True Nature Travels Blog

The Meaning of Pura Vida: Setting Intentions for the Universe through Service

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Village Rep Lindsay Padilla
One of our TNE Village Representatives, Lindsay Padilla

About 4 years… About 1460 days… About 35,040 hours… About an amazing person…

I still can remember the exact moment (which was four years ago) when we had the pleasure to welcome a group from the True Nature Education Costa Rica Center in our village. They painted two houses for many happy faces in our community.

People always say that time flies so fast. Maybe this is true, however, in this moment, time just decided to stop in front my eyes.

We were ready to toast with a cup of sugar cane juice in my garden, and my friend, Raylene Gerber, was there, with a beautiful student group as well as two more great women (the teacher and a mother).

But before I can continue with this testimony, I have to tell you something…

Anita, a smart 11-year-old girl, had just appeared there (two days prior), and we invited her to join us. Raylene turned to me and said with a smile, “She was the girl who has a brother (Ariel) and lives just there (pointing to Anita’s house). I remember her; we painted her house.”

Wow! Raylene has been volunteering here in my village for many times for many people, and in this moment, she remembered Anita’s face, recognizing her four years later.  I can’t imagine how many people she has seen in the last four  years, but she recognized her!!! That makes me think that when you make something with love, when your heart is open to new experiences and when your intention is to write a beautiful story in the pages of the universe, things like this happen.

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TNE Village Representative Raylene Gerber on the left

Raylene Gerber, you are a blessing for the Earth! You did more than just paint her home… You put color to my week! You made me feel so happy to know how much you love everything you do. That is exactly what Pura Vida means!!!

I can spend all night writing about the beautiful experiences we have seen through the support and endless effort that Joshua Canter and his family have done in our community. I can say that True Nature Education really offers an opportunity to anyone interested in taking part on the positive change we all wish to see in the world.

After sharing this, at the end of an amazing week, I can say Buenas Noches, amigos. 

True Nature Travels Blog

Travel Tip Thursday: Mindful Awareness in New Surroundings

When giving orientations and presentations to first-timers, we always emphasize this as the number one key aspect to being safe in Costa Rica. There is so much life in the beautiful land of Pura Vida, Pura Life. With this, there are also many creatures (just to name a few….sloths, monkeys, lizards, alligators) and places to visit where you need to use caution. To do this, the simple teaching is to be aware.

There are many amazing volcanoes and mountains for the hiker, but be sure to plan accordingly. The terrain can be challenging so be sure that you don’t bite off more than you can chew. If you’re not in good shape, know that there are many 3K and 5K trails that are just as worthy of accomplishment. When you embark on your journey uphill, bring along an ample water supply as the water can be quite hot and humid. Stay in tune with your hydration level to avoid any mishaps. As you trek through rainforests, pay close attention to your map and compass; it’s easy to get lost, so be sure to remain in the moment and be attentive to your surroundings.

Costa Rica has some of Central America’s most poisonous snakes, including the fer-de-lance and the bushmaster. Be aware of each step you take as

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True Nature Travels Blog

Travel Tip Tuesday: Slow Down and Enjoy the Pura Vida

Take Part in the Pura Vida Lifestyle

If you are coming from the high paced culture of the United States or Canada, you will find that, almost immediately, in Costa Rica things move much slower. You have two choices: resist, or go with the flow. Of course, we always recommend going with the flow! Take time to enjoy some serious hammock time, watch the sunset, spend time with your loved ones, plan less, and experience more…

You may have heard the motto Pura Vida in discussions concerning Costa Rica. This is the motto of the ticos, meaning the “pure life.” It comes as no surprise that Costa Ricans have a deep value and appreciation for the beautiful country that they live in, with the abundance of clean air, clean drinking water, clean food, that translates into a clear and pure way of life. For this reason you will find that as you travel the country you will be surrounded by this energy in which locals slow down their pace of life to be mindful within each and every moment of a joyous celebration of the simple yet fulfilling factors that contribute to the Pura Vida.

As you travel through the cities and the rolling countryside of Costa Rica, engage with the ticos by simply murmuring “Pura Vida!” and you will immediately light up the faces of those you are engaging with. This phrase, embodying the general mentality and pace of life of the country, is one that reflects happiness, well-being, conformity, and satisfaction with their beautiful homeland that you can become a part of. Locals take much time to enjoy and be fruitful with friends and families, and if you take the time to engage with them, you will find that they will most often immediately invite you to share in this pace of life.