What is Pura Vida?

Pura Vida translates into "pure life". Similar to words like aloha and shalom, it can be used in different ways and have different meanings. Costa Ricans use it as a greeting, an exclamation, a way to describe a state of being, and likely 5 other ways that I haven’t caught onto yet. 

I just returned from guiding a retreat in Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, one of the most biodiverse places on earth. One of the retreat participants described “pura vida” as a newly developed sixth sense. I think she’s onto something. My best description is a deep-down, soul-level feeling of aliveness. 

In our first introduction circle, I shared that my personal intention for the retreat was to feel more alive. After more than a year of Covid and social distancing and introversion and isolation, I’d been experiencing a kind of diminishment, coupled with less joy and frankly, less me. I went to the Osa knowing that being in this jungle/ocean environment with a group of amazing people held the potential to change all of that.
 

And I was right!

The combination of a landscape on steroids - monkeys, makaws, iguanas and a small family of bats living in close proximity - the sounds of crashing waves, outrageous birdsong, and howler monkeys - an inspiring group of vaccinated humans ready and willing to give hugs and connect deeply - and a very long, very buoyant surfboard, all came together to enliven me, awaken me and give me warpaint-like tan lines shooting out from my 49-year-old crows feet eyes drawn on by the smile plastered on my face that can only come from pure joy and you guessed it, PURA VIDA!

So the big question I always ask on retreats is, how do we keep hold of this feeling? How do we access this amazing sixth sense? The answer is simpler than you might imagine. And like all answers, they begin with a question (or two or three).

What brings you alive?

What makes you feel connected?

What inspires a sense of awe and wonder in you?

If you’ve made it this far, consider pausing to ponder these questions. Really sink into this sweet inquiry. I promise that even a brief reflection on these questions will make you feel good!

Of course, once you start getting some answers, you’ll have to take some action. You’ll need to make time for what you love!

One way to do that is to develop mindfulness practices that support your aliveness, your awe, and your connectedness - practices that draw attention to and nourish what you love.

You’ve likely heard me say again and again that it’s essential to individualize your mindfulness practices to serve your unique body, mind and brain. 

In this month’s Your Brain on Mindfulness: First Tuesday Taster, we’ll explore practices that do just that. Join me to learn more about how to grow states of optimism, joy, gratitude and yes, even Pura Vida!

I hope you will join me this coming Tuesday, July 6, 6-7pm (MST) for this enlivening opportunity!

Remember, this monthly class is free. Just click here to register.

Pura Vida!

Rachel