Absorb and Illuminate
Kundalini Yoga and Meditation
with Karuna
December 7th – 14th, 2024
During this retreat, the soul is your alarm clock. It rings true through every mindful step you take towards practice. It awakens you just at the right time, without any loud noises from the outside unfamiliar to the frequency from the inside. As you arrive and you sit in this frequency you get to slowly move, re-evaluate, see yourself differently each day, each moment. It’s exciting to look into the mirror and remind each other as you work together in retreat, I am you, and we are one. We gather the fruits of our labor from the year, from these experiences, and this being such a significant year of transformation, dare I say a new paradigm of circumstances, we must stand in solidarity, together and be strong and steady and work in healthier, happier ways, and without hesitation to know that is our goal. It is our destiny to receive self-love, and self-care in order to cherish one another.
We will offer you a practice of meditation and yoga, in a sophisticated atmosphere. Kundalini Yoga is an Aquarian frequency. Meaning the vibration of the spirals that works on glandular systems, endocrine systems, high blood pressure, all the disease in the body. You become a vehicle of vitality and stamina, and you can then keep up. With integrity we call upon your spirit to prosper in these teachings and relish in your everyday.
With this environment, and this high quality of food and nourishment, body receives help in developing new habits, and releasing the old. One feels held next to this ocean of bliss. The warm waters allow us to experience Watsu, the moist air to breathe in new friendships and new relationships, gong therapy to elevate.
One day you receive a 24-hour reprieve from the language of words, resting in a divine day of silence, in which you will receive wisdom, knowledge and grace.
The comings and goings, the timeline of your retreat, are all optional.
“You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep, because reality is finally better than your dreams.” ~ Dr. Seuss
Sat Nam
Karuna
About Blue Spirit
Join us for a week of deep spiritual exploration in the serene and beautiful surrounds of the Blue Spirit Yoga and Meditation Retreat Center in Nosara, Costa Rica. Blue Spirit has been rated one of the best yoga escapes by Yoga Journal.
Blue Spirit Costa Rica is one of our favorite places on the planet! Rated by Yoga Journal in 2017 as one of the world’s “best yoga escapes,” it provides an extraordinary setting to all who are dedicated to spiritual transformation, personal development, and environmental sustainability. Perched on a hilltop that overlooks the Pacific Ocean and a three-mile long white sand beach that is protected as a turtle refuge – Blue Spirit offers an extraordinarily beautiful and natural setting on one of Costa Rica’s renowned beaches.
Blue Spirit is located in one of the world’s Blue Zones© which inspired the name Blue Spirit. According to author Dan Buettner, the Nicoya Peninsula is one of five Blue Zone’s in the world: a Blue Zone is an area where people live the longest and report the highest levels of well-being. While visiting Blue Spirit, you will feel the resonance of a vibrant, inspiring, and healing energy, because of the rich subtropical environment, and the cultural lifestyle.
Your stay at Blue Spirit offers you a comfortable and elegant accommodation of your choice, delicious gourmet vegetarian cuisine, a salt-water infinity pool, koi pond, café, gift shop, spa and longevity services, outdoor excursions, and complimentary wireless service.
We’ll enjoy 3 nourishing meals a day together, and twice-daily accessible, transformative asana and meditation practices. See bottom of this page to get an idea of the full schedule.
People have asked us “Do you have to be an advanced student of LOK to attend?” This is part of the magic of our annual retreat: it’s open to everyone. Each year presents a wide spectrum of students and culminates in a truly endearing group dynamic.
All prices listed below cover the following:
- Accommodations
- LOK retreat classes
- Three meals each day
- Use of Blue Spirit’s beautiful facilities
They do not include: airfare, travel insurance, airport transfers (scroll down for information about booking your airport shuttle), spa treatments or optional excursions. Please do not book your airfare until you have registered and paid your deposit for this training.
To learn more about Blue Spirit, visit their website, where you will find more pictures, information about excursions, spa treatments, amenitites and more, visit bluespiritcostarica.com.
Retreat Highlights
Saturday evening, we open the circle. Sunday morning Sadhana begins our week together with chanting, moving our bodies as the sun rises, which will continue daily (optional as it begins at 4:45 until 7am). Continuing, day by day, each experience will stack upon each other, whether it be a rebirthing, breathwalk, or the intimacy in the water through Watsu. The first three days will be an opening, then we will have a day off of your choice of massage, longevity therapy, surfing, horseback riding, or even zip lining, or simply relaxing by the salt-water pool perhaps. Which then leads into Thursday, a day of silence. Friday will open up your voice once again, to a day of liberation, celebration, honoring our time in silence, and sharing. The last day, our morning Sadhana together, we will close the circle and fully commit to this conscious awakening, continuing the conversation until we meet again.
Time for you to disconnect with distraction and connect with the sacred. The week will include in-depth exploration of the technology of Kundalini Yoga for re-rooting, rest and restoration of the complete self from the stresses of daily life. You’ll develop a fulfilling everyday discipline, creating devotional practice with Sadhana at the ambrosial hour, meditation and chanting, gong immersion therapy and sound bath, and conscious walking on the ocean front, experiencing deep immersion into the Soul!
To grow and to prepare, download the Light on Kundalini App and start practicing today.
The retreat is open to all levels of practice and experience. Here is a glimpse of what to look forward to:
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- Integrate every day with a new practice/kriya/meditation
- Experiencing yoga in the healing waters with breath walk and a good swim or surf
- Sacred fire ceremony
- Share on how we can collectively offer Seva (giving back, selfless service)
- Bring your family, friends, or travel solo, but get ready to meet new friends for life
About Nosara
Nosara offers many wonderful, life affirming activities and experiences for the whole family! Whether you enjoy swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, Zip-lines, or Eco-tourism, Nosara has it all. Please visit the links below for suggestions.
Retreat Package, Room Options
Mountain View – Two Available
This double room has a step-out balcony and large windows with an extraordinary mountain view. The room is tastefully furnished and provides the perfect space for two people. It has a king-sized bed or two twins with a private bathroom with solar hot water and air conditioning. Mountain View Rooms have a safety box large enough to fit a 17″ laptop computer.
Nature Suite – Sold Out!
Nature Suites are very cozy and located on a hillside overlooking the lush vegetation. They are simple and natural wood frame structures and have private bathrooms with an outdoor shower overlooking the jungle. Each Suite sleeps two people in either a king bed or two twin beds and includes a separate enclosed porch with a desk. All Suites have solar hot water as well as air conditioning. The Suites are a short walk up the hill to the Main Building. Nature Suites have a safety box large enough to fit a 17″ laptop computer.
Hermitage Suite – Sold Out!
These rooms are specifically designed for singles and provide privacy and elegance while being cozy and inexpensive. Many of these rooms have partial views of the ocean and others of the mountains nearby, a queen-sized bed, a private bathroom with solar hot water and an air conditioning. Hermitage Rooms have a safety box large enough to fit a 17″ laptop computer.
Eco Cottage – Last One!
The Eco-Cottages are a 5-minute hike away via a stone stairway from Blue Spirit’s main building (reception, dining-hall, etc.) and situated in lush vegetation, allowing for a sensual being-in-touch experience with nature. Each Eco-Cottage consists of a natural wood frame structure that houses two twin beds and a full yet compact ensuite bathroom with an ambient temperature shower. There are screens for natural ventilation, an overhead ceiling fan, mosquito nets, electric outlet(s), and a safety box large enough to fit a 17″ laptop computer.
Platform Tent – Sold Out!
Our glamping wall-style Tents are surrounded by nature and a 5-minute hike away via a stone stairway from Blue Spirit’s main building (reception, dining hall, etc.). Each Tent features a queen-sized regular platform bed, electric outlet(s), a pedestal fan, and is placed on a platform that is covered by a wooden roof to protect against sun and rain. A few steps away guests will find a bathhouse that features two different wings (women & men) with each featuring several sinks, showers, and toilets. All linen, pillows, and towels are provided and guests can bring valuables to be stored in the safety box at Reception at no charge.
All rates include workshops, nutritious vegetarian cuisine prepared from fresh local produce and grains, and sleeping accommodations. Prices are per person, single or double occupancy. For complete room descriptions and photographs, visit accommodations at Blue Spirit’s website. Also check out their photo gallery.
Select your room and occupancy choice from the drop-down menus and click “Pay Now”. This will take you to a payment option page for PayPal or Credit Card. If you wish to write a check, please contact Karuna at info@lightonkundalini.com for a mailing address and price for the room you’d like.
There is also an option to put down a non-refundable 50% deposit per person to reserve your room. The full payment is due 60 days before the retreat, on October 7th. Afterwards the room and deposit will be forfeited.
Cancellations before October 7th will receive a refund minus the per person deposit.
Please note: If using PayPal, there is an additional 3% transaction fee.
We will refund all payments if our trip is cancelled.
Lodging
Arrival Day and Departure Day:
The retreat starts after dinner on Saturday, December 10th. July 30th will be your travel day and day to check in at Blue Spirit, enjoy dinner and then gather as a group.
The retreat ends on Saturday morning, December 17th with sadhana. It will be your day to check out from Blue Spirit, enjoy breakfast and then travel home.
Your package price includes:
7 nights of accommodations, starting Saturday, December 10th.
3 gourmet and organic meals per day, served buffet style, starting with dinner on Saturday the 30th, and ending with breakfast on Saturday Decmber 17th.
Daily Schedule
This is what our schedule for the retreat looks like. While it is subject to change, it gives you a basic idea of how your days will unfold while on retreat: when you can expect to practice and when you can participate in other activities or simply relax:
Saturday
6-7:30pm Dinner
A short gathering to welcome you and to come together as a group, it will take place after dinner.
Daily
4:45 to 7:15am – Sadhana
7:15-9am Breakfast
9:30-11:30pm Kriya and Meditation practice
12-1:30pm Lunch
1:30-4:30 Costa Rica exploration
4:30-6pm Kriya and Meditation practice
6-7:30pm Dinner
Wednesday will be a day off after Sadhana in the morning.
Q&A about Kundalini Yoga
Student: I heard Kundalini Yoga is dangerous. Is that true?
Teacher: Most yoga practices reflect on major chakras, yet leaving out micro-chakras that affect the nervous system. The interpretation of the Kunda (coiled) pent up energy at the base of the spine, respects each and every individual when he/she/they are ready to be pronounced awakened. Therefore any yoga practice can awaken a student, yet this awakening is so smart that it will detect when the student is not ready, therefore the practice remains up to the discipline and preparation of this awakening.
So to answer your question, no, kundalini yoga is not dangerous.
Student: Well, I am a beginner, I have never done any kind of yoga, ever. I am not flexible, I am overweight, and my diet is the SAD (Standard American Diet) diet. Which means I am addicted to Coca-Cola. Can you help me with my addictions, my weight? And often times I go on radical diets and seem to put the weight right back on that I lose.
Teacher: Kundalini Yoga involves sitting with yourself in absolute oneness with this self as is. Recognizing you are perfect as you are right now. It has no judgment towards weight, past, gender. When the student is ready, the teacher shows up, and will guide you through in a practical way so that you will sustain your health and your happiness throughout the experience of this commitment and discipline to change. You take ownership. And you start to crave healthier habits because you feel Joy. You sleep better, you help serve others because you have more energy.
Student: What all will we be doing at the retreat?
Teacher: So you ask what we will be doing, and it brings a smile on my face and a tear to my heart. Because what we do on this retreat happens to be very personal to you. You do you on this retreat. I invite you to participate in early morning practice, and I also invite you to sleep in and enjoy your peace and your rest. I encourage you to say no, to take time for yourself, to heal, to love more deeply, thyself, it’s the only way we can nurture. No posture is more welcomed or received or aligned with Truth, without the mantra, may you live your best life. So sweet dear being as you are, accept the lesson. What is the lesson? Live. Claim the empowerment in getting through it, because my friend, each day deepens, awakens, evolves on its own. So yes, we will be swimming in the ocean, we will be walking together with breath walk, we will be doing yoga, sitting and sharing and eating and laughing and crying and being silent in meditation. You can even go ziplining on your day off, and shopping. We will be journaling. We will feel this creative force bursting for peace within and around us. And that’s just a drop of God’s blessing, a baptism if you like, of what we will be doing. Let’s just say you won’t go home empty handed. And we will continue when you get home to keep filling you up, supporting you.
Airport and Shuttle
Airport shuttle is NOT included in your package price. Please arrange for this directly with Blue Spirit resort. The cost of their shuttle between Liberia airport and Blue Spirit is about $65 to $70 each direction.
Blue Spirit has multiple shuttles picking participants up at the Liberia Airport on Saturdays ONLY from 12-4pm and then 7-8:30pm and they will depart as they fill. Please go to this link to make your reservations for the Shuttle between Blue Spirit and Liberia Airport http://www.
Upon arrival there will be a person to greet you and guide you to your shuttle. He will have a Blue Spirit sign. When you arrive you should allow 30 – 60 minutes to go through immigration, customs and baggage claim. Once you have retrieved your luggage and passed customs, your shuttle organizer will be waiting outside the only terminal exit at LIR. The organizer will be wearing a Blue Spirit T-shirt and will greet you with a sign that says BLUE SPIRIT.
The shuttle will depart when it is full and all the arriving guests are in the shuttle – we don’t leave anyone behind – so you may need to wait a few minutes until everyone is in the shuttle.
If your flight is delayed, rescheduled, AND ESPECIALLY if you miss a connection, please contact Blue Spirit at +1.845.684.2007; this is a US number where you can reach Blue Spirit. If you have any issues while you are in Costa Rica please contact us at our local number 2656.8300.
Blue Spirit also has all your flight information and will be tracking flights, so they are also keeping track of delays or re-scheduling and there will still be a shuttle waiting for you at the airport.
The ride from Liberia Airport to Blue Spirit is between 2 and 2.5 hours.
For your departure, there are several group shuttle services departing Blue Spirit between 4:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. You should plan to be at the airport two hours before your flight departs.
FAQ
What’s Blue Spirit Like? Getting Around:
If you have mobility issues, be sure to check the location of your room before booking. Many room options will have a long flight of steps to reach our reception desk. The dining and pool will be on different levels, sometimes several flights of stairs away from your room. Because the additional accommodations beyond the main building are built along a hill, outdoor exploring around will involve walking on steps. There is an elevator in the main building.
Should I bring a towel?
Blue Spirit provides towels for bathing, but not for the beach…plan to pack a small beach towel or sarong for this purpose. Blue Spirit also highly recommends bringing a yoga towel for your mat if you plan to use their mats, as it helps keep the mats clean and free from sweat…sometimes, it can get hot down there!
Should I bring my own yoga mat?
You don’t need to bring any of your yoga stuff…they have all of it there!
I have dietary restrictions, can Blue Spirit accommodate them?
In our experience, Blue Spirit has been very accommodating to students with specific dietary needs. Please let us know ahead of time so that we can communicate to the Blue Spirit culinary staff.
Do I tip at Blue Spirit?
There is a fee ($70-$80) added to your bill which covers gratuities for the employees of Blue Spirit (you are welcome to change that number so that it’s less or more, at your discretion). That fee does not cover tips for massage therapists. Other tips to consider during this retreat are small tips for shuttle drivers who are not employees of Blue Spirit, and tips for activity leaders/guides should you decide to go on a nature tour, take a surf lesson, etc.
Can I drink the water there?
Yes! Blue Spirit has their own well and a state-of-the-art filtration system.
Do I need an adapter to plug in?
Blue Spirit has two-prong outlets, just like the ones in the US.
Can I bring the kiddos?
There is no onsite childcare, but if you are traveling with an adult who can care for the children while you are in class, they are welcome to join. The Nature Suites have the most room and so are the most family-friendly.
Can you speak to currency needs and exchange? Can credit cards be used for non inclusive charges?
Blue Spirit takes credit cards and so do many shops in the area. You do not need to travel with a lot of cash and many places accept USD.
Is Wi-Fi available for communicating back home?
Yes, stronger in some places than others, but yes.
Dress code for dinners?
It’s Blue Spirit casual 🙂 That means the only thing not allowed during meals is bare feet and bathing suits. Clothes and shoes are required.
Testimonials from Past Years
Susan 2023:
My Blue Spirit Retreat Experience of change, growth, and joy.
This was a great experience at the elegant, comforting Blue Spirit Retreat Center with Karuna doing Kundalini practice. When I arrived at Blue Spirit I thought I was on vacation to swim, paint, meditate do some yoga. Wow, what a surprise to wake up at 4:30am, meditate, chant, sit for 3-4 hours as the sun rose and the jungle came to life with powerful, enlightened, rigorous teacher and mentor, Karuna.
The process of Kundalini is rigorous, hard work, and creates great rewards: I, finally, after three days, realized all I had been missing in life while sleeping until 7-8am. Taking this week to work on myself was life changing.
I experienced a true awakening of my mission in life. I felt devotion, happiness, and inspiration in my art practice exponentially, growing day by day at Blue Spirit and then at home in Portland, Oregon.
The process Karuna teaches is magical: she reaches into us with vigor and strength – our group searched and delivered a new personal perspective working together. I felt involved with our group in a very deep respectful way through movement, mediation, yoga and swimming…..a true connection of respect for others.
Every time I sat and chanted with my group..I struggled with trying to understand its purpose. I slowly realized by letting go of the struggle and learning the chants, the POWER of the sound RESONATING…and its effect on my body and mind awakened something indescribable.
After leaving Blue Spirit: one moment, one day….When I returned home to Portland, one day under stress…my chanting mantra appeared before my struggles…..floating like a cloud, calming and centering me…it just happened so abruptly and at the right moment. I now have a new perspective of the work we are doing…meditating, listening, being calm, accepting and observing the changes.
I came home and changed simple habits. Intake of food shifted, I realized how to eat with attention and taste, see and respect food. Swim with attention to my body’s needs. Started a yoga practice everyday. And meditating each morning and evening.
A personal note:
I am an artist and my work has grown inn new ways…hard to explain here, but the joy of doing is one aspect I cherish, and now more than ever, see it is a meditation as every act is.
I captured through exercises Karuna gave, ways to focus on what is in front of me, a goal, a mark, going further, pushing an idea: this is hard to explain, but art is a process of making one aware of the simplest things: a mark, a color, a process of building, and building something within, pouring out of the whole body…very powerful and rewarding, this act of making imagery come alive is a force to see.
Thanks to Karuna and her hard work and getting us all to grow and respect ourselves and our being here. Very rewarding life Karuna offered through her dedication and love for me. Kundalini awakens the inner spirit…taking a week to dedicate to this experience is just the beginning.
Kathy 2022:
I really appreciated the schedule and flow with which the Light on Kundalini program flowed. I appreciate the energy Karuna poured into the program and all of us while always holding the integrity of this time bound practice and getting it right. Examples: meditative chanting walks, doing Watsu among the challenging waves, finishing final ceremony among those bats 😩 and finding a good spot in Nicaragua to do our meditative kriya to get rid of bad karma. You never let up! At times we (ok mostly me) got cranky, and Karuna just kept going….poke, provoke, confront, elevate. That’s such great leadership. It speaks to Karuna’s integrity which is really important to me.
Karuna showed up for us, so we showed up for Karuna, as well as ourselves.
The last thing I’ll say here is that it was really interesting to receive feedback from others outside our class as to their witnessing of both mine and Sally’s transformation as the week continued. There was a definite shift in our energy, outlook, nervous system and appearance.
Thanks again for a very powerful week.
Cheryl 2019:
I was encouraged to attend the Costa Rica Kundalini Yoga retreat with Karuna after my partner came back from this retreat the year before. The transformation that I witnessed in my partner, the beauty and glow, and brightness that wasn’t explainable is what got me to start my Kundalini practice in the first place. So fast forward a year, and I find myself very excited about this retreat. A week long, soul searching, challenging, amazing, transformative kundalini yoga experience was just what I needed. Life happens… to all of us… I lost my mom about a month before this retreat. Karuna’s expertise and guidance helped me process and let go of things that I didn’t need to carry. It was the most wonderful experience. Karuna is so miraculous; she is able to tap in so deeply, that she not only makes your individual experience special, but the culture she creates with the group truly makes for a remarkable experience and elevation of mind, body, and soul. All of this, plus the beauty and lush surroundings, and highly nutritious, amazing food of the Blue Spirit Resort in Costa Rica couldn’t be a better combination. What a way to end the year and reset for what’s next! Sat Nam! See you next year!
Cheryl from Corpus Christi, Texas
Teg Ranjeet 2019:
Where to start? Rock bottom? I would like to say that’s where I was, but one can keep falling and falling. Addiction in many forms ravaged my body, emotions, mind, and soul. Drugs, over eating, online shopping, obsessive screen time, and sensual pleasure ruled my life, did I even exist? I had to stop falling. I signed up for this retreat the very last day, through a stroke of grace. After the long trip to Blue Spirit, the walls and boundaries I created to survive my deep pain began to weaken and crumble. Through Karuna’s powerful instruction and gentle guidance of the teachings, I began to peek at the seat of serenity in my soul. Through the cleansing of the warm, salty, wavy, alive oceans near the resort, my heart began to beat a little lighter and happier. Through the fresh, prana-rich meals prepared by the wonderful staff, I began to feel replenished. And finally, and most important to me, through shared experience with fellow retreat students, I began to be lifted up by their powerful love, support, and guidance, reminding me that we are not alone, and we share the same feelings of pain, addiction, and loneliness created by boundaries and walls we create to shelter our hearts. A day did not pass where my heart didn’t weep at least once, and much more often than that, emptying me completely so that I may filled up again with light instead of darkness. This retreat can help you through whatever you are dealing with, and fill you up again. Wahe Guru. Sat Nam.
Teg Ranjeet from Boulder, Colorado
