Before our first trip to Costa Rica, I was asked by a good friend “let me know what you think about the VIBE”. I had heard about Pura Vida, but it wasn’t until I experienced a week in this amazing country that I understood why he asked me this question.
Pura Vida, or pure life, simply means this … to live simply, humbly, appreciating your life completely. What?!!! Living in the U.S. is a vastly different experience than the concept of Pura Vida because most of us are caught up in ourselves, our work, comparing ourselves to others, life stresses, and being somewhat lost in our version of who we are and what we want, basically not living life in the present. When I visited Costa Rica back in 2022, I became mesmerized with the people and the culture! It was like I took a time capsule back 50-100 years. The people were happy, content, full of LIFE! Most of the workers travelled for hours one way on a bus just to get to work and they were not bitter. They were thankful, completely at peace with the lives they lived. They say that the people you surround yourself with have the greatest impact on the person you are and will become. Can you imagine if everyone you met on a daily basis was completely happy, positive, and serene?
Our first trip to Costa Rica was a spiritual experience and I felt God truly lived within the people of this amazing country. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the daily average temperature is 92 degrees and the nightly temperature dips into the 70’s, all year round. The oceans maintain the same perfect temperature too, not too hot or too cold, but just perfect.
Besides the people and amazing weather, Costa Rica has the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen! All year round, you are witness to the sun dipping into the Pacific around 6pm. People here go to bed early and wake up with the sun around 5:30am.
Do you remember that 5-year-old YOU, who had no cares, no woes, no struggles and just immensely felt complete JOY? This is Costa Rica. This is God’s country.
I am back in Kansas again and the allergies have started, it is snowing, and my body pains are back. I felt ALIVE when I was in Costa Rica. Even though I take great care of myself, eat healthy, exercise, and take vitamins, there is just no substitute for Pura Vida. It is truly Heaven on earth.
-Christina
