I have returned from an amazing experience and like always I want to share with you the jewels I learned along my journey.
Pura Vida (POO-rah VEE-dah) is a phrase commonly used in Costa Rica. If you ask “ticos” (Costa Ricans) what it means the definition may vary but it is always answered with a smile. Pura Vida can literally be translated as Pure Life but it means so much more. In fact, in one day I remember hearing it as a greeting, a farewell, in a conversation suggesting “no worries” and also to describe a co-worker. So yes, it does have many meanings and usages but here’s what I now know, it is a way of life! This life focuses on celebrating: the moment, the true treasures (not stuff) of life, the simplicity of living in harmony with the natural surroundings and with each other. Pura Vida is a reminder of what is truly important in life. I think that is why whenever I asked someone what it meant to them they would smile and answer something different. Simplicity in living brings happiness, well-being and satisfaction… Pura Vida.
Now, I know what you are thinking… “yeah that is easy to live in a state of Pura Vida when you are on a yoga retreat…” but it was the “ticos” the hard-working, fun-loving caring people I met that communicated what Pura Vida meant for them. Yes, I experienced it myself because just for one-week my days were filled with the simple things in life. Simple (delicious) food, simple transportation (bicycle, feet even a tico cab), simple (natural) surroundings of the beach and the flora and fauna of the forest. I will admit the most stressful period was ensuring I had enough sunscreen. Most importantly, when I found myself embracing those simple pleasures and I felt more alive, present and increasingly aware of my feelings of gratitude. Grateful for the opportunity to travel to such a beautiful place, surrounded by caring people and “working” to share what I love in and about life.
When I returned to a less-peaceful, more complicated environment of Manhattan I began asking myself how can I simplify? What do I really need? What can I do to have those positive impressions of the ticos, Nosara and the loving tribe of students with me in my everyday life? At first those questions seemed overwhelming to answer. In Costa Rica it seemed so easy, but in Manhattan (everyday life) it is just more daunting. So I approached it like I do most challenges… step-by-step. Here are my steps I took to find out how I can move towards simplifying my life (maybe it will help you too).
I found a quiet place to sit. I used that simple japa (repetition) mantra (a positively charged word or phrase to focus) meditation practice to help me see things clearly.
Repeat:
Inhale - I AM ENERGIZED
Exhale - I AM FOCUSED
Or listen to the audio file.
I use this practice in the morning or throughout my day to get me… you guessed it, energized and focused. I noticed that certain areas of my life kept popping up while I was meditating. My meditation started to uncover patterns, things that were necessary and unnecessary. I needed to dig deeper.
Next steps:
1. Get it all out - on paper.
Brainstorm. I used timer for 5-minutes and did a brainstorm or a free-write around what I “love to do" and what “has to be done” I made every attempt to keep writing knowing there is no right or wrong… I just needed to get it all out.
2. Look with curiosity (not judgment).
Review the list. I began to see those certain patterns, areas in my life of topics, places, things that were popping up in my meditation. It was easier for me to see them on paper. My thought patterns related to relationships, work, home and dreams/goals.
3. If it isn’t important - cross it out.
I like to organize and once I saw those patterns I made "buckets." Only the most important aspects of my life were placed in a corresponding bucket. Do you think everything is important… If so ask yourself, does it serve me? If it doesn’t serve you or is at all negative cross it out or dump it! That includes any relationships in your life that may not be positive.
It’s important to recognize that your friends, family and others in your life should build you up so you can thrive, not hold you back or push you down. I know this is hard but life is too short to spend time, effort and space on people who may be depleting you.
4. Let those buckets be filled with positive people, places and “things.”
Once I removed all of the negative or “things” I really didn’t need, those buckets were filled with what I “love to do” and less with “have to-do’s”. Yes, I still have responsibilities but by getting rid of the unnecessary, I can complete the necessary tasks with intention.
The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.
- Hans Hofman
Seems easy enough right? After that work, which only took about 30-45 minutes I started to feel lighter already. I was able to let go of a lot of “stuff” that was just a waste of time, energy and effort… things that were not serving me. Remember, this is a practice. Now that I had clarity around what was necessary, I started to examine my own habits in everyday life, how was I really spending my time. I started to look at those buckets and asked myself, “how can I free up more space for myself in my relationships, at home and for my dreams.” K.I.S.S (keep it simple sassy) and here’s what I am practicing my everyday life!
Almost there... Final stage:
1. When in doubt throw it out (or recycle or donate).
This has been an ongoing process for me... but take inventory of your living space. Ask yourself, “do I really need this.” Instead of having “stuff” de-clutter and remove anything that isn’t necessary. Cleaning or clearing your space will give room for those objects or “things” that promote comfort, ease, inspiration and happiness.
2. Unplug to recharge - fully disconnect for one hour a day (at least).
Believe it or not one hour of total digital/electronic disconnection may be hard for people, just use it as a starting point. That has helped me and now I have designated weekend hours (blocks of 3-4 hours at a time) so that I am completely disconnected in order to connect with my family, friends and dreams. Start small to build up. Baby steps!
3. Get really, really quiet.
Carving out time to find stillness is a challenge for many reasons. Even sitting for 5-minutes you can use the above mantra as a way to set the tone for the day! Some days are easier than other. Step-by-step, day-by-day it will get easier. It is better to start small: commit to five minutes and go from there. Without judgment and always with love give yourself space and time for yourself! Commit to simply sitting or lying down still without judgment.
4. Adios "To Do" list, Hola "Dream" list - Bring the Dream List to life.
In lieu of my stressful to do list, I had created a “Dream” bucket list of what I wanted to cultivate in my life. The mere act of focusing on my desires means that I now dedicate more time to those things. I am still working on removing the unnecessary... turns out there was a lot but I have already freed up more time to live out my Dream list. I have a lot in that bucket :). Each day, I ask myself how can I live to bring my dreams to life? I take something out of that bucket to play with and explore.
Being playful, exploring, creating and sharing with people I care about that what I call Pura Vida! How do you define Pura Vida? For today, give yourself time to do what you love to do instead of what you "have to do" and see if that brings space to celebrate your life here and now. It's so simple, it’s Pura Vida.