Finding Self-Healing and Community in Costa Rica

Settling Into Costa Rica: A New Chapter of My Journey

It’s been a little while since my last post, and honestly, I’m not quite sure where to begin. Living in Costa Rica has brought unexpected challenges and incredible opportunities for growth and self-healing.  As usual, my transformational travel journey continues to surprise and inspire me.

The struggle has been real lately, and I suppose I should have expected that. It can’t always be sunshine and roses. But if you know me, you know that’s not why I write these blogs. I write them to be brutally honest about my experiences. I want to inspire, yes, but I also want to be real. The journey is long and hard, but it’s beautiful and full of surprises too.

And that leads me to the present moment.

Living and Volunteering at Blue Osa Resort

I am living in Costa Rica now. Not as a tourist, and not to see any particular sights. I’m here to truly live, committed to staying in one place for three full months. This is the longest I’ve “lived” anywhere (including visits home) since beginning my journey two years ago.

For the past two weeks, I’ve been at Blue Osa, a serene eco-resort in Costa Rica on the Osa Peninsula. In exchange for food and lodging, I’m volunteering as a blog writer, social media manager, and yoga teacher. It’s a creative way for me to save money while building my business. Lodging and food are my biggest expenses on the road, so this arrangement is a win.

Beyond saving money, this opportunity is teaching me new skills in blogging, website management, and navigating the ever-changing social media landscape—valuable tools for marketing my business. Plus, as a new yoga teacher, I’m relishing every chance to hone my practice and teaching technique. Each day, I learn a little more and feel increasingly confident in my abilities.

Most importantly, being here gives me the quiet, contemplative time I need to focus on my business and my self-healing journey. Nestled between the jungle and the ocean, this serene environment is perfect for diving inward, listening to my intuition, and working toward long-term goals.

Blue OSA Eco-resort nestled between the jungle and ocean in Costa Rica

Building Community and Finding Connection

What I didn’t expect, though, was the incredible people I’d meet along the way. In just two weeks, I’ve connected with some of the most inspiring individuals I’ve ever encountered, especially women. Their energy is spellbinding, and being around them has shown me the kind of community my soul has been seeking for so long.

In general, I have found that yogis are highly attuned, spiritually energetic people, and I’m realizing how much I thrive in their presence. This community fills me up, makes me feel whole, and resonates deeply with who I aspire to be. I’ve found a sisterhood, a bond, and a connection I never knew I needed.

The unique dynamic at Blue Osa adds to this sense of connection. Every week, a new retreat group arrives, bringing fresh energy and new stories. We, the staff and volunteers, remain constant, serving as a bridge between each group. Sharing my story with them and hearing theirs in return has been profoundly inspiring. I’ve learned so much already, and I know this will be one of the greatest gifts of my time here.

Yoga community retreat in Costa Rica’s serene landscape

Lessons From the Jungle: Self-Healing and Growth

The stories and lessons I’m encountering here are almost overwhelming in their depth. For example, a recent retreat organizer was a Shaman, Priestess, yogi, and healer. Her presence was transformative. She didn’t just hear what people said; she saw who they were and guided them toward becoming their true selves. Similarly, one of the other volunteers is a Certified Reiki Master, Hypnotherapist, and wellness coach. Every conversation with her leaves me spellbound, her insights simplifying complex ideas in ways that resonate deeply within me.

Being surrounded by such wisdom and energy is helping me to unpack my own baggage—both literally and metaphorically. It’s a messy process, but one that’s strangely comforting. The shared energy here feels thick like the jungle’s humidity but also supportive and grounding, reminding me that we’re all navigating this imperfect world together.

Embracing Sustainable Living at an Eco-Resort

Volunteering at an eco-resort is a unique experience. Blue Osa is built on sustainability, which means cold showers, no air conditioning, and simple accommodations. As a volunteer, I’m essentially living in a storage container with a small fan.

At first, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to handle it. The isolation is intense, the silence deafening, and let’s not even talk about the giant spiders! But as I’ve settled in, I’ve realized that this is exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Volunteer living at Blue Osa in Costa Rica

Finding Peace in the Present Moment

As I write this, I’m gazing out at the seafoam green, turquoise, and deep blue ocean.  The blue sky is peppered with just a few fluffy white clouds.  The gentle breeze of the ocean brushes my skin and feels almost as if it is wrapping me up in a lightweight blanket of comfort.  I am barefoot with my feet nestled in the sand.  A lizard saunters by, and a monkey howls in the distance.

In this exact moment, I feel at peace. And for the first time in a long time, I feel home.

Scenes from my writing post…

Closing Thoughts

Have you ever considered volunteering abroad or embarking on your own transformational travel journey? Share your story in the comments, or reach out to learn more about teaching yoga and sustainable travel in Costa Rica. Let’s continue this conversation and inspire each other along the way.