Chasing Pura Vida

There’s a saying here in Costa Rica that the local people live by – Pura Vida. It translates to ‘Pure Life’ and is more than just a saying. It is a philosophy and a reminder to slow down and appreciate the moment. Similar to my motto for the year of ‘Be Where Your Feet Are‘. I try observing the people here to see if I notice a slower pace of life. Hoping I can see what their secret is and how to incorporate more Pura Vida into my life.

I have never been good at relaxing. I sometimes see that I have passed this on to my kids. Not sure how much of that is nature vs nurture. Regardless, as is the case for most parents, it’s hard to see traits reflected in our kids that we don’t necessarily love about ourselves. This year is definitely making me confront this character trait of mine. I’m trying my best to lean into the discomfort and be in the moment. This is my favorite tree outside our house. It’s at the base of the volcano and I can see it from our small deck. Sometimes when I’m feeling stir crazy I just sit and look at it.

I’ve said before that we are not treating this year like a vacation, but as a year of living differently. Because of that, not every day is filled with exhilarating experiences. I’ve had several people ask how we fill our day to day. Here are some things that occupy our time.

Amigos Gato – Pura Vida in Fur Form

There are multiple cats that roam free in the neighborhood. The kids have grown to love their new amigos gato (cat friends). They have given each of them a name, and enjoy time playing with them and watching the funny things they do. Braxton being the observer that he is notices where they like to go in the morning, at night, and when it’s raining.

Sand Volleyball

This volleyball court is a 5 minute walk from our house. At first glance it looks like a mud hole, but it’s black sand that is actually great to play in. Alexis and Braxton want to play much more often than Dave and I (we’re not old – you are!) The kids take it very seriously, and often look like war hero’s when we are done. Everyone needs a shower at the end of this activity!

Our Daily Pura Vida

Alexis spends a lot of time reading, drawing, and listening to music. Braxton spends a lot of time exploring the creatures outside, playing with random things he finds, and working on his scratch coding. Dave does a ton of research about our future locations and is already mastering the Pura Vida life. I spend quite a bit of time cooking and working on this blog. The kids and I take a lot of walks. We all do an hour of Duolingo a day and are each keeping a daily journal about our year.

A Work In Progress

Some days are better than others. I’m so thankful for this time together as a family. Even on the days when I feel stir crazy and Braxton is literally climbing the walls. Pura Vida!