Pura Vida Lifestyle The Costa Rican Way Of Life

Pura Vida, the liftstyle adopted by the people of Costa Rica (Ticos). In this post, I’m going to explain the meaning of Pura Vida and how we can benefit from the Pura Vida Lifestyle in 2021 and beyond.

What Is The Meaning Of Pura Vida

Before you even arrive in Costa Rica, I guarantee you will hear of the term Pura Vida. But what does Pura Vida really mean?

Pura Vida aka Pure Life : Pura = Pure, Vida = Life

If we were to literally translate it, Pura Vida means Pure Life. But it’s more than that. The Pura Vida lifestyle is Costa Rica’s way of life that’s at the core of their culture.

How Is The Term Pura Vida Used by Costa Ricans

Pura Vida is so embedded into the Costa Rican culture, that if you were to wander the streets of Costa Rica, you will hear friends and passers-by greet each other with Pura Vida. This is a friendly gesture used to spread good vibes and to make one feel welcomed.

So if you are approached by a local saying Pura Vida, make sure you also respond with Pura Vida to return the gesture. And yes, Pura Vida is also used to say goodbye, everything is great or cool, and so on. So have a go at saying the term in whatever situation feels right to you. And if it’s not the right situation, well, Pura Vida!

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What Is The Pura Vida Lifestyle

So now we know the literal meaning of Pura Vida and how the term is used in everyday life, but what exactly is the Pura Vida lifestyle?

Pura Vida Mindset

In order to understand the Pura Vida Lifestyle, we have to understand the mindset behind it. Costa Ricans have adopted a mindset that prevents them from stressing about things the way foreigners do.

The Ticos (people of Costa Rica) have a very relaxed and simple way of looking and approaching life. They don’t care for stress. To them, Pura Vida means being grateful for what they already have and not linger on the negatives. They are not saying that bad things don’t happen. They are acknowledging the bad, but yet still choosing to focus on the positives instead.

With a country filled with individuals sharing such a positive mindset, it is so easy to see why Costa Rica has been named as one of the happiest countries in the world.

Anyone else’s wanderlust kicking in yet!?

Pura Vida Lifestyle

The Pura Vida lifestyle is all about being relaxed, embracing life and having fun, so how exactly does the Costa Ricans put it into practice?

Sharing Experiences With Your Loved Ones

In a gorgeous country like Costa Rica, this could be a day trip to the beach with your friends or dinner with your loved ones. Either way, it’s about experiencing the joys of life with those that matter to you.

If 2020 has taught us about anything, it’s about appreciating the moments we share with our cherished ones. Wherever you are in the world, this is something that could be easily incorporated into our lives. It’s all about reassessing our priorities.

Not Allowing The Small Things In Life To Cause Stress

As mentioned previously, the Costa Rican mindset is about accepting that bad things will happen in life. Even the small things that may easily upset you.

Whether it’s a small mistake made at work (as a perfectionist I’m guilty of this) or a spill after cleaning up, Pura Vida yall! Think of the big picture. In the grand scheme of things you still have plenty of other positives to always be grateful for. If you’re alive and healthy, that’s two ?

Carving Out Time For Self Care

Amongst the many responsibilities you may shoulder, it’s important to remember that self care is also important. You are important. Whether it’s realigning yourself with daily yoga or solo trips to unwind, ensure that you take out time for yourself.

Remember self care is a necessity, not a luxury!

Take life at a slower pace

If you’re from a fast-paced city like myself, this may seem like a foreign concept. But a large part of the Pura Vida lifestyle is about slowing down and not always being in a rush. I don’t know about you, but living in a society where no one is looking at the clock is always welcomed.

Taking life at a slower pace doesn’t just mean walking slow or turning up late to events and saying “Pura Vida”. It’s about genuinely slowing down and enjoying the moment. Above all, it’s about living and enjoying life and not just merely being alive.