Finding Balance-21 Day Intentional Community Immersion
Finding Balance-21 Day Intentional Community Immersion
Protopia Community, Alajuela Province, Cabanga (Pueblo Nuevo), Costa Rica
Up to 15 in group
September 1 - 21, 2025
Retreat Highlights
- Driven by deep purpose, this experience has been mindfully crafted to cultivate lasting personal balance of mind, body and spirit.
- Rooted in the three pillars of Movement, Sustainability, and Permaculture.
- Held and guided by a team of multi faceted, conscious leaders.
- Facilitated within a nature-focused, intentional community, where every aspect of your stay nurtures personal growth and fosters lasting transformation.
- 30% discount offered for veterans and first responders
- 21 day intentional community immersion
About this Retreat
Sam is a dynamic blend of strength, creativity, and deep inner wisdom. With a background in the military, he brings discipline, resilience, and a no-nonsense approach to his work, balanced by a profound understanding of the human spirit.
As a holistic practitioner and transpersonal therapist, Sam guides others on transformative journeys of self-discovery, helping them navigate the complexities of life with clarity and compassion.
A passionate musician, Sam channels his creativity into soul-stirring melodies that resonate with the heart. His love for extreme sports reflects his fearless approach to life, constantly pushing boundaries and embracing challenges with enthusiasm.
Whether he’s on a mountain, in a therapy session, or engaged with his percussion or flutes, Sam’s authenticity and warmth make him a beacon of inspiration.
Join Sam at Finding Balance 2.0 for an experience that will challenge, inspire, and transform.
With a deep understanding of the mind, body, and spirit, Deborah Schmidt guides others through healing, self-discovery, and transformation. Combining humanistic psychology, shamanic practices, and yogic wisdom, she creates a nurturing space for profound growth and emotional balance. As a loving mother, she brings warmth, intuition, and heart-centered guidance to all she does.
Experience Deborah’s transformative energy at Finding Balance 2.0.
A true guardian of nature’s wisdom, JP Saliba weaves together the magic of herbalism, plant alchemy, and movement to inspire holistic well-being. His deep connection with the natural world fuels his passion for creating sustainable communities and sharing knowledge that empowers others to thrive in harmony with the Earth.
Join JP at Finding Balance 2.0 to explore the wisdom of plants, movement, and regenerative living.
A true embodiment of flow and connection, Marisa Marzocchi merges the art of yoga, acroyoga, and movement to create spaces of trust, play, and deep self-awareness. As a nomadic community member and co-creatress, she weaves people together, inspiring collective growth and shared experiences. Through her passion for movement, she invites others to explore balance, strength, and joyful expression.
Join Marisa at Finding Balance 2.0 for a journey of connection through movement.
A true embodiment of freedom, movement, and creativity, Jordy Vink, aka Tarzan, merges the art of adventure and physical expression to inspire others to live boldly. As a trapezist and artist, he explores the limitless potential of the body, while his peaceful warrior spirit teaches the balance between strength and flow.
Join Tarzan at Finding Balance 2.0 for an unforgettable journey of movement and self-discovery.
Ticon Storay is a founder of intentional nomadic community Finca Morpho and Finca la Paz in Costa Rica since 2015. Boundary-pushing visionary who lives at the intersection of creativity, sustainability, and human connection.
As a master permaculturist, he designs regenerative systems that harmonize with nature, transforming barren landscapes into thriving ecosystems. His nomadic spirit has led him to co-create intentional communities across the globe, fostering collaboration, resilience, and a deep sense of belonging.
Ticon’s work is rooted in the belief that the future of humanity lies in reconnecting with the Earth and each other. Through his innovative projects and immersive workshops, he inspires others to reimagine what’s possible—both for themselves and the planet.
A true dreamweaver, Ticon blends practicality with magic, turning visions of a better world into tangible reality.
Join Ticon at Finding Balance 2.0 for an unforgettable experience of co-creation, earth wisdom, and transformative community building.
Tobias is a force of nature, seamlessly blending the art of movement with the power of storytelling. As a seasoned martial artist and kinesis specialist, he has spent decades mastering the body’s potential, teaching others to move with precision, grace, and intention. His deep understanding of human kinetics extends beyond physicality, delving into the mind-body connection and the art of harnessing energy.
A passionate filmmaker, Tony uses the lens to capture the beauty of movement and the stories of those who push the boundaries of what’s possible. His work is a testament to his belief that movement is not just a physical act but a form of expression, healing, and transformation.
Whether he’s leading a martial arts workshop, filming a documentary, or exploring new ways to inspire through motion, Tony’s energy is infectious, and his dedication to his craft is unparalleled.
Join Tony at Finding Balance 2.0 for an immersive journey into the art of movement, creativity, and self-discovery.
Details of this retreat
Step into a transformative experience designed to reconnect you with your body, mind, and spirit in a conscious, collaborative environment. The Finding Balance retreat offers a profound opportunity to immerse yourself fully in a holistic development journey, surrounded by like-minded souls who share your commitment to growth, sustainability, and community.
Over the course of 21 days, this experience will guide you through a comprehensive program that focuses on three core pillars:
Movement: Cultivate physical vitality and mental clarity through intentional practices that nurture your body, mind, and spirit. Engage in mindful movement that encourages alignment and balance in all aspects of life.
Sustainability: Embrace sustainable living, thinking, and behavior. Learn to integrate eco-conscious habits that support not only your personal well-being but also the health of the planet and the communities you inhabit.
Permaculture: Dive into the principles of nature’s wisdom through permaculture practices. Gain a deep understanding of the natural world’s design, learning how to build and create in harmony with the Earth’s inherent systems.
Each day at The Finding Balance retreat is designed around a specific natural element (Earth, Fire, Water, Air), guiding your journey toward greater balance and holistic transformation. The activities for each day are tailored to align with the theme of the element, providing a unique opportunity for growth and connection. Here's what you can expect:
Sunrise Bhakti Yoga: Begin your day with a soul-nourishing practice of devotion, connecting to your inner peace and the natural world.
Yoga (Ashtanga, Hatha, or Circuit Training): invigorating Ashtanga and Hatha yoga sessions for deep physical and spiritual alignment, or engage in dynamic circuit training for strength and vitality.
AcroYoga: Foster trust and balance through partner-based acro yoga, building physical and emotional connection.
Meditation: Experience guided meditation sessions designed to center your mind, enhance mindfulness, and deepen your self-awareness.
Capoeira: Engage in the art of Capoeira, a Brazilian movement form that blends martial arts, dance, and music to build agility, strength, and rhythm.
Jiu Jitsu: Learn the fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, cultivating discipline, strategy, and body awareness.
Calisthenics: Build functional strength and flexibility using your own body weight through dynamic, body-centered movements.
Dance: Express yourself and release tension through free-form dance, tapping into the flow of energy and rhythm.
Pranayama: Master the art of conscious breath control, enhancing mental clarity and physical vitality through pranayama techniques.
Holotropic Breathwork: Experience transformative breathwork practices to unlock deep emotional healing and self-awareness.
Transpersonal Psychology Workshops: Engage in group and individual sessions focused on deepening your understanding of your personal journey, with a focus on spiritual and emotional growth.
1-on-1 Counselling & Group Workshops: Receive personalized guidance in private counseling sessions and connect with others in group workshops, fostering a sense of shared experience and transformation.
Ecology & Permaculture Classes: Dive deep into the world of sustainability, learning the principles of permaculture and how to live in harmony with the Earth’s natural systems.
PLUS Educational Classes in:
Nomadic Community Principles: Discover the art of living in conscious, mobile communities, drawing wisdom from nomadic cultures for sustainable, adaptable living.
The Flow State Theory & Practical Application: Learn how to harness the power of "flow"—that optimal state of focus and energy—and apply it to your daily life for greater ease and productivity.
**Each day’s activities are designed to support you in a balanced and transformational experience, providing the tools, knowledge, and practices to help you thrive physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Over the course of 21 days, this experience will guide you through a comprehensive program that focuses on three core pillars:
Movement: Cultivate physical vitality and mental clarity through intentional practices that nurture your body, mind, and spirit. Engage in mindful movement that encourages alignment and balance in all aspects of life.
Sustainability: Embrace sustainable living, thinking, and behavior. Learn to integrate eco-conscious habits that support not only your personal well-being but also the health of the planet and the communities you inhabit.
Permaculture: Dive into the principles of nature’s wisdom through permaculture practices. Gain a deep understanding of the natural world’s design, learning how to build and create in harmony with the Earth’s inherent systems.
Each day at The Finding Balance retreat is designed around a specific natural element (Earth, Fire, Water, Air), guiding your journey toward greater balance and holistic transformation. The activities for each day are tailored to align with the theme of the element, providing a unique opportunity for growth and connection. Here's what you can expect:
Sunrise Bhakti Yoga: Begin your day with a soul-nourishing practice of devotion, connecting to your inner peace and the natural world.
Yoga (Ashtanga, Hatha, or Circuit Training): invigorating Ashtanga and Hatha yoga sessions for deep physical and spiritual alignment, or engage in dynamic circuit training for strength and vitality.
AcroYoga: Foster trust and balance through partner-based acro yoga, building physical and emotional connection.
Meditation: Experience guided meditation sessions designed to center your mind, enhance mindfulness, and deepen your self-awareness.
Capoeira: Engage in the art of Capoeira, a Brazilian movement form that blends martial arts, dance, and music to build agility, strength, and rhythm.
Jiu Jitsu: Learn the fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, cultivating discipline, strategy, and body awareness.
Calisthenics: Build functional strength and flexibility using your own body weight through dynamic, body-centered movements.
Dance: Express yourself and release tension through free-form dance, tapping into the flow of energy and rhythm.
Pranayama: Master the art of conscious breath control, enhancing mental clarity and physical vitality through pranayama techniques.
Holotropic Breathwork: Experience transformative breathwork practices to unlock deep emotional healing and self-awareness.
Transpersonal Psychology Workshops: Engage in group and individual sessions focused on deepening your understanding of your personal journey, with a focus on spiritual and emotional growth.
1-on-1 Counselling & Group Workshops: Receive personalized guidance in private counseling sessions and connect with others in group workshops, fostering a sense of shared experience and transformation.
Ecology & Permaculture Classes: Dive deep into the world of sustainability, learning the principles of permaculture and how to live in harmony with the Earth’s natural systems.
PLUS Educational Classes in:
Nomadic Community Principles: Discover the art of living in conscious, mobile communities, drawing wisdom from nomadic cultures for sustainable, adaptable living.
The Flow State Theory & Practical Application: Learn how to harness the power of "flow"—that optimal state of focus and energy—and apply it to your daily life for greater ease and productivity.
**Each day’s activities are designed to support you in a balanced and transformational experience, providing the tools, knowledge, and practices to help you thrive physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Schedule
Sample Daily Schedule: Earth Element Day
6:00 AM – Sunrise Bhakti Yoga
Start the day with a soul-nourishing Bhakti Yoga practice, connecting to your inner peace and the grounding energy of the Earth.
7:30 AM – Breakfast
A nourishing, community-style meal focused on sustainable, wholesome ingredients to fuel your day.
10:00 AM – Ecology & Permaculture Class
Learn the fundamentals of permaculture and how to live in harmony with the Earth’s natural systems, exploring sustainable practices that nourish both you and the planet.
12:00 PM – Lunch
Enjoy a healthy, locally-sourced meal shared with your retreat community.
1:00 PM – AcroYoga
Foster trust, balance, and connection with others through partner-based AcroYoga, strengthening both body and relationships.
2:30 PM – Meditation & Pranayama
Experience guided meditation and pranayama (breathwork) to deepen mindfulness and enhance your connection to your inner self and the Earth’s grounding energy.
6:30 PM – Dinner
A nourishing, communal meal focused on seasonal, plant-based ingredients that support your body’s vitality and connection to nature.
7:30 PM – Group Workshop: Nomadic Community Principles
Explore the wisdom of nomadic cultures and learn how to live in conscious, mobile communities that are adaptable and sustainable.
9:30 PM – Rest
A peaceful night of rest, allowing your body and mind to integrate the day’s experiences and healing practices.
6:00 AM – Sunrise Bhakti Yoga
Start the day with a soul-nourishing Bhakti Yoga practice, connecting to your inner peace and the grounding energy of the Earth.
7:30 AM – Breakfast
A nourishing, community-style meal focused on sustainable, wholesome ingredients to fuel your day.
10:00 AM – Ecology & Permaculture Class
Learn the fundamentals of permaculture and how to live in harmony with the Earth’s natural systems, exploring sustainable practices that nourish both you and the planet.
12:00 PM – Lunch
Enjoy a healthy, locally-sourced meal shared with your retreat community.
1:00 PM – AcroYoga
Foster trust, balance, and connection with others through partner-based AcroYoga, strengthening both body and relationships.
2:30 PM – Meditation & Pranayama
Experience guided meditation and pranayama (breathwork) to deepen mindfulness and enhance your connection to your inner self and the Earth’s grounding energy.
6:30 PM – Dinner
A nourishing, communal meal focused on seasonal, plant-based ingredients that support your body’s vitality and connection to nature.
7:30 PM – Group Workshop: Nomadic Community Principles
Explore the wisdom of nomadic cultures and learn how to live in conscious, mobile communities that are adaptable and sustainable.
9:30 PM – Rest
A peaceful night of rest, allowing your body and mind to integrate the day’s experiences and healing practices.
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
Equilibrium Project, Protopia Community, Alajuela Province, Cabanga (Pueblo Nuevo), Costa Rica
Directions
Protopia is located in La Cabanga, Costa Rica which is near Lake Arenal, approximately 3.5 hours drive from San Jose international airport (SJO) and 2.5 hours from Liberia international airport (LIR).
Accommodation
Dorms: Experience community living in two spacious dorms, each featuring four comfortable bunk beds. Enjoy the simplicity and connection to nature with outdoor compost toilets and hot showers, all while being immersed in an environment that fosters sustainable living and a deep connection to the Earth. Electricity and internet are available to stay connected while embracing the tranquility of natural surroundings. Private Rooms: For those seeking a more personal retreat experience, our 9 private rooms offer a serene sanctuary where you can unwind in comfort while staying connected to the retreat’s natural and communal essence. Enjoy the perfect balance of privacy and immersion, with access to electricity, internet, and the retreat’s sustainable outdoor compost toilets and hot showers. Embrace the tranquility of your own space, while still being fully integrated into the collective energy of the community and the healing power of nature.
Shared Dorm Room
Single Private Room
Double Bed Private Room
Venue & Amenities
Protopia is a vibrant permaculture farm and social innovation hub dedicated to empowering individuals to rethink and reshape societal paradigms toward a more equitable, sustainable world.
Nestled in the heart of Costa Rica, Protopia is surrounded by breathtaking lush greenery and the majestic Volcano Tenorio. The land spans 14 hectares of secondary rainforest, teeming with mature fruit trees, fertile farmland, and tranquil rivers with cascading waterfalls.
Nestled in the heart of Costa Rica, Protopia is surrounded by breathtaking lush greenery and the majestic Volcano Tenorio. The land spans 14 hectares of secondary rainforest, teeming with mature fruit trees, fertile farmland, and tranquil rivers with cascading waterfalls.
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Each day, you’ll receive three communal meals, lovingly prepared to be healthy, grounding, and deeply nourishing. Much of what’s served is organically grown right here on the farm.
What's Included
- 20 Nights of Accommodation: Stay on-site at Protopia, nestled in Costa Rica's lush jungle, where you'll be part of an intentional community. Accommodation is provided in shared or private rooms.
- 3 Nutritious Meals Daily: Enjoy three delicious and nourishing meals each day, crafted to support your physical, mental, and spiritual transformation. Special dietary preferences (e.g., vegetarian, vegan) can be accommodated upon request.
- All Workshops & Classes: Participate in a wide range of transformative workshops and educational sessions, including yoga (Ashtanga, Hatha), meditation, pranayama, permaculture, and transpersonal psychology. These activities are designed to guide you in cultivating balance and harmony in all aspects of your life.
- Personal Coaching & Group Sessions: Benefit from one-on-one counseling sessions tailored to your individual growth, alongside group workshops that foster community learning and shared transformation.
- Excursions & Nature Activities: Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Costa Rica with daily excursions, including waterfall plunges and jungle walks. These activities are designed to deepen your connection to nature and enhance your overall retreat experience.
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Airport transfer fees (we will help to coordinate)