Pura Vida

9/19/2006

Stress is probably the most pervading scourge of modern man’s daily life.  Very recently I was fortunate enough to spend some time away from my otherwise “usually stressful” environment.  I flew to a remote seaside village in Costa Rica, set amidst verdant tropical greenery where iguanas and scarlet macaws are as humdrum a sight as our local butiki and maya in Manila.  In this corner of the world, the natives are as laid back as perpetual vacationers; the daily pace is easygoing like a samba.  The weather is balmy, with gentle afternoon showers.  The flowers and fruits on the hillside are just right for the picking. Aah! “¡Pura Vida!” or “pure life”.  This local saying sums up the lifestyle of the people who live here, much like that popular Disney catchphrase, “Hakuna matata”, which means “no worries”. A place like this can cleanse your body and spirit of most, if not all, of your worries, infusing it with an invigorating breath of pure life.  The serenity, broken only by birdcall and breeze, can make you think clearly. Probably, the only apprehension I experienced during my two-week stay was from thinking of my imminent return to city life.

My host in this sleepy coastal town of Herradura was my cousin, Lyn Santiago.  He traded his career in Toronto for a simpler life here. He wanted to get away from the daily routine of getting up in the morning and braving the snow half of the year just to get to work on time.  He admits that relocating to a new country and starting afresh is no picnic but he has no regrets.  When he found this idyllic spot, he took the risk.  He invested his life savings and started anew.   He claims that the best part is living away from a cutthroat environment where spending and over-spending are the way of life, where people are conscious about your social status, the kind of car you drive, the clothes you wear, or the house you live in. In contrast, this place makes you realize that there are really very few things you need to own in order to live comfortably.

In that past life, he has known people who collect houses and properties but never actually use them.  They spend a fortune on maintenance and upkeep, so they have to ensure that they work and earn enough to cover those expenses.  Sadly, this ultimately translates to less time for themselves and their families.  It is a vicious cycle that must be broken if you want to keep your sanity, if not your meaningful relationships.

At the heart of my visit is my wise cousin’s plan of developing his new-found haven into a wellness community.  The site is located 400 meters above sea level, in the middle of a lush rainforest, with plateaus overlooking the sea. The concept is to leave as much of the existing landscape untouched. Only a few elements will be added to make one’s stay comfortable and safe.  The objective is for the guest to appreciate the surroundings more and to enhance the tranquil experience.  In these parts, ecology is so sensitive that the only way to maintain the beautiful balance is if you let nature take the lead and fully respect her dictates.

The structures then must be of natural materials, but durable enough to withstand the tropical clime.  Pathways and living areas must be cleared, but not denuded. Receptacles for trash and wastes must be securely contained and regularly cleaned.  Power and water machinery must be environmentally friendly, as well as be inconspicuous. At the same time, the guest areas must be made relatively safe from wild animals and insects, without denying the people from appreciating the outdoors. Landmarks and helpful signs, while clear and visible, must be discreet and must blend with the surroundings. Staff areas must be clean and secure, but shielded sufficiently to minimize cooking odors, regular noise, and the clutter of storage and busy working spaces. There are several other considerations that must go into planning the wellness community, but in every decision, nature must have her voice heard.  Carving out a niche for man to enjoy her pristine beauty is important—the value to man’s health and spirit immeasurable -- but allowing Nature to thrive around the intrusion is just as precious and is only as it should be.

In the end of my hiatus, I realized a wealth of things.  I was glad to know that there are still pockets of heaven out there waiting to be discovered, unchartered, unrated, but infinitely satisfying. I found out that there is a better quality of life possible for the one who truly desires and seeks a change. I discerned that appreciating and living with nature does not mean subduing or taming her. And most solemnly, I learned that a couple of weeks is not enough time to build a wellness center!