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Costa Rica Retreat

Eco Leadership & Mindfulness Training & Certification
March10-16, 2019

This March Break, we invite you to join us for a 6-day experiential professional devel-
opment opportunity in beautiful Montezuma, Costa Rica near the ocean. We will em-
ploy principles from Eco Leadership, which recognizes the interconnection of life in-
cluding self, nature and community with mindful teaching practices. We will also share

skills and compassion tools to benefit you in your personal and professional lives.

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Course Overview:

This retreat involves experiential activities with an exploration of

mindful leadership including: meditation, nature, expression, movement, profession-
al dialogue and reflection. You will leave with practical skills to use in your classroom

and school to support a mindful teaching practice, a manual of the key teachings and
specific practices and the support of like-minded educators.

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Course Format:

The 6-day program is delivered in an experiential workshop setting;
it consists of a daily schedule with a core topic each day and includes 35 hours of
instruction and practice including:
· daily workshops
· daily yoga and guided meditation
· evening readings, presentations and group discussions
· optional outdoor activities
· free time for reflection and exploration

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Learning Outcomes & Schedule:

· Manage stress through a greater understanding and regulation of

thoughts and emotions
· Reconnect with your sense of purpose- personally and professionally
· Develop environmental awareness and an understand of ecological literacy
· Improve overall mental and physical well-being and learn tools for self-care
· Practice techniques of mindful leadership which are applicable to the classroom and
support curriculum and school-wide mental health initiatives
· Cultivate mental and physical resilience
· Engage creative solutions by becoming more comfortable with change

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Day 1: Culture and Nature
This is the big picture of leadership. Explore systems, methods and practices for out-of-the-box thinking. This introductory day will give you tools to think through issues to create lasting results and discover new solutions to old problems. Find out how you connect with nature, and then learn how to integrate that information into your life. We’ll
explore how our society and economy ("human systems") depend on clean air, water, and soil and other resources (products of "natural systems").

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Day 2: Thoughts are Things
Explore the power of the mind as a force to guide and focus your actions, and as a important ally on your journey of discovery.

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Day 3: Heart Wisdom
Learn how to continually listen to that little voice which whispers to you from the natural world, and improve your ability to deal with complex issues. Honour and engage your personal communication style with courage, sensitivity and determination. Approach different systems, methods and practices with your emotional intelligence.

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Day 4: Visioning & Envisioning
Spiritual practice is an important part of each of our lives, and personal vision is central to being a grounded leader. Explore and clarify your personal vision and discover tools to help others see things from an expanded perspective.

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Day 5: Grounding it all Down & Presentation of Certificates
Using hands-on methods, you will create your own blueprint that will help you put into practice the skills you have learned in this training.

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Your Guide:
David Aubrey Berger, B.A., M.E.S.
David is an eco-philosopher who has a passion to bridge the gap between nature and society through innovative educational programs, workshops, and talks. He is the principal of AVRO Academy, and the director of The Living Education Institute..For seven years he was a professor at York University. Over the past 25 years, David has worked with corporate groups, schools, and individuals in the delivery of workshops, teacher trainings, and personal development courses. His book Eco Leadership: The Power of the Circle was published in 2006 for which The National Post called him “A modern-day Socrates.”

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Registration, Accommodation & Price Info

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Accommodations: Rustic double occupancy cabins, spacious workshop and yoga space, close to the beach and in beautiful natural surroundings, walking distance from main expeditions. http://www.studiolosalmendros.com/

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Food: 3 nutritious and nourishing meals per day with vegetarian/vegan options. Food restrictions will be considered.

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Nature expeditions included: Playa Grande, The Montezuma Waterfall, Sunset and Sunrise viewing on the Nicoya Peninsula, Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve.

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Transportation: transfers to and from the airport will be arranged on March 10th between 12-3pm.  Any exceptions may incur an additional cost.  If you wish to extend your stay or arrive early, we can assist you with the details if you let us know in advance.

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Registration

Early Bird Price: $1300 CAD (registration prior to Jan 14th), based on double occupancy (not including airfare, includes airport transfer on March 10th between 12-3pm)

                               For any past participants the registration fee is $700.00

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Price after Jan 14th: $1650 CAD, based on double occupancy (not including airfare, includes airport transfer at specified times)

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Payment may be made via, Visa, or email transfer, or cheque. A limited number of scholarship positions are available.

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We constantly update our site with all that’s happening at Living Education Institute, so make sure you stay in touch.

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