So a year ago today I took a little time out from photography and head over to Costa Rica for a month.
Being a photographer is such a rewarding job. Im am so passionate about it and I always give 110% to any shoot I am doing. But it can be super busy and I don't say 'no' very often, Which can mean that my own wellbeing can suffer. So last year I decided to take some time for myself and I flew over to Nosara in Costa Rica for a 1 month trip to study and become a yoga teacher!
The beginning on the year is the best time for me to take a little time out as weddings tend to be quieter, so it was the perfect opportunity. That and the fact it is something I have always wanted to do and I finally got round to putting some time aside to do it. Finding time for you is key, because life can just run away with us and before we know it we've been talking about something for years and not acting on it!
Being such a beach lover and passionate about living the most eco friendly life I can, Costa Rica was the perfect spot for me. They are such a green country, with incredible organic food and an amazing ethos. Did you know Costa Rica is the only country in the world to meet all five criteria for environmental sustainability! Amazing!
I got so much from my time in Costa Rica. Not only did I gain a yoga teacher qualitifation in 'Alignment based Vinyasa Flow' with Shivakali Yoga School, who are actually based in California. But our teachers Serge and Gloria also taught us Kirtan, Meditation and Sanskrit (ancient Indian language).
Alongside my training, eating incredible organic food every day and getting to be on the beach, I was also asked to photograph the retreat. It wasn't work at all though. It was a way of me falling back in love with my job in the most calming environment. Plus I got to send all the newly qualified yoga teachers off into their new careers, with brand new head shots.
In the past year being a trained yoga teacher has really served me well. I didn't train to start a new business, but to be able to take time for myself as well as help my family and friends if and when they needed it. I love yoga and love being able to help the ones I love.
As well as all of the above, I made some life long friends in my time in Costa Rica. One of which I am currently back in Costa Rica as you read this, photographing her wedding! Life doesn't get much better than that!
Mindy x
