Jul 24, 2019
Don’t Hestitat​​e, Meditate! 17 Reasons to Start Today

The practice of meditation is one that has been used for thousands of years by mankind. In fact, there have been archaeological findings that suggest the hunter-gathers and early shamans were the first to practice a form of meditation. Thousands of years ago, it was the Buddha who inspired others who sit in mindful awareness. There are so many different forms of meditation though that it is hard to pinpoint where and who exactly discovered this highly beneficial practice. 

But, that’s really beside the point! Meditation has gained significant popularity in modern times among a diverse population of practitioners. As more studies are being conducted and more scientific evidence is proving how powerful meditation is, more people are beginning to incorporate meditation into their daily lives. 

The beauty of meditation is that you can meditation for as long or as little as you would like, you can do it anywhere, and you can even do it while on the move. Your meditation practice can be as unique as you are. Developing your own practice might seem a bit daunting if you have never meditated before, but fortunately there is a wealth of classes, apps, videos, podcasts, and recordings to help you find your mindful mind. 

One with nature

The options for where and how you meditate are truly endless. You might be most comfortable sitting, laying down, walking, or flowing through a yoga practice. You might prefer to meditate in a group setting or alone, inside or outside, by guidance, or just by letting yourself be your own guide. The benefits are nonetheless substantial! 

Meditation has been scientifically proven to: 

Reduce stress, anxiety, and depression

Enhance Self-Awareness

Promote better sleep at night and more energy during the day

Boost memory, concentration, and creativity

Improve tolerance, compassion, and kindness 

Support a healthy heart and immune system

Bring a sense of peace, calmness, and balance into your daily life 

You can meditate anywhere!

Here are a few apps to help you get started: 

Insight Timer

Headspace 

Calm 

Buddhify 

There is no time like the present to start a mindful meditation practice. And, Playa Grande is a perfect place to begin.

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Jul 24, 2019
Experience One of the Greatest Natural Phenomenon During the Green Season in Costa Rica

While the coastal region of Playa Grande is part of the Las Baulas National Marine Park, which is supposed to be a prime leatherback sea turtle beach, it is very rare that you will actually see any turtles here. Unfortunately, due to offshore longline and net fishing and other negative human impacts, the sea turtles of Playa Grande are nearly non-existent. Measures are being taken to protect the sea turtles if and when they do come ashore to nest, but it is nearly impossible to eliminate the threat they face far offshore and out of the national park’s jurisdiction. 

Leatherback sea turtles, the largest of all of the species of sea turtles, are also the most endangered. Costa Rica is home to several other species though, including the most common Olive Ridley sea turtle. During the rainy season months, this sizable species of sea turtle returns to one of two beaches in Guanacaste in massive numbers. The mass arrival of sea turtles is called an arribada. 

A beautiful mama

The most accessible location to witness this incredible phenomenon is on Playa Ostional just to the south before Nosara. Between July and November, once and sometimes twice a month, thousands of mama Olive Ridley sea turtles come ashore between dus and dawn to lay their eggs. The arribadas are coordinated around the new moon when the nights are the darkest and the tides are the smallest.

Ostional is a protected wildlife refuge and it is illegal to be on the beach there during an arribada without a certified guide. However, it is easy to find one once you arrive there or you can make a reservation prior to driving down. You can also have the RipJack Inn concierge set up a tour and transportation for you if you don’t want to drive yourself there, which can be a bit daunting if you aren’t used to driving at night in Costa Rica. 

Back to sea

I recommend arriving right before the first break of day, which is usually around 5AM. Night tours are more popular but having the daylight on your side makes the experience even more magical. Seeing thousands of sea turtles crawling up the beach, digging their nests, laying their eggs, and heading back out to sea is an experience unmatched by any other. The turtles that come ashore in Ostional to lay their eggs where once born there themselves. 

You can stay up-to-date with the arribadas through the Association of Local Guides in Ostional by following them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GUIASAGLO/

If the timing works out and you are here near a new moon between July and November, don’t miss out on an arribada! 

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