Imagine your life filled with warm sunshine, lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and friendly locals.
Welcome to Costa Rica, a paradise where the Pura Vida lifestyle reigns supreme. Costa Rica, my new home, is known for its rich biodiversity, eco-friendly initiatives, and relaxed way of life. It always invites you to slow down and savor each moment.
And the Pura Vida lifestyle is a real thing that can be learned when you live here.
What is the Pura Vida Philosophy?
In Costa Rica, Pura Vida is not just a saying; it's a way of life. Translated as "pure life" or "simple life," Pura Vida is a philosophy that encourages mindfulness, gratitude, and living in harmony with nature. To experience Pura Vida:
• Slow down and savor each moment
• Focus on what truly matters: family, friends, and wellbeing
• Show kindness and respect to others and the environment
• Practice gratitude for life's simple pleasures
You will find locals saying “Pura Vida” as a matter of greeting, saying goodbye, or just wanting you to feel welcome. So instead of Good morning or Good afternoon, you may hear Pura Vida!
Thrive by Embracing Eco-Friendly Living
Costa Rica is a world leader in sustainable practices and ecotourism, with ambitious goals to be carbon neutral by 2050. If living a sustainable life and protecting the future of the land and planet is your mission, then living in Costa Rica allows you to move toward a greener future.
• Harness the power of renewable energy sources, such as solar and hydroelectric power
• Reduce, reuse, and recycle to minimize waste
• Support local businesses and eco-friendly initiatives
• Participate in conservation projects and sustainable agriculture
Practicing sustainability in a country that embraces it as a way of life is Pura Vida at its best.
Engage With Local Culture
Costa Rican culture is a delightful blend of indigenous, Spanish, and African influences.
No matter where you live in Costa Rica or where you travel for adventure on your weekends, you can find any one of the delightful influences of the Costa Rican culture from indigenous tribes and Spanish and African influences.
Engaging with the local culture to truly immerse yourself in the Pura Vida lifestyle will give you an understanding of the culture and where it comes from and leave you wanting to know more.
• Delight in traditional dishes like gallo pinto, casado, and chorizo
• Dance the night away to the rhythms of salsa, merengue, and cumbia
• Celebrate local festivals, such as the Festival de la Luz and the Palmares Fiestas
• Learn the local language: Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica, and learning it will help you connect with locals and navigate daily life
Flourish in the Blue Zones
The Nicoya Peninsula, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border, is one of the world's five "Blue Zones.”
A Blue Zone is an area where people live longer, healthier lives. The other four Blue Zones are in Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Ikaria, Greece; and Loma Linda, California.
Adopting the Pura Vida lifestyle can help you embrace the habits of these long-lived locals, and, in turn, by practicing these habits, you are practicing Pura Vida.
• Maintain a nutrient-rich diet filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, and legumes
• Stay active through activities like hiking, swimming, and dancing
• Develop strong social connections with family and friends
• Embrace a sense of purpose and community involvement
A Final Thought
As you consider the possibility of living and thriving in Costa Rica, take a moment to reflect on the values and principles that truly matter to you.
If a life centered around mindfulness, connection, sustainability, and joy resonates with your core beliefs, the Pura Vida lifestyle may be perfect for you.
Ultimately, embracing Pura Vida in Costa Rica promises a journey towards a more intentional, purposeful, and gratifying life.
Pura Vida! 🌺
