Returning To Our True Nature
with Brian Dean Williams & Melissa Berry Appleton
January 16 - 23, 2021
Ahki Retreat Center, Nosara, Costa Rica Register now
Triple Occupancy $1,990 USD Double Occupancy $2,590 USD $500 Deposit Required
Living in the modern world, in the busyness of our lives, it's easy to forget our intimate connection with nature. We also forget, from a Buddhist perspective how, being aware and at ease is also our true nature. We invite you to return to both.
In this retreat, we will be explore both Yoga and Buddhist meditative techniques to uncover our relationship with our inner and outer landscapes in a beautiful setting, with access to jungle and beach. Our days together as a community will consist of periods of yoga and movement practices, silent seated meditation, mindful walks in the jungle, therapeutic dialogue, writing practice, and long afternoons of free time.
This retreat will be drug and alcohol-free, and is intended to be inclusive of diverse genders, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and belief systems.
Sample Schedule
7 AM Morning Hike 8 AM Breakfast 9 AM-12 PM Yoga & Meditation
12:15 PM Lunch
5 PM Optional Meditation
1-6 PM Free time for excursions, beach, hiking, solitude, etc.
6 PM Dinner
7:30-8:30 PM Dharma Talk & Discussion
Things to Bring
Sunscreen, sun hat, swim suit
Toiletries
Simple slip-on shoes
Mosquito repellent
Some cash in American dollars for massages / excursions
Water bottle
Light breathable clothing
Accommodations
AHKí RETREAT is a tranquil and enchanting facility nestled in 5.5 mountain acres, located near the Pacific coast, in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica and has been named one of five ‘Blue Zones’—where people are said to be healthiest and happiest. Imbued with lush green mountainsides, blue ocean waters and plentiful sunshine. As remote as AHKí feels, it is only minutes away from beaches, kayaking, horseback riding, surfing, zip-lining, nature hikes, shopping, restaurants and more.
AHKí is a truly sacred space - built specifically according to the ancient science of Vastu Shastra, “the yoga of space”, invoking peace, wellness and harmony - with the environment as well as within one’s self. All the structures are built oriented in conjunction with the 9 directions, 5 elements, the earth’s vibrational grid, and the planetary energies. Nestled amongst the trees along a mountain ridge, are two beautiful and spacious cabinas with a total of 6 large guest rooms. The heads of all the beds are positioned to the south or east, a Vastu principle that helps to induce a restful night’s sleep. All rooms are decorated with handcrafted Costa Rican hardwood furniture made by local artisans. Rooms have large ceiling fans, large windows and doors, and plenty of overhead ventilation for optimal airflow. Each room has a private bath with a large unique, indoor/outdoor hot water shower, and patio decks that command stellar views of the mountains and valleys. Triple, double, and single occupancy are available.
Refunds
All payments are final; there are no refunds available. You may find another participant to take your place in the retreat or if there is a wait list and your spot can be filled, then reimbursement may be possible.
Retreat Teachers
Melissa and Brian met through their good friend Michael Stone. The first time they met, they all shared a great meal together in Vancouver at Nuba Cafe. At the next meeting they stepped onto the hiking trails of the Okanagan BC and began a path of Dharma friendship. Brian and Melissa have led Dharma Inspired Wilderness Expeditions for Teens, Mindfulness Meditation for Clinicians, Educators and Front-Line Workers, and Reconnection - Recovery Retreats. They take family vacations together, are children of the 70's, and deeply love the wilderness, dharma and community life.
With a background in social activism, cultural anthropology, and community organizing, Brian Dean Williams brings a commitment to social justice, and collaborative, non-judgmental, ethical, and compassionate treatment. After graduating with presidential honours from City University of Seattle’s masters in counselling psychology program, Brian trained in Los Angeles as a meditation facilitator, and co-created a weekly meditation group for service providers in Vancouver’s downtown eastside. He is a registered member in good standing with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. He is a national trainer for the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness.
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