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If you’ve only ever done yoga at Western style indoor studios in the United States, then you’re missing out. Practicing yoga in a completely controlled environment with just the right balance of sensory stimulus is relaxing, inspiring and comfortable.

Unfortunately, the outside world is loud and messy. Deadlines have no regard for feelings. Noise pollution attacks our quiet time. And people don’t always make space for latecomers.

Here are 4 ways that doing yoga in Nicaragua will help you achieve mindfulness (and improve your life practice):

1. Uncertainty is where the magic happens.
In third world countries, cultural barriers can create confusion and the instruction style may not be what you are used to. It’s best to leave your expectations at home. Notice what happens to your thoughts and emotions in the moment of awareness.  Learn to experience the uncertain flow without judgment, irritation or disappointment. Surprises await beyond the borders of your comfort zone.

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2. Observe the causes of discomfort.
The core principle to mindfulness is being present and staying completely focused on the here and now. Take an inventory of your heart and breathe in gratitude. Notice which muscles are tight from traveling and give them grace. Become conscious of unfamiliar foreign sounds in the different environment and shift your focus to deciphering their sources instead of getting distracted by them. Awareness of your feelings, body and environment is the key to recognizing that they don’t have to dictate your current state of being.

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3. Feel and embrace the natural elements.
When you cross borders into third world countries, it’s common for yoga classes to take place outdoors. The freedom to set up shop in the wilderness is the biggest attraction to most yoga retreat and teacher training centers abroad. Outdoor yoga exposes natural elements that classroom walls protect from. Wind, sun and rain are gifts from Mother Nature. It’s easy to appreciate them in doses, but in extremes they can be humbling. Learn to cultivate awareness and gratitude for all elements of nature, even when it makes the practice more challenging.

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4. Prioritize practice over industry.
It’s so easy to get caught up in the industry of yoga. The quality of gear has improved drastically in the past fifteen years. From sweat resistant towels and name brand pants, to specialized rubber blocks and lavender scented eye pillows, we’re inundated daily with wonderful accessories that we don’t need to achieve success on the mat. There is something raw and beautiful about practicing yoga in a country untouched by industry consumerism. What you don’t have, you can’t buy in most third world countries. Everyone has access to mindfulness.

 

Guest post article written by Brooke Rundle, a California born surfer and yogi, Nicaragua ex-pat and co-creator of San Juan Live – a lifestyle and travel website on San Juan del Sur. She also co-authored the ultimate travel guidebook on San Juan del Sur. Vist her website here at http://sanjuandelsur.org/ or download her travel guidebook – http://www.amazon.com/Insider-Guide-San-Juan-Nicaragua-ebook/dp/B00NTY9FWS/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1444797918&sr=1-1&keywords=san+juan+del+sur

Have you caught the “Nica-Buzz” yet?? Nicaragua is now internationally recognized as an often overlooked, yet primier tourist destination for wanderlust souls. Known for it’s pristine, untouched beaches, rich history, colorful culture, and low cost of living, expats and tourists alike are flocking to this gorgeous country to enjoy the “tranquilo” lifestyle.  A lifestyle of more relaxation and adventure is necessary for one’s mental and physical health.  With so many around the world now suffering a combination of sick, tired, depressed,anxious, and miserable, it is a sad fact that many people seem to accept that a different way of life doesn’t exist. Whether you are in the mood for a permanent move, temporary relocation, or just an overdue vacation dedicated to your health, here are

“5 Reasons to Revive Your Soul in Nicaragua”:  

1.  Bask in the Sunshine

Soaking up the sun has received some bad press as of late. While it’s true that one shouldn’t spend all day in the sun, moderate, direct exposure to the sunshine is a healthy, necessary thing, and is easy to do in Nicaragua’s tropical climate.  The locals will joke that there are three seasons in Nicaragua; Summer, Windy Season, and Rainy Season with temperatures of 80-95 degrees fahrenheit year round. You will find most outside throughout the entire day, smiling and milling about their daily chores with a sense of jubilation and purpose.  Many believe this positive mental attitude is attributed to the beautiful sunshine.  In addition to encouraging a better mental state, exposure to sunlight has so many other positive benefits, such as the body’s production of melatonin and can promote more restful sleep. It’s also required for the body to produce Vitamin D, a vital nutrient not often available in the foods we consume daily. Doctors are now requesting patients to aim for 30 minutes of direct sun exposure at least a few times a week. Nicaragua is the perfect place to visit to bask in the sunshine and reset your body’s positive mental state.

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2.  Breathe Fresh Air

As the old saying goes, you can survive weeks without food, days without water, but only a few minutes without air. Given it’s place on the priority list, it goes without saying that the best air is fresh and clean. In Nicaragua, where the entire county’s homes, restaurants, and shops are all “open-air”, there is no doubt that all it’s inhabitants and visitors can breath fresh air with confidence. Away from the smog and industrial pollution of much of the first-world, Nicaragua is known for it’s beachside breezes and lack of dry air that penetrates much of the world’s climate-controlled homes and businesses. According to the EPA, air quality is usually two to five times worse inside than outside, full of chemical fumes from furniture, paint, flooring materials, air fresheners, and dehydrating air-conditioners and heaters. Come on down to Nicaragua and breathe easy, clean, and salty sea air. The difference is refreshing.

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3.  Get Your Dose of Vitamin “SEA”

There are abounding nutritional properties that the ocean provides, as other health-giving elements that one can benefit from. Nicaragua is surrounded by The Pacific on one side and the Caribbean on the other, providing an insurmountable number of gorgeous coastline to soak in the vitamin “sea” for your well-being. Research shows that the sound of waves alters wave patterns in the brain lulling one into a deeply relaxed state. Relaxing in this way can help rejuvenate the mind and body. Floating in the salt water can cure all sorts of skin and body ailments as well, as the exfoliation promotes better oxygen absorption and boosts seratonin, a body chemical linked with mood and stress. Go a step further and learn to surf, boogie board, or snorkel on the Nicaragua coasts!

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4.  Eat More Clean, Whole Foods

Much of Nicaragua is agricultural. Fishing villages line the coast, boasting fresh deep sea fish direct from the boats. The more inland sections of the country focus on farming all types of fruits and vegetables, as well as coffee, red beans, and rice. Much of the food that is consumed in Nicaragua came from Nicaragua. Most chicken and fish dishes are free of chemicals and preservatives and came from a farm or ranch just down the road. Huge “mercados” are centers for providing the locals and tourists with clean, whole foods. Many flock to Nicaragua to “detox” their systems from the “fast food” culture up north. Eating clean, whole foods helps one feel more energetic and productive and instantly improves mental health.

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5.  Get in Some “Adventure Therapy”

Over 100 years ago, doctors began using nature and it’s elements as a way of helping patients. The practice of using the outdoors to improve mental and physical health has developed into a concept called adventure therapy–using experiences that are active and challenging to boost mood, and jumpstart the body and mind into a better mental place. Nicaragua’s mountains, beaches, rainforests, lakes, and volcanoes are the perfect prescription for those who need a dose of adventure in their lives. Ziplining, catamaran sailing, volcano hiking, parasailing, surfing, rock-climbing, horseback riding, rainforest camping, scuba-diving, and ocean hoverboarding are just a few of the adventurous excursions that are available in this amazing country.  Discovering yourself through yoga and other forms of fitness can raise those endorphin levels and give you a much needed mental boost as well. (For more info on yoga retreats, contact us HERE!)

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Do you need a prescription for better health and mental wellness?! Travel to Nicaragua this year and revive your body, mind, and soul! Adventure and sunshine awaits you!  Bring your friends and refresh together! All-inclusive Group Retreats available through NYI HERE.

 

 

What do the Boston Globe, Travel and Leisure, Men’s Journal, the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and the Huffington Post all have in common? They have all named Nicaragua as a must see travel destination in 2015.

In “Where to go in 2015” the Boston Globe says, “Forget Costa Rica — old news. Industry experts are calling Nicaragua the hottest destination in Central America, and one of its best bargains…making it one of the world’s top 10 emerging destinations.” Travel + Leisure listed Nicaragua as 21st on their Best Places to Travel in 2015. The Huffington Post urges travelers to visit Nicaragua and “Discover the Paris of Central America.”

  1. Beaches/Surf

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Nicaragua is blessed with bountiful beaches and ideal surf conditions boasting more than 300 days per year of offshore winds.   Nicaragua, and San Juan del Sur, in particular, provides beach goers a variety of sandy options from the adventurous surfer (Playas Yankee and Maderas, named by Men’s Journal as one of the “20 Most Adventurous Beaches” in the world) to the lazy hazy book in a hammock days (Playa Coco and Marsella). CBS’s Survivor can’t seem to get enough of Nicaragua, having hosted not 1, but 4 seasons of the hit show on San Juan del Sur’s beaches.

  1. Eco Adventures and Wildlife

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Adventurers are quickly replacing Costa Rica with its neighbor to the north, Nicaragua, as an eco travel destination. After all, it is known as the “Land of Lakes and Volcanoes.” Nicaragua boasts diversity in its climate and geography – offering tours of volcanoes, beaches, lakes, islets, rainforests, and reefs.

Nicaragua is home to nearly 5 million acres of protected parks and preserves, filled with wildlife, including exotic birds, howler monkeys, turtles, and giant iguanas.  Zip lines, canopy and rappelling, volcano boarding, boat trips, surf, SUP, kayak and more all make exploring the beauty of Nicaragua accessible and sustainable, without disrupting the biodiversity of the area.

  1. Yoga/Wellness

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Thanks to its laid-back vibe, vibrant culture, and soothing waves, Nicaragua is attracting a growing community of wellness practitioners. International Yoga Instructor, Vanessa Pattison opened the popular Zen Yoga Studios in San Juan del Sur. Peter Sterios, an internationally recognized yoga teacher from California, and James Bailey, a renowned Ayurveda and Oriental Medicine practitioner, yoga educator and yoga teacher trainer, are now offering annual yoga teacher trainings with Nicaragua Yoga Institute in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. YogaGlo’s own Jo Tastula is joining forces with Nicaragua Yoga Institute to offer an exclusive yoga retreat next May and Moksha Yoga International recently announced a 200 hour yoga teacher training in collaboration with the Nicaragua Yoga Institute for early 2016.

  1. Safety

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A recently published study by Gallup highlighted Nicaragua as the safest country in Latin America and the Caribbean. The once shaky political climate has long since calmed and the country is dusting off the welcome mat to visitors, investing in infrastructure and facilities. According to the economist, confidence in the police is the highest in Latin America after Chile and Nicaragua is less violent than booming Panama, and may soon be safer than Costa Rica, a tourist haven. The Nicaraguan government has also allocated more than $6 billion towards infrastructure in recent years, all of which add to the safety and security of the country.

  1. Accessibility

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Airlines are catching on, too! Due to its increasing popularity as a travel destination, major airlines are adding seasonal non-stop routes to Managua, Nicaragua’s capitol city.   Delta is offering a weekly nonstop service from Los Angeles to Managua during the summer months. Spirit Airlines recently added 3 new flight times from Houston to Managua and American Airlines recently added weekly flights from Dallas/Fort Worth to Managua. As of March 2015, Nicaragua is served by a total of 11 airlines and there are a combined total of 56 weekly flights operated by American, Delta, Spirit, Avianca El Salvador and United Airlines to Managua. Ground transport from Managua to San Juan del Sur is growing too, with safe, reliable, air conditioned vehicles ready to comfortably transport you to your Nicaragua Yoga Retreat.

There is no better time than the present to come and explore Nicaragua. As the Huffington Post noted, you will want to “Get To Nicaragua Before Everyone Discovers It!”

Contact Sarah at scrosley@nicaraguayogainstitute.com to book your travel!