Virtual Costa Rica: Live yoga from an incredible changemaker in Monteverde

Good morning! As you know, I’m sharing slices of Costa Rican life that you can enjoy from anywhere, along with related causes that urgently need support. So far, this little trip has taken us to turtle-nesting beaches, Volcán Arenal, the Melico Salazar Theater and a Sloth Ironman. Not too shabby.

Today it’s green, lush Monteverde, where you can join yoga instructor Katy VanDusen for a free live yoga class every Monday until further notice at 4:15 Costa Rica time (that’s 6:15 EST, 3:15 Pacific). Not only will you be doing something good for your body and mind, but you’ll be in the presence of a truly inspirational environmental leader whom I’m proud to have met in person. Katy is a longtime Monteverde resident, a community organizer, environmental advocate and promoter of women’s empowerment. She’s a former leader of the Monteverde Friends School and leads CORCLIMA, an outstanding nonprofit that’s making this Costa Rican community a hub for best practices in climate resilience.

Katy is asking, as payment for her free classes, that you do something nice for someone else. However, I invite you to consider supporting CORCLIMA here through Amigos of Costa Rica. (Note that the donation is for CORCLIMA in the comment box.) You can also contribute to a special Emergency Fund set up by the Monteverde Community Foundation at Amigos of Costa Rica to support families during the COVID-19 crisis. And remember that you can browse other ways to give back during the COVID-19 crisis on my dedicated page, including newly updated emergency funds and other efforts, here!

I’m a writer in San José, Costa Rica, on a year-long quest to share daily posts on inspiring people, places and ideas from my adopted home as a kind of tonic during a rough time in the world. Sign up (top right of this page) to receive a little dose of inspiration every weekday in your mailbox; tell a friend; check out past posts; and please connect with me on Instagram or Facebook! If you want to learn more about how to support Costa Rica during the crisis, visit my COVID-19 section, updated regularly – or for ways to enjoy Costa Rica from afar, visit Virtual Costa Rica.