Finding Design Inspiration in Costa Rica: My Journey to Yoga Certification and Creative Renewal
This November, I packed my bags for a 3-week adventure in Nosara, Costa Rica… but this wasn’t your typical beach vacation. My goal was to obtain my yoga instructor certification—a milestone that’s been on my bucket list for many, many, many years. I was eager to take my love for yoga to a deeper level, moving beyond a practice I love to becoming fully immersed in its principles and teachings. The idea of dedicating three solid weeks solely to this journey was incredibly terrifying (as a business owner), yet exhilarating and rewarding!!
And why Costa Rica? There’s something about the “Pura Vida” (pure life) spirit that resonated with me… and since I’ve been several times before, the lush green landscape and welcoming humidity of this land kept calling me back. This stunning country is a hub for wellness and mindfulness. With its serene beaches, tropical rainforests, and with a sense of natural balance, Costa Rica felt like the perfect place to reconnect with myself and recharge my creativity. From the moment I arrived, I could feel that this trip would influence not only my personal life but also my approach to design.
Embracing the Yoga Journey
The certification process was way more intense than I anticipated, but it was absolutely worth it. Each day began with morning movement, followed by hours of in-depth learning accompanied by yogi chanting. It wasn’t just about mastering poses; it was about understanding how to find harmony and alignment between body, mind, and soul. I felt a deep transformation as I moved through the program, realizing how much yoga is about finding beauty in the present moment and letting go of what no longer serves us.
The physical challenge was real, but so was the emotional release. I experienced breakthroughs, learned to breathe through discomfort, and very much embraced vulnerability. These lessons reminded me of the transformative power of design. Just like yoga, creating a space that feels balanced and harmonious requires us to tune into what’s truly important and let go of the excess. This trip taught me that design, like yoga, is all about creating space for positive energy and growth.
Creative Inspiration from Nature
Costa Rica’s landscapes were a huge source of inspiration for me. Everywhere I looked, there were vibrant colors, organic shapes, and textures that felt effortlessly beautiful. Regardless of the fact that it rained every. single. day, I spent a lot of time in nature, meditating or moving in jungle-surrounded shalas or frolicking the beach on the rare sunny days. I realized how much these natural environments influenced my own design style and how they brought me a sense of calm and joy.
There’s a peacefulness in nature that I know we can capture through design. This was a refreshing reminder to continue the exploration of sustainable materials and to think about how natural light, textures, and colors are incredibly important in each and every design. The textures of Costa Rican clay and wood and the natural greens and blues from the forests and oceans are forever etched into my mind, and I can’t wait to infuse some of that vibe into future projects.
Reigniting My Creativity for a New Year
After three long weeks of stepping away from the daily grind, I came back with a refreshed perspective and a burst of creativity (and a shiny new yoga teaching certification, of course!). Taking this time to slow down reminded me of the importance of rest and renewal and how critical the environment around us impacts our well-being. I realized that just like I need to recharge, so do the spaces we live in so that we may truly thrive as human beings. While I’m excited to integrate my yoga practice into the world of design, I am committed to the continuation of designing homes that encourage relaxation and mindfulness- a little slice of Costa Rican tranquility right in your living room!! I’m already envisioning new ways to create calm, purposeful spaces that reflect the beauty of simplicity and the power of natural elements.
Here are a few more snaps from my yoga teacher training adventure abroad!
Ready to Bring Wellness into Your Space?
If this journey to Costa Rica has taught me anything, it’s that our surroundings deeply affect our well-being. If you’re ready to make your home a place of relaxation and rejuvenation, I’d love to help you get started! Let’s chat about creating a space that reflects the best of nature and wellness. Contact me here, and let’s turn your home into your personal sanctuary.
With Gratitude,
Megan
