Costa Rica: Land of Pura Vida

I’ve been in Costa Rica for five days. It’s nearing the rainy season, and today is the first day I have seen lluvia fall on the finca—land surrounding the house—instead of the usual bright and steady sun streams.

I can already smell the earth, tierra, as wet soil begins to breathe. The ground exhales steam, thirsty to swallow more droplets.

This land holds so much vibrancy—Mother Nature at her most generous and radiant. With more than 850 natural species, the country has an average of more than 600 species per 10,000 square kilometers. That’s more than five times the amount of species within the same distance in America.

This is the land of pura vida. The country’s mantra of the “pure life” is ever-present in this small community on the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. Pura vida is a common saying and salutation here, but more than that, it’s an actual way of life.

Many Americans are striving to live a “pure life,” but this can be harder to find in a culture that for generations has strived for excess over simplicity.

Even if some individuals and communities are moving more towards pura vida, the desire still seems far removed from the true way of life in this coastal town in Costa Rica—where it’s not about rediscovering a natural and pure state, but rather living within what has always been.

Living the “Pura Vida”

What is a pure life? It certainly isn’t always related to location, it’s not always defined by values and ethics, and it’s not something that can be mastered or complete.

It is, however, a way of life that you can embrace anywhere you go, which can be instilled within your intentions for existence, and can take different forms in varying situations throughout your entire life.

In Costa Rica, the pure life is one that melds with nature and community. Dirt roads lead to beaches, retreats, sanctuaries and rainforests, only partitioned from the land by occasional houses, stores and restaurant/bars, but more often adorned by arching canopy trees and blooming hibiscus bushes.

Often, as we pass people on the road or purchase something from the small mercado, the locals speak the simple words, as to say, hello, goodbye, good day, live well. “Pura vida,” they always say, and with “pura vida” we respond.

Organic Soul writer Kim Fuller will be in Costa Rica for three weeks. Keep up with her posts on our website, and look for the release of her upcoming E-book for more on “Pura Vida.”