By: Amanda Froelich,
True Activist.
Perceived as an oasis, lush with green vegetation, relaxing beaches, cool waterfalls, and ample time to relax, the stereotype which drives so many to the tropics is actually quite correct. However, there are subtler movements in the jungles of Costa Rica: scuttling life, growing vines, and a flow of energy that emanates from Mother Nature. It’s in the purest conditions of living that one can truly detach from dramas outside of life and tune into the sacred happenings and lessons of the jungle, six which are explained here:
1. Something is Always Happening
The tiniest snail on a patched gray and brown tree moves slower than slow, centimeters a stretch. But in this trek, the infinitesimally small snail is focused, has clear conscience in its intended purpose, and is fully in the moment. Comparatively, across the clearing a Tico man works diligently to clear brush with a machete that has fallen during a nightly rainstorm and blocked his trail. He works with integrity, heart only in the present, meditating in the moment. 5 miles away an apple is being picked off a tree for a hungry toddler, somewhere else a celebration is being held with a family bidding farewell to their loved ones. In the big picture, there are never any ordinary moments. Life is full of activity, happenings, and depictions of pure living in its finest. It’s how we handle the ‘now’ moment and stay present that matters.
2. Take Time to Be
Rushing for a bus, eating on the run, or even watching television, reading a magazine, and playing with your kids all at the same time all too accurately depict the modern lifestyle. It’s clear the world we now live in has focus on creating efficiency in the construct that more is accomplished in less time… but at what price?Science shows that the constant bombardment of such a stressful lifestyle is the precursor to inflammation, the underlying cause behind all sicknesses. Not being in the ‘now’ can contribute to heart disease, insomnia, low self esteem, poor energy levels, and even Cancer, among many other conditions. Luckily, the lesson to slow down is abundantly present in Tico culture, and even in the fast-paced world one can incorporate small practices to sustain the positive habit. Stretching after waking up, sitting in silence, being grateful for 10 minutes, watching birds in the park, consciously spending time with others, or even mindfully eating are practices which can allow you to tap into the present and reap the benefits that accompany.
3. All life is Sacred, Curious, and Intelligent
In the tropics, you’ll likely find yourself eye to eye with an insect the size of your palm at one time or another. Squeal-worthy examples include: spiders, cockroaches, centipedes, and/or moths… Even the critter with beady black eyes and a pair of wheedling antenna has ambition to live. A hard-shelled body, lightning fast legs, and perhaps an intensely small brain may separate it by science, but like all forms – whether animal, human, insect, reptile, or bird – is intelligently drawing off of instinct to provide for itself and family, experience the world, and unknowingly contribute to the greater cycle of life.When one practices peaceful observation, they become in-tune to the aura of calm that pervades all life in this setting; this appreciation makes it easier to accept the unique diversity and perfection of life which is present in every corner of the universe.
4. Nature is the Perfect medicine
Everything the human body needs to function optimally is given in nature. By polluting and manipulating foods from their natural state, disease conditions have been created. Acidic, hard-to-digest foods, harmful chemical, and negative emotions all create lack of oxygenation, inflammation, and stress the organs of the body. However, nature is abundant with medicinal herbs and foods which are well known and found in the tropics. Fresh fruits and vegetables. as well as foods such as Aloe Vera (contains 20 minerals, aids in detoxification, digestion, and reducing inflammation), Holy Basil (which enhances general well being, reduces stress, and heals the heart and vascular walls), and Cranberry Hibiscus (which tastes like a sweet treat but is also high in Vitamin C, B3, B2, Iron, and Calcium) are easily found on farms and freely grow in the jungle. Truly example of the medicine cabinet quality of the wilderness, foods that are rich for life are all around, one just needs to seek those plants that grow near.
5. Pure water is important
Cool water trickling from an un-contaminated spring is rich in minerals, is alkalizing, and is pure enough to drink. Vibrationally, it’s buzzing at a level much richer than tap and is completely free from chlorine, fluoride, and other trace chemicals added to the general public’s source. The quality of water has greatly diminished in the world, especially in areas where it’s recycled and regulated with chemicals. Even derivatives of Aspartame and pharmaceutical medications can stay in tap water served to the public, toxins which alter brain chemistry and contribute to physiological issues. However, by seeking springs in the area, like the ones abundant in the jungle, one can hydrate themselves to better health and reap the benefits of an alkaline, nourished body.
In a location still predominantly untouched by man, there are many lessons to be tapped into; by becoming more in tune with the flow of life, it becomes easier to transcend common dramas which are rampant in the modern lifestyle. Mother Nature truly has the answers, and by returning to the roots and balancing the human body, more will come to experience the bliss that can be attained by living in harmony with the laws of creation.
