Metta in Mexico Retreat 2024
Head, Heart, & Hara
Osteothai Retreat
February 21st - 28th
We are excited to share
This is in-residence training in the warm loving culture of Mexico for the 3rd annual year.
We will kick off the new year with Osteothai training in Sayulita Mexico.
Our focus will be Head, Heart & Hara
We will observe both structurally and functionally within the body mechanism to explore where blocked energy is stored, known as pain and suffering with a special focus on the diaphragm as king of the respiratory system, head, neck and shoulders, and the vagal nerve, aka, the soul's nerve.
INTENTION
Healer, heal thyself - As we grow our practice evolves. Our touch softens, and our listening skills become highly attuned.
We must first work within ourselves, deepening our awareness, and listening to the subtleties of our thoughts and behaviors. Practice Metta to ourselves, the act of loving-kindness, and take time to contemplate life. These are key ingredients for the Healer within us.
Our Focus
Meditation Our morning meditation will set the stage for the day, getting quiet on the inside, and aligning ourselves with the earth, sky, and heart. Spending time together as a community of bodyworkers, refining our listening skills and techniques will unite us in the present moment
Yoga/Movement The purpose of yoga or movement, is to build strength, awareness, and harmony in both the mind and body, yoking the mind and body connection is a developed practice to train the body and mind to self-observe and become aware of our own true nature.
Osteothai Training
In order to find balance we must first find our center.
Our Head aligns our vision, words, and thoughts, and our focus. The Heart, our spiritual center, our inborn compass (there do I dwell), and Hara, our power of will, and source of life.
When we have alignment within us we have power. The power is in the present moment and living in the present gives us the energy to manifest abundance in all categories of our life, including our dreams.
We will focus both on structure and function within the body mechanism to explore where blocked energy is stored, known as pain and suffering with a special focus on the diaphragm as king of the respiratory system, head, neck, and shoulders.
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Everyone is welcome to join in the Healing Journey.
SCHEDULE
February 21st - 4:30 - 7:30 - Opening/Orientation
(Please arrive at Puerta Vallarta airport no later than 2 pm)
MORNING
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7:00 am - 7:30 am _ Meditation/chanting
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7:30 am - 8:30 am _ Yoga/Movement
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8:30 am - 9:30 am _ Breakfast buffet
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10:30 am - 1:30 pm _ Thai Training
AFTERNOON
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1:30 pm - 4:30 pm _ (free time) Lunch/siesta/beach
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4:30 - 7:30 pm _ Thai Training
EVENING
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8:00 pm _ Dinner
February 28th - 7:30 am - 8:30 am Breakfast and Packing
9:00 am - 11: 30 am Closing Ceremony
(Book your flights later in the afternoon to allow 2 hours before departure and 1 hour shuttle time to PVR)
I - Day Boat Excursion- Boating to the Marieta Islands, snorkeling, exploring the islands, whale watching, and whatever nature does to surprise us with her beauty.
Group options-
Salsa dancing
Guided Eco hike with Aljeo
Pineapple Sugar scrubs -beachside
Meet The Team
Kelly Marie
Nichols
Meet your Osteothai instructor, Kelly. Her attraction to Thai Yoga Massage was immediate. Within a couple of months of receiving her first Thai Yoga Massage, she set off on an international journey to immerse herself in the Thai healing arts. Her unique approach to Thai Yoga Massage infuses a variety of styles that were inspired by her studies at Costa Rica School and the Integral Touch Institute in Thailand and Indonesia. In 2016 she found a new approach that bridges the two worlds of Eastern and Western modalities with Osteopathy techniques and Thai yoga. In 2019 she entered a masters Osteothai, MOT with David Lutt and Jorg Schurpf. Kelly shares her passion for Osteothai in a holistic, culturally rich, and playful way. She has a private practice in Knoxville, TN specializing in Thai Yoga and Osteo Thai. and is co-owner of Glowing Body Yoga & Healing Arts. Wellness Travel is one of her passions to create platforms for transformation.
Julie Fischer
Meet Julie, This is Julie's 3rd year holding space with our morning mediation and chanting. Julie is a student of Life, with a diverse background ranging from corporate finance, studying shamanism, practicing various types of bodywork, receving a degree in religious studies & yoga studio owner. She is currently a Thai therapist, yoga instructor, response singer in Kirtan bands, nana of 3, and has a passion for Bhakti yoga & chanting. Mantra chanting has become a primary practice in Julie's life, bringing her increasing personal strength, growth and spiritual connection through these changing times. She freely offers online daily morning chants, and loves to share her practice with others.
Fleur-Anne Serre
Meet Fleur-Anne, This is Fleur-Anne's 3rd year attending Metta in Mexico and we are delighted to have her presence once again. Fleur-Anne is originally from Paris and lives in Seattle, Washington with her husband and two children. In Fleurs own words, "I discovered my passion for yoga during my travels in Asia. I understood how the connection between body and mind had great transformative power; allowing for holistic well-being. It was then that I honed my skills and knowledge by becoming a certified vinyasa yoga instructor, since 2016. It was then that I naturally felt the need to combine more of a holistic approach to well-being with touch therapy, by adding Thai bodywork to my skills (deep body relaxation, pre- and post-natal, energetic healing, alleviating and healing body aches and pains, and belly tension...). My approach to yoga focuses on the mental and emotional benefits. Above all, yoga is a path to self-discovery and inner peace. My classes are designed to be adaptable and accessible to all, so that everyone can reveal their potential through this practice. Classes are dynamic, mixing Vinyasa and Hatha Yoga, with a focus on breathing. Each session begins with a little meditation and ends with a time of relaxation.
Alejo Desiderio
Alejo has been involoved with Metta in Mexico for 3 years as the lead guide in our hiking adventure through the jungles along the beach. He is originally from Argentina, living in Mexico for several years. He's a true nature lover and has dedicated his time in Mexico studying the flora and fauna native to Nayarit's lush jungles. He offers daily hiking tours in Sayulita, stressing the importance of eco-tourism. He has studied Forest Therapy in the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku to offer mindfulness and meditations. His passion is to make draw others in connecting to their own natrual environment.
Hotelita Staff
Meet the ladies in the kitchen. They have a heart of gold and prepare our delicious breakfast each day with a smile. Try your spanish while your ordering breakfast. They will love it.
Alley Cat Tours
Our one day long boating excursion is likely to be your highlight. The open air and sea has a freedom to it that is hard to describe. It is magical to experience so much beauty that abounds. Our guides Love their jobs, they are super friendly, and lots of fun and always with big smiles and a little shuffle ( they got the dance moves ) They are the best in the bay and we are SO Lucky & thrilled they are part of our team ! Also, they love to share their wealth of knowledge with you. Feel free to ask them about the whales — Dolphin’s – Sea turtles — Manta rays fish that grace the beautiful Bay and commonly seen during the day. The Chef’s start’s everyday bright and early with hand-selected local ingredients getting breakfast ready and creating your snacks & Lunch, All FRESH & SOOOO Tasty. Make sure you try their mean Guacamole and Salsa ( Yummy ) as well as everything that is prepared in their kitchen. Also, serving an arrangement of refreshing drinks for adults, smoothies for the kids. Always at your service with a smile.
PROGRAM INCLUDES
7 Nights / 8 Days
Breakfast buffet included each day
2 locally sourced meals, the first and the final evening of our retreat (dinner)
daily yoga/movement & meditation
shuttle to and from the airport of Puerta Vallarta
Boating to Marietas Island where we will snorkel, swim, sunbathe, whale watch, dance, and celebrate LIFE.
optional activities are boundless:
Sweat Lodge
Jungle Eco Beach Hike
30 CE’s/ NCBTMB approved Thai Yoga Training Course Content
Kelly Scott - OsteoThai Training
Assisance / Yoga - Fleur Anne
Kiritan led by Julie Fischer
HOTEL AMENITIES
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Air conditioning and ceiling fans
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Sun terrace
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Two Pools (new saltwater pool!)
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Complimentary bikes
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Breakfast buffet, with fresh fruits and juices
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Library
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WiFi is available in all rooms and open areas
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Non-smoking throughout
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Open-air spaces for lounging
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Refrigerator in each room
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Purified drinking water available throughout the hotel
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Safe in all rooms
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Balcony
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Guests can check out bicycles and beach umbrellas
PAYMENT
$ 1850 single occupancy
$ 1450 double occupancy
$500 (non-refundable) security deposit
Registration and full payment are due one month prior to the date of the retreat, January 21, 2024
SECURE YOUR SPOT !
Pay in full now or pay in increments. The first payment will be a $500 security deposit to reserve your spot.
For any addition questions please contact me via iluvmassage.dragonfly@gmail.com.
I look forward to meeting you !
Frequently Ask
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Frequently ask
Do I need a passport to enter Mexico?
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Passports are required for travel to Mexico
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Mexico and other international flights require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your period of intended stay
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Passport applications/renewals may take several months to process so please plan accordingly. If you are renewing your passport - the best practice is to include a pre-paid self-addressed envelope along with your application for a speedy return.
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Make sure you’re ready to go abroad by verifying that you have the required documents for your upcoming trip.
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Frequently ask
How much money should I bring?
It depends on your taste and style of travel. As an example of what is available.
Food is plentiful from street taco carts, smoothies, juice bars, and fine dining beachside.
The cost of food varies from delicious street vendors ranging from $3-$5 USD for a full meal to casual and finer dining between $10-$25.
Shopping is also plentiful. Sayulita is an artistic village with many locally made clothing, swimsuits, herbal remedies, textiles and so much more. The price ranges are anywhere from a few dollars to finer textiles that can run well over $100.
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Frequently ask
Is this retreat just for massage therapists?
No, Metta in Mexico is open to the public, with no experience necessary. Those who enjoy community building, who love to learn about the body, and who enjoy giving and receiving bodywork have thoroughly enjoyed their time with us in Mexico.
For practicing massage therapist this course is excellent for new skills and approaches to their existing practice, but also for their own self-care practice, taking time to gain personal reflection and insight into life.