MEMORIES
COMMUNITY SONG CIRCLE & YOGA RETREAT
Dominical, March 2019
Check out our Community Singing Circle & Yoga Retreat wrap-up slideshow HERE
Imagine relaxing, exploring and SINGING with a bunch of friends led by a world-renowned musical performer at one of the most spectacular locations in the world, surrounded by the sweet smells and sounds of a tropical rainforest and an array of exotic wildlife.
Well, we didn’t just imagine it, we actually did it – and it was fantastic!
Singer/Songwriter Glen Phillips, solo artist and lead man for the multi-platinum band, Toad the Wet Sprocket, has been singing professionally around the globe for nearly 30 years. During that time he has grown increasingly inspired by, and moved to share the invigorating and uplifting power of community singing.
Community singing is a safe environment for all levels of musical ability, with a focus on participation rather than performance. Group singing awakens the mind and the heart, leaving you inspired and enlivened. You don’t need to be a singer, you just need to love to sing and be willing to connect with others through song. As Glen describes it, “The experience is a little like church without religion – no dogma, just the feeling of connection with ourselves, spirit and each other.
Singing simple, spiritual uplifting songs together in a tropical paradise made it not only a more connective experience, but also an adventure we will never forget.
The retreat was hosted at Casa Amarillo, situated on a ridge 100 feet above the Pacific Ocean and a short walk to Playa Dominical. A beautiful infinity pool was one of its features, which was where we spent much of our time cooling off when we weren’t singing, enjoying yoga sessions, going to the beach and touring spectacular locales like Manuel Antonio National Park, the famous Whale’s Tail, the Uvita waterfalls, and the farmers market in the little beach town of Dominical.
We also spent a day at the Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary which is dedicated to the protection and conservation of Costa Rica’s wildlife. The Sanctuary’s goal is to rehabilitate and release as many of these animals as possible, but for those that cannot be returned to the wild, the Sanctuary provides lifetime care.
This, of course, costs money, so as part of TwoCan Retreats’ belief in, and commitment to, giving back to the community, after enjoying a fascinating tour of the facility and all of its animals, we took some time to help prepare for the benefit concert that Glen offered to put on at the end of the week to help the sanctuary raise money for critical equipment.
Close to 200 people showed up for the concert — some were hard-core fans who came from as far away as San Jose, and Glen really enjoyed and appreciated the warm welcome. He played for close to two hours with two encores, followed by a meet and greet with his fans and an interview with a Costa Rican newspaper. His reputation as an entertainer, and the sanctuary’s reputation for the good work it does, created the perfect event to bring the community together for a fun evening and a great cause.
It was an incredible night, topping off an unforgettable week-long adventure shared with a group of unforgettable people. We look forward to doing it again.
Watch video of Glen leading our song circle at the Danyasa Eco Resort HERE.
Watch Glen rock out with song circle attendees HERE.
TwoCan Retreats and Dr. Sandy Quiros talk about the good works of Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary. Watch HERE.
Watch TwoCan Retreats introduce Glen, kicking off the main event to benefit Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary.
Watch another clip of Glen Phillips performing at Villas Alturas HERE.
If you’re interested in learning more about our next Song Circle Retreat, drop us a note!