A common phrase here in Costa Rica is Pura Vida. This saying itself embeds the soul of Costa Rican culture. The phrase holds a far deeper meaning than what lies on the surface. So for those of you who don’t know, Pura vida means no worries, for the rest of your days. It’s a problem free philosophy… hakuna matata…. I mean Pura Vida
Most people associate the term with a laid back attitude. It’s used as a greeting, a goodbye, and sometimes as an agreement. This versatile phrase signifies something far beyond an idiom to Costa Ricans.
The literal translation is pure living; or pure life. It serves as a daily reminder to live well, and to be happy without reason. It represents a purpose for life which connects nature, culture, and people with place. It doesn’t matter whether you exchange the words with a friend or with a stranger, because it signals peace and acceptance. It embodies a philosophy in which communal ties are strong and close; difficulties are overcome with a resilient and a happy spirit, where life is enjoyed leisurely and to the fullest, and where fortune of whatever size is heartily celebrated. This is a philosophy and lifestyle that I wish everyone could experience at least once in their lives.
It really doesn’t take long before you feel a connection with Pura Vida, and you may start saying it yourself. When you do start saying it nobody judges you, nobody says you can’t say it because you’re not a Costa Rican, or because you’re not culturally adept; everyone simply accepts and enjoys the fact that you’ve inherited their way of life, which is arguably the best way to live, and they know it. Afterall, Costa Rica is one of the happiest countries on Earth.
For me, it serves as a daily reminder to break the daily routine, to be spontaneous when possible, and to toss aside the daily stresses and questioning that inevitably goes on in everyone’s brain at some point or another. Hay Mas Tiempo Que Vida; another Central American phrase, which translates to “There is More Time than LIFE.” It’s true, and there’s no time to waste.
So slow down, push the breaks on your life, and start enjoying the moments… Pura Vida, Room2Board 🙂