Have you had the great pleasure of visiting Costa Rica? If so, allow me to transport you back, and if not, let me paint a picture — countless palm trees line never ending white sand beaches, the ocean is warm and inviting, and friendly locals sell coconuts while calling out “Pura Vida” as you stroll along.
Pura Vida is a term you will likely hear numerous times a day while in Costa Rica. It is used as a greeting to both friends and strangers alike, as the most common answer to ‘como estas’, or ‘how are you?’, and even in place of a goodbye when parting ways. Literally translated, Pura Vida means ‘pure life’; however, to local Costa Ricans it is so much more than that — it is a way of life. To embody Pura Vida means to move about your day in less of a hurry, allowing time to soak in the sweetness of your journey and to face each moment with optimism.
Yoga and meditation are both practises that embody the essence of Pura Vida. Whether you choose to practise in the comfort of your own home, or at your favourite studio, the act of stepping onto your mat allows you to slow down, hit pause, and exist in the present moment.
We live in an increasingly fast paced world, and are expected to be constantly moving forward towards our next goal. While having dreams and aspirations are absolutely necessary, it is equally as important to recognize and enjoy where you are currently. Yoga and meditation lovingly demand you to slow down physically, which gives your mind an opportunity to become still, creating space for you to just BE.
Hitting pause, decompressing and appreciating the simplicity of life is a daily practice here in Costa Rica. At sunset, families spill out onto the streets, watching as the sky transforms from blue to pink, and connect with their loved ones. This is exactly what Pura Vida is all about.
No need for coconuts or warm ocean swims, simply adopting a Pura Vida attitude can lead to the same happiness you feel while digging your toes into the sand. Whether you only have time for a few deep breaths or an hour long mindfulness practise, I encourage you to roll out your mat, sit quietly and witness your life transform!
Sally Rubin says it wasn’t long into becoming a student of yoga 11 years ago that she felt the transformation it was bringing her and felt pulled to become a teacher herself. Her hope is to share all of the tools she has learned along her journey with as many people as possible so that others may be able to realize their potential to be truly happy and fulfilled. Sally is compassionate, supportive, grounded, genuine and hilarious. She currently spends her time in Central America, Canada and Bali, teaching public classes, workshops and teacher trainings, spreading her love of yoga and living the Pura Vida. You can find Sally on instagram here and on her website here.
