Thrive Guide

Toby Israel

About

Toby is a vagabondess and storyteller currently rooted in Costa Rica. She has a metaphorical closet full of hats including: Author, Editor, Marketing Consultant, Movement Artist, and Empowerment Self-Defense Instructor.

Toby holds a BA in Anthropology from Middlebury College ...
Toby is a vagabondess and storyteller currently rooted in Costa Rica. She has a metaphorical closet full of hats including: Author, Editor, Marketing Consultant, Movement Artist, and Empowerment Self-Defense Instructor.

Toby holds a BA in Anthropology from Middlebury College and an MA in Peace and Media Studies from the University for Peace.

Toby is the founder of Mujeres Fuertes Costa Rica, a holistic self-defense project creating unique empowerment retreats around the country and region. Her first book, Vagabondess: A Guide to Solo Female Travel, was published in 2020.
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"“Go out in the woods, go out. If you don't go out in the woods nothing will ever happen and your life will never begin.” ― Clarissa Pinkola Estés"
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Retreat Specialties

I am combining the very practical skills of Empowerment Self-Defense with an array of mindfulness and wellness practices for healing such as yoga, somatic movement, and conscious communication in stunning natural settings. The result is a holistic experience that is unique, empowering, healing, and integrated.

Teaching Specialties

I teach an eclectic array of offerings, from yoga and mindfulness to Empowerment Self-Defense, dance, and writing. And so, depending on what I'm teaching, students will have a varied experience. Whatever I may be teaching, I like to think my classes are always fun, dynamic, trauma-informed, and challenging (whether physically, mentally, or emotionally depends on the class). I work hard to ensure that my students always feel safe and nurtured in the spaces I hold.

What are your favorite Retreat Venues around the world

Rancho Margot in Costa Rica - One of the most impressive examples I've seen of a fully-functional permaculture farm and truly ecological retreat center. Plus wonderful, conscious people and incredible farm-to-table food!

What's your personal definition of what it means to thrive?

For me, to Thrive is to fully inhabit our life—the good, the challenging, the blissful, and the bizarre—with joy, curiosity, and resilience. It is to say yes with gusto, but only when we really mean it. It is to live in a full-bodied presence, every single moment.

Who do you look up to ? Who has helped you the most along your teacher / retreat leader journey?

I am grateful to so many mentors and teachers along my path as a teacher and retreat leader, but especially to the following co-creators and guides: Apostolia Papadamaki, Alexandra Martin, Tui Frye, Casparo Brown, Yudit Sidikman, Amy Schmidt, Wies Merkx

Toby Israel's Videos

This was my entry for a pitch competition I did not win. However, the project, Mujeres Fuertes, continues to grow rapidly, and I am working towards the same goals presented here!
This was my entry for a pitch competition I did not win. However, the project, Mujeres Fuertes, continues to grow rapidly, and I am working towards the same goals presented here!
A workshop on self-promotion I've given several times for creatives, facilitators, and entrepreneurs!
A workshop on self-promotion I've given several times for creatives, facilitators, and entrepreneurs!

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