Janis Houghton Testimonial

Janis Houghton |  60-ish, Career in the medical field, Coeur d’Alene, ID

Janis is a regular participant in Joanna’s annual winter weekend retreats in Mazama (three years running) but in 2017 she and her husband Randy traveled to Costa Rica for their first week-long retreat at Blue Osa. Here is her testimonial following her retreat.

Please describe your retreat experience considering the expectations you had when you registered.

I leave this retreat in a much better place than I was when I first arrived in Costa Rica.  I feel relaxed, rejuvenated, and more fit.  I also feel several pounds lighter. 

What aspects or components of the retreat did you most enjoy and why? (Sunrise meditation, Morning Silence, Writing “assignments”, Morning Yoga, Workshops, Afternoon Yoga, Evening Meditation)

I am not a morning person normally, but I found it was not difficult at all to arise and enjoy the sunrises, which are spectacular.  The waves provide a rhythmic background to the meditation, and I always felt inspired and ready for the day after that peaceful time in the early hours of the day.

The yoga practices were incredible.  Joanna does a fantastic job of creating a guilt free environment, with a balance of professionalism and light heartedness.  I felt free to partake in as much yoga as I desired, or forego a session to join another adventure, or just spend time on taking care of myself.  She is a very organized, creative, and professional instructor and I found all the sessions extremely beneficial.

What is one lesson (or more!) that you will take away from your experience?

I can feel the benefits of this week long retreat of yoga and wellness-focused living…I want to maintain as much of this lifestyle as possible in my busy life.  I learned from one of her workshops how I can incorporate yoga into my schedule daily, without having to change my entire daily life.

Describe your experience with the other retreat participants.

I met many lovely people….there was much laughter.

Would you like to comment on the location – Blue Osa – the food, excursions, surrounding area, rooms, common areas, yoga space, pool, beach?

The sounds are AMAZING!!!!!  The monkeys in the am and pm, the pulsing shrill of the cicadas, the routine squawking of the passing Scarlett Macaus and local Parrots….all create a delicious auditory experience.  The swimming was wonderful and the staff at Blue Osa were so warm and friendly.