Unexpected sunshine, solo moments, and my inner extroverted introvert—exploring the delicate balance of “me time” and group energy at Pura Vida Retreat.

I’m pleasantly surprised to see the sun up this morning. Based on my weather-watching obsession in the days leading up to this trip, it looked bleak—lots and lots (and did I say lots?) of rain. Granted, I knew I was heading to the rainforest and didn’t expect blue skies on repeat, but after a hurricane recently passed through, I was bracing myself for extra wet weather. BUT, as I woke up this morning to the sun breaking through the clouds and its rays warming my face, even at 5:30 a.m., I jumped out of bed to soak it in (Scroll to the bottom for the full morning walk video to experience all the sights and sounds with me—the birds, the rainforest waking up, and a slice of pura vida to start the day right. 🌞🌿)

If my weather app is right, the clouds will roll back in within the hour, bringing on-off rain again today, so if this is the only dry and blue sky moment I get, I’m grateful. I’ll take it all in—the views from my room, the stroll to my new favorite corner spot on the wrap-around porch at the dining hall, and the sounds of birds, roosters, and the vibrant rainforest waking up around me. The mellow background music only adds to the chill vibe.

Today’s schedule? Pretty much wide open. I’m here with 26 others on this yoga “restart,” and while most have already headed to the yoga room (yes, the views are amazing) for morning meditation and yoga, I’m taking my time. It’s Sunday—the day after travel—and while I’m new to yoga, I’m here to relax and will dabble a bit in the classes throughout the week. But today, I’m exactly where I want to be.

I learned from my first yoga getaway (a spur-of-the-moment trip after we got back from Ireland) that, as my friend so perfectly put it, I’m an “extroverted introvert.” Sure, I hold my own in any crowd (well, within reason, not sure a chess convention or tax law seminar would fit that mold, lol), and I love meeting new people, laughing, talking, and sharing. But, leave me there too long, and I’m drained from too much “peopling.” I thrive in small groups or one-on-one, but even then, I need moments like this—just me, my thoughts, and the freedom to let my mind wander.

Taking these solo moments every now and then is a way of “doing me,” and lately, I’ve been learning to recognize and embrace that. I even went straight to bed after dinner last night and missed the opening circle and meet-and-greet. When I told Mom I’d skip it, I reassured her there’d be plenty of time this week to meet people as I dragged my overly stuffed, travel-worn self to my room in search of a glass of wine and a shower. One out of two ain’t bad. Today, I’ll be asking the front desk about the hot water situation—don’t need it scalding, but last night, no matter how I adjusted the dials, cold water was the only option. Safe to say I still carry yesterday’s travels with me, and I hope to remedy that later today, lol.

After breakfast (can’t wait to see what’s in store!), there’s a presentation on the excursions we can take each day. There’s one included on Wednesday, but any other adventures are on our own dime, as well as any spa treatments. I might have been a little overzealous with my spa sign-ups… Did four… I can already hear my bank account wincing, but YOLO, right?? At least that’s what I’m telling myself. I’ll let you know how it goes.

For the rest of today, I’m free to do whatever. I’ve got my first spa treatment around 3:30, and I planned it that way so it’s after any afternoon outing I might want to take. And you bet I’m not missing any food—free in the sense that it’s already paid for, lol.

Other than that, I might give the hot tub a try (especially while the hot shower situation is pending), take a loop around the retreat grounds, and if the sun holds out (big “if,” but here’s hoping), there’s a pool with my name on it, not to mention a Kindle and a bathing suit calling me. And Lord help me when the gift shop opens… Good thing I didn’t have room to pack anything extra (lucky for me, Mom does—of course, I packed her suitcase, lol)… unless they ship home… hmmm…

So that’s my morning! Off to refill my coffee cup, and yes, the coffee is fantastic!! They have a coffee farm (or whatever you call it) across the street—that’s one of the tours offered. I’m usually not one for tours, but I might just join in this week and see what there is to see. Until then, good morning, good afternoon, and good night.