Lessons from Costa Rica

I want to tell you a true story.

The other day, I was on my way back from Puerto Jiminez, Costa Rica taking the little ferry boat back to Golfito.

I had just finished a wonderful retreat and was feeling very aligned and grounded. The best time for the universe to test you.

It was sunny when we left Jiminez, but you could see dark storm clouds right where we were headed. But the captain continued along, they’re trained for these things? Right?

Sure enough, about 10 minutes into the usually 30-minute ride, we had entered the storm.

Downpouring, heavy wind, very unsettling waters. The boat was crashing up and down on the waves.

As a chronically anxious girlie, I quickly started to become overwhelmed. There were 3 small babies on the boat, the moms quickly asked for help getting towels or shirts from their bags to cover them from the rain.

There was a ~6-year-old sitting next to me, her mom and baby sister behind us. I found a microfiber towel in my bag to hand her to keep her warm.

Suddenly, the GPS navigation went out. The captain asked a civilian on board to stand up front and guide him the remainder of the way. This is when my anxiety really kicked it up a notch.

I closed my eyes. I started repeating “I am safe, I am protected” to myself — a tool I’ve clung to over recent years to help with my anxiety. Pretty quickly, I changed to “We are safe, we are protected” — I wasn’t the only one on this boat. Envisioning a white light surrounding the boat, protecting.

Then, the engine stopped. We were in the middle of the Golfo Dulce, in the middle of a storm, for about 5 minutes or so. Finally, the engine started working again — not sure what happened.

The mantra grew louder in my head, truly the only thing keeping me from crying. I started repeating it quietly aloud, refusing to open my eyes.

However, many moments later, the little 6-year-old next to me tapped me on the shoulder: “Está bien, estamos cerca! Estamos cerca!”

Translating “it’s ok, we are close! We are close!”

This little moment truly hit my core, in the most wholesome, Pura Vida way possible.

To me, this was a terrifying moment. But to a local little girl in rainy Costa Rica, this was just another Sunday.

Not to mention, the way the boat rallied together — guiding the way without GPS, covering the babies, helping the moms off the boat when we docked.

It’s often hard for me to put into precise words why I choose to live here, but this was one of those moments where just the raw community & comradery that is so real down here in Costa Rica was felt.

Truly so grateful for this country, its people, it’s wisdom.

Pura Vida.

Gracias Costa Rica y todos <3