The more I examine my life, the more I realize that I really am a creature of habit. I go to the same places most days, see the same people, do the same things, and generally stick to a predictable schedule. I’m guessing you live the same way, and in general that’s not a bad thing. Structure makes life easier. It brings efficiency and keeps daily life running smoothly.
That said, if we become complacent, we may find ourselves stuck in our daily patterns, living on “auto-pilot”, as I like to say. Having a schedule is one thing, but when we find ourselves thinking the same thoughts, repeating the same conversations, and reliving the same problems, it’s probably a sign that we need to shake things up a bit. One of the best ways to do this is through travel.
Travel can be truly transformative. It allows us the amazing opportunity to immerse ourselves in completely new environments. We get to see new places and people, live on a new schedule, and feel the rhythm of another culture. All of this adds up to an incredibly refreshing experience, and the positive impact this has on our health and well-being is undeniable.
When it comes to traveling to upgrade your health, there’s one place that stands out above all others: Costa Rica. Let’s take a look at what makes Costa Rica so ideal for personal growth and transformation.
Align Your Body with Nature
One thing that makes Costa Rica unique is its connection and relationship with nature. Everywhere you go, you feel like you’re a part of nature – which of course, you are! Costa Ricans have found ways to combine modern life with the tropical rainforest that their country is known for, and this integration with nature has a huge effect on their health and happiness. The warm climate, abundant sunshine, and ocean saltwater are all very healing, and one easily falls into a natural circadian rhythm thanks to the equal hours of daylight and night which Costa Rica enjoys year round. It truly is a wonderful feeling, waking up naturally with the morning sunrise and the sounds of the rainforest! The local cuisine is healthy and delicious as well. Costa Ricans enjoy an abundance of fresh, natural foods, such as mangos, plantains, coconut, passion fruit, and seafood, all courtesy of the rainforest and surrounding oceans. You will be able to try many tropical fruits you’ve never had before! And to top it off, the natural environment encourages exercise as well. The rainforests, mountains, beaches, and ocean provide endless opportunities to move your body through daily walking, hiking, swimming, surfing, and so much more. The sun and warmth even provide a renewed sense of energy which makes moving easier if you’re just starting at exercise. In all of these ways, the natural environment of Costa Rica aligns with our inner nature as happy, healthy people.
Immerse Yourself in the "Pura Vida" Mindset
"Pura Vida" is a phrase that Costa Ricans (aka, Ticos) use often. It translates to “pure life” or “simple life.” This one little phrase represents a profound way of relating to the world, and Costa Ricans set the perfect example of living its meaning. Pura Vida means to be present and to live in the moment. It means taking life one day at a time and not worrying obsessively about the future. Have gratitude for each day and the simple things.
As Ticos know, when we slow down and live in the present, we are happier and more likely to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. In this way, the Pura Vida mindset encourages us to slow down and become truly immersed in our experiences. This simple shift can make life a wonderful meditation. One of my favorite quotes from Eckhart Tolle illustrates the value of being immersed in the present moment. He says, “the present moment is always small in the sense that it is always simple, but concealed within it lies the greatest power.”
Evolve Into a Greater Version of Yourself
What is this “greatest power” that Eckhart referred to?
The present moment holds within it the opportunity to change and create. Therefore, changing your environment provides an incredible opportunity to evolve. Evolution means growth. This growth can be big or small, it can be mental or physical, and it may center on career, family, or any other area in which we’d like to develop. Whatever aspects of our lives we’d like to work on, the present moment is the best place to start, and travel is one of the most powerful ways to bring us there. Just a few days in Costa Rica will get your creative juices flowing, and in no time you’ll find yourself making slow and steady progress on your personal growth, implementing new wisdom and perspectives gained from your time spent with this friendly, supportive, and vibrant culture.
So take advice from a sloth… slow down and spend some time upside down to gain a different perspective. You miss a lot when you rush and hurry, so slowing down and taking in the moment really is necessary in order to recharge and re-align. You need to be relaxed to let in new insights, ideas and creativity. Life is a continuous process of aligning, immersing, and evolving. A change of environment is a powerful catalyst in getting the process started. Put Costa Rica on your list and begin there!
Join Us On Our Immersion Retreat in Costa Rica
In February 2019, a holistic experience centered on movement, nutrition, and personal growth. Click here to learn more and sign up soon to get the early bird special!
