Expand Beyond Recovery at La Anita Farm in Costa Rica
I am writing from a flight heading home from photographing The Expand Beyond Recovery Retreat in Costa Rica. I recognize that I return a little different. Payton Kennedy and Rebecca Sawyer crafted a week with intention and the experience changed me. I was honoured to be the retreat photographer as well as a participant.
We were nestled in the rainforest at La Anita Ranch in Upala; a small village in the mountains. Mother Nature was present in at every turn; the birds singing in the early morning light, the lush trees, the flowers and butterflies, the mist in the mountains, the sun peeking through clouds, the pounding of the rain and the smell of fresh air. One of the highlights for me and there were lots, was swimming in hot springs after massaging lava mud onto my skin. The finding of my wild woman as I climbed from rock to rock in a warm stream. It’s those moments in nature that I find my wild woman speaking.
There was hiking to keep us active, nourishing food, yoga, meditation, and sharing circles. All the things that support self-care.
BUT it was the women that spoke to me, that opened my heart. It was the sharing in private conversations, the honesty, that allowed me to go a little deeper into my vulnerability. The first night I shared that I am a master of keeping those tender feelings locked away. BUT with the nightly sharing circles, witnessing other women’s tears, the hugs, the support, the acceptance and the non-judgment. I felt myself crack open. I found myself feeling those wells of emotions and gave myself permission to feel. These women helped me realize that I am not alone, that although our life experiences can be vastly different, we are all the same. We all hold pain, loss, victories and seek happiness and love.
La Anita cocoa farm in Upala feels like an oasis tucked away from the rush of everyday life. The beauty of the land and the calm atmosphere invite you to slow everything down, breathe a little deeper, and savour the small moments that often go unnoticed. It is the kind of place that holds you in softness and reminds you how good it feels to simply be.
The week had a life of its own. A magic wove itself around the thirteen of us where awkwardness and uncertainty was replaced with confidence, strength and a sisterhood. It occurred to me that maybe this is how we create world peace. By bringing together circles of women, where we share, uplift one another in a way that empowers us to step back into the world a little stronger, a little braver, ready to listen to the wise woman that lives inside of us. What if men also gathered to share of themselves in honesty, in support, allowing each other to be fully who they are, to realize that we are interconnected with the Earth and the humans that walk upon her.
Just a short walk down a rainforest path, tucked between layers of green, was this beautiful stream. It became the special spot for each woman’s personal photo session, a quiet place where the sound of flowing water held us gently. Surrounded by the softness of the jungle, the women could slow down, breathe deeply, and see themselves with new eyes.
I leave you as the plane lands in Ottawa, back to my hustle and bustle. I arrive with a smile on my face and strength in my being.
Are you interested in joining a Retreat with Expand Beyond Recovery? Simply check out the link below.