COSTA RICA RETREAT:
Awareness Center, Costa Rica;
BUILDING COMMUNITY
Welcome to Costa Rica!
Come and enjoy life
Costa Rica Ranked Greenest and Happiest Nation on
Earth - 4th July 2009
Costa Rica Realtor Jeff
Hickcox
Costa Rica has been recently winning many
global accolades and recognition.
Already this year, Costa Rica was ranked the 8th Most Stable Country in
the world by The Economist, the 5th Cleanest Country in the world by
Yale's Environmental Performance Index (EPI), the first country to be
designated a "BioGem" by the Natural Resource Defense Counsel.
Now, Costa Rica has been recognized as the Greenest and Happiest
country on the Planet by the British independent research group New
Economics Foundation.
The report,
The
Happy Planet Index: Why good lives don't have to cost the earth...
Published on Saturday 4th July 2009, by the NEF (New Economics
Foundation) presents the results of the second global study of the Happy
Planet Index (HPI).
The new Index is based on comprehensive data for 143 countries around
the world, representing 99 per cent of the world's population, and Latin
American nations featured nine of the Top 10 spots.
"Costa Ricans report the highest life satisfaction in the world and
have the second-highest average life expectancy of the new world
(second to Canada)," the organization said in a statement.
They (Costa Rica) "also have an ecological footprint that means that
the country only narrowly fails to achieve the goal of... consuming its
fair share of the Earth's natural resources."
CNN reported, "The Central American country, tucked between Nicaragua
and Panama, touts its lush rain forests and pristine beaches. Its
president, Oscar Arias Sanchez, won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for
trying to help end civil wars in several Central American countries."
The runner-up was the Dominican Republic, followed by Jamaica, and
Guatemala. The United States sunk to the 114th spot, while Britain ranked
mainly due to its hefty consumption and massive ecological footprint. The
United States was greener and happier 20 years ago than it is today, the
report said.
"As the world faces the triple crunch of deep financial crisis,
accelerating climate change and the looming peak in oil production, we
desperately need a new compass to guide us," said Nic Marks, founder of
the foundation's center for well-being.
The world is recognizing Costa Rica as more than just a vacation
spot. Costa Rica's excellent stance on the environment, political and
economic stability, perfect climate, and lower cost of living continue to
draw foreign retirees from across the globe.
From AM Costa Rica today: Two
readers sing the praises of living in Costa Rica
He found American dream right here in Costa Rica
This is a freer
country where options are greater
One of our many beautiful beaches
cabins - Cabinas for your rental: approximately $300/month
Fanny's Five Cabinas
(NOTE: In what follows there is a wealth of
information about Costa Rica and our vision there. For
a feel for Costa Rica, please click onto ALL the websites
included below in order to see magnificent photos
with wonderful opportunities)
FIRST TRIP (2/4/07)
A few years ago, my wife, Maureen, and I joined a great group of folks
who went through OMEGA for a Mindfulness Retreat at Sueno Azul (
www.suenoazulresort.com)
near Las Horquetas in the Northern Zone of Costa Rica. The country and
space were so beautiful that we could almost cry! What a delicious week
and eye-opener--to Costa Rica. We absolutely fell in love with the people
and the country. The owner Federico Gallegos enticed us to think about
buying and/or building in Costa Rica, thus the seed was sown. Time didn't
permit a visit to
www.puravidaspa.com in Alajuela.
Click on the image to enlarge
SECOND TRIP (4/08)
We heard about a community being formed in the rainforest, with lots for
sale in the Southern coast on the Caribbean side: Samasati Yoga and Nature
Retreat. Click here for information:
www.samasati.com
First, Edward, John and I headed to the Northern Zone of Costa Rica
in order to find suitable land for our new retreat center, visiting Tabacon hot springs and the Arenal volcano and surrounding areas,
such as La Fortuna. GREAT FUN!! We had hoped to visit Nosara Yoga
Institute (
www.nosarayoga.com) in the north, as well as
www.pachamama.com (
an
Osho Retreat/Community) and
www.panaceacr.com
(in Guancaste) but didn't have enough time. Then we decided to revisit Sueno Azul and
meet with Federico. After that we headed to the Caribbean coast to visit
some small villages near Samasati. Quite an eventful trip! More beauty,
more rainforest, and many, many wonderful people at Samasati. As much as
we loved the place we decided that it wouldn't work for us. So back to
the US.
However, we do want to HIGHLY recommend Samasati for retreats/tours, and
more.
Another interesting website for your review:
www.satyogainstitute.org.
THIRD TRIP (6/08)
Upon returning Edward's neighbors mentioned that they had two parcels
for sale in Costa Rica. Peter and Ananda have had many years of experience
in the construction business and GREATLY desired to resettle in Costa Rica
(after traveling/exploring Costa Rica for 10 years). Edward and I decided
to purchase 8 acres from them and they will use the another 3 acres to
build their own home.
So, off to San Isidro de El General in the Cental Pacific Coast: where
the mountains meet the sea.
The beautiful San Isidro.
The Cathedral
San Isidro's Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Next, to review more possible land opportunities we headed to the Southern Zone along
the Pacific, especially Drake Bay and the Osa Peninsula. WHAT A TRIP--I
felt like Indiana Jones!!
While here we visited
poormansparadiesresort.com and the yoga center, Guaria de Osa,
www.guariadeosa.com.,
both located close by Drake Bay. Many stories could be told about this
trip! Unfortunately we did not visit Luna Lodge (
www.lunalodge.com),
somewhat further south on the coast--but please check out their website.
As you are starting to see, these are only a few of the beautiful
yoga/nature retreat centers in Costa Rica--more will be forthcoming.
Back to the US of A.
FOURTH TRIP (9/08)
This time we had the good fortune to meet up with some wonderful people in
Costa Rica who have moved here and have created some wonderful
opportunities to expand the existing community. We have summarized, to the
best of our ability, information in the
table contents that follows which gives you more details.
During this time Edward and I had our closing on the property that is to
become the Awarness Center - Costa Rica.
From March 4th to April 1st Ken was in the San Isidro-Dominical area
to lay the foundation for the Awareness Center, to explore a 60 acre Eco-Ashram, Ama
Linda (
www.amalinda.com;
check out the Teachers, the photogallery and the accommodations) near his
8 acre property, as well as investigate some close-by organic farms and
other properties of interest. Plus have some fun and sun.
Erick Barboza, local architect/engineer
Awareness Center Design
Built for Tropical Breezes
The last two weeks of September found Edward and myself returning to
inspect
the construction of the Main House. The work crews are fabulous and
Dennis Garber's
leadership is awe-inspiring. Many, many decisions were made about the
interior and
exterior of the building, fine tuning some changes, such as creating a
large loft
above the bedrooms and bath, making the bodega a "dry room," etc.
Ed Burnhardt, a permaculturist, visited the property and drew up a 20
page report
indicating where and what to do to make our paradise more of a paradise,
with
emphasis on sustainability.
Erick Barboza, our architect/engineer, visited once again to inspect the
progress--
he comes out ONCE-a-WEEK to do this--incredible! Not like the States!
We feel more and more blessed each time we return.
GOOD NEWS: The FIRST Awareness Retreat was a great success.
A goodly number of local people arrived for a 5-day Retreat, Sat-Wed.
Everyone was pleased with the experience.
This trip found Edward and I helping to complete the Awareness Center in
CR
(dedicated to Consciousness raising of the planet and beyond).
A multitude of decisions had to be made concerning the water system,
lot maintenance,
plant and fruit-tree location but especially work on the
house-Center--bedroom loft and
staircase, windows, carport, final grading for the grounds, etc.
We managed some beach time with delicious ocean-wave swimming and
enjoyed quite a few local meals
at various restaurants. The climate here is very warm and all one needs is
sandals and barefeet, with a tee shirt
and a pair of shorts.
Yet, two of the biggest challenges were obtaining and registering a Costa
Rican
cellular phone with internet and TV access, purchasing a 4 x 4 1992 used
Suzuki for Costa Rican
very rough unpaved roads.
Many new photos will be added to our ongoing construction gallery
The best part is constantly meeting new friends and spending a lot of
time just hanging out.
Nothing like slowing down and enjoying friends, nature and the sheer
beauty of Costa Rica.
We are presently thinking of having , asap, a small intimate group of
people living in and sharing the Center and its opportunities--weŽll see.
For there is nothing like like-minded spiritually-oriented folks
intending to
assist one another in spiritual-personal growth.
It is exceedingly interesting and inspiring to see what is manifesting
and
what we will choose in the near future.
A SECOND week-long Awareness Retreat fulfilled many of my desires for an
"affordable spirituality" gathering.. The word is getting out!!
Eighth Trip (August 2010)
Another Yoga/Meditation Retreat proved to be well received by all. The
participants indicated that they wanted a similar annual experience.
The major happening of this trip was the "Jungle" discovery on my
property.
Ivan, a local worker, and I, with machettes, chopped away at the dense
forest
to find FOUR new building sites (plantels), small waterfalls, and with
much sweat,
create many walking/hiking trails (senderos). The height of the ancient
trees
along with the clean sparkling water in the stream made me stop and
meditate
a long while.
I also planned and planted many "ornamental" plants/trees around the
house/center
thereby creating more of a Garden of Eden.
Another highlight was a trip to Quepos/Manuel Antonio (the riviera of
Costa Rica),
on the new coastal highway--absolutely beautiful and a MUST SEE!
Additionally, some DENTAL work was done by an excellent local dentist at a
GREAT savings--enough to pay for my airfare!!! (Your dentalwork will pay for a Costa
Rica vacation!!)
I also explored the possibility of opening a small bookstore (Nirvana 2)
in San Isidro,
and started planning many details for retreats this winter of 2011,
including a new
two-person tent with porch near the house.
Spent one full month in gorgeous sunny, warm and invitng Costa Rica.
Avoided seven (7!!!!) snow storms in N.Y.
This month found me realizing that the Center here is not just for
programs, travels, etc., but especially for HEALING. One woman spent a few
days with me and needed serious rest and recuperation, along with some
GestaltWork. After some time she seemed quite restored causing me to
understand, once again, what is here in CR.
So, toward the end of the month, a THIRD intimate Healing/Fasting Retreat
was conducted by Ken and many lessons were learned about improvements for
the next retreats.
10th Trip (Feb-Apr)
After my wife, Maureen, and her son, Joseph, spend 10 days relaxing and
vacationing here with me, another couple I met at Omega's retreat in CR a
few years back are arriving to spend time doing the same as that female:
namely, meditation, rest, awareness exercises, healing, etc.
Then 2 other couples will come to help me plan retreats for next year and
work through all the details needed to make it a GREAT event!!
This very personalized Couple Retreat (4th Retreat so far) should prove
beneficial to all concerned, especially to future plans for the Center.
Finally, my daughter, Erin, and my granddaughter, Willow Maya, will spend
the last two weeks visiting with me. How absolutley delicious!!
As for the Awareness Center, much has happened and more will happen. We
built a new outdoor shower, set up the tent on a platform with roof,
mapped out the building sites for 6 more tent/house sites.
Ivan completed many more steps down into the forest and actually brought
up our first food: potatoes, squash, and corn!!!!!!!!!!!! Finally, growing
our own.
Created four Center signs and posted them for folks to find our space.
Also managed to visit a near-by sheep farm with 112 sheep, with 24
NEWBORNS. What fun.
At the last moment we have posted 9 new photos from this month's trip on
the Costa Rica Retreat Center category.
Here are
the nine. Enjoy, especially those with the
layouts
below of the tent sites.
FUTURE RETREATS IN 2013
Plans are presently in the working for at least 3-4 retreats in the winter
of 2013:
1. A Daskalos retreat
2. A Non-Violent Communication retreat
3. Another Yoga/Meditation retreat
4. Another Awareness/Healing retreat
5. Create for Peace Retreat
Please watch for details and dates.
I'd like to recommend ANOTHER book: The Self-Aware Universe: How
Consciousness Creates The Material World, by Amit Goswami. One of the best
I have ever read on quantum physics. He tackles the BIG Questions and
offers very interesting integrating theories about the primacy of
consciousness over matter. He demonstrates that Eastern
philosophy/spirituality is more in accordance with quantum physics than
the Western Materialistic perspective. A VERY exciting book, but difficult
book--not ean easy read but IMPORTANT. The treatment of the brain-mind
split is wonderful, which includes classical physics and quantum physics
The last two months have been truly inspiring as my wife, Maureen, and my
step-son, Joseph, visited with me for 10 days and then my daughter Erin
and granddaughter, Willow, along with Jim and Fiona came for two weeks to
experience the wonders of Costa Rica. During this time we visited many
intriguing places, such as:
Finca Amrta (a local organic
farm),
Jungle
Joy Retreat went horsebackriding to great waterfalls
We also had a big FIESTA this week wherein I invited many of the workers
and their families to join me and a few friends to celebrate our Center.
GREAT local food was prepared and wonderful music by Willow, Jim and Erin
made for a fantastic evening--a mini "Babette's Feast," except it was two
cultures coming together in a unity of spirit, with much music thrown in.
Here are some photos of the GREAT event!!
My daughter Erin and Jim
My grand-daughter Willow playing the violin
Erin and Ken
The Feast
Ken and the future of CR
More feasting
Costa Rica Flying Ultralights
Scott Oliver
We had traveled to the
Flying Crocodile Lodge a few hundred metres from Playa Junquillal,
situated on the Nicoya peninsula between Samara and Nosara.
We drove there because for a only $60 (please check as prices may have
changed) you can go flying with a professional pilot over one of the most
scenic parts of the Costa Rican Pacific coast in an ultralight.
Waking up early on a Sunday morning to the powerful sounds emanating
from the throat of the
male howler monkey is not something that we are accustomed to but it's
unanimous - it is exciting!
The three children with us, aged 15, 12 and 10 at the time were
thrilled to hear the
howler monkeys and even more excited to see one only ten feet hanging
by it's tail above the roof of our jungle villa, chomping on the leaves of
the tree.
If you want to see the biggest, brightest smile that you have
ever seen on your child (or partner), you might want to
email Ms. Anke Scheidt, the General
Manager to organize your trip and go Costa Rica flying in an ultralight.
And please don't forget to mention that Scott and his family from
WeLoveCostaRica.com sent you...
For a background of Costa Rica trips, see below.
Map of Costa Rica
Map of southern Costa Rica only:
The Central Pacific Section of Costa Rica.
More specific directions to Laguna.
A closer look at Laguna. Rio Vista Community is also
located there.
Living in Costa Rica On The South Pacific Coast -
Lagunas del Baru.
Costa Rica Realtor - Daveed Hollander in Dominical
Lagunas del Baru is in the shape of an amphitheater in the mountains; only
6 kilometers from Dominical. The shape of the community offers those who
live here cool breezes and exquisite ocean, mountain and valley views.
Yet the area beaches, restaurants and shopping are very close. With the
new road completed from Quepos to Dominical, it's only a 30 minute drive
to Manuel Antonio for lunch.
Simple cabins are available, plus comfortable homes and
million dollar estates.
I always enjoy seeing the hectares of palm plantations along the way. San
Isidro, one of the fastest growing towns in Costa Rica, is only 45 minutes
away and offers even more shopping options.
Surrounded by several nature reserves (Guapil, Seabreeze Farms, Firestone
and Baru) with hundreds of acres of wildlife corridors preserved for
eternity, the tropical flora and fauna are plentiful. The ridges of the
mountains form a natural aerodrome for the many birds.
And don't forget those Pacific ocean views
The hawks and vultures glide gracefully in the thermals over the valley.
The toucans and parrots gather in the trees along the ridge to plan the
day's events in the mornings and share their tales of their activities in
the evening.
Sloths slowly make their way throughout the treetops while the monkeys and
black squirrels are busy skittering here and there. Pizotes and coatis
often jump out of the jungle and you will have the pleasure of watching
the family of 9 cross the road.
The human inhabitants of Lagunas del Baru are just as varied as the
animals.
It's a great mix of Ticos, Europeans, and North Americans. There is a real
sense of community. Last week a truck carrying harvested teak from the
teak farm along the Lagunas road overturned at the sharp turn and blocked
the road.
Some of the greenest areas in Costa Rica
The neighborhood watch group got on the phones and let everyone know. It
was a nice excuse to go the longer route to Hatillo and cross 10 streams
along the way.
The residents are easy going and social group known to organize pot lucks,
beach parties, quad rallies and impromptu cocktails to watch the soul
inspiring sunsets. Or they'll let you live in peace if that's your
preference.
The majority of homes are quietly situated off the road to ensure privacy
for the owners and preserves the lush tropical scenery. There is a little
something for everyone from lots, acreage, simple cabins, comfortable
homes and million dollar estates.
Living in Dominical, Costa Rica - The wonder of Diamante Falls.
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Living in Dominical, Costa Rica - The wonder of
Diamante Falls.
Costa Rica Realtor James Drews
in Dominical
Triumphs of natural beauty, waterfalls are a
majestic sight to behold.
Recognized as one of the most beautiful places in the world, it's no
wonder waterfalls are in abundance in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is a small country that offers so much in terms of natural
beauty and ecological diversity and with each waterfall having its own
unique characteristics; it's certainly worth visiting each and every one,
but where to start?
Living the good life in Costa Rica's Southern Zone.
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The South Pacific has numerous, but perhaps the most notable is
Diamante Falls, Playa Dominical, Costa Rica. Located adjacent to a
protected reserve, Diamante Falls is a series of seven waterfalls
beginning at 3,300 ft that cascade down a lush green rock face.
Lots of moisture in the air means lots of green.
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The remote location means you need to undertake a half hour hike
through the mountains to reach the Diamante Falls, but the reward is well
worth the effort. It's an opportunity to get to know your fellow nature
lovers or just walk through the rain forest using the time for reflection.
Diamante Falls, Dominical, Costa Rica
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Capturing your experience on camera is just an added benefit to the
many beautiful memories you will have after visiting Diamante waterfalls.
The culmination of these watery wonders is a 600 ft elegant waterfall,
the perfect place to find peace and tranquility. Enjoy the relaxing sound
of rushing water and take a refreshing dip in the natural pool; known to
the indigenous for its healing powers, this is paradise at its best!
Pacific ocean views.
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The surrounding landscape of the Diamante waterfalls and the Rio Baru
is home to a variety of Costa Rica wildlife including macaws, toucans, two
and three toed sloths, armadillos, capuchin and spider monkeys as well as
many reptiles.
Whether you are in Dominical, Costa Rica for a vacation or are lucky
enough to live in this part of the world, the Diamante Waterfalls are
certainly worth a visit.
The Southern Zone is green...
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1. An overview map of the 3 properties with 28 lots,
with a total of approximately 425 forested acres
Six lots available at bargain prices: $55,000-70,000.
Motivated seller; owner financing available with negotiable down payment;
electricity, water, full infrastructure; owner/
developed lives on site/ caretaker possibilities.
2. The Rio Vista Community (8 Lots)
3. Overview of buying into
my 8 acre Awareness Center (LOT # 2) above
Our Camper for Guests
I recently decided to be the steward of 8 absolutely beautiful
acres (Lot 2 in Rio Vista) in Costa Rica between Dominical near the
Pacific coast in the south and the newly developing quaint city of San Isidro,
where we are only 15 minutes from a majestic beach and 25 minutes from this
intimate small
city.
Our 8 acres in the Rio Vista Community
IMPORTANT NOTE: Dennis Garber (pictured above) is presently our builder/contractor for construction of the
new Awareness Center, Costa Rica. He will also become our caretaker when
we are not in Costa Rica. Dennis can do it all, from land purchase and
title to plans to construction - an amazing man. To learn more about Dennis, see below: Refugio
Mira Piedras Community.
Note from Ken Pollinger:
A vision seems to be coming through me concerning the Awareness Associates
property mentioned above:
1. Come on a VACATION and be introduced to
beautiful Costa Rica and all it has to offer in beauty, fun, contact with
incredible varieties of nature, slowing down and
RELAXATION.
2. Once you have tasted and experienced Costa Rica, then on a second
trip add the dimension of focusing on MEDITATION
and mindful AWARENESS CIRCLES and possibly
some fasting/cleansing with wonderful periods of silence, stillness, and
quiet.
3. On your third visit (or first, if you are ready), experiment with a
SOLITARY RETREAT where you truly come totally
face-to-face with "yourself," for one or more weeks.
4. At some point, after these experiences, you may wish to explore the
way you will GIVE BACK to nature, the planet
and its people. Thus, an individual or intimate group retreat/conference
may be in order.
This is an example of what we plan to do, however, with much more space
between the casitas, so that various Retreats, especially solitary retreats, can happen.
A view of the valley and Guabo River
It takes 5 hours to fly and
the cost has been around $400-600 round trip.
If you have any interest, please call Ken at 845-358-6448 or email:
info@awarenesscenters.com.
Some others lots in Rio Vista may shortly be for sale. Info-- will be
forthcoming--please check periodically.
4. Refugio Mira Piedras Community
All lots are from $69,000 to $99,000, negotiable.
5. Description of Refugio Mira Piedras
The Environment
This unique private community is one of very few that encompass a fully
protected private nature reserve. It is remote enough to provide
tranquility and privacy while being close to amenities. The farm was
allowed to go "back to nature" about 20 years ago and fruit trees and
other indigenous species were planted to encourage the jungle and its
wonders to return. The results are in and the birds and monkeys have
returned to beautify this peaceful area. Through an agreement with
CEDARENA (Centro de Derecho Ambiental y de los Recursos Naturales), the
nature reserve within the farm is protected in perpetuity and can never be
disturbed by cutting or development. This is where you can truly live a
greener lifestyle.
The property is located in the South Pacific-Costa Ballena area of Costa
Rica near the town of Dominical, about 15 minutes drive from the pristine
and private beaches of the Pacific Ocean. It is situated on a mountain
ridge above the Guabo river with enthralling views of the river and the
surrounding mountains and valleys. At a perfect 500 meters above
sea-level, there are constant breezes that provide a comfortable living
environment. Delightful and clear springs provide an abundant supply of
cool, potable water year-round.
The Infrastructure
Ask anyone who has done it and they will tell you that installing an
infrastructure in our adopted country can be enough to send you screaming
back to a condominium in Wisconsin! We've saved you the headaches; besides
we want you to stay. Electricity is available for your lot and water is
provided from prolific springs within the reserve and distributed to your
lot. The main road to the property is maintained by the county (municipalidad).
The road within the property is well-established with gravel, concrete
gutters, and excellent water drainage that has ensured year-round easy
access for many years without problems.
Environmental Commitment Contract
This agreement protects the environment and the property of the owners in
a way that encourages harmony in this exclusive community. You own your
lot and share the surrounding area which is protected from disturbance and
further division or development. You enjoy privacy and rights of ownership
while making a smaller footprint on the environment. This is a proven
model developed and in use by a neighboring community for many years. The
government of Costa Rica has supported this legal framework to ensure the
protection of its natural resources while maintaining the rights of
individual property owners.
The Properties
The mother farm is titled land and title insurance for individual lots is
available for a nominal fee. Each of the lots has been legally segregated
from the mother farm and registered in a private corporation that
transfers to the buyer at closing. There are 10 lots available; 4 are
currently fully developed. Buyers have input to the placement of the
building site within their lot boundaries. All the lots are separated from
each other by a part of the private, protected reserve.
Lots sizes range from about one acre to 2 1/4 acres. Access to the private
community only nature reserve is included. It's a smaller footprint in a
greener lifestyle. Prices range from $70,000 to $150,000.
Check our website:
www.greenpropertycostarica.com, for additional information, photos of
lots and views, surveys, and the farm and reserve master plan.
More Services Available For You
Green Property Costa Rica can provide additional services to help your
transition to paradise be worry free.
The owner/developers have 30 years of professional experience in the U.S.
and Costa Rica in:
- Building Site Preparation
- Construction
- Home/Interior Design
- Property Management
- Landscaping and Maintenance
- Translation
- Legal Services
- Household Goods Shipping
6. The Punta Mira Villas
Community
See Frommer's Costa Rica 2008, pp. 292-304 (Dominical and San
Isidro;
p 255 Central Pacific Coast map; p 307 The Southern Zone map.
