In Conversation with the Shaka Costa Rica Team
Shaka wouldn't be the place it is without beautiful mermaid souls like Neomi. She’s much more than our head yoga instructor, she's also a reiki master, a sound healer, and one heck of a surfer! Neomi is one of the most elegant surfers to watch out there, and her love for the ocean can also be noted through her passion on the mat. When she's not riding the waves out front, she's sharing her love for yoga and energy healing with everyone at Shaka. For those who know, you know. Her quiet demeanour is no match for the authenticity of her soul. Shaka is so lucky to have her, so let’s dive in and learn more…
Neomi, maybe you can tell us a bit about your background before Costa Rica?
My prior life wasn't all too different to now, balancing work with surf and my yoga practice. I was living in San Diego and doing the whole 9-5 thing. I had worked for a few companies doing environmental impact assessments, and mapping coastal vegetation and wetlands amongst other things. As much as I loved the work, it wasn't my true calling, although it allowed me to move towards web design which facilitated a more nomadic lifestyle.
How young did you start surfing and when did you decide that it would forever be apart of your life?
I started surfing at the age of 17. Back then my boyfriend spent most of his time surfing with friends so I had him teach me the basics. I remember becoming instantly hooked and would often make the 30+ minute drive alone to surf if no one else wanted to go. Just being out in the water taught me so much about surfing, reading the waves, and the ocean. My transition to short boarding came during college when the difficulty of lugging around my longboard became more of a nuisance than anything else, and I haven't looked back. I think the sense of community and love for the environment I've felt from the surfers I've met over the years has helped make surfing such a huge part of my life, and I know that it will be for as long as I have a choice!
What brought you to Costa Rica originally?
My switch to web design allowed for the freedom to wander that I'd been looking for, and my desire for warm water and uncrowded waves that I couldn't find in California was a huge catalyst to me coming here. A friend at the time was running retreats in the area so my introduction to Santa Teresa and Hermosa came primarily through attending a few of her programs.
what’s the deal with surf and yoga, and how have they benefited your life?
My yoga practice began back in college. I wanted a way to deal with the changes going on in my life at the time, whether it be a change of friends, environment, or the stress of school life. I think I started purely for the physical benefits it provided, especially in offsetting any injury or pain I might have obtained through my surfing or work. As time has gone by, my practice has evolved from the physical to the mental. Through yoga, meditation, reiki, sound healing, and now breathwork, I've been able to come to a place of compassion; compassion for myself, which ultimately has deepened my relationship with others. Surfing and healing practices continue to impact my daily life in such a positive way.
What is it about teaching yoga that you love so much?
I love so many things, but I think my biggest joy comes from helping people who are newer to the practice. To help guide someone, and show them that next step. Whether it be some peace of mind, calmness in the body, or an awareness of self. Helping guide them towards something they may have thought was impossible is such a beautiful thing. For those that already have a practice of their own, I find equal rewards in deepening their awareness together, as there is always so much to learn. I can learn and evolve through them as much as they can through me. To allow these opportunities to take place every day and be apart of them keeps me connected, aware, and growing which I believe is an amazing gift from the universe. If we can all find the time, even for just a few minutes a day to allow these practices to positively impact our lives, the impact it'll have on others will be just as great.
Outside of yoga, what types of healing have you been exploring lately?
My most recent studies have been to continue expanding my reiki practice, and to explore the benefits of breathwork healing. The shift has been huge, and not only have I been able to use the practice to cope with life's challenges, but I've been able to start sharing that with others. I was introduced to the reiki practice around the same time as my yoga teacher training in 2011, and I was overwhelmed by the sense of aliveness I felt by it. Fast forward and I now love to incorporate breath work as it provides an immediate connection to self, to the aliveness and brings awareness to the human state. I'm excited to dive deeper into the practice and share it with those open to its benefits.
Finally, what’s one bucket list destination you'd like to visit to enjoy some surf and yoga for yourself?
Living in Costa Rica, and especially Playa Hermosa, Santa Teresa makes me feel so lucky for what we have at our fingertips. That being said, I would be blessed to one day visit the Mentawais. Being able to explore the islands and all the glorious surf they have to offer would be a dream. My only request, if I get to make one, is that the waves aren't huge. I'd prefer a fun, clean, manageable wave if possible.
Neomi connection to the ocean and self is a beautiful thing to see, and you’ll definitely experience it here at Shaka, be it during one of her yoga classes, or ending up beside her in the lineup! We’re so happy she’s a part of our family here in Playa Hermosa.
Can’t join us ASAP and want to find out more about Neomi? Drop us a question in the comment box below, or find her on Instagram.
