Category: wellness

  • Pura Vida

    Pura Vida

    It’s been ten days in Guanacaste and every time the trees loudly flutter in the wind, I still smile at them in amusement.

    I wanted to share a little bit about why I am here. For awhile now, there’s been this internal nudge of what would I be like in a different environment. A place where I woke to the alarm of ocean waves and songs of tropical birds.

    The routine of every day had started to feel less like a comfort and more like an unintentional reflex. And with that I started to yearn for new sights, sounds and smells for myself. My heart was dreaming while my head questioned every step; who am I doing this for (myself, or others)? Why would I leave my beautiful home? What would this experience cost me financially? Am I prepared to navigate the unexpected? Could I still celebrate this decision even if it does not live up to my expectations?

    Well, here I am writing – waking up to the melodies of song birds every morning. As soon as I step out into the balcony I hear the ocean. I sit in the shade of tall Teak trees. I giggle with the floppy banana leaves swaying with gusts of wind. I have to stop and admire every hibiscus flower along the path to the beach. I feel a magical calm at sunset every evening.

    Three things I have learned so far:

    *No two sunsets are the same. *Pineapples and papayas are the most delicious I have ever had in Costa Rica. *Body language is crucial to effective communication everywhere in the world.

    Two things that surprised me so far:

    *Costa Rica is expensive to live in and explore. *The country is extremely diverse in biospheres.

    One question I am exploring:

    *Could I really let go of all my familiar and comfortable, long term?

    Here is a way to get a unique keepsake and support us in Costa Rica!

  • Crisis intentions

    “A furious thunderstorm came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?’ He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, Quiet! Be still! Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” Luke 4:37-39

    I can’t believe two weeks have gone by since our city declared state of emergency in the face of this global health crisis. I felt uncertain, scared, protective and mentally exhausted within a matter of hours. It has been overwhelming to feel isolated with  lack of in person humanity but the creativity that our technology is providing for community is uplifting. I have good days and not so good ones through this time just like everyone else. So here are a few things I have been doing for all of my days so far:

    • Find comfort in stillness through prayer and meditation.
    • Think and feel globally, working together to provide safety for all humankind.
    • Be mindful of the news I allow into my space- I enjoy The daily social distancing show with Trevor Noah.
    • Dedicate a space (literal or figurative) to keep creating, continue to build into your skills and passions through this time.
    •  Listen to music, podcast, books etc. that provide distraction and support.