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Amidst a tropical forest and open sky, our studio space felt like a
pod, suspended from the Tree of Life. Daily we gestated within
practices of Mindful Yoga, Meditation and Emotional Processing.
Our deepening healing attunement was complemented by
AmaTierra's Wellness Treatments, a Cacao Ceremony, Sound Bath
and Moon Dance; all organically woven into the fabric of our
immersion. What an enriching and memorable Retreat experience
we shared!
AmaTierra's natural setting, delights with mountain vistas dotted
with soft pink blossoms and a soothing, rustic ambiance. The air
weaves earthy notes and a cacophony of sounds, punctuated at
times by the piercing shrill of cicadas. Tasty meals, local fruits and
drinks gave nourishment. And the care and kindness of our hosts,
shone through their daily hospitality, as well as their devotion to
creating and sustaining this healing sanctuary.
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Deep thanks to our hosts, Jill & Bob
Ruttenberg & the AmaTierra family,
for their genuine warmth and care.
Deep Within
Retreat Reflections from AmaTierra Costa Rica
16-23 February, 2019
Arriving from Canada, USA, UK and Trinidad, participants
entered seemlessly into a feeling of ease with one another. There
was a natural flow from laughter through tears that we traversed
with grace; our hearts and minds present to the journey and one
another. It takes courage to open oneself to parts that have been
hidden or neglected, and to speak one's truth. As this process was
supported within our circle, we recognized the thorns we were
defending; embarrassment, disappointment, sadness, betrayal.
Emotional pain was felt and released, bearing the fruit of insights
inner strength and enhanced presence.
During a trip to the local Malakita waterfall, our male guides
directed our path and ensured our safe passage into and out of,
what transpired to be a mesmerizing experience. Once we were all
immersed in the clear pool waters beneath the falls, and at the
request for a water meditation, we drew close in a circular
formation, our feet on the bedrock and our hands in gestures of
gently turning lotus petals. The water conducted a brocade of
emotion that surged through me; a distinct sadness, cocooned in
beauty and joy. This wellspring felt to be an emotive hologram of
our collective resonance. Each of us saw and felt the potency of
feminine power and her/our ability to
uplift
pain so that we are not
overcome by it, but rather liberated, through conscious
experiencing of the very same. Water in her essence of non-
resistance, conveyed an elemental lesson of
the power of acceptance
.
A holy renewal, a baptism of sorts ... a blessing.
Further sharing, brought up someone's feeling of fear on seeing the
eruption of sadness that spiralled through me during our waterfall
circle. I shared that bearing witness was good for her/us, so that
she/we needn't be fearful of encountering her/our own sadness
when it arises. Too often there is the tendency to suppress or 'get
over'
emotions prematurely, rather than allow them their natural
evolving and withering cycle.
Costa Rica is fi lled with so many natural treasures. Poas volcano
that in part drew me to plan this Retreat, was now dry and gaseous
with a deep fi re in her belly. Yet the cool temperatures at this
elevation gave a lushness to the surrounding vegetation and the
coffee and strawberries that grow in her fertile soil are premium.
Thanks to our friendly and knowledgeable guide Juan. He ensured
our safety throughout and led us through the magical nature
kingdom of La Paz. Bejewelled with cascading falls, exquisite flora
and fauna amidst forested mountains, this is nature in her most
glorious display.
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Time at the beach frolicking in the ocean waves and riding on
horseback to the whistling of a western from years gone by, peering
at crocodiles below a traffi cked bridge and an early morning hike
through a national park were some of the other treats we enjoyed.
It was a full sensory immersion through the landscape of Costa
Rica and the journey Deep Within ourselves. We each now
embody a more integrated vibration of wholeness. May we radiate
this light through Deep Stillness, in ordinary moments.
Our next Retreat request is Iceland ...
Are you ready to journey Deep Within?
Namaste
Ann-Marie
Ann-Marie Ahye
Contemplative Psychotherapy
Mindful Yoga & Meditation
Energy Balancing
amahye@yahoo.ca
energeticpresence.com
Reflection
"
The emotion I feel regarding the following experience is embarrassment
and a bit of shock at myself.
When we went to Carara National Park and the guide spotted a macaw
high up in the trees, the fi rst one for us for the day, he stopped and set up his
tripod and focused the binoculars for us to see the bird. On seeing the bird,
my fi rst thought was "This is not a real macaw. It's a wooden carving put
up in the tree to trick the tourists."
I have not shared this with anyone. Only when the macaw moved his head
did I register that yes, it is real.
The signifi cance to me is that I have been blind to so much beauty and
magic around me. I am a real doubting Thomas.
After my week at Amatierra with Ann Marie and the other beautiful
women, sharing some truly magical experiences with them - the waterfall
circle, the Cacao ceremony and the Soundbath ceremony - I am more open to
beauty and magic and the power of feminine energy.
Thank you Ann Marie for those deep, insightful daily sessions that helped
me go below the surface to experience divinity. I hope it stays with me and
continues to grow.
"
Bernadette, Trinidad
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