Live, Laugh, Love In Costa

Safaris for the Soul after Losing a Mate.

On Losing a Soul Mate without Losing Your Soul

Safaris for the Soul--A lone elephant mourns.
 

  While teaching in South Africa at the World Creativity Conference this year, I was haunted by a lone elephant I observed in the bush. (Pictured above)  Was he an outcast from his tribe?  Was he ill?  Was he or she longing for a lost love?

  The connection came to me today while  reading "Random Acts of Heroic Love" by Danny Scheinman.

Entry # 68:  "Elephants are a bit like us.  They live to seventy, reach adulthood at twenty and socialize in groups.  When an elephant dies in the wild, the other members of the herd will stand over the corpse in days of mourning.  One female elephant was observed leaving the herd and walking thirty miles to visit the bones of a recently departed mate."

   Having coached both  men and women who have faced the desolate trail of losing a partner through either death or divorce while on travel safari,  the question becomes, how can one bear losing a soul mate without losing their own soul? The real challenge I have found is that in the depths of despair we tend to gravitate to  the lonely abyss of isolation verses reaching out to those who can  provide us with a life line and support.

  In the course of grieving for our soul mate, we somehow lose connection with our own soul and the very tribe that can provide us with support when we need them most.     Odd thing about depression: for some reason, we don't want those that we love most to see us at our worst, so we sometimes show them our best or perhaps more  likely go into private seclusion like our lone elephant.    The symptoms:  We isolate ourselves, avoid phone calls,  social events and are certainly no longer available to "chat" on IM.  We simply don't have the energy  for advice about what we should do to make our life whole again.  

   To those who many find themselves during this holiday season grieving for lost lives  lost loves and lost soul mates, my blessings and wishes that in 2010 you will find your own soul again through the combination of remembrance and renewal.---  That the elephant's gift of the memory and gifts of loved ones remains by your side and a Go Wild! Go GREAT! spirit of new adventures remains within you.

Most importantly a message to reach out to your tribal support group.  No matter who you are, where you are,what you have,  you need one!

Rosemary Rein, Ph.D is a Certified Professional Coach who  hosts  life renewal retreats in Tropical Costa Rica.  She specializes in working with Executives and Women in Transition during one week focused immersion sessions.

www.retreatscostarica.com an www.gowildgogreat.com

Xandari Plantation--Central Valley, Costa Rica

If you haven't explored the secret paradise of Zandra Plantation and Spa in Costa Rica's  Central Valley, put it on your Costa Rica dream list.  You can enjoy a day of Spa Treatments,  Hiking Trails, Private Waterfalls, Lusch Gardens, a New Heated Lap Pool and in this writer's opinion, the ultimate oasis of   tropical beauty.  One of our Guest CEO's just got back from XANDARI and ranked it 5 stars.

I always bring first time visitors to Costa Rica to  Xandari which is en route to Poas Volcano.   Visiting Poas followed by a day at Xandari is a perfect combination.  Note:  to really treat yourself, stay overnight in one of the breathtaking villas individually designed by the owners from California.  Xandari also has a second location equally as magical for beach lovers at Playa Esterillos in Costa Rica.

Xandari serves as one of our outstanding locations for executive meetings and wellness retreats as Retreats Costa Rica.  Put this unique property in your travel or day trip file.

Living the Dream in Costa Rica Paradise   www.retreatscostarica.com or blog sponsor www.costarica.org

Blog, Bla, Bla about Costa Rica's Blog Author

  Living in Costa Rica.   The creative duo at Costa Rica Learn posted a blog this week about my adventure in moving to Costa Rica.  It caught my attention since the headline read "Will the real Rosemary Rein please stand up?"  Barry said "Oh no, tell me there aren't two of you". It's an issue,  since Barry, like most men speaks on average 12,000 words per day and I speak , like most women, an average of  24,000 words per day. 48,000 words would have been impossible  for him to contend with.

Check out Costa Rica Learn's  blog and more importantly the brand new film  about moving to, living in and visiting Costa Rica.

 Link to Article Below:

  http://costaricalearn.com/will-the-real-rosemary-rein-please-stand-up

Costa Rica Blog Author, Rosemary Rein with one of her 3 rescued street dogs, Mr. Bucky.

 

# 1 Commandment for Moving to and Living in Costa Rica!

 

Stop Global Whining.  Today's Dare: (Those of you who are following our daily love dares.) For the next 24 hours, pledge to an accountability partner that whenever you complain about anything, (Costa Rica Traffic included)  challenge yourself intellectually to develop at least one solution!  Tell us how you do!

The above  sign I use to have in my office as the HR/Training and Call Center Director back in the U.S.  The rule was further explained to my employee in my monthly "deli days" that if you had any complaint, please bring them  forth in a total open door creative policy, but you must at least come with one proposed solution to the problem.  Ask and you shall receive!  Our Employees created more improvements than any highly paid consultants.  My call center agents literrally became our internal consulting team.

As a former President of the  Newcomers Club of Costa Rica  I have witnessed what I would call "unhappy ex-pats" who come and go to Costa Rica  and those who come , adapt and stay happily for their lifetime.  I think I now have my scouting down  to a science,  as to which ones will be gone in a few months!  There the Chronic Complainers who rather than propose options and  alternatives choose to make negative comparison of Costa Rica with the way it is back home.  To this I often suggest, "There's no place like home for the holidays'.  "I hear there are excellent fares available"

On a personal note, during the next 3 weeks, my number one irritant/problem will be  driving amidst Costa Rica's   aggressive shopper-drivers.  I will try to practice what I preach. 

 There is much, much  more traffic during the next few weeks,  due to the bounty of money given to employees in the month of December as part of their Legal HR benefits.  Add to this Costa Rica's horrible rate for automobile mortality due to what I can only describe as bad driving.  Our solution:  We have clocked the low-peak periods to minimize high stress traffic  and are so looking forward to December 24 - New Year's when the city of Escazu literally clears out as families head to the beach.

We've also decided to give Cool Holiday Community Gifts that require no waiting in line: 

-  Did you know you can give someone their own piece of Costa Rica rain forest that will be preserved?

- That  you can pay for a child's entire education in Costa Rica and receive notes about their progress?

-  That you can become the education sponsor of a Teacher in South Africa at the World Creativity Conference for Educators?  

Gift Certificates are available.  Contact Now to WOW! Learning Adventures at www.gowildgogreat.com or write Faculty Director, rosemaryrein@gmail.com

We'l send you a Now to WOW! Gift Certificate detailing your gift of head and heart connection to building a better world.

 

Clinica Biblica -- Amazing Health Care in Costa Rica

One More Reason to Select and Move to Costa Rica: Incredible Health Care

  

Hospital Vacation Stay at Clinica Biblica.  I am often asked about the many reasons for moving to Costa Rica.  One reason for sure is the outstanding  and affordable medical care provided in this peaceful, tranquil paradise.  No Waiting! State of the Art Health Care.

When we moved to Costa Rica more than a decade ago, we purchased the private medical insurance option called INS.  I highly recommend the plan  for those who are planning the move to Costa Rica.  There are two State of the Art Hospitals in Costa Rica.  Clinica Biblica and Cima Hospital

  Above Barry is relaxing this morning after checking into in his private room at Clinica Biblica completely outfitted with lazy boy,  flat-screen T.V, companion bed and WIFI.  (One has to be equipped for  Cyber Monday after all hospital or no hospital.)

Downstairs on the hospital's newly renovated main floor there is a hip bistro in which the historical architecture has been maintained with  turn of the century elegance.  The food is also fresh and delicious.  You will have visitors in the hospital if only for Biblica's bistro coffee.

Perhaps most important is the confidence you have in the medical team.  This morning the surgeon personally visited our patient to see how he was doing.  Dr. Montealegre  enjoyed responding to my husband's always witty humor  that we were violating our own rule of never scheduling a surgery on a Monday (after a party weekend).  Apparently, the highest rate of errors happen in hospitals in the U.S on Monday Mornings because the Dr's body clock is not quite what it is the rest of the week.  Dr. M assured us he had taken a nap early this morning!   He also advised me that he would personally call me in our private room as soon as my husband's surgery was complete to tell me he was doing fine and soon returning to our room from recovery.

Just In:   The Dr. just called,  He is just perfect and will be out of recovery in an hour!

I'm not sure if this type of personal attention and healthcare happens in the U.S or Canada but I'm happy to have our family's well beings in the hands of such a capable medical team and facility like Clinica Biblica.

www.dreamincostarica.com or blog sponsor www.costaricaorg.com

There's Nothing like a Day in the Country in Costa Rica

 

Krysia and Victor, Costa Rica's Horse Whisperers and Hosts at Caballo Loco
 
    If you are looking for a great day in Costa Rica's countryside with friends or family, consider spending the day at Caballo Loco, located in the Central Valley, not far from Costa Rica's University of Peace.  We were at the farm yesterday with a group and what a delight to enjoy gourmet cuisine in the rancho while overlooking the forest.  Birding, Horseback riding, wine and Incredible Food.  Even the rain on the tin roof is enchanting in green season.

   Caballo Loco is great for Horse lovers who want to enjoy a ride followed by either a picnic or gourmet lunch/dinner.  It's also great for those who simply love nature and fine cuisine and wine.  The owner, Krysia Peterson is a fabulous chef.  Caballo Loco is on my list as a secret hideaway that is simply ideal for group events and parties of (25 - 30 people).

For information on corporate retreats or events at Caballo Loco, visit www.retreatscostarica.com or write forinfo@retreatscostarica.com

 

The Natural Beauty of Living in Costa Rica. The magical union of rain and

rain forest fauna.

Thanksgiving Tradition: Create A Collage of Gratitude!

As the Thanksgiving Holiday approaches, the one official U.S. holiday in which we formally  give thanks for our blessings--- perhaps it's time to capture your  "Attitude of Gratitude" so the appreciations lasts longer than the Thanksgiving Day Leftovers.

Here's A Thanksgiving Tribal Ritual Beyond the Turkey

This is a great project for your tribe to do while  watching the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade while you're stuffing the big bird.   As another option,  you can send instructions in advance and ask everyone in your tribe  to bring an Attitude of Gratitude collage to share at your Thanksgiving Day feast.

Your Attitude of Gratitude Collage:

1)Create a collage of your own personal photographs and/or picture and words from old magazines that represent those things in life you are grateful for.  You'll need poster board, scissors, glue, old magazines, photos.

2)Have each member of your tribe and celebration, share their artistic collage with your Family/Friends during Thanksgiving Dinner pointing out the meaning of each symbol. It's magical:  As tribal clan members share their gratitude in words and images, be prepared to watch the power of imagery over the traditional spoken words of appreciation said over grace.

3) Tribal Members will also have a memento of their gratitude and your tribal gathering every day of the year, not just on Thanksgiving.

 They say  a picture is worth a thousand words, so capture and share your gratitude visually and feel the power of positive thinking.  

To Download the Free Now to WOW!TM Creativity Calendar with Monthly Thoughts of Gratitude and Inspired Photographs and Art, visit www.retreatscostarica.com or www.gowildgogreat.com

Don't Miss "The Caretaker" at Little Theatre Group Costa Rica

The Caretaker

by Harold Pinter, directed by Roberto Leiva

November 20^th — December 6^th, 2009
Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

This three-act play, by Harold Pinter, involves interactions between a mentally-challenged man, Aston; a tramp, Davies, whom Aston brings home to his attic room,; and Aston’s younger brother (Mick), who appears responsible for the house.

The world of The Caretaker is a bleak one, its characters damaged and lonely. But they are all going to survive. And in their dance to that end they show a frenetic vitality and a wry sense of the ridiculous that balance heartache and laughter. Funny, but not too funny. Visit Wikipedia for more details.

Review: We went to opening night last night...the acting is first rate.  The writing and dialogue amazing! Hats off to LTG on this one.

For reservations, visit www.littletheatre.org

Costa Rica Featured in 2010 Now to WOW! Creativity Calendar

Costa Rica is featured in the 2010 Free Downloadable Calendar offered by www.retreatscostarica 

Begin marking your dates in 2010 and begin your journey from Now to WOW!TM  The Calendar Featured inspired quotations for living a creative life, cool photography, art and creative annual events.

Free Calendar Download at www.retreatscostarica.com

Costa Rica Featured in the 2010 Go Wild! Go GREAT!TM Calendar

Download your free 2010 Go Wild! Go GREAT! Now to WOW!TM Creativity Calendar.  Costa Rica is featured in  January this year as the host of CEO Leadership Retreats and Mastermind Programs.  You will also find WOW Photographs, Art, links to Creativity Events and Inspired Quotations for Living a Go Wild! Go GREAT! Creative Life.

The Calendar is published by RetreatsCostaRica.com which hosts business meetings, annual conventions and executive forums amidst Costa Rica's tropical beauty.

Download your free calendar at

www.retreatscostarica.com