Big Changes, Big Travel Plans!

Hi Everyone! I’ve been off the blog and working on other things the last few years, but it’s time for a comeback in a big way. I want to start off by re-introducing myself for those of you that don’t know me. I started working in commercial construction in 1993, while I was a freshman in college. This turned into my career after graduation as I worked for a couple of large general contractors doing projects across the country. I’ve been back in Colorado for the majority of the last 20 years, and have tried to make an exit from the construction world a few times. During my breaks… and some breakups, I went back to my roots and did what I have always loved more than anything else, travel!

As the pandemic took hold, construction became less and less tolerable, creating much anxiety and unhappiness in my life. It was no longer fun for several reasons, and I was feeling more and more angry and uncomfortable with the situation. At the end of last year, I’d had enough. In August, I took a couple weeks for a yoga retreat and some backpacking in Nicaragua to recharge and regroup. When I returned home, I finished the last couple of construction projects I had underway, quit work, and headed to Costa Rica for the month of November. During this time, I completed my 200 hour yoga teacher training in the quaint beach town of Cabuya, on the southernmost corner of the Nicoya Peninsula. I started Vasu Yoga (Instagram: @VasuYoga_Michelle), and began teaching upon my return. Soon I realized I will need to dig deeper and offer more to my students (workshops, retreats, and more robust experiences) to support their spiritual growth as well as to support myself.

So, fast forward a few months….I have sold my car, hired a great property manager to AirBnB my house (Stay at my home near Denver, The NamaSTAY Centennial! ) for at least a year, and bought a one-way ticket to Columbia where I will start my travel adventure. I will begin with a one week, grassroots yoga and partial silent meditation retreat near Guatape to get my feet on the ground. After that, I have no plans other than knowing I would like to work on my Spanish and learn more about Ayurvedic medicine and sound healing. We will see where the wind blows me! 🙂

Now I will offer a quick photo diary, in no particular order, of some of my mini vacations and adventures since my last trip to India and Nepal. I hope you enjoy the photos and find inspiration through my stories to get out and follow your heart to wherever it leads you!

Boston & Martha’s Vineyard, MA

Palm Springs, CA

Around Colorado

Nicaragua

Sayulita and Nowhere, Mexico

Texas, CO (San Antonio, Fredericksburg, and Luckenbach)

Costa Rica (Cabuya, Monteverde, Arenal, and San Jose)

Oklahoma City, OK

Las Vegas, NV

Park City, UT

Sonoma and Muir Woods, CA

And last, but not least, I went to school for photography and worked on studio shoots. I also started woodburning and making wood block art during the pandemic!

If you like my art and photography, please follow my Instagram pages: @Michelle KosterArt and @MichelleKosterPhotography

Thanks for reading!

I’m sorry for the long winded update, but it’s been so long! I had forgotten how many amazing things I have done over the past three years and how much fun it has been. I’m always so grateful to have all of my photo memories to remind me of how truly blessed I am!

Please remember to love yourselves and take time for self-care and rest!

See you soon in Columbia!

Peace, Love, and Hugs!

Michelle