As I settle back into my daily routine after presenting at the Gross Global Happiness Summit in Costa Rica, the words “PURA VIDA!” keep echoing in my head. The phrase is used in Costa Rica for:
Hello!
Good-Bye!
Thank you!
How are you?
I appreciate you/your help!
So grateful for you/for life!
According to Víctor Sánchez, linguistics professor at the University of Costa Rica and president of the Costa Rican Association of Language, cited by www.bbc.com:
“It’s absolutely part of the Costa Rican ethos and identity. It has also become an integral part of the country’s tourism brand. Foreigners notice it, and then repeat it back, strengthening the way we perceive ourselves”.
Costa Rica’s culture is fundamentally an optimistic one. This is a small country with 5 million inhabitants, and without a national army.
Although social inequities, violence and poverty are real current issues, the people of Costa Rica radiate a state of gratitude, genuine curiosity, kindness and respect for the incredible ecosystems surrounding them.
As conscious parents , I believe we have a lot to learn and emulate from the PURA VIDA culture of Costa Rica:
1. Simplicity equals wisdom. Less is more. Focus more on BEING with the child, and less on Doing (buying less stuff, less busy-ness, less talking).
2. Nature has all the answers. Go outside; walk barefoot; take in as much sunlight as you can daily; observe nature with your child. No talking/lecturing/teaching is needed. Children don’t thrive on “intellectual overload”, instead they need our presence and attunement.
3. Nothing is really urgent. Almost everything can wait or be paced out. Check in with yourself. Your own self-regulation helps your child develop a well-balanced nervous system.
4. Clean food is essential. If you can’t read the ingredients, don’t eat it. Better yet, if it’s not made by nature, don’t eat it.
5. Community, belonging and connection are the basis of a healthy and long life. Keep your children close, especially as they grow older. Teenagers need us as much as toddlers do! Learn to listen to and lead your teenager from a place of connected confidence, just like a mamma bear, otter or dolphin.
🪷🪷🪷 Testimonials from Workshop Participants in Costa Rica🪷🪷🪷
“I am a mom of 3 adult children and no one ever taught me about Special Time. This was an excellent presentation.”
“What stood out for me was Mihaela’s wide understanding on parenting.”
“Thank you for providing an important branch of happiness by focusing on parenting. Children are our future, and them being well connected and regulated is huge.”
“I feel I am a better parent now.”
“I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have opened my mind to be a better parent.”
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