Day 5: Head to Liberia

Visit the Chorotega community and participate in pottery lessons to fully appreciate the work that they do. It is so good for your mind and soul to open up to a new culture. Forming a genuine interest here will grow your intellectual wellness. Engage in personal reflection to promote growth within your mind. For me, creating pottery was fairly difficult and I very quickly learned to appreciate their intricate work. One of the Chorotega men helped guide me through this learning experience. Here I experienced a lot of social growth; yet again communicating with someone who did not speak the same language as me.

Stop by Rincon de la Vieja National Park and take a hike. Try to be mindful of everything around you while you walk. Pay special attention to all of your senses. Note how the weather feels, what you hear, what you smell and how it all makes you feel. Practicing this mindfulness will promote life satisfaction. This will aid the development of spiritual wellness. I personally felt so much more content and peaceful when I approached nature this way. Hiking will also promote physical wellness; getting your joints and muscles in action.

In addition to hiking, you can practice being mindful everywhere you go. One way to do this is by using a mantra. A mantra is a word or phrase to repeat that will help you focus on meditation. I personally enjoy the mantra, “In this moment, nothing is lacking.” It is important to remember that as long as you have essential things like food, love, shelter, warmth, and water, you are living a very full life. Coming to this realization helps me to understand that I am lucky for what I have and makes me very grateful. This is ultimately a moment of pure happiness and bliss. These feelings and experiences contribute to spiritual wellbeing.

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A new meditation Mantra that I discovered in Costa Rica

While you are here, make sure to try casado. This traditional Costa Rican dish generally offers rice, beans, meat, salad, and some types of fruits and vegetables. These foods are generally very fresh and nutrient-rich. Take a break from fast and unhealthy foods and let your body indulge in casado to improve your physical wellness.

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