Pura Vida Your Life – Gain Confidence, Clarity & Courage

“Pura Vida” (pronounced POO-rah VEE-dah) has been synonymous with Costa Rica for more than half a century. Used as a greeting, farewell, and a way to express gratitude or contentment, it basically means “all good,” “this is the life,” “take it easy,” “hello,” and “goodbye.” While life before this common phrase was still pure and simple, Pura Vida has caught on like wildfire. It is the embodiment of the Costa Rican people and their way of life, and a philosophy that can be incorporated into anyone’s life. In Costa Rica, it is thought that if more people lived a Pura Vida lifestyle, then the world would be a better place.

Living “la pura vida” is quite simple! Imagine if this became your way of life?

Start your journey

Costa Ricans are some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. It takes almost no effort to say hello to someone walking by, waving and smiling at a stranger as you drive or cycle past, offering assistance to someone in need, or even asking how someone’s day is going. The smallest and simplest interactions can produce the sweetest warmth in our hearts and in the hearts of others. We often go through our busy days with our heads buried in our devices and our minds five steps ahead. We don’t acknowledge each other. We carry on through our daily routines unaware that we are closed off to one another.

Let’s start saying hello to each other. How often are you connecting with people in real life?

We have been scared into believing that the sun’s rays are harmful and only lead to skin cancer and premature signs of aging. However, moderate sun exposure has been linked to a stronger immune system, adequate vitamin D absorption, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, improved sleep quality, and even happiness. Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) doesn’t only affect people living in the midst of cold, dark winters; it also affects people who work long hours indoors. In Costa Rica, it is easy to spend time in the sun! Even just a little sun kissing every day can make you healthier and happier, just like those living in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful places in the world with an impressive bio and ecological diversity. Spending time in and with nature is good for your soul. We are all connected to Mother Earth (Pachamama). It can be easy to forget how special and awe-inspiring the natural world is when so many of us live in predominately concrete surroundings. In Costa Rica, it is easy to be reminded of this on a daily basis. Sometimes, you just have to look a little harder and make a little effort to find your space in nature. Maybe enjoy your lunch in a park, plan a hike or a bike excursion on your day off, or just go jump in the salty sea on a Sunday (or any day).

Nature is a great reminder of how beautiful life really is – that’s Pura Vida. Do you spend enough time surrounded by nature?

Costa Ricans work hard but they know how to enjoy life. Pura Vida is about making the time to live a life well lived. Life is about decisions and priorities; you get to make and choose those. Pura Vida is about making the time to go watch the sunset or sunrise and having a cup of coffee in the afternoon with a friend, neighbour, or family member. It’s about taking your dog for a walk, preparing a home-cooked meal, or drinking a beer and watching a football game at the local cantina. When your life comes to an end, you probably won’t wish that you had worked more. Most of us wish on a regular basis that we had more time to do the things that we love to do and be with the people we love.

Pura Vida Your Life is about making the time for happiness and well-being, so you can enjoy a fulfilled life.