Platanillo, Costa Rica

I often say our Path is lit with Gold Fairy dust. Sparkling and illuminating our way. Guided by some Force outside of Self. God, Source, Creator, The Universe or The Hand of Life, a Michael Singer phrase I’ve held dear to my heart, creating a vision in my mind so delightful as I imagine this Hand, inviting next steps and gently showing The Way.

This time, The Way leading to a place not found through google searches or expat blogs.

Instead found through a process of Surrender that looked a whole lot like holding on for dear life while we were initiated into this New Way of Living.

Dodging crabs on the road as we drove the highway from what we had thought would be a Long Time Maybe Forever Home in Costa Rica towards another Unknown. Following a pin on the maps curving back and forth and higher and higher up the mountainside.

Further from the beach, the hustle, and from what had quickly become our familiar. The shops, markets and stores fading into the distance as we roll down the windows on the Terracan. Our 2010 King of the Road not one for mixing inclines with a/c. The tank that magically came into our lives just days before is another story for another time, because this one’s focused on another magical story of what happens when you Surrender to the Pull and Allow The Hand to lead.

Breeze blowing our hair, heavy air cooling to a delightfully welcomed temperature. Breaths deeper, mind clearing with every kilometre climbed.

Into the clouds we rise, the tranquility, the vast wide open expanse of seeing

all
around.

Cradled by a canopy of trees yet no longer amongst the wild and instead above. Removed yet close enough to see.

The hummingbirds shimmering in the sun.
The butterflies dancing through the wind.
Birds of every colour creating layers of sounds and song.

Platanillo, Costa Rica.

A rural mountain village. 20 minutes up the hill and the perfect distance between us and All that kept us from Precious Moments of Time spent creating, connecting, Living in alignment with values.

The gate rolls open as we arrive to tour a home viewed countless times on marketplace. Another one of those illogicals. Unexplainables. Yet undeniably a Pull towards This Place we call Home for now.

I knew before The King of the Road pulled across the threshold and onto the land that holds our Home.

My husband knew too, “we’re moving here aren’t we?” he asks before he shifts into park. A smile and a nod. We’ve arrived for real this time.

Due diligence completed, dutiful and wise my husband is as he ensures the boxes are checked and the needs are met while I wander this Place and can’t help but feel a wave of emotions . Because sure the Path is made of gold dust but its also been a Battle* and to express it in this short story would be impossible so its best just to say I want to fall on my knees and weep. Gratitude. Relief. Hope.

Sitting amongst the clouds and offering us the space to recalibrate to a Pulse of Place more aligned with what we’ve needed all along.

A quick hop to town no longer.
No longer so near to Distraction.
Over consumption. Over scheduled moments of time.
Adjusting to this rhythm easier than we thought.

Local amenities while few still enough to offer us a buffer and a bit of grace on this whole intentional life thing. Groceries forgotten don’t mean hunger and this local stores got more than enough to fill the gaps. We’ve learnt that a pharmacist can play the role of a vet in a pinch, pita breads make really good pizzas and it’s okay to not get everything we want all the time.

Less excess.
Simpler living.
Space created in the mind.

No click of the button distractions and modern conveniences removed, we notice the sky, feel the sun, and commune with ideas on the daily.

The kids are often humming quietly or immersed in a project on the deck. Toys once begged for now made out of imagination, the glue gun and prized pieces from our adventures. Systems free of the distractions and stimulations.

Focus once stolen now being reclaimed.
Moments scrolling now replaced with Life.

We don’t have it all figured out. There’s still messy moments. There’s still moments of doubt, uncertainties, questioning the Path.

The kids still eat more chicken nuggets and hotdogs that I’d like to admit.

But I’m happy to report that screen time is down by an estimated 70% for all family members, adults included.

It’s a wonderful space for dreaming, finding answers, for re-imagining the future.

Jungle paths behind our house eager to be explored, inviting us back to our favourite spots for our almost daily explorations. Moments in nature a way of life rather than another item to check off the list.

There’s no more going through the motions here. No more stuff on the schedule that doesn’t feel like Life.

There’s just us.
Deepening bonds.
Moments in time no longer rushed but felt.

“I like that people here aren’t in so much of a rush” and “There’s more time for doing thing we want to do, like building” reflections from my son when someone asked him what he liked about living in Costa Rica.

Schooling once a puzzle to be solved now a simpler path. Aligned educational options in every direction making it difficult to choose. So why not just allow and this man we just met just mentioned a school 5 minutes away so let’s follow the signs and go check it out.

Pura Vida Club the words on the sign welcome us on our tour. Gania Waldorf School has a warmth, an intimacy in size, a simple yet dynamic rhythm that feels grounded and supportive of settling into Place. The kids feel honoured. Guided gently yet clearly. Oh and Thursdays? Surfing lessons at the beach.

It’s a yes from us all, let’s give a go. Green hair, dirty toes, the kids never wear shoes. Sending us off with heart hands and waves, smiling as they start their day climbing play structures made of trees.

Part time homeschoolers now our new vibe.

Children focused on their projects.
Boats made of collections from the beach.
Wands, necklaces, chandeliers, creating treasures and pieces of art.

Jungle Juice + Relax.
My son’s new business born from his exposure and interest in New.
People, foods, experiences offering a rich invitation into varying ideas and avenues.

Creatures captured and creatures studied.
Learning in response to our environment.
Costa Rica offering Inspiration. Excitement. Life.

My husband’s childlike wonder alive and present.
”Mushrooms! Come look, nature’s wonder, sacred geometry!”
Never without a camera in hand. Put down only to be swapped for a paintbrush.

Busy minds now settling into Flow.
New ideas given the space to emerge.
No more plans born from thoughts and instead from Soul.

The balance and ease gifted to us from this place not taken for granted.
Time to settle and time to dream.
Time for slow and time for adventure.

When we need More it’s always there.

The beach always welcomes us back with its roaring waves or tranquil waters depending on the beach of choice. The waterfalls still offering us purification and a good cleanse when we make the trek. Amenities and activities just far enough to push the pause button as we reflect on what gets a yes and what gets a no. A quick rip down the hill, and we are back to the pulse of on the go. Previously an excitement now feels a bit jarring to the Soul. Can we return? Home?

Recalibrated to the pulse of peace.
Slow and unhurried.
Yet very much Alive.

This is Part 3 of 3 in my mini series: Our Family Moving to Costa Rica from Canada 
Read Part 2 Moving to Costa Rica Here
Read Part 1 The Battle + The Threshold Here