Not so far away…
Ahhhh The Art and Science in Wellness…. What a way to Be and Be Well!
https://video214.com/play/3b5EDl14ZP1rjO8aelzQsw/s/dark
Departure is Drawing Near
Ahhhh, a beautiful
l autumn and super moon is bestowed upon Southeastern Ohio…. I am grateful for so many things; friends, family, nature surrounding me, my purrring kitties. As the temperatures drop and frost is coating the remaining garden of cold hearty greens.
I love my long walks in brisk temperatures and ponder snow angels and skiing, yearn to slow down, retreat inside, enjoy a hot lavender bath with a good book and yet I am also drawn to the land of tropical delights jungle sounds, oceans, and a new set of medicinal plants to smell, taste, 
use and be thankful for.
This years trip to Finca Luna Neuva and Hotel Bougainvillea is fast approaching. and because of the of the elections and hesitation and fear of many we are extending our Early Bird savings and registration to Dec. 1st. Please consider taking advantage of this opportunity to find wellness through yoga, nature, art, meditation, relaxation and healing herbs. Find new dimensions of yourself through the world of culture, travel, new horizons.
I extend thanks to F
inca Luna for supporting us on that deadline extension. It really is Time to Take Time…. join us in the jungles and beauty of Costa Rica, Join us at Finca Luna and explore sustainable ways to work with the bounty of nature. Walk the trails of Finca Luna and take the time just to be in this exquisite setting.
So come, explore yoga, meditation and art with Rebecca, Lura and Val. Share what is good about our cultu
re with the lovely culture of Costa Rica. I myself am particularly excited about the direction of Creative Art Play and Mudra work Chakra balancing and just in personal expression and freedom of paint brush in hand. The inner me…. coming out. It’s one of the most freeing expediences I know, and Valerie is amazing at leading these workshops.
So make your dreams come true find yourself in a tropical paradise this winter, find your creative side, your quiet side, contact me at Hopwood Holistic Health with questions or to register. It’s Time….
https://animoto.com/play/TNtJUI4hzHJH6XoOWiBoMA
Meet Valerie Dearing one of your Hosts for The Art and Science in Wellness, Feb. 4-11, 2017
Meet Valerie Dearing one of the three wise and wonderful women collaborating with Hopewood Holistic Health in The Art and Science in Wellness Feb. 4-11, 2017 . This Costa Rican Eco-Wellness Adventure will be hosted at Finca Luna Neuva near Fortuna and Lake Arenal with our last night accommodation at the boutique garden paradise, Hotel Bougainvillea.
Valerie is a seasonal Artist in Residence at The Omega Institute of Holistic Health in Rhinebeck, New York and a long term art, yoga and qi gong instructor in Ohio. She is currently moving her home and base of practice to Vermont, so watch for up coming classes, retreats and workshop in the great NE, you just might find me there as well.
Valerie will share in the adventure while providing exceptional opportunities for introspection, creative movement and expressive creativity. Valerie brings years of yoga, qi gong and art exploration to this retreat. Her philosophy in yoga and creative art exploration is to promote the wisdom of living incorporating the traditional ancient poses, breathwork, meditation, and stillness with expressive art outlets to nurture your inner voice and to hone your outer observations.
Her students
share that they enjoy better sleep, focus, strength, balance, posture, flexibility, and deeper relaxation after classes. Valerie has also trained in therapeutic Qi Gong and Tai Chi for healing post traumatic stress, cancer, depression, knee and back pain, heart problems, arthritis, and MS. Additional certifications include; Yin Yoga, Laughter Yoga, Iyengar Yoga and Kundalini. Her classes nourish physical, mental, and spiritual wellness using gentle stretches, twists, core strengthening, and balance practices. These simple movements and meditations can help enhance the immune system and restore and renew your energy. Yes, it’s time to take time and I for one look forward to Val’s classes.
All yoga and mind-body classes, be they with Val, Lura or myself, are geared toward mid level skill and experience but are also perfect for those with advanced skills, those new to yoga or for those who wish to improve their mind/body health by moving slowly and mindfully, delving into creative art or just taking time to be and be well.
One of the very special gifts Val will offer is her Creative Art Expression workshops. She will guide us in the creat
ion of Healing and Nature based Mandalas as a part of our Chakra exploration and will offer other integrated art sessions in Sumi Ink drawing and Solarized Botanical Plates to help us capture the energy and the moment. Aspects of these art sessions will be integrated into herb and sacred seed walks, farm tour and plant gatherings for herbal preparations and plant spirit meditation. This is an exceptional chance to play, create, explore and find yourself through the world of yoga, art, culture and natural beauty.
On a p
ersonal note, it has been such a joy to get to know Valerie through the years. She trained in Hudson, Ohio, a charming Northeast Ohio town that is home to the Old Church on the Green and The Spiritual
Life Center also quality acquaintances and yoga friends. Valerie completed her E-RYT 200 training there and then took off with her interpretation of art, yoga and mindfulness workshops. I have been honored to have Valerie attend various Hopewood Seasonal Yoga Workshops and have enjoyed meeting her at Angela Farmer and Victor vanKooton workshops in Yellow Springs Ohio… I was thrilled when Val and a great friend, Lynn decided to join me last winter, while I worked at Cotton Tree Lodge in southern Belize for yoga, adventure, tofu, the Cayes and more. This is your chance to meet Val and share in a transformational, fun and loving adventure in wellness. For more information and background on Valerie Dearing go to her websites valeriedearingart.com and valeriedearingyoga.com. For more information on The Arts and Science in Wellness Eco-Retreat contact Rebecca at hopewoodholistichealth.org. We hope to have the pleasure of seeing you there.
New International Eco-Journeys for 2017, It’s Time to Take Time
Eco-wellness wanders with Rebecca! Wow it’s time to start planning for two amazing Holistic Journeys this upcoming winter. Hopewood Holistic Health is teaming up with two Wise and Wild Women this winter to offer, The Art and Science in Wellness Feb. 4-11, 2017. Join me, Lura Shopteau, Yogi and Integrative Medicine Practitioner and director of Bienstar Yoga Shala in Uvita Costa Rica along with Valerie Dearing, Yogi and Omega Inst. Artist in Resident, founder of Valerie Dearing Yoga, for a truly special 8 day/7 night eco-wellness adventure. The tropical paradise of Costa Rica will set the stage for this exploration of wellness, nature and art , all designed to nurture your heart, your mind your soul.
Your trip begins with transportation from the San Jose International Airport to the sustainable bio-dynamic eco-lodge, Finca Luna Nueva near Volcano Arenal. We will spend 6 nights here, exploring the grounds through Farm, Sacred Seed, Waterfall tours and night hikes. While at Finca Luna, we will explore tropical plants and food as medicine through healthful, ‘localvore’ meals, workshops on Tropical Medicine, Flower Essences and Hydrosols! You are guaranteed to have fun and deepen your understanding of Pan American and Tropical herbs, their healing possibility, scared foods (chocolate) and the history of Sacred Seeds.
Every morning, Lura, Val or I will offer an opportunity to explore various Yoga and Qi Gong techniques. This is a chance to test the waters with something new or delve deeper into your existing practice. We will offer Yin, Kundalini, Hatha Flow, Iyengar, Partner and MRF (Myofascial Release) selfcare classes integrated with Qi Gong breath and flow. You can schedule privates in yoga, Qi gong or MFR if you wish to deepen your skill or 
have personal needs and questions. Lura, Val and I will also be sharing afternoon or evening sessions in meditation, art exploration and Chakra Awareness & Balancing. All workshops and classes are open to participants and scheduled around various eco-tours to ensure you experience as much as there is to offer, but know, you can join in or just take time for yourself as this is your chance to let go, relax and be present in one of the most beautiful places on the planet.
We will transfer on the morning of our seventh day to the boutique accommodations of Hotel Bougainvillea. This will give us a chance to reflect, rest, relax and enjoy the shear beauty of Bougainvillea’s grounds, gardens and pool. The hotel is situated a convenient 20 minutes from the International airport so your last day shuttle will be worry free. We will enjoy one last eco-adventure along our three hour journey to Hotel Bougainvillea so you can experience one more tropical delight that the tiny county called the Cost of Riches has to offer, but your have to be there to know what it is. This experience is all inclusive once you 
arrive in county at the San Jose International Airport, all for the Amazing Price of $1,475.00-1,575.00 based on double or triple occupancy. A $300.00 non-refundable deposit due by Nov. 1st . Pay in full upon registration, save $100!, you can’t beat that. A sir charge of $100.00 applies after Nov. 1st . Round trip air, tips and gratuities not included and we request you have your own international travel & health coverage.
For Information or to register Contact Rebecca Wood at 740-590-3954 or becaherbtravel@gmail.com or www.hopewoodholistichealth.org and on facebook/hopewoodhealth!
For more specific information on teachers and programs contact Lura Shopteau at 506-8505-1369 or www.lurashopteau@gmail.com and Valerie Dearing at 330-397-1250 or www.valeriedearingyoga.com Find and follow us on facebook and instagram for updates, pictures and specials! Once you register a full daily itinerary will be sent to you.
Belize
For our second Central American Adventure of 2017 Rebecca and Hopewood Holistic Health is thrilled to join the incredible offerings of Arts and Cultural Travel for an UnBelizable experience Belize; Through the Lens and Beyond! Join me and Botanist, Herbalist, Author, Photographer Steven Foster and special guest Herbalist, Author Dr. Rostia Arvigo Feb 12-19 2017 (yes, I am a busy gal this winter, but how lucky am I. As Rumi said “Travel brings power back into your life” ). Steven and I will share our love of tropical plants, nature, birds, Mayan history & culture from the Rain-forests of the Cayo District to the Reefs of Southwater Caye.
The backdrop for the first five days of this Eco-Botanical & Photography Adventure extraordinaire is the lovely DuPlooy’s Rain-forest Lodge. Explore the surrounding grounds of The Belize Botanical gardens and hikes and tours of neighboring Eco-Resort, Chaa Creek. Daily field sessions and adventures with Steven will sharpen your photographic skills, be it with camera or I-phone, helping you to capture the beauty of plants, nature or landscapes. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned photographer…in Steven’s words “You do not need sophisticated, expensive equipment to take great photographs. It’s more about understanding simple concepts – lighting, being in the right place at the right time, and patience. I will show you have to get great photographs with whatever camera you own.” Steven is an old, dear friend and herbal mentor, I know your will love spending time with him as much as I do. All workshops and adventure outings are designed to capture the culture, botany and exquisite natural beauty of Belize and a glimpse of neighboring Guatemala. Tours include; Barton Creek Cave canoe tour, Mayan archaeological sites in Belize and Guatemala and the inland Blue Hole.
Ahh, but, we aren’t done yet. You will spend your last two nights on Southwater Caye, one of the most pristine cayes on Belize’s Barrier Reef. Listen to the waves lap the shore under you cabana, tour the surrounding cayes and reefs by boat and kayak and for be sure to just take time to sit, ponder, wonder and wander…..
Pricing for this trip is just about done, it is all dependent upon the numbers of participants minimum 6 max 15 but we are looking at $2,700-3,200. So, if Photography, Herbs, Wellness, History and or Culture are your interest, grab a friend and sigh up now! It’s an amazing opportunity to travel, explore and learn form the talented, skilled and fun hosts. Let us and our local expert guides will share our love of Belize’s Botanical, Natural and Cultural secrets. This is all inclusive adventure once you are picked up at the Belize International Airport and you’ll love the flight back from Dangriga to the airport mid morning of your last day, making for a spectacular and EZ transition from Belize to home.
To register or get more information on pricing and workshops or tours please contact http://artsandculturaltravel.com/portfolio/photography-workshopbelizefebruary-12-19-2017/ For more general questions or to get to know your hosts check out www.stevenfoster.com or hey, me Rebecca at www.hopewoodholistichealth.org.
Stay tuned for more information on any of these tours and follow us on facebook, instagram and our individual web sites.
Giving Thanks and Looking Ahead: Winter 2016 with Rebecca in Central America
It’s time to start living the life you’ve imagined! There is still time to join us this year for any part of the journey, or follow along on the blog and Facebook to keep track of the adventure.
We will start our journey in the peaceful mountain town of Orosi, Costa Rica. There we will work with Montaña Linda Language School and Guest House. The list of amazing things to do while in this quiet, off-the-beaten path pueblo are endless. Enjoy the cowboy atmosphere, tour coffee plantations, relax in the local hot springs, hike the mountain to Nano’s waterfall, AND take advantage of the wonderful Spanish language courses offered by Montaña Linda.
We leave Orosi and pause for a not-to-be-missed walk about of Lankester Botanical Gardens, on our way to the southern beach town of Uvita. In Uvita we will stay at the Flutterby Hostel and Guest House and collaborate with Lura Shapteau of Bienestar Uvita Yoga Shala. (Bienestar is the Spanish work for wellness.) We look forward to this new partnership and opportunities for sustainable yoga wellness.
A side trip on this year’s Costa Rica adventure will take us into Nicaragua to explore this developing eco-wellness destination in search of future possibilities for work/trade and travel. In Granada, Nicaragua we will be visiting Casa Lucia Boutique Hotel and Pure Gym, Spa and Yoga.
Why not explore your passions? Options are easy and endless. Throughout every Holistic Journey’s eco-wellness adventure are ample opportunities to explore sustainable food and herbs, culture and music, as well as birds and nature’s beauty. One of our major collaborators of the last ten years is Sunny Costa Rica Travel / Tropical Feathers, offering fantastic birding and natural history experiences. See below for a guided tour of birding hot-spots in Costa Rica
The second half of our wellness adventure will take place in sunny Belize. We will be joining Cotton Tree Lodge again this year for another fabulous winter season of tours (explore reefs, jungle, archaeological sites and more!), yoga, exceptional gourmet meals, and quality hammock time.
We are so grateful for the opportunity to return again to this wonderfully diverse and magical part of the planet to spend time with friends old and new. Each year the experience becomes more rich and eye-opening. Our network of partners is growing every season. Future trips may include adventures in Panama, Cuba and Greece. Be and Be Well!
Join me at the Sacred Seeds Sanctuary Workshop this October
Here’s What You MISSED, Winter 2015 Holistic Journeys in Review! Thanks Cotton Tree Lodge, Hacienda de lion, Monkey Bay, Gomier, Toucan Ridge, Tobacco Caye, John Branstrater and friends new and old for great tours, yoga, MFR/Massage and adventure!
The Journey is the Destination
As with any practice, adventure or new experience, the ‘journey is the distenation . Quite true if we are embracing the practice of being fully present! Is there a true end? Yes, no, maybe? I like achieving goals and if we never set one do we end up where we want. If we do set one and achieve it the bends in the road often take us in a different direction, a totally new end that wasn’t in sight becomes a ‘distention untold’.
Traveling, trading, jumping in with both feet while living in different countries is often like that. New people on their own adventures come your way. They share their story, a bit of their life, where they are going and it adds color to the pallet of your life mural. Your practice (yoga, meditation, etc. falls off a bit as you fit into a new scene, but as you meander back your body and experiences open new possibilities or learning moments (pain, insight) to
Yin Yoga Central American Style
Explore the benefits of Yin and Inquiry based Yoga, learn to let go and flow into your body. This winter Rebecca will be sharing her love of Yin and Inquiry Yoga with her friends in Orosi, Costa Rica, The Yucatan and Belize. This is a new project to break boundaries and language through yoga and play! Stay tuned and join in the fun.
Easy is Right
by Chuang Tzu from the Tao; State and the Art by Osho
Easy is right. Begin right and you are easy.
Continue easy, and you are right.
The right way to go easy is to forget the right way and forget that the going is easy.
So what is Yin and Inquiry Based Yoga? Yin Yoga was brought to the forefront as a yoga practice by Paul Grilley and carried further by teachers like Biff Mithoefer, Cheri Clampett and Sarah Powers. Originating from a martial arts practice and Taoist philosophy, Yin Yoga embraces the cool or more feminine side of yoga; punctuating the importance of balance, acceptance, patience and observation. It activates the 6 large meridians that flow through the trunk of the body and down the extremities o the legs, activating acupressure points and the flow of energy throughout. According to the Tao, balance can only truly exist between the boundaries of Yin and Yang,but it seems to be a perfect compliment to our busy western or modern attitude and life and more so how many styles of modern, western yoga have embedded our, busy, pushy nature into the our interpretation and practice of of yoga, creating a mostly forceful, competitive Yang (and dare I say, adolescent) practice. Many have lost sight of how a gentle approach may release physical and emotional traumas and dis ease through understanding, acceptance and supporting our bodies innate ability to heal itself. While there may be a function and a place for any and all yoga, Yin seems to be a more natural exploration, honoring the body where it i,s at any age, any ability or disability and seeks to encourage equanimity, healing and enhanced awareness within and out.
I was led to Yin through my search for a new approach to yoga and to heal some back injuries and work frustrations My serious practice evolved in my early days from Iyengar and a more forceful practice. I then found or embraced Restorative through Judith Lasater, Un-Yoga Teacher Training’s with Victor and Angela (this not only changed my life but my relationship to my body). I still attend workshops with them when ever I am able or they are in country) and I have explored and appreciate workshops with Doug Keller and Mukunda Stiles Structural and Therapeutic Practices. I eventually found Don and Amba Stapleton, now of Nosara Yoga and Biff Mithoefer and the practice of Inquiry and Yin Yoga.
I know my past yoga kept we walking after some serious and chronic injuries, but finding Don and Amba and Yin through Biff, solidified the my practice and approach to life. They complimented many of my prior teachers, especially Victor and Angela and with the techniques of Inquiry and Pranassage changed my body’s response to old issues. It also changed my attitude and outlook.
Today I take these skills and techniques (coupled with new training in myofasical release) to my clients, students and in my self care practice in what I have developed as Integrated Body Alignment (IBA). Flowing with your body, giving the tissues time to unwind, let go, heal is following the watercourse way. There may be a periodic flood or tumoultous waterfall, but eventually the river finds its’ banks and continues it’s jouney. I love this metaphor, as I was a raft guide and fairly skilled OC-1 white water boater. Really, you can’t fight the river, you have to flow with it to enjoy the ride. I encorage you to find a practice, keep a practice, share a practice, but a kind and observant practice, one with joy, laughter and challengees. Make this paractice your watercourse way. I wish you all the blessings of self exploration of an exciting, adventoursom and caring ride! Really, Go With the Flow…Namaste’ Rebecca