Retreats Costa Rica www.retreatscostarica.com

New Years Legends and Folklore in Costa Rica

2009-12-27T17:23:08-06:00

Photo taken at the House Empowerment in Escazu, Costa Rica with a Kidnapped Gnome from Holland.

Escazu is considered the Land of Witches and therefore it is not so unusual that in Costa Rica we have our fair share of superstitions for bringing in the New Year.

I once read that in this catholic country, Costa Ricans cover their bases with a faith in religion as well as curiosity and caution of other mystical forces that may be at work. So From this year's final edition of the Tico Times, Costa Rica's weekly English Newspaper, here are a few "cover your bases rituals" to insure a fruitful 2010:

1) Late at night on December 31st, sprinkle a handful of rice in every corner of your house. Next day, sweep up all the grains with a new broom and save them in a little bag.

2) Wear something yellow on New Year's eve and you're bound to meet your true love in the year to come. I wonder if this is the origin of a tie a yellow ribbon around the old oak tree?

3) Eat an orange at midnight and don't take more than a minute to do it..

4) If you crave travel, pack a suitcase and leave the house with it at exactly midnight.

5) My favorite tradition which I indeed honor every year ,is hiking in the mountains and picking Santa Lucia, a lavender wildflower and keeping it in your house to keep you solvent all year.

6) Most importantly, an old Tico Belief holds that whatever you're doing when the clock strikes 12 will characterize your year to come....Make sure those midnight moments matter.

Thank you Tico Times for keeping us posted on what's news and noteworthy!

Happy New Year.

Cure for New Year's Eve Blues: Tropical Retreats for WOW! Women!

2009-12-26T20:51:51-06:00

Celebrate a New Decade! Bring in 2010 by asking about the Memories of the Last One.

Ask people you meet between now and New Year's the top highlights of their decade!

This Power Question will insure your are no Wall Flower at a New Year's Eve Party, but a conduit of Positive Emotion.

My mother once told me that "every time you meet someone new it's like taking a small vacation, you get to go somewhere new if you just ask the right questions".

If someone asked you the highlights of your last 10 years, what would you say? I can already feel you recalling positive and powerful memories.

So, what are you waiting for? Ask people you meet and greet between now and 2010, about the highlights of their decade. You will not only recreate great memories for them-- you will take a wonderful vacation to the path of positive emotions.

PS: For those who dread idol cocktail chit chat at New Year's Eve parties: Rather than waiting painfully for the clock to strike 12:00 on New Year's Eve, consider becoming a Detective of Positive Emotion. Your mission: Collect as many positive emotions of the past decade as you possibly can and feel the power of positive energy.

Rosemary Rein, Ph.D is the Faculty Director for Women's Empowerment Retreats hosted in Tropical Costa Rica. A Certified Life Coach and NBI Practitioner, Dr. Rein hosts Now to WOW!TM Life Coaching Programs for Women in Transition. The program, called "Rainforest Butterflies" combines personal coaching with a learning vacation in tropical Costa Rica.

Go Wild! Go GREAT!TM

Rosemary Rein, Ph.D

Author of "Go Wild! Survival Skill for Business and Life" and "Blueprint for Success"

For information on Women's Empowerment Retreats, hosted in Tropical Costa Rica, ranked this year as the "Happiest Place on the Planet" write Rosemary through www.retreatscostarica.com or www.gowildgogreat.com

That 50Th Birthday Celebration "Life Lift" Tropical Jane Adventure Retreat in Costa Rica makes turning 50 the Best!

2009-12-26T02:28:48-06:00

Celebrating the Decades and a Significant Birthday through Dance, Women Celebrate their Knowledge, Creativity and Amazing Spirit in Costa Rica

I'm not sure when it hit me! The knowledge that I will be turning 50 in 2010. It certainly wasn't planning a 50th and a 60th birthday this past year for two of my dearest friends, nor the questions from them about how I would be celebrating mine this coming year?

They say music is a memory stimulus---I agree. I think the realization of turning 50 hit me when I was listening to a song from the Supremes, that gave me the thought to "Stop---in the name of a new decade" Stop what doesn't work. Start doing what you need and or want to do and Ccontinue doing what's working well for you. If you are turning 50 in 2010, this is your year ... so do Start making that "Start, Stop and Continue List" and consider a pledge to look and feel your very best on your special day.

If you or someone you know is turning 50 consider the gift of a year of professional life coaching or plan an exciting "Life Lift Retreat in Costa Rica" ranked this year as the "Happiest Place on the Planet'"

To my fellow female sisters turning 50 next year around the globe, my wishes for the best 50th Birthday ever! Pause to appreciate your incredible gifts to this world and your beauty inside and out. Most importantly, imagine the Now to WOW!TM Journey yet to come.

Go Wild! Go GREAT!TM

Rosemary Rein, Phd. is a Certified Professional Life Coach and NBI Practitioner. Rosemary is the Author of Go Wild! Survival Skills for Business and Life" and Contributing Author of "Blueprint for Success" with Dr. Stephen Covey and Ken Blanchard. Rosemary coaches Women facing Life Transitions and hosts "Rain forest Butterflies" a 1 week personal growth retreat in Tropical Costa Rica.

www.gowildgogreat.com and www.retreatscostarica.com

Creative Education Program in Costa Rica this January! Escape the Cold! Embrace the Warmth of Creativity.

2009-12-06T14:24:04-06:00

A Creative Education Conference will be hosted in Costa Rica in January 2010.

CREATE 2010 will be held at the UGA Costa Rica Campus, located adjacent to the Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve, cited by Forbes Traveler as one of the "world's 10 most amazing rainforests!" Temperatures in this tropical mountain retreat stay between the mid 60s - 70s F (16-21 C).

Join us for a professional retreat that will provide opportunities for you to refresh yourself spiritually, and physically as well as mentally.

Registration

The Registration Deadline for the CREATE Conference in Costa Rica is December 7, 2009. Registration fees for the conference are $850 per person, which includes 5 nights' accommodations (1/3 - 1/7), 3 meals per day, a welcome dinner in San Jose on the 3rd, guided nature walks, and group transportation to and from the airport. Much of the food prepared at the UGA Costa Rica Campus is grown organically on-site. Coffee is grown and roasted at a neighboring farm,Finca La Bella, where we'll have the opportunity to learn about sustainable coffee production as an included excursion during the program.

For Program Information and Registrations: Visit:

http://www.uga.edu/costarica/program_adult_create.htm

An Education Event Posting by Go Wild! Go GREAT! Now to WOW!TM Learning Adventures and Retreats Costa Rica.

www.retreatscostarica.com

Fantasy Lodgings Abound for Executive Think Tanks in Costa Rica

2009-12-03T08:51:12-06:00

From the T.V. Show Lost? or...A 1965 Boeing 727 Airplane that now represents one of Costa Rica's Unique Hotel Suites. Situated on the edge of the Manuel Antonio State Park, the Costa Verde Resort, now has this two bedroom suite which represents some of the unique lodging arranged through Retreats Costa Rica.com for Personal Growth and Executive Retreats.

Retreats Costa Rica votes Manuel Antonio in it's top 3 destinations in Costa Rica for Executive CEO business meetings because "There's still more Monkey than People". The privacy for executive think tanks, range of tours and activities in Manuel Antonio and the rainforest meets sea connectionm helps executives from such organizations as the EO and YPO get out of their "Bored Room" and look at their business and life from above the trees!

Today's CEO's need to be visionary and fly their organizations in the right direction.

www.retreatscostarica.com and www.gowildgogreat.com

YPO and EO Executives Select Costa Rica for Forums & Retreats

2009-12-03T06:29:53-06:00

In 2010, CEO's and Executives will be heading to Costa Rica for Executive Retreats and Mastermind Groups.

With the combination of perfect climate, outdoor adventures and secluded sanctuaries for CEO think tanks, Costa Rica provides the perfect destination for groups like the YPO and EO.

Retreats Costa Rica provides A to Z meeting planning for CEO groups including planning of VIP Receptions with Costa Rica's Commerce and Business Leaders, Booking of Keynote Speakers and Professional Meeting Facilitators and hosting of Challenging Leadership Adventures amidst Costa Rica's Rainforest.

"In challenging economic times, senior executive now more than ever need a creative forum for solution finding and master-mind consultations" notes Retreats Costa Rica, Faculty Director, Rosemary Rein, Ph.D Author of "Go Wild! Survival Skills for Business and Life" and contributing author of "Blueprint for Success" with Dr. Stephen Covey and Ken Blanchard."

At Retreats Costa Rica our mission is to create the "space and environment" for creative ideation and CEO Eureka moments. Rein notes that Retreats hosted in Costa Rica are often less expensive than business meetings hosted in major U.S. Cities:

CEO Activities and Events

Activities for Executives/CEO groups while in Costa Rica Include

-Marlin Deep Sea Fishing

-White Water Rafting Adventures

-Waterfall Canyoning

-Swimming with the Dolphins

-Zip-Lining over the Rainforest Canopy

-Meditation and CEO Wellness Programs

-Get Me Out of Here: -- Creative CEO Movie Making in the Jungle.

For a VIP meeting plan for your Executive Team.

visit www.retreatscostarica.com

Go Wild! Go Great! Dinner with a Cheetah whose not your Husband.

2009-12-02T09:13:57-06:00

Yes, I have petted a Cheetah in South Africa and I must admit the purr of the big boy sent shivers down my spine. (much like dinner with my husband, Barry) While my photo with the Cheetah is not as glamorous as the picture above from Conde' Nast, it was one date I will always remember--particularly when the big cat's handler cautioned me not to demonstrative sudden hand motions.

No Worries.

When I wrote and recorded "Go Wild! Survival Skills for Business and Life" for Park University from the rain forests of Costa Rica, I wanted to present a theme that has guided my choices in both business and life: " Life is a learning adventure". Two daily practices I have followed for many years and recommend to my coaching clients is to "Learn at least 1 new thing new every day and in so doing hopefully get smarter and to do at least one thing every day to break routine and live life on the wild side"

While the word "Wild" is subject to vast interpretation, my definition is to do something different and break daily routine to avoid becoming a "Creature of Habit". Taking a different route to work, watching a movie you normally would never watch or having dinner with someone who has a very different point of view than yourself would qualify. Your objective: Create a rich and colorful quilt of life experiences and always keep a curious and open mind.

My mother once told me "Rosemary, every time you meet someone knew, it's like taking a small vacation--you get to go somewhere else if you just take interest in the other person and ask the right questions."

So go ahead, Go Wild! Go GREAT! Go Out of your Way to Get out of your Routine. Hunt for Interesting People, Conversations and Experiences in the Grand Safari of Life.

Rosemary Rein, Ph.D is the Author of "Go Wild! Survival Skills for Business and Life" and "

Rosemary delivers programs in Leadership, Customer Service, Creativity and Team Building around the globe including her retreat center in Costa Rica.

www.gowildgogreat.com

www.retreatscostarica.com

Business Meetings Head to the Crazy Horse in Costa Rica

2009-11-27T09:02:13-06:00

Private Ranchos offer unique meeting locations in Costa Rica

One of our favorite "Secret Hideaways" for Business Group Retreats and Parties is a private finca located in the central valley called Caballo Loco. A fabulous rancho and divine hospitality and cuisine provide by the hosts.

Since at retreats Costa Rica, our events for Executive Teams are known for providing a confidential and private setting that CEO's demand, Caballo Loco more than fits the bill.

Birding, Hiking and Horseback riding providing outdoor activities a private view of the forest.

For Information on hosting your team holiday party or executive retreat at Caballo Loco in Central Valley contact retreatscostarica.com. Note: Caballo Loco can easily host a holiday party for 25 persons. The unique setting and cuisine providing an unique and memorable experience.

www.retreatscostarica.com

Thanksgiving Tradition: Create A Collage of Gratitude!

2009-11-24T12:24:16-06:00

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

New YPO Study Out Today Points to the Power of Social Networking

2009-11-16T15:24:06-06:00

As Hosts to YPO and EO Master Mind Retreats hosted in Costa Rica and around the globe, we keep an eye on how Top Executives "See the Forest from Above the Trees" and how they connect both in person and through social marketing.

According to a survey to be released later today of 100 chief executive officers and other senior staff, two-thirds of respondents say online networks play an important role in deepening relationships with colleagues and clients.The study was conducted by the public relations firm Margolis & Co. and the Young Presidents' Organization.

Not surprisingly, business-oriented networking site LinkedIn is proving to be the most popular social network among the respondents. Some 75% of those surveyed say they use LinkedIn; Facebook attracts about 62% of this high-powered crowd (the respondents can list more than one site) and Twitter pulls in about 42% of those surveyed.

Simon Preston, chairman of YPO-WPO International, notes that executives who join a global professional association such as Young Presidents' Organization are already hip to the benefits of networking. And given that the members are, by definition, young, it stands to reason they'd embrace high-tech networking, too.

"Peer-to-peer idea exchange remains the core of our member experience," Preston says. "Now, we're looking at the next generation of social media, which will have many of the same features that have been so successful in Facebook and LinkedIn.

"It's a phenomenon that is very much on our radar and key to our continued relevance for a future generation of young global business leaders."

The study suggests social networking has infiltrated the business conversation in a meaningful way. Nearly 45% of respondents say social media topics surface in executive-level conversations "very often" or "often."

"Nearly every company we surveyed has social media on their radar screen and their leaders understand the potential," says Dan Margolis, president of Santa Monica, Calif.-based Margolis & Co.

To be sure, executives in professional services and technology sectors tend to rally 'round social networking tools, according to the study. But 80% of respondents say their companies plan to invest more resources in social networking funding and staff in the next two years.

"We believe 2010 will be a turning point in the business to business sector," Margolis says. "By this time next year, the landscape may be completely changed."

For Information on YPO and EO Retreats hosted in Costa Rica and around the Globe, visit www.retreatscostarica.com or www.gowildgogreat.com