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
