Relaxation Levels in Costa Rica!

Skip’s Viewpoint:

So apparently I’m not as relaxed as I thought.

Back in Florida, I always considered myself a professional-level relaxer. I had a backyard hammock from Home Depot, and

I sat in it two whole times—which, in my book, practically qualified me for the “Zen Master Lifetime Achievement Award.”

But then Costa Rica happened.

I moved down thinking I’d slide effortlessly into the Pura Vida groove. I pictured myself drinking coffee, watching toucans, swinging in my hammock while ocean breezes whispered motivational messages like, “Skip, you’re amazing.”

Instead, the first time I flopped into my Costa Rican hammock, it spun like a carnival ride and launched me out the other side. A gecko laughed. I swear it did.

Then came the Tica lesson.

I told my friend from Santa Cruz that I was becoming an expert at relaxing. She didn’t even blink. She just sipped her coffee and said, “Ay Skip… usted no sabe nada de relajarse.”

Translation:You sweet summer child.

Apparently, there are levels to this game.

And I’m on Level 1:The Tourist Who Tries Too Hard.

Teresita's Viewpoint — The Tica Who Wants to Share the Secrets:

Ay, Skip. When you told me about your Florida hammock adventures, I couldn't help but smile. Because you know what? You're on a journey that MANY Ticos have forgotten how to take themselves!

Yes, mi amor, there ARE levels to Costa Rican relaxation. But here's the beautiful secret: You're already learning, and that makes you braver than half the people stuck in traffic in San José who forgot what Pura Vida even means! 😊

Let me share what I grew up seeing — not to make you feel bad, but because I want you to experience the REAL magic:

LEVEL 1: The Hammock Discovery: Where you started!

You bought the hammock. You got IN the hammock. Sure, it spun you around like a carnival ride, but YOU TRIED! Do you know how many people buy hammocks and never even sit in them? You're already winning, Skip!

LEVEL 2: The Actual Pause

This is when you sit somewhere and actually FEEL the moment — the breeze, the birds, the coffee in your hand. Not thinking about emails. Not planning tomorrow. Just... being HERE.

LEVEL 3: The Afternoon Gift

A siesta isn't laziness — it's WISDOM! When it's hot and your body says "rest," you listen. You wake up refreshed, not guilty. This is self-care, Tico-style.

LEVEL 4: Tico Time Freedom

You stop watching the clock like it's your boss. "Ahorita" becomes beautiful instead of frustrating. You realize that being present with people matters more than being "on time."

LEVEL 5: The Flow of Life

Rain on your beach day? You find joy in the rain. Traffic? You turn up the music. Power out? You light candles and talk with neighbors. Life happens, and you FLOW with it instead of fighting it.

LEVEL 6: Abuela Wisdom

You can sit contentedly, watch the world, sip cold coffee, and feel completely at peace. This is the goal we're ALL reaching for, Skip — even us Ticos who sometimes forget!

Here's what I love about YOUR journey, Skip: You WANT to learn this. You're not just visiting Costa Rica — you're FEELING it, living it, letting it change you. That hammock spin? That's just the universe testing your commitment!

I grew up watching my Abuelo on the porch every afternoon. Just sitting. Just being. And I thought it was boring! Now I understand — he had found Level 6, and I'm still working on Level 4 myself some days!

So don't feel bad about being at Level 1 or 2. The fact that you're TRYING, that you WANT to understand Pura Vida beyond the T-shirts... that's everything, Skip. You're learning what some Ticos have forgotten in our rush to be "modern."

Keep practicing with that hammock. Master the art of sitting still. Let Costa Rica teach you that life isn't just about DOING — it's about BEING.

And remember: Every expert was once a beginner who got launched out of a hammock by a gecko!

Pura Vida, Skip! You're doing amazing!

Happy Sunday Everyone!