Understanding Pura Vida

I recently returned from a trip to Costa Rica. I think the country is on many people’s bucket lists, and I certainly found it to be gorgeous and inspiring. In fact, it’s been called the world’s leading ecotourism destination, and their national motto is pura vida, which literally means pure life. I thought the two concepts would be linked, but I discovered that’s only a surface understanding of the phrase.

As we traveled and I listened, I learned that pura vida embraces much more than pure water or clean air. It’s a philosophy and approach to life that’s much more relaxed and relational. The way Luis, our guide, explained it, people don’t feel they have to race to the top. They make enough to survive, then focus on relaxing and hanging out with family and friends. Unlike in the capitalist US, where the focus is on finding success and getting ahead, life in Costa Rica is more about the quality of how you spend your time.

We saw this in the design of public spaces. In the small town of Puerto Viejo in Sarapiqui, they turned a soccer field into a town square so that all the people could use the space—to hang out and chat. In such small-town squares and in San Jose’s hotels, we saw seats grouped so people could sit and talk together, under trees or next to pools or outside shops. The focus is clearly on providing opportunities to sit, relax, and connect informally. It presumes everyone has stories to share amongst neighbors and even people you might not yet know.

The weekend focus is also on pura vida. We stayed at a small beachfront hotel one weekend. I saw numerous people hanging out in small groups on the beach and even on the side of the main road, having an impromptu picnic overlooking the Pacific, while their motorcycles or a car or two waited nearby.

I find myself making a connection between this concept and the fascinating fact that many animals in Costa Rica are smaller than their cousins in North America. In the tropics, where the temperature is fairly constant and the seasons are measured by rainfall, mammals don’t have to bulk up to survive the winter. In the same way, it seems that Ticos (Costa Rican people) don’t have to bulk up their savings account because they know they have enough—and they have each other to lean on if times get tough.

People frequently said “Pura vida” to each other as they parted. To me, that feels like bestowing a blessing, as we might say “Take care” or “God be with you.” I sense that I could benefit from embracing that perspective in my own life. I’d like to focus less on success or accomplishment and more on being present in each moment—which was my intention for the trip: that I might be open to receive its many blessings.

I will share more in the weeks ahead about my experiences and the blessings and wisdom I received during this time. If you’ve been to Costa Rica, I’d love to hear your perspective. And if you haven’t, I wonder what you make of this idea of pura vida.