Living From the Heart: The Work Exchange at the Sanctuary

I’m Jowana, a yogini and the mother of 3 boys and 3 pets, I live in a yoga sanctuary — a sacred space I created nestled in the literal heart of Costa Rica. Right outside our window is a biological reserve. So we don’t just hear the jungle; we live inside it.

Since starting the work exchange program in January 2023, I’ve had the honor of hosting people from all walks of life, teachers, therapists, doctors, artists, reiki practitioners, travelers, and seekers. Most of them have been absolute blessings. Every person has taught me something. I’ve laughed, been challenged, grown, and even met some of my best friends through this program.

This sanctuary is a place for deep work, a space to remember yourself, a place to refine your skills, build internal structure, and reconnect with your essence, all through the lens of practical yogic living. Not the Instagram version, but the kind of yogic lifestyle that teaches you how to move from the heart, anchor into truth, and live from that space every day. That’s the path that continues to heal me, and it’s my mission to share it.

I'm inviting BIPOC individuals who feel called to contribute their gifts to this space. Whether you're a healer, creator, teacher, or simply someone in a season of transformation, you are welcome here.

This isn’t just a volunteer gig. It’s an immersive international living experience rooted in mutual exchange. Over the past year, I’ve shaped the program so that those who come to offer their energy, time, skills, and presence are also deeply supported, nourished, and seen. You’re not just helping out; you’re living, learning, and growing within a community. My intention is that everyone who comes here leaves with more than they arrived with, more clarity, more connection, more groundedness, more truth.

We’re not selling a fantasy. Life at the sanctuary is real raw at times, beautiful always, and deeply transformative if you allow it to be. If you’re looking to reconnect, contribute, and live from your heart, this may be the place for you.

A Typical Day at the Sanctuary

Our weekdays follow a grounded rhythm designed to support nervous system regulation, self-inquiry, and community care. Here’s what a typical Monday through Friday looks like:

• 6:30 AM – Silent meditation or sound therapy to begin in stillness

• 8:00 AM – Yoga or movement practice

• 9:00 AM – Plant-based breakfast

• 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM – Wellness workshop or yogic philosophy study

• 1:30 PM – Nourishing lunch

• 2:30 PM – Mindfulness walk through the surrounding jungle

• 3:00 – 4:00 PM – Unravel: rest for the nervous system and integration

• 5:45 PM – Burn ceremony to release and renew

• 6:30 PM – Dinner shared in community

Weekends are more open. We explore nearby towns, rivers, beaches, or simply rest. There’s space for adventure, integration, and joy.

Apply to Join

If this is calling you — if you feel your medicine belongs in this space — you can apply through the website:👉 Work exchange | BrownGirlYogaTribe

A Few Final Things to Know

• You’ll live onsite at the sanctuary in a shared community space.

• All meals are plant-based and focused on nourishment from the inside out.

• This is not just a retreat. It’s a living, breathing exchange one rooted in intention, contribution, and heart.

This is sacred work. It’s also simple, grounded, and deeply human.

Come as you are. Leave with more of yourself.

In love and service,

Jowana

Founder of The Brown Girl Yoga Tribe and The Yoga Sanctuary