Ojochal de Osa, Costa Rica
About Us
Jungle Life
We are located in the jungle of Southern Costa Rica. Our yoga deck is snuggled in the mountains with amazing views and breezes of the Pacific Ocean.
A Mountain’s Mystery
I stare out at the mountains
such mystery they possess
I yearn for peace from the mountains
engulf me with their presence
I reach my arms out wide
to feel the breeze coming
from the mountains' breath
the lightness touching my skin
I feel their calming presence
why do the mountains calm me so
is it because of their vast height
their breadth of protection to all below?
or is it because of their mystery
the unknowing
something not human
spiritually grounding
and heavenly reaching
connecting and bestowing
to all who search to know.
-Alexis Cress
Where the Jungle Meets the Sea
We are located in the beautiful southern zone of Costa Rica, Ojochal de Osa. This is where the jungle meets the sea. From the yoga deck, you will hear the creek that is connected to the property, and also hear the flowing waters of the river nearby. You may even hear the rumble of the ocean's waves. During class you will often see and her howler monkeys, Toucans, Oropendolas, Parrots, and many other amazing and unique wildlife of the rainforest.
Transform your life through mindfulness
Focus on your mindfulness breath during a dynamic yoga flow, a charka meditation, a yin practice, or in an introduction to mindfulness workshop. Let the sounds of nature and its healing elements transform your practice and your life.
Nature Heals
Your soul leaves its print
In natures eye
What you see will heal
What's needed inside
Do you see the mountain's strength
As she reaches for the sky
Let her lift you up
And lighten the burden you carry inside
Do you see the river's bravery
As he rushes toward the oceans eye
Let him take away with him
The grief that holds your loss too tight
Reach high
Arms open wide
Release
Then let in
What's needed inside
Your soul leaves its print
In natures eye
What you see will heal
What's needed inside.
-Alexis Cress
Alexis
Our founder Alexis Cress is here to help inspire both you and your practice..
ALEXIS CRESS C.MI.™, E-RYT® 200, RYT® 500, YACEP®,MBA
Alexis adds a poetic speak to her yoga and meditation classes. She focuses on bringing her love of nature’s elements and the mindful breath to each class. Becoming mindful to one’s breath initiates the awakening of the senses, connecting breath with body, with heart, with mind, with soul.
Alexis moved to Costa Rica in 2015, and is a permanent resident of Costa Rica, living in Ojochal de Osa. She currently teaches yoga, meditation, and mindfulness at Akka Institute in Ojochal and offers private workshops. Alexis is registered with the Yoga Alliance Registry as a RYT 500. She completed her 300-hour yoga teacher training with PRĀNĀLUZ in Costa Rica. She completed a 230-hour yoga teacher training program with Radiant Life Yoga in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. She is a Certified Meditation Instructor (C.MI.TM) and earned her certification from the University of Holistic Theology. She also has her MBA from the University of Saint Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA where she focused on business administration and nonprofit management.
Prior to moving to Costa Rica, Alexis practiced as a financial planner and business adviser, helping others reach their personal, financial, and business goals. Also as a supporter of community engagement, justice, and being the voice for those in need, she has volunteered her time and her abilities with various nonprofits close to her heart.
Fitness has always been an important part of Alexis’ life for over 30 years. She started out as a fitness and personal trainer, then competed in marathons and triathlons, while adding yoga to increase her focus, strength, and her mind-body connection. She is a seeker of yogi philosophy and continues to deepen her spiritual practice.
When not practicing yoga, she is going on long hikes with her husband and dogs, writing poetry and articles on advocacy, and working in their fruit orchard. Her favorite place is anywhere in nature where the breath and senses thrive.
Website https://alexiscress.com