Greetings and Salutations from Costa Rica! We just returned from a teaching vacation and we learned all about living Pura Vida, or living your best life! “Pura Vida” is a popular phrase, especially in Costa Rica. It can be translated as “full of life,” and it has become something of a global mantra for embracing every moment and living life to the fullest. But where did this term come from? To me, it sounds allot like the state of bliss we find in our yoga practice.
What Does Pura Vida Mean?
The literal translation of “Pura Vida” is “pure life.” In Costa Rica, where the phrase originated, it has multiple meanings. For instance, it can be used as a greeting or a goodbye (similar to saying “hello” or “have a nice day”). It can also mean something like “no worries,” or “no problem,” expressing contentment with one’s current situation. Or it could simply be an expression of joy—akin to saying “yay!”
How Do You Live Pura Vida?
Living Pura Vida means taking time to appreciate the little things in life—like spending time with friends and family, experiencing nature, and enjoying good food. It also involves having a positive outlook on life and embracing its unpredictability with ease and grace. This might include being more mindful or intentional with your actions; being open-minded; or slowing down and savoring each moment instead of rushing through them. Living Pura Vida is all about finding joy in everyday moments and appreciating life’s beauty, no matter what else may be going on around you. As we move through our yoga practice the goal is to live in the current moment and find peace in every breath.
Where Does the Term Pura Vida Come From?
The term “Pura Vida” originated in Costa Rica in the 1950s when locals began using it as an expression for contentment with their lot in life—regardless of their circumstances. Since then, it has become part of Costa Rican culture and is now widely used not only within Costa Rica but around the world. We may not use the term Pura Vida in our yoga class but the Costa Rican people found a way to sum up what yoga can do for you in two words.
Overall, living Pura Vida is all about embracing life’s little moments while staying present in each one. It’s about finding joy in everyday tasks and savoring each moment rather than rushing through them. And it encourages having a positive outlook on life no matter what else may be going on around you. As you become consistent in your yoga practice you will find contentment and harmony deep within your self. Contentment is Santosha in yoga and is a one of the NiYamas, from the eight limbs of yoga. The entire eight limbs of yoga help us detach from the distortions of our mind and bring closer to pure bliss or samadhi.
Studio News
March will arrive this week and we look forward to Spring Break and the Pickle Parade. Don’t just watch the parade be a part of it! The Pickle Parade is on March 18th at noon in Historic Downtown Mansfield. Sign up to walk with us down Main Street.
We Need Your Vote!
Help us win for Year #4! Vote Sunshine Yoga Shack for The Best Yoga Studio, in Living Magazines Best Of Contest. Go to their page and cast your vote. Yoga Studio is at the end of the list and it only takes a moment for you to vote but means a great deal to us!
We are so grateful you have voted for the past three years. Please help us win number four!
You can cast one vote a day, so please vote often.
Sunshine School of Yoga
Our Aerial Yoga Teacher Training is available today all you need is access to a safe aerial rig and wifi.
Join Lynn for this 25 Hour Teacher Training to certify you to teach Aerial Yoga. This is a stand-alone certification for aerial yoga and is open to anyone willing to learn. You must have a passion for Aerial Yoga. We will learn yoga basics and fundamentals and apply them to an aerial practice. You will earn 25 CEC’s for Yoga Alliance.
Join us for our next session in person this coming August, dates will be posted tomorrow, or decide to start today with our Virtual 200 Hour Teacher Training.
Our new 300 Hour training program will begin in person in August as well and will run for 12 months.
Live Pura Vida and practice with us this week, online or in person. Book your class today.
Love and light,
Lynn