Sumati Shakthi Ganeshan is a physician, yogi, and Ayurvedic student and teacher. Shakthi co-founded Assayasangha.org. She has delivered thousands of hours of yoga classes, trainings, immersions, and retreats.
Trained at Baylor College of Medicine, Shakthi is a doctor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. She also has a Master of Public Health from the University of Texas School of Public Health. After years of practice, Shakthi began studying, practicing, and teaching yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda. She has studied both the Astanga and Iyengar traditions and studies with Rodney Yee, Shiva Rea, Sarah Powers, and Timothy Lynch. She is a dharma teacher in the Vipassana tradition, having completed Spirit Rock/IMS's multi-year Community Dharma Leader program.
Shakthi studied clinical Ayurveda, including pulse and tongue diagnosis with Dr. Sarita Shrestha, and is continuing her studies with Dr. Robert Svoboda. She is a trained Interplay Leader (levels 1 and 2) — a healing modality combining singing, storytelling, and dance.
Shakthi is humbled by what she does not know, loves to play, and is always learning.
Ready to unplug from the busyness of everyday life and dive into a week of healing, growth, and inspiration?
This Costa Rica retreat, set at a serene beachfront bungalow, combines ancient wisdom and modern wellness practices. Be guided by expert Shakthi Ganeshan, while getting a real reset for body, mind and spirit.
Over six transformative days, you’ll be immersed in the beauty of Costa Rica’s lush landscapes and the warmth of the ocean, with a program centered around Ayurveda, pranayama, and Vedic teachings.
Each day brings grounding and renewal, with sessions in yoga, meditation, breathwork, ayurveda. Discover Ayurveda’s rich insights, explore Vedic philosophy and sacred texts, and connect deeply with nature.
Our excursions are designed to inspire—from a dolphin-watching adventure to a tour of the stunning Palo Verde National Park, to a a sunset cruise to celebrate the week together.
Whether you’re deepening your yoga practice, meditating, learning about the Brahmaviharas, or simply enjoying moments of stillness, you’ll find space here to recharge and reconnect with yourself.
Return home with a renewed sense of purpose, inspiration, and connection to your highest self—ready to embrace whatever comes next!
-Welcome to Costa Rica, where the journey into nature, healing, and personal transformation begins the moment you step off the plane.
-A group transfer will take us to our retreat sanctuary. Take time to unwind, bask in the supportive embrace of your surroundings, and connect inwardly as we prepare for the days of growth and healing ahead.
-We'll gather for the first time as a retreat community over a nourishing dinner. An opening program afterward will allow us space to set our intentions for the retreat and create an atmosphere of mutual support and collective growth.
-We'll sow the seeds of friendship in a welcome orientation and opening circle, fostering a sense of sacred community.
-End the evening with a gentle grounding yoga session, combining pranayama and meditative movement to release travel fatigue and connect to the present moment, laying the foundation for profound transformation.
-Begin the day with a tranquil guided meditation as we tune into the soul’s energy and align with the natural rhythm of Costa Rica’s dawn.
-Savor a wholesome breakfast designed to energize your body and create a balanced foundation for the day ahead.
-Join a dynamic yoga session focused on opening and energizing the body, followed by an Ayurvedic self-knowledge journey where you’ll explore your unique dosha (constitution) and how to support it through simple practices. We’ll conclude with restorative postures, encouraging a deeper alignment and release.
-After lunch, take time to immerse in the elements by the beach — breathe in the ocean air, connect with the sand and sea, and let nature’s beauty restore your spirit and replenish your energy
-Gather to explore foundational teachings from the Yoga Sutras, diving into timeless wisdom on mind, spirit, and practice.
-Conclude the day with calming pranayama and meditation practices, harmonizing body and mind, and setting the stage for restful sleep.
-Wake up and enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast, providing the nourishment you need to experience the day.
-Today, we'll embark on a journey through the diverse ecosystems of Palo Verde National Park. Glide along the Tempisque River on a covered boat and pass by Isla de Pajaros, a small island in the middle of the river inhabited by birds of all feathers. After the boat ride, enjoy a hearty lunch before returning to our retreat sanctuary.
-Before dinner, we'll gather for a heart-centered yoga session designed to bring healing and alignment that penetrates deep into our souls.
-Close the day with a calming Yin yoga session by candlelight, inviting relaxation, introspection, and deep release.
-Set out on an unforgettable morning at sea, exploring Costa Rica’s vibrant underwater world. Alongside a guide, we'll snorkel in crystal-clear waters and, if nature allows, witness playful dolphins, deepening our connection with the ocean's energy and the rhythms of marine life.
-Enjoy a fresh and replenishing meal after your ocean journey, restoring your energy for the enriching experiences of the afternoon.
-Gather for a session on the timeless teachings of the Vedas, immersing in the wisdom of ancient texts that guide us toward balance, inner peace, and a more profound understanding of self and spirit.
-In a chanting class, we'll explore sacred mantras to cultivate alignment and bestow on ourselves peace and tranquility.
-In the evening, we'll grow in wisdom through a class on Ayurvedic approaches toward foods to promote healing and herbs to balance your doshas.
-On our final full day of the retreat, we'll begin to integrate our experiences from the past week through a guided meditation session.
-After breakfast, we'll continue internalizing the positive energy gathered in the past week through an invigorating sunrise surge yoga session. We'll also reflect on the insights and personal growth that was cultivated, gathering these 'harvests' as we prepare to carry them forward.
-Gather for a delectable lunch, taking the time to relax and absorb the morning’s reflections.
-Explore the Brahmaviharas, or “Divine Abodes,” in an immersive session that cultivates compassion and connection — both with yourself and others.
-Embark on a celebratory sunset cruise, a beautiful way to honor our time together. As the sun sets over Costa Rica’s breathtaking coastline, reflect on the community and memories shared in this sacred journey. Six complimentary drinks and delicious snacks will be provided.
-Gather for a final group dinner, sharing laughter, gratitude, and friendship as we celebrate the journey’s close.
-Conclude the day with a gentle yoga practice as we prepare our mind, body, and soul to look toward the journey ahead.
-Welcome the day with a grounding meditation session centering on bodily awareness to bring you into the present moment. Together in a closing circle, we'll collectively reflect on our enriching journey, share insights, and chart the path towards further growth and transformation.
-Enjoy one final breakfast together, solidifying the connections that were made within our sacred retreat community.
-Take time to gather your belongings before checking out and boarding a group transfer to the airport.
-The retreat concludes, but the energy, insight, and renewal cultivated here shall continue to inspire you on your path ahead. Take care, and see you soon!
