Rising Through the Ride

As I sit by the ocean in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, I can’t help but reflect on how far I’ve come. For nearly 35 years, I dedicated myself to my professional life, helping others, especially the elderly, yet, in doing so, I often neglected my own well-being. Supporting others was fulfilling, but somewhere along the way, I lost touch with myself.

It wasn’t until I discovered yoga and surfing that everything began to change. These practices didn’t come to me as answers but as questions. They invited me to pause, breathe, and reconnect with something deeper than I had ever realized I needed. Yoga wasn’t about perfecting poses or achieving flexibility; it was about learning to listen to my body, be present with myself, and release the constant pressures of life. Surfing wasn’t just about catching waves, it was about surrendering to the unknown, flowing with the ocean, and trusting the process.

Yoga and surfing share a common thread: they teach us to slow down, to breathe, and to find calm in moments of chaos. I didn’t rediscover myself through rigid goals or expectations, I found myself through the freedom of simply being. On the mat, in the water, and breathing deeply in nature, I began to uncover the truth of who I am, what I value, and what truly makes me feel alive.

My time in Costa Rica has been a transformative journey, i found space to heal, a deeper connection with myself, and perhaps most unexpectedly, I found a community of incredible women on their own paths of self-discovery. Some had taken small steps, others enormous leaps, but all were moving toward something greater, something authentic. Our shared experiences in nature, yoga, and surfing created an unspoken bond that encouraged me to go deeper, to trust the process, and, most importantly, to support others in doing the same.

That’s why, in collaboration with Tidal Wave Surf Academy, I created the Rise and Ride Women’s Retreat. This retreat isn’t just about teaching yoga or surfing, it’s about helping women reconnect with their bodies, find peace in the present moment, and embrace the beauty of their unique journeys. It’s about lifting each other up, sharing moments of laughter and reflection, and realizing that transformation happens when we allow ourselves to show up authentically, without the pressure of perfection.

As someone who has struggled to balance a demanding career with personal well-being, I know how difficult it can be to prioritize ourselves. This retreat is deeply personal to me, it’s about helping women find the same calm, confidence, and connection that I discovered when I finally stopped and listened to my heart. It’s not about being “perfect” at surfing or yoga; it’s about starting exactly where you are, no matter your age or background. It’s about creating moments of peace, connection, and self-love, just as I did when I first embraced these practices.

I share my story not to promote anything, but because it is the truth of where my heart is. If you’re searching for a deeper connection, whether with nature, yourself, or others, I hope this message reminds you that your journey is valid, and that you are not alone. Transformation begins the moment we choose to listen to ourselves, to honor our needs, and to rise through the ride.

With love and grace,

Helena Araújo

Puro Círculo Yoga

Beyond Poses: Discovering Self-Trust and Confidence Through Yoga

Beyond Poses: Discovering Self-Trust and Confidence Through Yoga

As we settle into November, it feels like the perfect time to pause and reflect on trust and confidence. So often, we look outward for validation or reassurance, but the real journey starts within. This applies to yoga just as much as to any part of life. No matter your age, the shape of your body, or your physical abilities, yoga is a path open to everyone. Each body is unique, and every single one is beautifully equipped to experience the benefits of yoga.
The journey to trust begins by accepting where you are and who you are right now. Yoga offers a space to practice that self-acceptance without judgment. There is no such thing as a 'perfect' body in yoga, only a perfect willingness to show up as you are, honoring your body with compassion and love. Through yoga, we learn to listen, observe, and appreciate the body we have, discovering that our limits and challenges are not barriers but invitations to deeper understanding.
Confidence grows naturally from trust. The more we trust ourselves, our bodies, our capabilities, our unique path, the more confidence we feel in everything we do. Trusting yourself in yoga doesn’t mean executing the most complex poses or perfecting every alignment. Instead, it means embracing each pose with honesty and respect, knowing that each practice day contributes to a fuller, more resilient self.
Every day, I am inspired by my students, who show up with such bravery and commitment. Their dedication reminds me that confidence isn’t about achieving perfection, but about persisting with kindness, courage, and consistency. In this picture, one of my students reached a pose she once held herself back from attempting, thinking it wasn’t possible for her. Her trust and determination have helped her break through that limitation, and seeing her accomplish this fills me with so much pride and gratitude.
As we move through this month, let’s keep nurturing that inner trust. Let’s honor our unique journey and celebrate the small victories, knowing that each moment we dedicate to trusting ourselves brings us closer to authentic confidence. Whether on the mat or off, this trust becomes a steady foundation from which we can live fully, freely, and joyfully.

The power of breathing

As we step into September, a season often filled with new beginnings and transitions, it's an ideal time to reconnect with ourselves and find balance. This month, we’re excited to explore the mind-body connection that yoga fosters and how this timeless practice can lead us towards a greater sense of inner peace.

Yoga, with its origins in ancient traditions, offers more than just physical exercise. It encompasses breathwork, meditation, and asanas, all designed to harmonize the body and mind. Through consistent practice, yoga helps manage stress, enhance flexibility, and cultivate self-awareness, providing a holistic approach to well-being.

The Power of Breath: Why Nose Breathing Matters

Breathing through the nose may seem simple, but it plays a crucial role in our health and well-being:

• Natural Defense: The nose filters and warms the air, protecting our lungs from impurities and cold air.

• Vital Energy (Prana): In yoga, nose breathing is believed to absorb prana, the life force, which enhances vitality and overall health.

• Health Benefits: Mouth breathing can lower disease resistance and disrupt the functioning of vital glands and the nervous system.

Your September Challenge: Breathe with Awareness

This month, we challenge you to start each day with mindful breathing. Pay attention to your breath when you wake up, when your thoughts and emotions feel overwhelming, or in any moment when you feel stressed. By taking this challenge, you’re stepping into a new world of well-being.

Start simple and go far. Your actions today will shape your tomorrow. Embrace the power of your breath, and discover the transformative effects it can have on your life.

Yoga and Surf: My Yin and Yang

Yoga and surfing are my saviors—they are my Yin and Yang. These two practices have taught me profound lessons about myself. My journey with yoga began with a physical transformation, improving my posture, gaining strength, and increasing flexibility. But as I continued, I realized it was about so much more than just the physical. Yoga pushed me to confront physical pain that was deeply connected to repressed emotions and feelings stored in my body. The path to openness and freedom can be painful, and it’s up to each of us to decide how far we’re willing to go to reach that level and face the obstacles along the way.

Hand in hand with yoga came surfing, which entered my life in a more explosive way, bringing all my fears and repressed feelings to the surface. This journey has been one of self-discovery, filled with struggles, joy, and disappointment. Yet, every day and every second of it has been worth it. Through yoga and surfing, I’ve learned what it truly means to be free. With each practice and each entry into the sea, I feel more confident, empowered, and deeply grateful for every person who has supported me along this journey.

A special thank you goes out to all the incredible women I’ve met through yoga and surfing. You’ve supported and uplifted me in ways I can’t fully express. I truly believe that happiness lies in this journey of self-discovery—in the search for meaning and the elevation to a deeper level of being.

I wanted to share my transformative experience with more women, which is why I am now focusing on women’s retreats. The Rise and Ride Surf and Yoga Women’s Retreat was born to help women connect with themselves and each other, using the power of yoga and surfing to awaken the strong, empowered woman within.

Click the link to learn more and join us on this incredible journey.