365 Yogini

Retreat Price Includes:
7 days 6 nights at Hotel Los Mangos
10 Yoga Classes with Gigi Yogini (6 Vinyasa Flow and 4 Restorative)
2 Organic Vegetarian Meals per day (Breakfast and Dinner)
2 Guided Waterfall Hikes
1 Adventure Excursion (Choice of Zip Line, Surf Lesson, or National Park Tour)
2 Goal Setting Workshops
2 Beach Clean Ups
1 New Moon Ceremony

The Event Invitation for the New Moon Retreat in Costa Rica just went live on Facebook! It's amazing to see how many people are interested!

Also, I just checked flights and a one way ticket with Frontier is only $170...it doesn't get much better than that!

Plus a quick thank you to Lucy Silag, author of Beautiful Americans, who gave a great shout out in her Perfectly Paris blog which led the the possibility of 3 schoolmates joining me on the retreat!

"When Gigi is not traipsing around Oberkampf late night or discovering the joys of Eric Kayser, she's quite busy getting her exciting new adventure specialist gig off the ground. Building on a comprehensive knowledge of yoga teaching methodologies and a deep intimacy with Costa Rican culture, Brigitte's inaugural yoga retreat will be this July in Montezuma, Costa Rica. If you can't make that one, she's booking other yoga/Spanish/surfing/salsa adventures in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica later in the summer, as well as TBA dates for fall, winter and next spring. Grab your friends, family, or go on your own . . . these retreats are priced at bargain rates for their first season and are very quick to fill. If I wasn't moving to Iowa this summer, I'd be sun-saluting right there next to you . . . I mean, seriously. She's practically giving away this opportunity. Sign up now!"

Starting July 2009, Gigi Yogini will begin a Karma Yoga Tour hosting two retreats, facilitating volunteer opportunities and visiting wellness communities in the Nicoya Peninsula and Central Pacific Coast.

Karma Yoga, or Yoga of Action, focuses on the selfless act of helping others, detached from reward. Similar to volunteer work, the definition of Karma Yoga is outlined in the sacred teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.

Ecotourism is traveling to natural areas to observe and learn about the wildlife, refraining from damaging the natural environment and instead, strengthening conservation and improving the lives of local people.

Costa Rica has plenty of opportunities for Karma Yoga and EcoTourism with the largest percentage of protected areas in the world. With a name that literally translates to “Rich Coast,” this beautiful paradise serves as home to a wide variety of plants and animals, but also attracts tourists from around the world.

Unfortunately, too much tourism can ruin the natural environment and therefore EcoTourism becomes even more important in order to preserve the country's greatest attraction. In November 2008, Brigitte Kouba, a yoga instructor from Los Angeles, visited the beautiful town of Montezuma and was disappointed to find hidden beaches covered in trash. Brigitte (aka Gigi Yogini) specifically noticed plastic sandals and collected enough shoes from the polluted beaches to install an artistic protest with the "lost soles" walking across the entire town of Montezuma. For photos and video visit: www.ShoeProject.wordpress.com

As Oprah recently discussed on her Earth Day episode, “years of bottles, bags, toys, packaging and plastic trash from all corners of the Earth are swirling in a plastic whirlpool in the North Pacific,” killing immeasurable amounts of wildlife and washing up on otherwise beautiful beaches.

With a problem so big and ugly in a country so small and beautiful, Gigi devised a plan to shed light on the trash problems by encouraging EcoTourism in Costa Rica through Yoga, Adventure, and the Arts.

Starting July 2009, Gigi will begin a Karma Yoga Tour hosting a series of retreats, facilitating volunteer opportunities and visiting wellness communities in the Nicoya Peninsula and Central Pacific Coast.

Retreat Option One - New Moon Detox

Brigitte's New Moon 0th Birthday Retreat
Montezuma, Costa Rica
Sunday July 19th - Saturday July 25th

The New Moon is invisible from the earth and is often associated with the season of change. A time of growing energy, newness, rejuvenation, growth, renewal and hope, the new moon is a good time to be reborn and thus a perfect time to end bad habits or relationships.

Montezuma, Costa Rica, is a small beach town located on the southern Nicoya Peninsula. This remarkable location hosts adventurers from around the world and has a thriving community of artists, conservationists, musicians, chefs, and creative visionaries.

Price Includes:
6 nights at Hotel Los Mangos
10 Yoga Classes (6 Vinyasa and 4 Restorative)
2 Meals per day (Breakfast and Dinner)
1 Adventure Excursion (Choice of: Zip Line, Surf Lesson, Boat Trip, or National Park Hike)
Goal Setting Workshop(s)
Beach Clean Up Volunteer Opportunities

Hotel Los Mangos is a Mango Orchard next to the jungle overlooking the ocean, and has a pool, Jacuzzi, beach access and is only a five minute walk to Montezuma village. It also has a beautiful, open-air yoga pavilion overlooking the sea where all classes will be held.

Breakfast is served at Organico, the vegetarian restaurant in the town of Montezuma. It is a fun place to hang out with an “organic lounge,” serving pure food with love.

Dinner is provided beach front at Playa de los Artistas, which serves Mediterranean food with vegetarian and vegan options. Playa de los Artisas has been mentioned 3 years in a row by The New York Times as one of the best places to eat in all of Costa Rica.

Yoga with Gigi Yogini is offered daily 7 days a week
7 am Monday - Saturday – 90 minute Vinyasa Flow
4pm Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday - 90 minute Restorative Yoga

Start your days with 7am yoga in the open-air yoga pavilion, amidst the Costa Rican wildlife, on the grounds of Hotel Los Mangos. This 90 minute class will be a soulful and fluid Vinyasa Flow, generating heat to warm up our bodies for a beautiful day in paradise. Restorative Yoga will be offered at 4pm every other day to help relax the mind and body after a day of fun activities. Classes are open to all levels, although previous yoga experience is suggested.

Gigi Yogini is a certified Yoga Instructor and Adventure Specialist based in Los Angeles. Gigi believes yoga is for everyone and encourages her students to explore, evolve and express themselves during her classes which are open to all levels. Gigi honors each student’s search for personal growth and wellbeing and leads her classes with love, compassion, and a sense of humor.

Adventure Excursion (Guests get a choice of a one): Surfing lesson, Zipline Canopy Tour, National Park Hike, or Boat Trip with BBQ Lunch.

Retreat Option Two - Full Moon Fiesta

Full Moon & Yoga Adventure Retreat
La Escuela de Pura Vida in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Sunday August 2nd - Saturday August 8th

The Full Moon is traditionally associated with temporal insanity but studies are generally inconsistent. This moon phase is fertile and shinning with the full power of feminine secrets and mysteries. It is the time of abundance, ripeness and completeness. The moon's energy is strongest and full of magic power.

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, is a popular town and national park on the Central Pacific Coast. It is one of the country’s most-visited areas with rain-forested hills sweeping down to the sea. The second smallest national park in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio boasts a view across the bay to pristine outer islands and the iguanas, howlers, capuchins, cloths, squirrel monkeys and 200 species of birds really add to the adventure.

Although Manuel Antonio is a stunning destination worthy of the tourist hype, if you're looking for an undisturbed, quiet, natural oasis, this is not it. Manuel Antonio is a hotspot for the young at heart and liberal minded individuals who are looking for tropical fun. Manuel Antonio has a blossoming gay community, burgeoning artist community, sophisticated restaurant scene and one of the country's only nude beaches. Yet the area manages to maintain its Costa Rican roots.

The hotel is tucked away in the Rainforest with sweeping views of the ocean, just off the main road from the local town of Quepos to Manuel Antonio beach. It has an open air yoga gazebo, outdoor Spanish classroom, small pool and hammocks to enjoy.

Retreat Prices (tax included):
Most rooms include private bathroom, hot water showers, kitchenette and views overlooking the rainforest.

Price Includes:
6 nights with La Escuela de Pura Vida
9 Yoga Classes (6 Vinyasa and 3 Adventure)
Breakfast Daily
2 Salsa Lessons
2 Spanish Lessons
Friday Night BBQ & Live Salsa

*Deluxe package includes the nicest room available, fresh fruit basket, VIP status at bars, dinner reservations at the nicest restaurants, and choice of one excursion including surfing lesson, parasailing, national park tour, or zipline canopy tour.

Yoga with Gigi Yogini is offered daily 6 days a week
8 am Monday - Saturday – 90 minute Vinyasa Flow
5pm Monday & Thursday - 60 minute Adventure Yoga
8pm Wednesday - 90 minute Full Moon Yoga

Start your days with 8am yoga in the open-air yoga pavilion, amidst the Costa Rican wildlife, at La Escuela de Pura Vida. This 90 minute class will be a soulful and fluid Vinyasa Flow, generating heat to warm up our bodies for a beautiful day in paradise. Afternoon Yoga will be offered Monday, Wednesday and Thursday for 60-90 minutes in different Adventure Locations. This could include yoga on a waterfall hike, at the beach, or in a tree house. On the night of the Full Moon we will experiment with Moon Salutations in the moon light and allow ourselves to deeply restore and receive energy from the moon at its fullest.

Classes are open to all levels, although previous yoga experience is suggested.

Gigi Yogini is a certified Yoga Instructor and Adventure Specialist from Los Angeles. Gigi believes that yoga is for everyone and encourages her students to explore, evolve and express themselves during her classes which are open to all levels. Gigi honors each student’s search for personal growth and wellbeing and leads her classes with love, compassion, and a contagious sense of humor.

For an additional cost, other excursions are also available including surf lessons, a snorkeling trip, zipline canopy tour, parasailing, guided national park tour, guided waterfall hikes, or a day trip to the Nicoya Peninsula.

Just Ask Gigi - FAQ:

Q: How do I get there?
A: Flights from USA to San Jose, Costa Rica are frequent and usually under $500. From San Jose you can fly to Tambor (for Montezuma) or Quepos (for Manuel Antonio) for an additional $100 or less. We can arrange airport pickup from these local airports. Buses and Shuttles are also available for more affordable prices $6 - $25, but take between 3 - 6 hours.

Q: What's the weather like?
A: Hot with occasional rains! The summer has some afternoon showers as it gets closer to the rainy season. But even with the quick showers the air stays warm. It's wonderfully tropical.

Q: Your retreats seem action packed. What if I don't want to do everything?
A: Everything is optional however there is no discount for unused yoga classes or excursions.

Q: What if I want to do more?
A: There are tons of fun things to do for free but there are additional options for adventures at a cost.

Q: What if I want to do both retreats?
A: Guests are welcome to come on both retreats. During the week between Montezuma and Manuel Antonio, Gigi will be visiting different yoga retreats and EcoTourist spots in Mal Pais and Jaco. If you are interested in participating, please email GigiYogini@yahoo.com. Guests are also welcome to travel independently and meet in Manuel Antonio on August 2nd.

Sunday, August 2nd
10 am San Jose, International Airport Pickup
Check in La Escuela de Pura Vida
5:30 pm Restorative Yoga Class

Monday, August 3rd
7 am Meditation
8 am Yoga
11 am Intro to Spanish Class, Lunch, Grocery Shopping
5:30 pm Yoga
7:30 pm Welcome BBQ

Tuesday, August 4th
8 am Yoga
2 pm Surfing / Beach Yoga

Wednesday, August 5th
8 am Yoga
11 am Spanish and Lunch
5 pm Salsa
8 pm Full Moon Yoga (at the Beach, weather permitting)

Thursday, August 6th
8 am Yoga
2 pm Surfing / Beach Yoga
5 pm Salsa

Friday, August 7th
8am Yoga
11am Spanish and Lunch
7pm BBQ La Escuela de Pura Vida
9pm Bambu Jam for Live Salsa

Saturday, August 8th
7am Yoga
11am Depart for San Jose, International Airport

Adventure Retreat in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
August 2009
Brigitte (Gigi) is a certified Yoga Instructor based in Los Angeles who spends a large portion of the year in New York and Costa Rica. Gigi is experienced in teaching Yoga and Performance Arts and encourages her students to evolve, explore and express themselves through various forms of communication. With respect for individual boundaries, classes are open to all levels, with the intention of personal growth. Brigitte has practiced yoga in countries including Costa Rica, Honduras, Peru, Greece, Australia, Kenya, and South Africa.

Hoy, conversando,
se salio de madre
el pasado,
mi pasado.
Con indulgencia
las paquenas
cosas sucias,
episodios
vacios,
harina negra,
polvo.
Te agachas
suavemente
inclinado
en ti mismo,
sonries,
te celebras,
pero
si se trata
de otro, de tu amigo,
de to enemigo,
entonces
te tornas despiadado,
frunces el ceno:
Que cosas hizo ese hombre!
Esa mujer, que cosas
hizo!
Te tapas
la nariz,
visiblemente
te desagradan mucho
los pasados ajenos.
De lo nuestro miramos
con nostalgia
los peores dias,
abrimos
con precaucion el cofre
y enarbolamos,
para que nos admiren,
la proeza.
Olvidemos el resto.
Solo es mala memoria.
Escucha, aprende:
El tiempo
se divide
en dos rios:
uno
corre hacia atras, devora
lo que vives,
el otro
va contigo adelante
descubriendo
tu vida.
En un solo minuto
se juntaron.
Es este.
Esta es la hora,
la gota de un instante
que arrastrara el pasado.
Es el presente.
Esta en tus manos.
Rapido, resbalando,
cae como cascada.
Pero eres dueno de el.
Construyelo
con amor, con firmeza,
con piedra y ala,
con rectitud
sonora,
con cereales puros,
con el metal mas claro
de tu pecho,
andando
a mediodia.
sin temer
a la verdad, al bien, a la justicia,
companeros de canto,
el tiempo que transcurre
tendra forma
y sonido
de guitarra,
y cuando quieras
inclinarte al pasado,
el manantial del tiempo
transparente
revelara tu integridad cantando.
El tiempo es alegria.

(Isla Negra, 5 febrero 1954)

In less than 24 hours I'm heading to Costa Rica again. This time I'm being met at the airport by my soul sister, Sidonie, and staying at her new home in Manuel Antonio. She and her boyfriend, Justin, are opening a Yoga, Surf, Salsa, and Spanish School appropriately called La Escuela de Pura Vida, the School of Pure Life. So far, all the components of the school have fallen into place except the yoga; that's where I come in. I have quite a bit to offer; so it will be really interesting to hear what she wants and needs.

Wendy has a beautiful style. Her balance is tremendous and she and her main man, Garth, create a positive energy in the unpretentiously glorious space. Scott is a jokester, and Marcus is a bit inflexible, so we all share some belly laughter in awe of our amazing setting. After class we enjoy fresh coconut on the rock steps and share the juice with an over sized butterfly. We eventually move inside and enjoy the most deliciously textured papaya I've ever eaten along with fresh watermelon in the open kitchen.


The two story house is wide open and tastefully designed. Tall ceilings and big doors open up to the river and again, that outrageous waterfall in the jungle beyond. The couches just cry to be lounged on but I decide to take a tour of the house instead. Wendy and Garth sleep upstairs on the same floor as the kitchen and living room, and the guest bedroom downstairs is absolutely perfect. With its own bathroom, patio, entrance from, and exit to the back yard, I can imagine myself living here. We sneak off through the back door and find ourselves in an orange orchard.

The orange trees here are tall and the river is so loud you just want to be quiet. A slack line is tied between two huge trees and a large stick is on the grass in case you need it. Wendy has great balance and shows me how to do it, making the tight rope look easy. So I try for my first time ever although I've watched people do it for the past 8 years. From this view the house looks grand, standing tall with two stories with lots of beautiful wood patios. From here I also have a great view of a chic guest house on the hill.



I venture to the little house and I am breathless when I see how beautiful it is. I let myself in and smile with glee when I recognize the quilt work from the local women's sewing collective on the beds. I love the fact that Wendy is supporting our sistas. The guest house is just delightful and I start to imagine all the wonderful people I'd like to share this glorious space with. Three people would comfortably fit in the guest house beds, and with another person in the guest room in the house, a nice foursome could call Casa Verde home for weeks if not longer.

And then there's the outdoor shower! Ahh...what I wouldn't give to strip down and shower right here, right now; but alas, I only take photos. I figure I'll shower here when I come back and stay. So now I'm trying to figure out how to get back in the next year, because after that, Marcus will probably be gone from Guaruma. I imagine myself here with three ladies (my first instinct was Ashley, Larken, and Brynn) practicing yoga every morning, enjoying hot tea on the patio, eating raw food, hiking to the enormous waterfall, and napping in the sun. I would be happy to come back with any soul sistas, even a mother daughter team. All dynamics would be wonderful. In the end, I don't know exactly who I'll come back with, or when. All I know is that I'm already looking forward to it.