UnPause Your Life and Feel Your "FLOW STATE" In Costa Rica - It's Inst – The Chicks Company

From ME to YOU w/LOVE!

Personal Adventures & Experiences from . . . My Travel Journal.

I am on a quest to discover more places where their culture -"Way of Life"- nourishes health, happiness and healing through love and kindness; resulting in a greater overall wellness.

My Travels to Costa Rica:

Life is full of twists and turns, ebbs and flows and sometimes circles! It's a good practice to take a moment regularly to check in with yourself, breathe deeply in a quiet place closing your eyes or looking out at nature's beauty and ask the question? "Am I leading the life I want to live? If not, then the question becomes..."Do I need to Pause or UnPause to reset, pivot or stay?

In order for me to approach this "Lead the Life I want to Live" I surrounded myself with family, friends, enjoyable work and programs full of love and healing. I remind myself often about patience and the power of healing over time. This next step was just calling to me over the years and it's just what I needed to get to the next level of my new LIFE path. Visit Costa Rica

In 2024 my big UnPause happened beginning in Costa Rica. And just to make sure, I went back a 2nd time and the confirmation was complete. I AM on the Path for ME..."Leading the Life I want to Live!"

Costa Rica taught me some amazing life lessons right out of the International gates.

As I take a DEEP Inhale and exhale and step off the Sansa regional plane flight, I feel a sense of calm that washes over me. I realize a few things, ONE- I am instantly more relaxed as I feel safe (crazy since I don't even know this country, I will explain more later), TWO - how much I have been holding my breath lately and THREE - I ACTUALLY FEEL FLOW & My Life beginning again and it feels Wonderful!!!!

Ok, let's dive into these three sensations:

ONE - Instantaneous SAFETY

I am not going to go into too much detail about my failed marriage but to say I spent way too many years in a place where I didn't feel emotionally safe from the person who proclaimed to love me, is an understatement. So to get off an airplane in a totally unknown country where I don't speak the language and feel so SAFE, is truly AMAZING!

I believe Costa Rica's mantra of "Pura Vida" which means wishing good will and happiness to all you meet is why Costa Rica is the perfect place for nourishing health, happiness and healing.

TWO - Breath

Nicoya Penninsula is one of the Five Blue Zones around the World (more on this later). These zones are designated based on the longevity of the people who inhabit these regions. The Nicoya Penninsula is rich in Oxygen from the gorgeous jungle living.

Breathe IT IN! And boy, did I do that all day long.

20,000 times per day and 10,000 liters of air is an average number of breaths a person takes in daily. Why in the world would one hold their breath?!!!! Usually Stress, Anxiety, and Fear to name a few emotions. Costa Rica took all this (holding my breath stuff) away for me, INSTANTLY! I instantly started breathing deeply and rhythmically as I felt safe and a true sense of calm rush over me and stayed with me the whole time I was there. Pretty magical!

Now, considering the fact we need to breath to survive and thrive, how many times do you catch yourself actually holding your breath? I find myself doing it less often now but I did it a lot for decades. I love how when someone near you yawns it can make you yawn too. Try initiating a big breath when you are near a bunch of people and see what happens, odds are someone will also be prompted to breathe deeply. This is what yoga teaches us, it's ALL about the breath. The poses are the action to train the breath. Then at the end of practice Shavasana encourages you to relax through gentle breath to seal in your practice which prompts a new level of peace and breath throughout your day. Are you breathing right now? It feels so good! Costa Rica is all about Yoga!

THREE - FEELING FLOW

I hope that my recount of these two trips to Costa Rica inspire you to visit, heal and thrive!

Feeling Flow produces endless possibilities...

A flow state is the convergence of action and consciousness putting you completely in the Present. It is the MOST AMAZING FEELING.

For me it happens most often when I am in an adventure sport: when mind and body converge and I feel as if I am floating seamlessly weightless. I have also felt flow state in yoga class, especially in Shavansana pose. When you experience this FLOW State you just FEEL IT and most often don't recognize it until you finish and look back in reflection and say, "OMG that felt SO GOOD!" This is because you TRULY were in the PRESENT. It is hard to describe because it is about FEEL. It's like my mind is suspended and my body feels weightless while soaking in this incredible flowing effortless rhythm, like I left life for a moment and when I return to grounding I feel so energized.

Super Cool Feeling! This is a worthy Quest...seeking out experiences that foster "Personal Flow" we would all feel so much better and BE BETTER!

Most times we say put your life on Pause, tune out and take a vacation. I think, at least for me, this is backwards. My life has been in a constant Pause. Repeating patterns that failed every time but yet hoping for a different result (Einstein's quote of Insanity). Sometimes you have to throw that sentiment away and come at Life from a different lens. I used the words "UnPause your Life" because I didn't realize how stuck I was resisting Life, my guard up for "what is going to happen next that is going to hurt? In order for you to approach this new lens perspective you do need to feel safe and " Costa Rica's "Pura Vida" allows a space for peace and safety resulting in tranquility that is so much larger than you, me, us and it's endless, there day after day because it IS their way of living...be kind and good to eachother

Ok, let's begin with my "WHY" for specifically chosing to visit the Nicoya Penninsula of Costa Rica for several reasons. I went to Playa Guiones (May '24) and Playa Santa Teresa (Dec '24).

• Blue Zone Curiousity - Longevitiy Lifestyle - check out Netflix documentary "Live to 100 - Secrets to 100" with Dan Buettner.

• Sand Reef Surfing - low risk for learning surfing(no coral or rock reefs under foot when you fall off and you will when you are learning)

• Low Key Pace - Sunrise 5:45am - Sunset 5:45pm How will you enjoy your day! (365 days the rise and set time only adjust by 15 minutes, and Everyone gathers on the beach to take in the "AWE Inspiring" Sunsets.

• Culturally Rich - "Pura Vida" kindness and contagious synergy producing a "Collective Happiness!"

*my two visits: Playa Guiones & Playa Santa Teresa

Time of Year to Visit:

Costa Rica basically has "dry season" and "wet or green season"

Dry Season is typically from Late November - Early May

*waves are the best and cleanest from December - February

Wet Season is typically from Late May - Early November

I had the opportunity to travel there in early December which was absolutely lovely weather. Less humid with barely any moments of rain passings (mostly at night) and less mosquitos and general bugs. When I went in early May, the humidity was more intense as the wet season was ramping up to daily storms, more mosquitos and bugs than in December. If you travel to Costa Rica in the wetter months, I understand if you rent a location up higher on the hill and in the jungle you will have less humidity, bugs and get gentle zephyrs daily Plus a killer ocean view and probably at a discount. I haven't done that yet to confirm but I did take a look at a rental while I was there in December that was gorgeous up in the jungle and I felt less humidity and the monkeys were amazing plus the breeze and view were awesome. So next time I will stay up high and rent an ATV.

Getting to Costa Rica: Liberia or San Jose?

Landing in Liberia or San Jose Airports? Both airports are super easy to find your way around and navigate, through great funneling of people, signage (pictures) and most people speak English. San Jose often has a better price from the USA. If you prefer to visit the northern parts of Costa Rica, especially Tamarindo up to Las Catalinas you may want Liberia because you can easily take a 45 minute shuttle to your destination. These shuttles can be set up ahead of time or you can just book one once you arrive at the airport. The pricing isn't much different. You can also shuttle down to Playa Guiones and or Playa Santa Teresa but it is long (3-4 hours), twisty bumpy roads and you will definitely want to arrange this ahead of time.

My preferred method of travel is to fly Delta and connect through LAX to San Jose, Costa Rica. Once I land in Costa Rica, I leave the International airport collecting my luggage (I prefer a carry on as you don't need many clothes, mostly swimsuits and flip flops) and leave the airport following the signs and sidewalk around the corner to their Regional Costa Rican Airport. This is the home for the two regional airlines. They fly to many areas of Costa Rica multiple times per day. A comfortable connection time to go from International Airport to this Regional Airport and check in (you and your luggage will be weighed) is 50 minutes or more. Pre book online before you arrive as there aren't many seats and pay attention to luggage weight and travel restrictions when booking. This way you spend less time in the airports and more time at the beach. Green Airways offers a free beer for your journey, Yahoo! Welcome drink either direction. Keep in mind these flights often get delayed due to weather. Earlier morning flight times are usually best. So check often before your trip to ensure smooth travels. Both airlines work with you on un expected travel changes but there are fees and restrictions, so read that before booking as well.

Two regional airlines,

Sansa Airlines or Green Airways

It's a quick 30-40 minute flight over the jungle (BONUS: you get a tour) and ocean to either Nosara (NOB) for Playa Guiones area or Cobano (CO1) for Playa Santa Teresa.

When you land locally:

At Nosara (NOB) there are Tuk Tuk's lined up outside of the airport runway (super small, reminds me of a "drug runner runway" from the movies, it's not though...just super small and Low Key Beauty for sure). On your return make sure you drink your coffee ahead of time as there aren't food services. There is a bathroom though and you don't need to be there but 30 minutes ahead of your flight. Cost was $20 US one way, there were 3 of us with luggage so we needed to Tuk Tuk's. It's about a 12 minute Tuk Tuk ride. So fun!

At Cobano (CO1) just grab your bag and walk out front and there are taxi driver's waiting. The fee one way to the beach areas is $40 US however if there are more than one of you, it can be split because $40 is the total price no matter the number of people. It's about a 30 minute drive. On your return there are coffee and light snack service in airport plus bathrooms. You only need to be there 30 minutes before to get weighed and checked in.

* my little yellow travel case

Where to Stay?

My kind of travel? I recently discussed this with my girlfriends and I will explain so you have a basis of the way I like to travel. I like to adventure all day long and mostly outside where I can enjoy nature, eat delicious meals and hang with the local community and wildlife but at night I truly enjoy a lovely space and comfortable bed to rest so I can do it all again the next day. There you go my nutshell of travel basics for premium rest.

Good Meals, Good Fun & Good Place to Lay My Head!

My "Go To's" depending on the area, timing and what experience I am looking for I use the following: Booking, Airbnb, Vrbo, and sometimes Furnished Finder and of course Friend / Family connections when available.

Playa Guiones, Nosara / Costa Rica

(keep in mind this is jungle life so dirt roads with holes that fill up with water after storms. Need to approach in a Super low key mindset...need to be flexible)

For my trip to Playa Guiones, I used Airbnb and stayed at the most wonderful location and home, the Jungle Loft (Pierre's Place) from May 5-13, 2024. It was so conveniently located on a dirt road just below the skatepark and around the corner from all the restaurants and beach. I loved that it is tucked away off the street, very quiet location but super close and walkable to everything. The other fun thing in this part of Costa Rica its that most homes just have geo coordinates not street addresses AND the local Tuk Tuk drivers just knows where it is. So, No worries! ("it's just past the bakery down the dirt street."). BTW - Tuk Tuk's are readily available cruising the area. You can take rides here and there for dinner etc for $5-$10 US. Pierre has a personal contact for when you need a more scheduled ride for example, going back to the airport.

* Jungle Loft / Nosara / Playa Guiones

This lovely house comes with lot's of hidden gems, like free beach cruiser bikes which are so fun to get down to the beach and restaurants (there are bike locks too). There is an inner courtyard with hang out couch area to dine, jacuzzi, outdoor shower and canopy over the outdoor dining table. Inside has three sleeping areas accommodating 6 people.

One of the best features in Playa Guiones according to me and my traveling buddies as we were completely there to SURF is the Guilded Iguana Surf Club. IT ROCKS! All you have to do is roll up pay a membership fee (we did a weekly family membership -bargain), pick your board, lock up your bike, put your personals in a locker, greet your local surf board assistant who waxes and helps you chose, walk through the gorgeous path through the jungle and begin your ocean therapy. Wow I am excited and need to get back there now. After you are done or just need to change a board, run up and change. After you are exhausted, bring your board back, enjoy the outdoor shower, change clothes, grab a delicious Costa Rican coffee and acai bowl kick back in the chill area before you ride home. You can also secure lessons and other rentals. It is so fantastic! And worth every Penny!

*Guilded Iguana Surf Club

Getting Around Nosara | Playa Guiones:

Another reason I chose Playa Guiones is that I discovered and confirmed it is easy to navigate without a rental car. I walked, rode a bicycle, rented a golf cart in town or took a tuk tuk. All of these options were reasonable and readily available. If your rental place or hotel doesn't come with bicycles, you can rent them in town as well (they even have ebikes if you like). My trip and focus was surfing everyday, so my needs were close to home and the beach, If you want to explore elsewhere the options of how and who can assist are endless. Costa Ricans want you to explore and I never felt taken advantage of. It's quite lovely.

* Our Tuk Tuk set up by our host at the Jungle Loft

Dining In Playa Guiones & Playa Pelada:

A must do is to make a reservation or have your concierge make a reservation for you at La Luna, this wonderful casual restaurant celebrates the sunset with the most tables facing west. I recommend booking early and looking at the weather during your trip to try and pick a night without late showers so you can enjoy THIS BELOW. It was AMAZING!

(La Luna is located at the point between Playa Guiones and Playa Pelada. For us it was an easy walk on a jungle path to get there and a short easy Tuk Tuk ride home.

*La Luna - sunset dinner

Playa Santa Teresa / Costa Rica

For my trip to Playa Santa Teresa, I used Booking.com and stayed at Natura Loft Garden

What is soooo cool about Natura Lofts is the location to central town (walkable) and beaches and yet is quiet and jungle-esk. Jungle views surround you without isolating you or needing a vehicle to explore. The jungle on the property had lush flowers trees monkeys and gorgeous butterflies. The other fabulous feature is the design of a 1 private bedroom with bathroom and an upstairs loft with large bathroom plus a mini kitchen and living area with pullout couch (like a futon). Each unit has a nice lanai with couch table and dining area outside with some privacy screens and staggered walls. There is a common hammock and yoga shala to use as well as a lovely pool area with shade trees and birds chirping. You booking your travel already?! Ok, the best part is the price (very reasonable for extended stays) with change flexibility through Booking.com and Barbara, the wonderful property owner, plus her assistant, Irina. (GET the What's App for communication).

(located up a dirt road, next to a youth hostel [still quiet though]and some car repair business. This is typical in this part of Costa Rica) Need to adjust USA mindset and be flexible. As long as your living area is super clean, it's all good because everything is then close by and the cost stays reasonable and you experience the true Costa Rican culture. If you prefer Four Seasons travel approach this area is not for you.

Here is my daily routine:

Wake up when my body wanted, usually 7am ish. Have a delicious cup of coffee from the Nespresso maker in our little kitchen and enjoyed this cup out on the lanai, listen to the jungle wake up and read this wonderful book - The Four Agreements, A Toltec Wisdom Book by Don Miguel Ruiz

Wait for my travel buddy to rise have some conversation then get on my rented beach cruiser bicycle with surfboard under arm, new surf swimsuit on and cruise down for a beautiful morning surf session rendering excitement, nervousness and ultimately pure joy radiating out of my body. We would either cruise to main beach or a sweet spot at La Lora.

• Kina Surf Shop - Eric and Rachel the owners of Kina. They offer great surf board rentals and surf goods for purchase. Daily board rental rate is $20 and deposit is your government id. I also scored some awesome new Rip Curl surf bathing suits that protect from the intense sun and stay up so you can focus on the surfing and look good too.

*bike rental at ATValerios (right nextdoor to Kina Surf Sport) $12/daily, $10/weekly, $8/monthly includes basket and bike lock.

After surf session, we needed FOOD and DRINK. A terrific option was the center of town, Eat Street - a food court (yes, I did say food court) but this one is like no other. Open air cool concept with everything from breakfast, coffee, to tacos to poke bowls (freshly caught) to beer and cocktails and music entertainment in the evening. All this at decent pricing plus clean (jungle standards), healthy options maintained mostly by wonderful South Americans - so lot's of LOVE! This is a communal nourishing place on many levels for wellness.

Then shower, grab book head back to the beach for a snooze under a palm tree until the afternoon session, beach yoga and sunset.

* Kristin Martino - Yoga master and sweet friend

Sunsets are cherished here on the West Coast of Costa Rica. Plan to make your way down to the beach about 5pm to celebrate another gorgeous sunset with all the welcoming community of Santa Teresa, locals, natives and visitors! What a daily gift...receive it!

I LOVE this part! It is SOOO Incredibly Healthy for everyone!!!! Then have your phone with flashlight as it gets dark so quick and you are walking through the jungle path on your way to dinner.

DINNER OPTIONS:

Eat Street - hamburgers, poke, chicken dishes and cocktails plus music

Muzza Pizza - delicious Italian food, wood fired oven pizza and homemade pasta

Nami - sushi - fabulous, fresh and reasonably priced, fun atmosphere great cocktails.

Rocamar - great burgers & tacos & drinks on the beach for sunset under the lights

BREAKFAST \ LUNCH OPTIONS:

Somos Cafe and Surf Shop - great hang out for breakfast, lunch, meet people etc.

Ani's Bowls & Salads - bowls, burritos, smoothies

BEACH BAR & HANGOUTS:

Banana Beach Club

Natipa Hotel, Numu Wellness Center, Manzu Restaurant (on the Beach)

SPA & BEACH BAR & RESTAURANT & HOTEL - Magnificient!!!! This was my birthday spot. Spa treatments, beach relaxation and delicious sunset and dinner. You can visit and utilize parts of the the property as non-guests. Enjoy these last pictures from my celebration. Really love this place!!!!

Working on a Wellness Retreat here. Let me know by DM or comment on my Instragram post whether you would be interested. No commitment, just wondering how many people in my space like these kinds of gatherings. Need to host a retreat here for sure, they have everything needed! Follow us on Instagram The Chicks Company | Deb's Travels

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