wildlife is expansive. We saw scarlet macaws, white faced monkeys, peccaries, two-toed sloths, wild turkeys, two different species of jungle weasels, and two of the parks resident howler monkeys, who followed us around the tour.

On the boat ride back to Puerto Jiminez, Carliman, the boat captain was able to point out a single bottle nose dolphin, and a pod of 30-40 spotted and spinner dolphins. The dolphins followed the boat, playing in its wake, and some even jumped out of the water, very close to us. It was a wonderful experience, and well worth the price of admission.
 The resort’s resident dogs, Rama and Vagabond, we very friendly, and playful, and loved to go on long walks with us down the amazing shoreline that seems to go on forever. The surfing was also great if you are into that kind of thing.

The resort was so clean and beautiful, and everyone was so genuine and nice, it was more like staying with family or friends, than at a resort. All of the guests were friendly as well, and everyone eats family style for all of the meals, so it is a very personal experience. We came as a couple, and left having made so many new friends that we already miss.

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“Amazing people in a tranquil setting.”

November 22nd, 2011

My husband and I came to the Blue Osa for a 6 day vacation. This was our first time to Costa Rica, it will not be our last. I can’t say enough wonderful things about the Blue Osa. The grounds were peaceful, and relaxing with absolutely stunning scenery. The staff was delightful, the rooms were large, and clean creating a perfect modern eco-retreat. The meals were 5 star 4 times a day, nothing that we ate was anything but perfection; we ate it all too.

We both completed multiple spa treatments and Blur Osa tours. The spa rivaled any top professional US institution.The Osa tranquility massage and Sea salt scrub treatments were money well spent. The hiking and boat conservation tours that we participated in were also exceptional. I was able to expand my travel experience while learning about environmental conservation. There were once in a life time opportunities with friends interacting with primates and watching dolphins surround/chase our boat as we crossed the Golf Duce. We attended yoga classes daily. Every class was a learning experience that promoted inner peace and enlightenment while maintaining the universal connection of energy to all those in the room and more so throughout our earth.

Even more important than than the surroundings was the people that we meet during our stay. The intimate setting of only having 10-15 guests created an atmosphere of family and close friends. All those we meet will be missed dearly and kept in contact with now that we are home. I was sad to leave. Each staff member and guest was the genuine down to earth type of individual that everyone needs in to know. I can’t wait for a return trip!

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Blue Osa in the Fox News Press

November 9th, 2011

Eco-Friendly Travel in Latin America

In the past few years, as environmental awareness has spread like wildfire, the increase has naturally spread to the choices we make about travel.

“People are interested in going to eco-friendly resorts because they’re acting more environmentally responsible at home and want to visit places that care as much as they do,” says Kit Cassingham of EnvironmentallyFriendlyHotels.com. “Hotels and resorts historically have been extremely wasteful but are now starting to act with more environmental sensitivity. As a result, more travelers want to support green hotels and to practice their environmentally friendly activities on the road.”

Click here to read more.

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Oil Pulling for Better Health

October 26th, 2011

by Bruce Fife

“That sounds ridiculous,” exclaimed Rick in disbelief. “It will never work. How could it? It doesn’t make any sense.” Rick suffered from chronic sinusitis. At night when lying down, his nose would stop up, making it difficult for him to breathe and to sleep. The congestion also caused him to experience frequent headaches.

The therapy I was telling him about was oil pulling. Although oil pulling has its origins in Ayurvedic medicine, which dates back thousands of years, this modern version is relatively new, at least in the United States. Oil pulling is very simple. Basically all you do is rinse your mouth out with vegetable oil, much like you would with a mouthwash. As simple as it sounds, if done correctly it has a very powerful cleansing and healing affect not only on the mouth and sinuses, but the entire body.

A few days later, Rick called me on the phone. “Wow! This oil pulling stuff really works,” he exclaimed. “My sinuses began to drain immediately. I expelled a lot of dark yellow, gross looking mucous. I’m breathing easier and sleeping better and my headaches are gone!”

I wasn’t surprised with Rick’s success. I hear many similar responses from others with various health problems. “I was skeptical at first,” says Cynthia. “I couldn’t see how swishing oil in my mouth could help with my arthritis. After eight days I noticed the pain in my hands diminished considerably. There was also marked improvement in my neck and I could move my head from side to side without any pain. I was amazed at how quickly I got results. I haven’t felt this good in along time!”

Some people think I’m crazy when I tell them that oil pulling can help those with asthma, allergies, chronic fatigue, diabetes, migraine headaches, PMS, and chronic skin problems. Oil pulling works by detoxifying or cleansing the body. In this way, disease promoting toxins are removed, thus allowing the body to heal itself. As a consequence, health problems of all types improve.

“I’ve suffered for several years with joint and lower back pain,” says Anna. “Every morning it was difficult getting out of bed because the pain. After two months of oil pulling the pain is all but gone. I’m amazed. Although I began oil pulling to relieve the joint pain, a few other things happened that I didn’t expect. I’m surprised to see that the eczema on my arm and hand disappearing and my skin becoming smoother and softer. Nothing I had tried before had helped. I sleep better at night too, so I have more energy during the day. I no longer need my mid-day naps. I have so much energy I almost feel like a teenager again. My periods have become more regular with less cramping and less mood swings. Also, my teeth, gums, and tongue are cleaner than they’ve ever been.”

The first thing that most people notice when they start oil pulling is an improvement in their oral health. Teeth become whiter, breath becomes fresher, and the tongue and gums take on a healthy pink color.  Even problems such as bleeding gums, tooth decay, and gum disease are greatly diminished or completely healed.

“I had a really bad infection in my mouth,” says Brittany. “It was so painful that I could not sleep. Pain medication helped temporarily. I was sure that I needed another root canal. After hearing about oil pulling I decided to give it a try before going to the dentist. I began oil pulling three times a day. By the very next day the pain was gone! No soreness, nothing. I was shocked. I continue to oil pull and my teeth are whiter and healthier looking then they have ever been. My gums have stopped bleeding, they used to bleed after every brushing. They are no longer receding and my teeth feel tighter. On my last visit to the dentist he was amazed at how much better my teeth and gums looked. He told me to continue to do whatever I was doing.”

Oil pulling traces it roots to oil gargling practiced in Ayurvedic medicine. Oil pulling as we know it today, was introduced in 1992 by Dr. F. Karach, MD. Dr. Karach claimed that oil pulling could cure a variety of illnesses ranging from heart disease and digestive troubles to hormonal disorders. He said it cured him of a chronic blood disorder of 15 years duration and within three days it cured his arthritis, which at times was so painful he was bed ridden. He used the method in his medical practice with great success.

Dr. Karach’s method of oil pulling consists of swishing, not gargling, vegetable oil in the mouth. The oil is “worked” in the mouth by pushing, pulling, and drawing it through the teeth for a period of 15 to 20 minutes. It is done one to three times a day on an empty stomach. The best time is in the morning before eating breakfast, but can be done before any meal. The used oil is discarded and the mouth rinsed out with water. The oil is never swallowed because it is loaded with bacteria, toxins, pus, and mucous.

Sunflower and sesame seed oils are the most commonly used for oil pulling, but any vegetable oil will work. People have had success with olive, coconut, almond, and other oils. I prefer to use coconut oil because of its many health benefits. If you use a mild flavored coconut oil it is very pleasant in the mouth. Some oils, such as extra virgin olive oil, are so strong flavored that many people find them difficult to use.

The oil acts like a cleanser. When you put it in your mouth and work it around your teeth and gums it “pulls” out bacteria and other debris. It acts much like the oil you put in your car engine. The oil picks up dirt and grime. When you drain the oil, it pulls out the dirt and grime with it, leaving the engine relatively clean. Consequently, the engine runs smoother and lasts longer. Likewise, when we expel harmful substances from our bodies our health is improved and we run smoother and last longer.

As simple as it is, oil pulling has a very powerful detoxifying effect. Our mouths are the home to billions of bacteria, viruses, fungi and other parasites and their toxins. Candida and Streptococcus are common residents in our mouths. It is these types of germs and their toxic waste products that cause gum disease and tooth decay and contribute to many other health problems including arthritis and heart disease. Our immune system is constantly fighting these troublemakers. If our immune system becomes overloaded or burdened by excessive stress, poor diet, environmental toxins and such, these organisms can spread throughout the body causing secondary infections and chronic inflammation, leading to any number of health problems.

Oil pulling is one of the most remarkable methods of detoxification and healing I have ever experienced in my career as a naturopathic physician. It helped me overcome a chronic skin problem that other forms of detoxification, including numerous juice fasts lasting up to 30 days, were unable to cure.

Oil pulling can work its magic almost instantly. Some people report relief from certain conditions after doing it only once. Minor problems often clear up within a few days. More serious, chronic problems may require a few weeks or several months or more depending on lifestyle issues.

Toxins are pulled from the body the very first time you try it. One of the first cleansing symptoms you will experience is an increased flow of mucous from your throat and sinuses. Mucous drainage is one of the body’s methods of removing toxins. While you are pulling, mucous may build in the back of your throat. You may even have to expel the oil and clear the mucous from your throat before reaching a full 20 minutes. That’s okay, take another spoonful of oil and continue until you’ve pulled for a total of 15-20 minutes. You may also experience a little nausea and perhaps even need to vomit as your body expels toxic waste. Other symptoms may also arise temporarily. These symptoms will subside as your body becomes cleaner and you become more comfortable with oil pulling. Unlike other methods of detoxification that last for only a short time, oil pulling should become a regular part of your daily schedule, like brushing your teeth.

Oil pulling is incredibly effective in brightening teeth, healing gums, preventing bad breath, quenching inflammation, and healing oral infections. It is also effective in treating many systemic conditions throughout the body.

As good as it is, the simple oil pulling method described in this article isn’t always enough. Some people and some conditions require a little extra care. For this reason, I took oil pulling and developed it into a more complete, more effective method that I call Oil Pulling Therapy. This program incorporates medicated coconut oil (which you can make yourself), diet, select nutrients, oral pH balancing procedures, and, for those who have amalgam (mercury) fillings or metal crowns, a detox procedure designed specifically for removing heavy metals, all of which combine to greatly enhance the effects and healing properties of oil pulling. The details of this program are covered in my new book Oil Pulling Therapy: Detoxifying and Healing the Body Through Oral Cleansing.

Oil pulling is cheap; the only expense is for the oil you use. It is very easy; you simply swish oil in your mouth. Compared to other forms of detoxification it is relatively effortless. It doesn’t require dieting, fasting, or consuming unpleasant, and often bowel loosening, mixes of herbs and pills. And it is completely harmless. All you are doing is rinsing your mouth out with vegetable oil—a food. You’re not even swallowing the oil. What can be more benign than that? Nearly anyone can do it, regardless of their level of health. If you have health issues, don’t let the simplicity of oil pulling detour you from trying it. Sometimes the simplest procedures produce the greatest results.

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“Peace, serenity and beauty”

October 18th, 2011

“My husband and I had the great pleasure to visit Blue Osa for 2 nights earlier this month. Even though it’s the rainy season and it rained everyday, the location right on the beach was great for walking on the beach. The grounds are impeccably manicured. The almost Olympic length pool was perfect, the food was fabulous and the rooms, even without AC, were extremely nice with the big walk-in showers. No TV and no phones, it was so quiet except for the birds. Wifi is available. It is a short somewhat rough ride from the airport in Peurto Jimenez, but worth every bump in the road. I’m not into yoga, but if you are, do yourself a big favor and go to Blue Osa.”

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The Five Steps – Part Two

October 13th, 2011

In the Yoga sutras, Patanjali talks about the 5 steps, or 5 qualities to enlightenment.

In the sutras, Patanjali very skillfully outlines what it takes to set yourself up for a successful practice and gives us amazing tools on how to live a happier life.  “All future suffering can be avoided.”

So this is part two, in a five part series.

The Five Steps – Part Two

Enjoy!

Aaron

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PARADISE WITH PURPOSE: THE COSTA RICA ADVENTURE

October 13th, 2011

BAXTER BELL, MD

JAN 21 – 28, 2012
BLUE OSA, COSTA RICA

Yoga is inherently a practice of transformation which helps us determine and fulfill our life’s purpose.  Costa Rica, and Blue Osa in particular, is a place rich in natural beauty and power.  So whether you are still trying to figure out what to do with you life or need to revitalize your vision of your future, this is the place and retreat to do just that!  Join Baxter, and dive deep into these practices and questions, and leap high into the playful and joyful possibilities that the jungle and ocean invite.

BAXTER BELL, MD
Since making the stress-reducing move from a career as a busy family doctor to that of a yoga teacher and medical acupuncturist, Baxter Bell, MD, has been continually deepening his understanding of yoga and relaxation.  He teaches a healing, nurturing style of Hatha yoga, balancing our desire for action with our need to quiet the mind, emphasizing the qualities of curiosity and meditation in the practice. Baxter has been a member of the Feathered Pipe family for many years teaching workshops and retreats at the Feathered Pipe and Blacktail Ranches in Montana and abroad. His home base is in Oakland, California, where he holds public and therapeutic classes, works one-on-one with yoga therapeutics and maintains a complementary medical practice with a focus on medical acupuncture and yoga. Baxter is co-director of the Piedmont Yoga Studio’s Deep Yoga training program, and is on faculty with many teaching programs throughout the US.

Costa Rica Yoga Retreat with Baxter Bell and Blue Osa

Costa Rica Yoga Retreat with Baxter Bell and Blue Osa

Please click here for more information.

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Color Me Lucky

October 11th, 2011

“At Blue Osa I had the distinct pleasure of having the place all to myself for a few days during the off season. I will not spend much time on the physical description of the property, since all was superb and they have posted excellent photos on their website. It’s truly as beautiful as the pictures. What did make this visit special was the staff (and their pets). Every morning Vagabond (sweet, old dog) and I took a walk on the beach. The canaries were chirping outside my window. The macaws make a fuss in the skies every morning. Aaron’s laugh is contagious and you can’t wait to hear it again. Mary (the chef) is a triple threat. Speaking French, English, and Spanish, she can tell you exactly what’s going on, make you laugh, while feeding you the most delicious and memorable food. Michael is silent and efficient and magically appears whenever you need something. Gilletto protects you all night long. The monkeys show up in the early morning in the trees. Marjorie provides perfect manicures and pedicures. JESUS IS THE BEST massage therapist I’ve ever experienced (and I’ve had a LOT!). I hope I didn’t leave anyone out. Oh, there are more fabulous dogs…Faye and Rama. They are a constant source of entertainment, along with a couple of cute kitties. In summary, do yourself a favor and visit Blue Osa.”

- Lisa

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Time Slows Down

October 7th, 2011

We stayed for 6 days, but I swear it felt as if we had six weeks of relaxation, peace, calmness, and escape from the fast paced, frantic, life of the the urban city. Virtually every vacation I return from , I feel as if I needed more time, that I was not quite able to unwind enough, that I not received an effective dose of renewal, but our week at Blue Osa , left us refreshed and honestly, in Awe of our experiences in this beautiful place. If you are looking for a place to check out of pressures of modern life, and dive into a deep ocean of tranquility, then this is might just be the place.

On the plane trip home we were talking and trying to figure out why we felt so good after only 6 days away, why we felt so relaxed, why we felt like we had been gone so long, and the thing that we kept coming back to is the ease of our existence while we were there. The meals are served 3 times a day. There is one choice for the meal. You get what you are served and the food is cooked fresh for each meal . There are a few activities that you can go on if you wish ( we did Zip lining, and it was amazing!!! highly recommended… truly stunning to fly through the rain forest canopy in a harness on a wire! — and completely worth the seemingly high price) , but there is no city, there are no stores, there are no restaurants, there is nothing to attract your attention artificially, just the beauty of the sun, and the clouds, and the rain and the ocean, and the grass and the palms and the river and the forest and the birds and the monkeys and the lizards and all the other life that infuses this place carved out of the jungle on the edge of the sea. … and so we concluded that we felt so good because we did not have to make hardly any decisions, and we were able instead to just immerse ourselves in our time there… and that is what made all the difference .

We were restricted to eating at certain times of the day, and other than the couple of activities we did, our time was our own. Blue Osa is Beautiful, but I have been to more beautifiul places. Blue Osa is remote, but I have been to more remote places. What Blue Osa does better than more beautiful and more remote places is that it helps you achieve the calm, the peacefulness and the insight that all those other places offer the traveler, but do not quite achieve in the same way. By Not having choices in the food, and by being able to shop for tourist crap, and by not being able indulge in vacation vices like 2 or 3 ice cream a day ( or whatever you vices might be) , and by not having TV or any media, by not having anything to do after 8pm, or before 5am, by Not having the normal distractions of daily life, we felt as if we were able to step into a new, more real, and in some ways, more authentic experience of time and self and of relationship with others. … and that was more beautiful than the bluest sky, the widest , emptiest beach, the most perfectly blue water on earth.

I mostly travel by going to one place and using that as a base to explore the surrounding areas. And I mostly travel pretty light and pretty open to new experiences, rather than having things planed or co coordinated by others. As a matter of fact, I have never traveled when I did not have to find food three times a day. And though I have traveled to remote places, I have never traveled where I could not quickly and easily travel fast and far to many different places nearby. There is none of that here, and thank goodness for that because I have learned a new way to travel, to get away, to gain perspective and to rejuvenate myself, all of myself, and for that I am so very grateful.

A comment about the rooms and the staff. The rooms are well cleaned and delightfully casual, as a tropical resort should be. The staff, on the other hand is, extraordinary. They are all, without exception good human beings who are superb at what they do. But most importantly, they are genuinely friendly and nice people. Not friendly and Nice like Professional Friendly and Nice you get in America at every store you walk into, but real friendly and real nice, because that is they way they live their lives. A few of the staff speak English, but I never had a problem communicating, between my 30 years ago High school Spanish and their sometimes halting English we were always able to figure out how to communicate… and I loved the fact that they were not all fluent because it was just one more way that kept us aware that we were in a very different, very special place.

Special Shout out to Jesus the B e s t masseuse We have ever, ever, ever had. Period.

And right up there with Jesus is Rama. If you like dogs, you will love Rama. Some Tibetans believe that dogs will be reborn as humans in their next lives. Rama is the kind of dog that makes you believe that is true. Happy , Friendly, Playful, gentle, honorable, and protective, the resort is blessed by his presence. Even my girlfriend fell in love with Rama, and she has no interest, that I have ever seen, in dogs at all. He is a charmer. And, when you head to the beach, call him, and if he is not already at your side , he will be…. at any time of the day. Rama loves the beach, and the beach loves him. One of the most important experiences for us was to have Rama as our beach companion, and to observe him trot along the shore he has visited a thousand times before and see him, run and explore and chase birds he will never catch, and bark up trees he cannot get up…. and even patiently wait for me, when I wanted to stop and spend 30 minutes looking at the White faced monkeys in the trees along the sea shore….. when he really wanted to get back! I could see him sitting on the sand, looking at me, waiting for me to head back so that he could too. They are only this stupid monkeys I see everyday, he said to me, with that bored, slightly perplexed expression on his face. Beautiful dog, beautiful Being, Beautiful Rama.

Rama’s care taker is Aron, the manager and owner of Blue Osa. Aron is another lovely being and it is no accident that Blue Osa is Blue Osa, because it is Arons vision and dedication to this project that makes it all come together so very very well. I always think that both greatness and mediocrity come from the top, and the beauty of Blue Osa comes from Arons careful attention to every part of this resort. We truly felt like Aron was our friend and had both ours, and Blue Osa’s, best interests at heart. Thank you Aron, Thank you Aron, Thank you Aron… for Bue Osa, for the staff, for the food, for helping us re-create our lives in our short six day visit to Costa Rica. Kudos.

Namaste.

Steve and Luiza

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“Heaven on Earth”

October 4th, 2011

It has been only a day since I departed the Blue OSA and I can’t wait to go back. The Blue OSA exceeded my expectations. My 20 year old daughter and I were seeking relaxing and rejuvenation. I was also wanting a bit of adventure in a remote location. The OSA Peninsula is the perfect place to head to. It is lush and green with fabulous beaches and wildlife. The Blue OSA is a gem in the midst of a relatively undeveloped area. The staff is amazing. Stephan, the manager truly understands customer service and will do whatever he can to ensure that your stay meets your needs. Marie, the French chef provides you with a true culinary experience at every meal. Vanessa, the spa manager provided us with the most amazing facial that included a foot and hand/arm/shoulder massage and Jesus, the massage therapist will knead away any knots you have. Truly was the best massage I have ever had. We had private yoga lessons with Sabina who will not only teach and guide you in your yoga practice but also inspire you in your everyday life. The Blue OSA facilities (rooms, dining area, lap pool, hammock, yoga room, etc.) are lovely and beautifully designed and decorated. PJ and SJ.
- Patti

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“We’re going back in August with more of the family”

September 27th, 2011

Spectacular architecture. Simple and yet exotic. Exceptional food, cooked and served lovingly by Marie, a hip French woman of a certain age. The pool is perfect for early morning laps, and the pool pavilion a delicious place for reading and a nap. I had two treatments, one facial with Aaron, also the yoga instructor, which left me feeling radiant, a good way to feel on your 50th birthday, and the other a coffee scrub with the skilled and handsome Jesus. We left with great sadness, feeling very much like family with the staff and the other guests who were staying there at the same time. A perfect way to start the day–yoga in the studio, or a run on the beach or a swim in the pool, then a delicious breakfast. The rest of the day can be hiking or day-tripping or nothing at all. That works too!

-Andrea

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“Truly a magical place… you will fall in love!”

September 20th, 2011

It was my desire to go to the Osa Peninsula for several years now. I’d been to Costa Rica twice before and really wanted to experience what is considered one of the most bio-diverse areas on the planet. I chose Blue Osa because it has oceanfront real estate but is surrounded by the rainforest and plenty of areas for hiking and exploration, but NOTHING prepared me for the beauty, peace and tranquility I was about to experience.

From the moment I arrived and even before in the planning phase Aaron efficiently saw to it that all my needs were met…. The wonderful chef Marie made sure that I ate only the freshest, tastiest and most wonderful meals. Who knew you had to go to the Osa Peninsula to get a French chef, using local homegrown Costa Rican ingredients to get the best meals I’ve had in a long time. Adam was there with inspirational conversation and had designed this facility with the guests comfort and relaxation in mind. The grounds are beautifully manicured, the facilities immaculately clean, the staff warm and attentive and the views and sounds of the wildlife are truly magnificent!!

I cannot say enough wonderful things about my experience on the Osa Peninsula or at Blue Osa. If you are looking to blend sightseeing and exploration with rest and relaxation… THIS IS THE PLACE! Oh and don’t forget to get some of their spa services! Jesus and Aaron provide such wonderful services and you won’t be disappointed!

I will be back soon!

- Jocelyn

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The Beatitudes – from Vedanta

September 16th, 2011

From Yogi Aaron

This is a beautiful teaching given to us by Christ.  Below is a fabulous interpretation given, that when analyzed closely, makes sense and becomes very practical for everyday living.

Please enjoy this teaching and may it help you to flourish in your life.

Blessings

Aaron

THE BEATITUDES
Pravrajika Baradaprana

Pravrajika Baradaprana is a senior nun of the Vedanta Society of Southern California at Sarada Convent, Santa Barbara, California. She has contributed articles for various Vedanta journals. The article below is from a class given in the Vedanta Temple in Santa Barbara.

“These things I have spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full,” Christ said as recorded in the Gospel of St. John. “This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you.” The teachings of Christ are imbued with this feeling of joy and love for God and all humankind.

In the Gospel of Saint Matthew, the Sermon on the Mount opens with the Beatitudes, teachings which were given to the close disciples of Jesus. They contain the essence of spiritual life, applicable to followers of any faith.

When I was studying the Beatitudes for a class presentation, I found that the exact meaning in several of the verses was not clear to me. This led me to do some research, and I found several books which examined the Gospels in the perspective of the old traditions of the Aramaic language. Aramaic, like Sanskrit, is rich in many connotations of the same word.

As many of you know, Aramaic was the Semitic language used in Palestine during the Roman rule, and this was the language spoken by Jesus and his disciples. The New Testament was first translated from the Aramaic into Greek and later translated into English from the Greek rendition.

For this presentation I am using the translation of the Beatitudes from the King James Bible because of its beauty of language and the added value it has of mantra shakti. For hundreds of years, saints and worshippers of Christ have repeated these verses with great devotion and that has given them a special power.

I will first try to analyze the spiritual content of each Beatitude and then discuss some of the ways we can apply these principles in our daily lives.

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Poor in spirit is a traditional Aramaic idiom which connotes humility. The root of the word for spirit means the soul, or the cosmic breath of life. One of the connotations of the Aramaic root of the word for poor is to devotedly hold on to something of great value in the sense that one would be poorer for the lack of it.

This conveys the idea that we should seek God with devotion and humility. The kingdom of heaven refers to the divinity within, for Jesus said that the kingdom of heaven is within.

The spiritual aspirant should approach God and the spiritual teacher with humility and eagerness. The disciple’s mind needs to be receptive to the spiritual teachings in order for them to take root. This presupposes that certain preparations have already been made, such as acquiring truthfulness and purity of character.

Humility is a characteristic that we find in truly great persons in any field and it adds a charming dimension to their character. Perhaps they feel humble because they are aware that their inspiration comes from God. Humility does not mean to demean oneself in any way, but to be confident without egotism or pride.

How do we overcome egotism and pride? By identifying ourselves with God and having a feeling of unity with the whole universe. Those who are in tune with God do not push themselves forward, ahead of others.

We can work on our pride by trying to see the best qualities in others, sincerely giving them credit for all their achievements.

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Taken at face value, those who mourn for the loss of a loved one and turn their minds toward God in prayer, shall be comforted.

In Aramaic the word mourn also connotes deep longing for something. Those who truly yearn for God with all their hearts shall be comforted. The word comforted in Aramaic has another connotation which means seeing the arrival or seeing the face of something one longs for. When there is a deep spiritual longing for God then his or her grace will be experienced.

On another level, this Beatitude suggests that one who turns to God in any kind of distress or unhappiness will receive comfort.

Most of us feel a lack of fulfillment in our lives, but we forget that the cause of this lack is forgetfulness of our true nature. We cut ourselves off from our connection with God, who is our true Self and the source of all happiness. We continually try to fill the void with transitory pleasures, objects or distractions. We may want to find God eventually, but not quite yet.

Because we falsely identify ourselves with our limited egos, we are unaware of the divine spirit which gives life to our body, mind and senses. Therefore we should always make an effort to feel this divine presence, not only at the times of meditation, but whenever we can during the day.

Ignorance of our true nature will be completely removed when we have the direct knowledge of God. This revelation will come when we have uninterrupted longing for God. Sri Ramakrishna said we must yearn for the Lord with a longing heart and we shall surely see him.

How do we acquire this longing for God? An easy way is through inner prayer. We can talk to the Lord or Mother who dwells within the heart and pray that we may have longing for God. One can pray for divine grace and for the vision of God. Intensity of prayer brings concentration of mind and then meditation follows naturally. When we truly want nothing but God, divine grace comes, and then like a magnet, God draws our mind to that higher consciousness.

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are the meek is an Oriental proverb, which is still commonly used in Aramaic-speaking countries. A translation of the word meek from the Aramaic is “gentle,” one who is non-aggressive. The word also indicates one who has surrendered to God.

The Aramaic word for inherit can also mean “to receive from the universal source.” God provides for those who truly surrender to him.

To be meek does not mean to be wishy-washy, but to be gentle and non-aggressive from a position of wisdom and strength. Meekness implies a lack of egotism, and non-assertiveness—to be free from the sense of “I and mine.” We have to give up the idea that we can possess anybody or anything. Everyone and every thing belongs to God. This attitude can bring a great sense of freedom and contentment.

We may have possessions, but they do not possess us. We don’t acquire more than we need, and we are careful not to damage the earth and the atmosphere around us. This is all part of non-assertiveness. By surrendering our ego to God, by claiming nothing as our own, we gain everything. We inherit the earth, as it were.

A passage in the Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali supports this idea: “The person who is confirmed in non-stealing becomes the master of all riches.” Non-stealing means giving up the idea that we can possess anything, for it all belongs to God. By giving up attachment we can enjoy our possessions without the worry that attachment brings. Non-assertiveness also implies being thoughtful of others and not being pushy or demanding. This quality is much appreciated, both in the workplace and in the family or group situation.

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst for righteousness:
for they shall be filled.

The hunger and thirst which Christ speaks of here is not only hunger for moral virtues, but a hunger and thirst for the knowledge of God. The greater our hunger, the greater will be our fulfillment.

Righteousness, which includes all of the moral virtues, is the basis for spiritual life. Qualities such as truthfulness, kindness, unselfishness, and integrity are the foundations of spirituality. We must be established in those qualities first before real spiritual progress can be made.

Most of us have not yet developed a real hunger and thirst for God. But even a slight interest in realizing God can be strengthened by spiritual disciplines until it grows into a real hunger for God. Regular practices—such as discrimination between the eternal and the transitory, meditation, selfless work and directing our love and prayers to God—are necessary in order to awaken this longing for God.

Often the blows we receive in life force us to go deeper into the meaning and purpose of life. We come to realize that everything we see or experience in the world is of a transitory nature and that God alone exists forever. We have heard that others have had the direct experience of God and so we also can have that experience.

When we can direct all of our thought and energy towards God-realization, the mind becomes one-pointed and filled with the righteousness that Christ speaks of. Then the vision of God is not far away.

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

The Aramaic word for mercy connotes pity, love and compassion, radiating from the depths of the body. The root of the word mercy is associated with the womb, indicating a motherly feeling.

There is a verse in the Talmud which says, “Whoever has mercy on others will obtain mercy from God.” God is the mirror of the soul and we receive what we give. This follows the natural law of karma.

The merciful are kind-hearted, forgiving and sensitive to the feelings of others. We are naturally more attuned to the problems of those with whom we come in direct contact, but we should also feel for the miseries of people all over the world, for we are all united in God. In our meditations we can pray for the welfare of others and pray that none should suffer.

The spiritually evolved person is happy at the good fortune of others and genuinely sympathetic with their misfortunes. Envy, jealousy or dislike of people stems from our ego-sense that makes us feel separated from other beings. We cannot be jealous of anyone if we truly feel love for them. Every thought of hate we have towards someone brings a wave of hatred and evil into our own minds. This increases our bondage and ignorance of our true nature.

When negative thoughts arise in the mind we should become aware of them and try to analyze why we are reacting in this manner. Sometimes we can shame ourselves out of negative reactions or we can try to counteract the thought with the opposite thought. For instance, hatred can be counteracted by seeing the reality behind the object of hate. Instead of feeling jealous, we can substitute gladness for someone else’s good fortune and try to feel oneness with them. When we pray for someone and try to feel the presence of God in them, then it becomes easy to love.

When someone hurts us, we should learn to forgive as we would like to be forgiven when we inadvertently hurt someone else. If we want to receive the mercy of God, we must first cultivate mercy, love, and sympathy in our own hearts. Then we shall obtain mercy—the grace of God.

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

This is probably the most important of the Beatitudes and certainly the most quoted in our tradition. Swami Vivekananda extolled this Beatitude saying: “This sentence alone would save mankind if all books and prophets were lost. This purity of heart will bring the vision of God.”

The word heart in Aramaic is “lebhon,” which connotes “the center from which life radiates.” The word for see means not only sight, but also has the connotation of “inner” vision or “sudden” insight. In Aramaic, the word see is more accurately translated in the present tense. Those who are pure in heart see God. The root of the word for God (Alaha) means the One and relates to the cosmic force that is everywhere, pervading the soul and every living being.

Purity of heart is the primary requirement for God-realization which is taught in every religion. What is purity and how is it attained? The pure mind has been compared to a crystal clear lake, with not even a ripple on it. The ripples in our minds are the desires, distractions and evil impressions from our past karmas.

An example has been given of threading a needle. If there is the slightest fiber sticking out, the thread will not go through the needle. In the same way, as long as there are distractions and desires in the mind, the mind will not become concentrated and ascend to a higher state of consciousness.

We have to work through our desires and past karmas to reach a point of evolution where the main desire in our life is to realize God. When all the necessary preparations have been made and the mind becomes completely absorbed in its object of meditation, through the grace of God the divine vision is revealed.

Ignorance of our true nature is the initial cause of the impurities in our minds. Instead of being aware of God, who dwells within and without, we see a concrete world which we take to be real. The mind is naturally outgoing—our senses seek the pleasant, while our ego asserts its “I-ness.”

We instinctively cling to this surface-consciousness, even though we know it is limited and often miserable. We don’t want to give it up because it is all that we know. It is said that even when the vision of God is about to be revealed, there is a momentary drawing back for fear of losing this surface life and consciousness.

Therefore it is important for us to discriminate between the eternal and the temporary things of life. The more we can think in this way, the less the mind and senses will be drawn outwards. We can train ourselves to think more and more of God—the Reality which gives life to everything else in the universe.

How can we purify our minds and hearts in order to see God? The impurities of the mind that we have acquired through many births can be replaced by pure and holy thoughts. The more we think of God, the purer our hearts will be; other desires and cravings will lose their hold on us. Then the heart becomes desireless and God is the uppermost thought in our mind; when this happens we can be sure that the vision of God is not far away.

The performance of selfless and dedicated work, without any attachment to the results, is an easy way to purify the heart. We all have to work and if it is done in the right spirit it helps to unwind our karma without creating new karmas. Unselfishness and loving kindness to all beings is a paramount way of purifying the heart.

Repeating the name of God is said to purify both the body and mind, and this can be done at any time or place throughout the day.

Purity is our basic nature. In our meditations we can affirm this innate purity and divinity. The more we think of purity, the purer we become.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

The Aramaic root of the word for peace, Shlama, calls up the image of planting and tilling the ground or of one who is committed to the act of sowing peace. It also connotes uniting all parties in peace. Shlama is related to the Hebrew word for peace, Shalom.

Christ wanted us to be peace loving, openhearted, kind and compassionate. Such people he called the children of God. Those who create peace within and without become integrated inside. When we create peace in our own hearts, we also send a vibration of peace for the whole world.

A beautiful passage in the Bhagavata says: “He in whose heart God has become manifest brings peace, and cheer, and delight wherever he goes.”  This gentle quality of peace is evident in illumined souls who create an atmosphere of peace, joy and harmony which is tangibly felt by others.

When we think of God we feel peaceful within, and when we can sustain that feeling of peace, others around us will feel it at least to some extent. In our daily lives we can promote peace by making the effort to be harmonious with others and with our physical environment.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men shall revile you and persecute you and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake.

Rejoice and be exceedingly glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Jesus presented in these verses a realistic picture of the society of his time, which was suspicious of a new prophet and would finally crucify him. He knew that the followers of such a prophet would be persecuted for holding to their beliefs. Therefore he assured his disciples that they would receive their reward in another realm, the kingdom of heaven.

We may not be faced with this kind of persecution today, but there are times when we may need to stand up for our beliefs—especially for defending the ideals of religious freedom, harmony, kindness and tolerance for diversity of race and ethnic cultures.

If people want to criticize us for any reason, they will criticize us no matter what we do or say. As long as we have done what we know to be right, we need not be concerned about other people’s opinions.

When someone speaks ill of us, our natural reaction is to be offended and to retaliate. This is a reaction of the ego. When we react in this way we lose our balance and cut ourselves off from our connection with God. Criticism and unfair invective offer us an opportunity to discriminate, reaffirm our true nature, and pray for those who speak against us. Sometimes adversity has a positive effect, by forcing us to turn to the Reality for composure and understanding.

The kingdom of heaven lies within each one of us. The illumined soul has found that heaven within his or her own heart. Our reward will come when we reach that state of perfection when our minds always dwell in God. Then we will remain even-minded no matter what befalls us.

The people on our planet are not standing in a straight line,
Look closely. Everyone is really standing in a circle,
holding hands. Whatever you give to the person
standing next to you, it eventually
comes back to you.

© Vedanta Society of Southern California. All Rights Reserved.

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“Amazing location for yoga retreat. Already booked to return next June.”

September 13th, 2011

I had the unique opportunity to lead a yoga retreat at the Blue Osa this summer. 10 yoga students came with me to stay for 5 days. It was worth the travel time to get there. We landed and were picked up by the Blue Osa shuttle (Nago and Heidi are great tour guides). We arrived in the rain, only to be stunned by the amazing views and the beautiful landscape. Every room was nicely decorated and extremely clean. The meals were out of this world. Marie and her staff spoiled us each meal with fresh local food that was definitely made with love. I miss her huevos rancheros the most. The yoga practice space was truly a sacred space and I felt honored to teach there. There is a large, open air space that overlooks the ocean for your yoga practice. The ocean and wildlife provide a great soundtrack to your practice time.

Several of us took surfing lessons, went zip lining, hiking and kayaking. The surfing and zip line were the most popular for our group. All of the tours were well done and worth the extra cost. Just be aware that shuttle prices are per person per tour. Save and plan ahead.

Other than the food and beautiful location, you will not want to miss the spa at Blue Osa. The massages and facials are beyond description. Each person that came with us took a turn in the spa and came out transformed. Some in small ways, others in large ways. We cannot thank the healers at Blue Osa enough. Their magic is still being felt here in the states.

If you are considering traveling to Costa Rica, this is a small piece of heaven. I plan to return each summer as long as I can. I knew as soon as I put my feet on the ground at the Blue Osa that some part of me felt completely at home here. Aaron and the entire family at Blue Osa will make you feel welcome and appreciated. Once you go there, you will not want to leave.

- Liz

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Thrive – Coming soon!

September 12th, 2011

There is a new movie being released that you want to check out. It is time to wake up the world to a universe of infinite and limitless possibilities.

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“A Slice of Heaven”

September 6th, 2011

If you’re looking for a slice of heaven, where you are surrounded by a symphony from the forest and the Bel Canto of waves lapping a soft sandy beach, Blue Osa is a must-visit paradise for you.  Your palate will be graced by the delicacies of French vegetarian cuisine, lovingly prepared by Chef Marie and her smiling, welcoming staff—masters of the culinary arts.  Your eyes will be graced by the splashes of color of wild flora, macaws, toucans and morning sun arrows piercing the palm grove by the sea, your ears will be stroked by the chatter of mischievous wildlife, and your soul caressed by the tender legatos of the Costa Ricans.  That, my friends, is Blue Osa.

-Kabir

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Tight Hamstrings

August 30th, 2011

What problems can tight hamstrings cause?

• More susceptible to tearing. If you force a muscle to go further than it can normally go at speed it is likely to tear.

• Tight hamstrings can cause the hips and pelvis to rotate back flattening the lower back and causing back problems.
• If your muscles have tightened up then blood has been squeezed out of them therefore your muscles are working at less than 100 % of capacity and your performance will be down as a result. Regular sports massage and stretching to improve muscle condition will not only reduce the likelihood of injury but may also improve sporting performance. Many people suffer with tight hamstrings. Most of the time they will not cause a problem but can be more prone to bad tears, may contribute towards injuries such as lower back pain and popliteus injury and also may be limiting your sporting performance. The hamstring musclesconsist of the semitendinosus, semimembranosus and biceps femoris.

Tight hamstrings can also be responsible for postural problems and other back problems such as sacroiliac joint pain, as they will tend to pull the pelvis out of normal position.

The ‘normal’ range of hip flexion (measured when laying flat on your back and raising the leg straight off the floor – knee straight) permitted by the hamstrings is in the region of 80-90 degrees. Anything less than 80 degrees is considered ‘tight’. The image on the right shows a ‘normal’ range of motion.

Why do I have tight hamstrings?

• Genetic reasons. You can be born with naturally short hamstrings when some people are naturally supple. In general women and children are more supple than men.

• Not enough stretching. If you participate in a lot of sport and do not stretch properly then you are more likely to have your hamstrings tighten up. It is especially important to stretch properly after exercise as this is when the muscles are warm and more receptive to stretching. If you tend to make a beeline for the bar after your game of football think about spending 10 minutes stretching first.

• Problems in your lower back can put pressure on your sciatic nerve which runs down the legs and cause muscles to tighten.

Posted in Take Care Of Your Body | Comments Off

The 5 Steps – Part One

August 7th, 2011

In the Yoga sutras, Patanjali talks about the 5 steps, or 5 qualities to enlightenment.  He basically says, “Look guys. There are only a few of us born to this world gifted and “enlightened. The rest of us need to get to work and here is how.

So this is part one, in a five part series.

The Five Steps – Part One

Enjoy!

Aaron

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COSTA RICAN WINTER GETAWAY WITH MARCO ROJAS

July 27th, 2011

December 11 – 18

Escape New York City’s cold winter, and relish the warm sun and breathtaking natural setting of Costa Rica while you advance your practice and restore your soul.

Costa Rica Yoga Retreat Blue Osa Yoga and Wellness Retreat in Costa Rica on the Osa Peninsula offering Yoga, Surfing, Eco Tours and Spa Package

Join Pure instructor Marco Rojas as he leads you in a week long yoga retreat of peace and tranquility.

Choose one of the following Costa Rican premier resorts on the beautiful Osa Peninsula:

*Included:
• Flights and Transfers from San Jose, CR to the resort
• Three meals a day
• Group yoga classes with Marco and an assistant
• 7 night’s stay at the resort
• Special spa service
• Gift bag

Email Laina.Seplow@pureyoga.com for more information.

Who is Marco?

Marco completed a yoga teacher training course under the guidance of Chuck Miller and Maty Ezraty. He currently practices at the Iyengar Yoga Institute of New York and explores ISTHA philosophy under the guardianship of Alan Finger. Marco teaches a Vinyasa flow with attention to alignment and exploration of poses.

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