Costa Rican yoga teacher combines house-sitting and yoga while traveling across continents, inspiring others to pursue meaningful travel lifestyles
While house-sitting, thieves broke into the home I cared for, stealing belongings and harming the pet under my watch. The experience felt crushing, a stark reminder of how quickly trust and security vanish. I carried the weight of not only my loss but also the homeowners’ pain. Yet, I drew on my emotional strength, leaning on principles of acceptance and growth.
- 1 day ago
December 26, 2024
Sofía Corrales, house-sitter, enjoying the Taj Mahal. | Photo courtesy of Sofía Corrales.
SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA — Two years ago, I found myself lost, drifting without direction. Each day felt like stumbling through a dense fog, disconnected from any sense of purpose. The weight of it felt suffocating, yet in that darkness, I found a spark—a desperate need to reclaim my life. Through house-sitting, I aim to share spirituality through yoga, mindfulness, or sustainable agriculture.
Today, as I guide others, I often remind them: “You can walk through life consciously or unconsciously.” Choosing unconsciousness makes us victims, blind to the lessons hidden in our struggles. But consciousness illuminates growth, even in the hardest moments. That shift transformed my life, and now, I share it with others.
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From traveler to trusted house-sitter: building a lifestyle of connection and care
House-sitting started as a practical solution during my solo travels in 2018 but evolved into a purposeful way of life. While journeying through South America—Chile, Peru, and Colombia—I began caring for the homes of friends, and acquaintances. These simple acts of trust planted the seeds of a lifestyle rooted in responsibility and connection.
As I explored 22 U.S. states, house-sitting became more than a way to find shelter; it offered a chance to create warmth and belonging wherever I went. Soon after, in India, a three-week work trip turned into two months, made possible by house-sitting opportunities that deepened my appreciation for community and care.
A three-month house-sit in Puerto Rico marked a transformative chapter in my journey. Caring for a home and fostering trust led me to Tai—now my partner. House-sitting has evolved into more than a service; it has become a way to embrace the intricate web of relationships that define life.
Throughout my travels, yoga and mindfulness served as my anchors, helping me navigate challenges with courage and grace. The people I encountered along the way profoundly enriched my path. While traveling in Chile, Don Alejandro urged me to question societal norms and trust in a higher purpose. In India, a spiritual teacher reframed struggles as opportunities for growth. And then, in Puerto Rico, a woman’s resilience taught me to find light even in the darkest moments. These experiences deepened my gratitude and broadened my understanding of humanity. Each story I encountered revealed the interconnected beauty of nature and the human spirit, reminding me that curiosity and connection lie at the very heart of love.
Lessons from nature and animals while house-sitting
Nature has always been my greatest teacher, offering profound lessons in compassion, patience, and connection. The trees outside my home in San José whisper quiet miracles, while the animals I have cared for have deepened my understanding of emotional bonds. Once, I cared for a home in the capital for a month and a half, looking after a dog who had previously been under the care of another pet sitter. On walks and runs, he radiated joy and energy, but at night, as I sipped tea and read, he would approach me with a palpable sadness. It struck me so deeply that I mentioned it to my partner. We lightheartedly joked about his innocence, as he had no clue his owners had only left temporarily and had hired trusted caregivers to ensure his well-being.
This experience reminded me of a cat I had years ago. She was fiercely independent, avoiding everyone until, after much effort, I earned her trust. Whenever I left, she cried inconsolably, and when I returned, it felt as though I had “resurrected” for her. These moments revealed the profound concern and attachment animals develop toward us, embodying an unspoken language of love and reliance.
Another time, I recall caring for two French poodles, service dogs raised to care for babies. Their nobility in accomplishing their tasks left a mark on me. Soon after, when arriving in Puerto Rico at a yoga school, nine puppies were born. Over three months, I watched them open their eyes, find their legs, and develop unique personalities. Each moment reaffirmed how love and attention shape lives. Their growth mirrored a truth I have learned about human psychology: just as early experiences shape a puppy’s future, our childhoods profoundly influence the adults we become.
Resilience turns trials into growth
This year has tested me with material losses and challenges shaping my resilience. While house-sitting, thieves broke into the home I cared for, stealing belongings and harming the pet under my watch. The experience felt crushing, a stark reminder of how quickly trust and security vanish. I carried the weight of not only my loss but also the homeowners’ pain. Yet, I drew on my emotional strength, leaning on principles of acceptance and growth.
Another incident struck while I taught a yoga class. After finishing, I found my car window shattered, my belongings missing, and the interior left in disarray. Initially, anger and frustration consumed me, clouding any sense of gratitude or clarity. Life presented yet another test, reminding me of the fragile line between possessions and safety.
When I feel like a victim in these situations, I allow myself to be tender with myself, to nurture and care for myself, and to cry if I need to—because it is part of my healing. However, most of the time, I feel gratitude for these trials. They have forged my character, equipped me with tools to face adversity, and taught me how to practice resilience. These lessons not only enable me to share the best version of myself through my classes but also help me navigate my daily struggles, embrace my humanity, and face life’s challenges with greater strength.
