16/12/2016
"Pura vida"
I admit that I was charmed with the idea of it, even before buying the ticket. Whether they mean it or not, in Costa Rica this is the local greeting.
״.Hola" is also common. It means "have a good life."
Right at first I was taken by the idea, because there was a profound internalization of the ability to see the other, connect and to ask for him what you would ask for yourself. In which every human asks for himself- a good life.
What is a good life? That's a question that can be answered with so many words.
It is in the eyes of the observer, completely subjective.
Wiser men would say that at first a human will want its most basic needs:
food, shelter and water.
Will it be enough for me so I would feel that I have a good life?
Basically yes. But, I'm far from imagining myself feeling so.
Growing up in Israel in the 80's and witnessing the rapid changes in technology, society, politics and evolving human consciousness.
I am used to cities, commercial campaigns, I hold a smart phone constantly and feel surrounded by very high vibration, let alone a mind that produces ongoing thoughts, many voices, internal, external, a real chaos. This is so vast in a way that it takes quite an effort for me to be able to concentrate with one thing that I do or don't do.
As a matter of fact, the moments I feel profound sensation of inner peace are so very little to count during the day. I would refer to them as happiness.
When the ability to be present, feel gratitude, feelings of pleasure, sharing and giving of pure love, really shines out.
Maybe this is "pura vida."
Maybe if i had more moments like that, maybe I will have a better life.
How this might be accomplished, not so easy.
It takes practice, discipline and compassion. For ourselves and for others.
Patience and awareness will support the process.
Patience because you need at least a month to experience change.
Awareness is the key to stay detached from our feelings, emotions and urges that are changing constantly .
Say I was to succeed in that, would it be enough?
Just maybe the "pura vida" depends also on the ability of the people around me to feel it.
When I was a little boy, life was more easy, less noise and distractions. I was truly present. Now, the whole grown up world is too busy. Everyone is on a linear fast track, it is a very competitive and segregated world. This is world on steroids, everything is instant, not a moment to stop.
So why should everyone feel it?
Most of the world is still in survival mode, in war, poverty, ignorance, hunger and segregation.
Controlled by fear and greater forces who are not concerned with the one wellbeing.
A lot of suffering exists, it lingers every where.
It only takes a look at the surrounding, in people's eyes there is suffering.
I am constantly exposed, screens flashing that into my eyes.
Could I have a good life when at times it seems that the world is going up in flames?
I can not separate myself from my surroundings, have an isolated experience.
My well being is deeply tied with all of the people that I love.
If they suffer, I feel their pain. I carry that with me.
Actually, I feel I can relate to any human suffering,
By looking into someone's eyes I can let my heart be open and have compassion.
I feel that way about animals as well. When I see their observing, curious eyes and feel the presence of consciousness.
Maybe this is why I can relate to this state of mind,
wishing everybody a good life.