|
I like to devote my time and life only to those endeavors where my progress and work can be felt and observed. Otherwise they do not hold my interest. The allure of practicing yoga at Empowered Yoga, and what keeps me coming back is the constant ability to observe my growth and progress- sometimes in the smallest of ways, but here it is less about the poses and more about the process”
Wendie Stabler
2007 Costa Rica Retreat
Wilmington, Delaware
Costa Rica was a powerful experience and gave me a great deal of clarity - mind, body, and spirit! The positive energy at Pura Vida was refreshing and contagious! What a great way to kick-start the New Year! Thank you for the opportunity - I would go back in a heartbeat!
Namaste,
Michelle Burnes
2007 Costa Rica Retreat
Newark, DE
It has been said that a retreat is the best present you can give yourself. It resembles being invited outside your life to understand the principles that secretly govern it. Johnny Gillespie’s retreat at Pura Vida, Costa Rica is one week out of the ear that’s guaranteed to make you aware of how you live the other 51 weeks.
Michael Grether
2007 Costa Rica Retreat
Pennsville New Jersey
The Empowered Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica was an incredible "gift" to myself. I spent the week connecting with my fellow yoga lovers from the studio, deepening my practice spiritually and physically, and appreciating the breath-taking views. Every meal was delicious (fresh, healthy and flavorful) and the Costa Rician people warm and welcoming.
Thank you Johnny for offering this unique, life-changing experience!!
Elaine Kempski
2007 Costa Rica Retreat
Newark, DE
The 2007 Empowered Yoga Retreat at Pura Vida Spa in Costa Rica was an amazing experience. The opportunity to be away from everyday distractions along with Johnny’s encouragement and instruction allowed me to develop my practice more in one week than I could have in months at home. The surroundings, the staff, the food, the practice, the meditation, and especially the camaraderie of my fellow yogis and yoginis combined for an unforgettable time. I am very hopeful that I will be able to experience this again in 2008!
Becky Ashley
2007 Costa Rica Retreat
Newark, DE
Johnny’s Pura Vida Costa Rica yoga retreat is the perfect way to start a new year. During my second time on the retreat, I once again enjoyed the experience of strengthening and invigoration my yoga practice in a beautiful environment with other friendly, open and passionate people. The retreat also provided the much-needed opportunity to take a step back and slow down from our often frantic lived and provides excellent groundwork for learning how to cultivate a sense of peace and awareness into daily living. As a yoga instructor, Johnny provides profound and essential physical, mental and spiritual advice that will deepen each person’s practice by paying attention to detail and catering to the individual. He approached his teaching with an unassuming, obliging, playful attitude and shines through with an authentic character and spirit that allows the wisdom of yoga to be understood in our age and society.
Irene Tobias
2007 Costa Rica Retreat
Cambridge, Massachusetts
As a flower unfolds in the Sun’s radiance, so I’ve discovered life’s true essence. On this enlightened path, my soul has blossomed with deep desire to be enveloped by the heart’s gentle fire. Now aware this light is within all living things, true joy in life it brings.
Here, surrendered in grace, I can cultivate sacred space.
Laura McNew
2007 Costa Rica Retreat
Wilmington, DE
I came back this year half expecting the experience to be “not as good” as last year. But, this year was even better and once again I’m leaving more calm, relaxed, happy and rested. Pura Vida is simply amazing and Johnny leads an incredible week.
Kris Benarchik
2007 Costa Rica Retreat
Wilmington, DE
The Empowered Yoga Costa Rica retreat is one of the best gifts I could have given myself. This week of extensive practice on my mat, in meditation and in the moment has enabled me to wake up so many valuable characteristics that have been buried inside me- such as compassion, strength, commitment, perseverance and loving-kindness. Johnny has been an amazing guide through this process and my fellow yogis and yoginis have taught me so much and helped me to open my heart. There people are truly friends and I look forward to cultivating our friendship and providing support to them (and receiving support from them) when we return to Wilmington. John- Thank you for the incredible experience and the very special community you have created
P.S. This is going to become an annual tradition for me!!!
Elena Finizo
2007 Costa Rica Retreat
Wilmington, DE
Returning to Pura Vida Spa for the Empowered Yoga Costa Rica Retreat was the best decision of my life. Johnny Gillespie is so great at what he does. His technique includes just the right balance of alignment, prompts, personal guidance and challenge. I love his sense of humor, his music and readings. The meditation and journaling helps balance out the yoga practices. You learn a lot about yourself. The resort is tropical and lush. The staff is genuinely kind and overly accommodating. The spa treatments are fabulous, healing and not to be misses. The food is so healthy and extraordinarily prepared. I highly recommend the Costa Rica Retreat to everyone.
Namaste,
Bootsie Huff
2007 Costa Rica Retreat
Wilmington, DE
The retreat met all of my expectations. My practice is so much stronger now both physically and mentally. Pura Vida is not only a beautiful place but a wonderful way to live.
Kelly Blackwell
2007 Costa Rica Retreat
Wilmington, DE
In my life, I thought what I needed most was to learn what I need to let go of.
My experience at this retreat helped me to see what I needed to hold onto. The rest will take care of itself.
Dr. Amanda Kay
2007 Costa Rica Retrea
Wilmington, DE
It gives me great pleasure to lend recommendation to Johnny Gillespie's yoga retreat at Pura Vida, Costa Rica. A memorable combination of yoga esentials, beautiful accommodations, wholesome food and like minded companions.
Michael Grether
2006 Costa Rica Retreat
Pennsville, NJ
I lived my life among cliches, reluctantly using them to describing life's experiences, because I had fear of being a phony. This retreat opened my heart to the natural essence of life and the real feelings of those once annoying cliches.
Laura McNew
2006 Costa Rica Retreat
Kennett Square, PA
I can't imagine a more beautiful peaceful spot - not only is Pura Vida aesthetically inspiring, there is an indescribable feeling about the place. The yoga pushed beyond limits and hesitations I had created - the practice was intensely physical and emotional - it made me vibrate. johnny knows when to push and when to simply encourage.
The entire experience was seamless, the food was fantastic, the accommodations clean and beautiful and the entire staff welcoming - and the bodywork staff is unbelievable. The week allowed me to spend time exploring myself - the journal was scary at first, but a great tool to move forward in my practice and in life.
Kris Benarcik
2006 Costa Rica Retreat
Wimington, DE
Spending a week at Pura Vida Spa in Costa Rica attending Johnny Gillespie’s yoga retreat has been an amazing gift to myself. I arrived at the retreat depressed, very stressed and not happy with how I had let my body get out of shape. It’s been an incredible experience – Johnny has been a great motivator and has inspired me to take my yoga practice to a new level. He’s an excellent instructor and focuses on alignment, your breath and incorporates the mind and spirit aspects of yoga. I feel very fortunate that I selected Johnny’s retreat – he’s great!
Pura Vida Spa is a beautiful and peaceful oasis at 5,200 feet above the city of San Jose. Breath taking views with lush landscaping and a plethora of beautiful flowers. The staff is very warm and friendly and you can tell they love working at Pura Vida. The spa offers a wonderful assortment of services. Don’t miss Alex’s coco scrub massage – the best massage ever! But I must say the meals are the “icing on the cake” – incredibly fresh and healthy. I can’t wait for the cookbook.
Fantastic week – in one week my body is fit, my depression is completely gone, I have made new friends and would highly recommend Pura Vida Spa and Johnny Gillespie. I will be back!
Debra Miller
2006 Costa Rica Retreat
Dallas, TX
|
