Pivoting with Purpose
A Journey of Self-Exploration
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
December 11-18, 2024
Program Details
"Pivoting with Purpose" is more than just a getaway – it's a deliberate step towards embracing change and charting a course towards a more fulfilling life. Join us to redefine your relationship with the world and step into a life of purpose and harmony.
Scheduled from December 11th to 18th, this unique retreat takes place in a beautiful sustainable rainforest eco-lodge on the border of the world-famous Children’s Eternal Rainforest, a preserve of 250,000 acres of protected rainforest on the outskirts of La Fortuna, Costa Rica. In addition to enjoying wonderful farm-to-table dining, exciting outdoor activities, and engaging social time, you will explore strategies, drawn from the latest research and insights in the field, for aligning life with purpose and meaning.
Leading the journey of self-exploration is Emory University Professor, Dr. Ira Bedzow, a prominent authority in purpose and meaning. Dr. Ira Bedzow is a distinguished scholar and ethicist, renowned for his interdisciplinary approach that spans the fields of ethics and philosophy, theology, business and organizational leadership, and medicine. When it comes to thinking about purposeful change, he shows that making a values-driven decision and implementing it effectively consist of different skills. Understanding the difference between asking “what to do” and “how can I act on my values successfully” is key to success.
Each day, Ira will facilitate discussions where you will be able to examine your beliefs about yourself and the world around you, as well as the values that have guided your life’s choices. Through group discussion, you will consider new ways to perceive familiar situations with the purpose of broadening your horizons and your sense of possibility for what comes next.
Intentionally curated to get the most out of your week, this retreat promises a rich tapestry of daily sessions, reflection spaces and practical exercises that you can carry forward to anchor meaningful change as you move forward with intention. From yoga and meditation, to the ancient art of qigong, workshops to foster connection to self and others, as well as opportunities to experience the Costa Rican landscape and traditions, each day will offer new chances for personal growth, introspection and community.
Why We Are Creating This Program:
At Carpe Diem Education, we have been deeply moved by the profound stories of impact that our alumni and their families share about their experiences. The sense of clarity and reward we hear is heartening: students returning from their education abroad programs with a newfound sense of self, clarity of purpose, and a toolkit of skills to navigate their journey ahead.
Over the years we’ve also heard an increasing call for similar experiences for adults and alumni who desire to go inward, travel purposefully, and find their hidden potential.
To answer that call, we are thrilled to announce our inaugural program designed specifically for adults - "Pivoting with Purpose."
Highlights
Farm to Table
Rainforest Dining
Healthy & Healing
Retreat, Reflect & Restore
Farm Fresh Organic Foods
Sample Retreat Schedule:
- 7 AM: Awaken Your Mindset (Options include Yoga, Meditation, Breathwork, Qigong)
- 8 AM: Farm-to-Table Breakfast
- 9 AM - 11 AM: Morning Exploration Sessions (Themes include Connection Workshops, Ancestors and Legacy, Listening to Nature and Biomimicry, The Art of Relating)
- 11 AM - 12 PM: Leisure Time (Options to rest, enjoy the pool, or indulge in a spa healing session)
- 12 PM: Farm-to-Table Lunch
- 2 PM - 3:30 PM: Pivoting with Purpose Core Course
- 3:30 PM - 5 PM: Community Engagement Activities (Including regenerative agriculture practices, chocolate making, herbal medicine workshops, and waterfall excursions)
- 5 PM - 6 PM: Personal Time
- 7 PM: Farm-to-Table Dinner
- 8 PM: Evening Community Connections (Enjoy a Bonfire, Biodanza, Yin Yoga, Social Time, or an Optional Jungle Night Hike)
Pricing and Details:
Starting from $3,900 USD, the retreat is inclusive of meals, standard accommodations, transportation once in Costa Rica, all course sessions, and the use of retreat facilities.
A timed pickup will be arranged to transport participants from San Jose International Airport (SJO) on December 11th to the retreat center in La Fortuna and back to SJO on December 18th. The distance between the airport and the retreat center is under 3 hours by road.
All accommodation is shared, with the option for independent travelers to share with another of the same gender, for those traveling together to stay together, as well as an option to pay a supplement for single use. The base room is a 5-person family bungalow, however, there are upgrades available for single, double, and triple rooms. Please fill out the form below with any questions, or call the office, and we can price specific inquiries.
*Scholarships are available. Please contact us to learn more
Travel and Logistics Details
Traveling to Costa Rica is relatively straightforward for U.S. citizens.
Upon program sign-up, we will share more information with all participants.
Flights: Many direct flights operate between major U.S. cities and San Jose International Airport (SJO). We have a preferred travel agent who can help to make all the arrangements.
Visa: Visas are not required for stays less than 90 days.
Vaccinations: Routine vaccinations are recommended for travel to Costa Rica, but none are required.
Retreat Location: The retreat is located in La Fortuna, a popular tourist destination located in the Alajuela Province of Costa Rica. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and adventurous activities. The retreat center is under 3 hours from San Jose Airport
Eligibility and Expectations
21 years old minimum, although we're expecting a diverse range from 21-70+.
To ensure a good learning environment and space for personal growth, we request all participants to be aware of and follow the retreat etiquette and expectations:
1) Respect for Self, Space, and Community: Show respect and consideration for fellow participants, instructors, staff members, and the retreat space. Be mindful of noise levels, personal space, and cultural differences.
2) Engagement: Active engagement ensures a productive and positive retreat experience and all participants are encouraged to engage in discussions, workshops, and practices.
3) Care: Create a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and accepted.
Facilitators:
In addition to the Lead Facilitators in detail below, other local experts will run sessions on permaculture and regenerative agriculture, Costa Rican Flora and fauna, BioDanza, Yoga, Qigong, Breathwork, Chocolate making, herbal medicine and much more.
Core Course Facilitator: Ira Bedzow
Ira Bedzow: Dr. Ira Bedzow is a distinguished scholar and ethicist, renowned for his interdisciplinary approach that spans the fields of ethics and philosophy, theology, business and organizational leadership, and medicine. Dr. Ira Bedzow has made significant contributions to the discourse on purpose and meaning, particularly through the lens of bioethics, philosophy, and religious thought. His exploration into these themes often focuses on how individuals find purpose and meaning in the face of modern challenges, ethical dilemmas, and the pursuit of wellness. His work, deeply rooted in Jewish ethical teachings, aims to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary moral dilemmas. Dr. Bedzow's contributions to the field are not only academic; he is an author, having penned numerous books (including poetry) and articles that make complex ethical theories accessible to a broader audience. He is also an active participant in global ethics discussions, serving on several international committees and working as a consultant for healthcare organizations around the world.
Facilitator: Alain Laggar
Alain Lagger: Alain is a distinguished speaker, coach, and facilitator whose mission is to dismantle the pervasive "us-them" mentality prevalent in many cultures, promoting instead a culture of harmonious interpersonal flow. His unique journey from being the youngest officer in the Dutch police force to a global agent of change has imbued him with a profound understanding of the transformative power of compassion. Through extensive travels and work ranging from working with children in Mexican orphanages, prisoners in Colombia, to consulting with corporate CEOs in Brazil, Alain has consistently fostered productive harmony across various settings by emphasizing compassionate connections. His innovative approach led to the creation of the "Director of Happiness" role in Latin America, earning him recognition in major media outlets and the honor of being named one of the "Los Mas Attractivos" by Santa Domingo Times Magazine. Residing in the Costa Rican jungle, Alain continues his impactful work at the Brave Earth center and through Fuerza de Amor, a community resilience network he founded to empower marginalized communities. His workshops and speaking engagements are not just informative but life-altering, providing the tools and inspiration for creating a connected, harmonious world.
Facilitator: Alnoor Ladha
Alnoor Ladha Alnoor Ladha is a dynamic social activist, writer, and strategist known for his profound commitment to addressing the systemic issues of inequality, sustainability, and social justice on a global scale. As a co-founder of The Rules, a collective dedicated to changing the power dynamics and narratives that underpin global poverty and inequality, Ladha's work is at the forefront of innovative social change. With a background in strategy and philosophy, his approach combines deep theoretical knowledge with practical activism, aiming to catalyze movements that challenge the status quo and promote a more equitable, ecologically sustainable world. Ladha's insights and strategies draw heavily on his understanding of indigenous wisdom and the power of grassroots mobilization, making him a respected figure in both the activist community and among thought leaders seeking to reimagine the future of our planet. Through his writings, speeches, and direct action, Alnoor Ladha continues to inspire a new generation of activists and change-makers dedicated to creating profound societal transformation.
Accommodation and Retreat Amenities:
Our home for the week is a beautiful sustainable rainforest eco-lodge on the border of the world-famous Children’s Eternal Rainforest, a preserve of 250,000 acres of protected rainforest on the outskirts of La Fortuna, Costa Rica. The eco-lodge is a sanctuary for sustainable living and a laboratory for regenerative agriculture, with thoughtfully designed accommodations blending traditional craftsmanship with modern comforts. Every aspect of the lodge embodies a commitment to sustainability and connection with the surrounding environment. Delight in organic farm-to-table dining showcasing the region's culinary delights. Wind down each night in well-appointed rooms and relax in your free time in the pool, take in the birds and unique nature of one of the world's bio-diverse hotspots, or book a spa treatment for a real treat.
Retreat Amenities
Yoga Pavillion
50 foot high observation tower
Solar heated jacuzzi
Ozonated swimming pool
Handicapped accessible rainforest trail
Spa Services
7 different on-site tours to add on
Free WiFi
Bar & Restaurant
Family Bungalows
Casa Barrow
Casa Luna
Casitas Deluxe
Dome Suite
Family Bungalows
The AC Family Bungalows are located near the ozonated swimming pool and solar-heated Jacuzzi.
These spacious bungalows are the ideal budget option. All family bungalows have 1
queen bed, 4 single beds, a private bathroom with hot water, and include indoor and outdoor sitting areas overlooking fruit trees and gardens.
Sleeps 5
Base price $3,900
Casa Barrow (1 ROOM REMAINING)
Casa de Barro is an adobe “earth-bag” house made from the deep red clay found on the farm set in a lovely private setting.
The spacious circular structure was handmade, and the building materials make it feel like this house
is a natural extension of the land. Its thick clay walls and multiple windows allow the room to maintain
a comfortable temperature.
This room offers a King bed, and an additional single-bed can be provided if needed.
It has a private bathroom with a hot-water on-demand shower.
Sleeps 2
Prices starting at $4,000 (additional charge for single occupancy)
Casa Luna
All the rooms in Casa Luna have a closet, air conditioning, desk and ceiling fan and private bathroom. The rooms feature one queen-sized bed and one single bed.
When you step outside of your room you will enjoy the second floor wrap-around porch with hammocks
and stunning views of the surrounding hills and mountains.
Downstairs you will find a large open-air lounge area, with comfortable couches and chairs.
Sleeps 2
Base rate $3950 (additional charge for single occupancy)
Casitas Deluxe
The Casita Deluxe, built from fallen timber, features a King-sized bed, closet, hot-water, private bathroom, and outdoor sitting area with a balcony overlooking the forest.
These bungalows are perfect for couples. You will enjoy the peaceful sounds of the rainforest when you wake up every morning. Enjoy the trills of tropical birds and the enchanting voice of the howler monkeys.
Sleeps 2
Base price $4,250 (additional cost for single occupancy)
Dome Suite (SOLD OUT)
From its luxurious black bamboo king-size bed to its blonde bamboo coffee cabinet, every detail of the Dome was handmade by master artisans to give a unique experience of the rainforest.
The bedroom with one king-sized bed, ideal for couples and considered a honeymoon suite, opens to an arched connection to a separate domed bathroom, where the shower opens fully to the glories of the rainforest. At night, the lights from the Dome radiate through little glass cutaways in the walls, adding yet more magic to the rainforest.
Sleeps 2
Base price $4,500 (additional charge for single occupancy)
“Grounding, meditative, exploratory, and world-opening is how I’d describe my experience. Their approach to fostering engagement creates a beautiful nexus of how you can learn more intentionally, how to better live, and ultimately, how to love to live.” - Noah Jaffe