Wintering in a Blue Zone: How to live the ‘Pura Vida’ anywhere, any season.

I used to fantasise about writing my own blog from an exotic location. Well here I am, sat in beautiful Costa Rica. Big gratitude to life right now! One realisation I’ve had since arriving here on Christmas Day is that you can take a girl out of winter, (that’s me) but you cant stop me wintering. I knew even before booking this trip that I wouldn’t be ‘doing’ too much whilst abroad, but rather consciously choosing to continue my wintering. I had the option to spend 2 weeks travelling around, exploring many different places, but I was yearning for grounding, to be in one place that allowed me to deeply nurture myself.

Perhaps you’re wondering how I could possibly winter on warm, sandy beaches and under balmy moonlit skies. Despite being in a tropical climate, I have continued to embody the qualities of winter - the yin, feminine energies of rest, inward reflection and regeneration. My intention to continue this was key however there’s no denying that my wintering abroad has been helped by staying in one of five ‘Blue Zones’ in the world. The concept of "Blue Zones" refers to regions around the world where people consistently live longer and healthier lives.

Here in Nosara, there are many opportunities for living a good life, hence the commonly used phrase “Pura Vida”. With a sea full of surfers, jungle-immersed yoga studios and numerous wellness retreats one is never stuck for wellbeing practices that nourish the mind, body and soul. I tried Chi gong, Ariel restore yoga and a sound journey. I ate healthy food and was surrounded by stunning nature. Being able to witness the universe in the sky above, feeling the warm breeze upon my skin, hearing the vibrant wildlife and tasting fresh fruits offered deep healing. I did plant medicine ceremonies, I went to bed early and rose with the sun, I cosied up with books, I moved my body daily, I practiced stillness through meditation and mindfulness, went in deep with shadow work and inner child healing and journaled daily. It feels like my wintering and the Blue Zone life worked very well together. But I realised a lot of this healthy living can be done almost anywhere.

How you can live a Blue Zone life.

You may have realised fairly quickly that regardless of where you live, you can incorporate many of the Blue Zone principles into your own life. After experiencing it first hand I thought I’d share how:

1. Prioritise Plant-Based Foods:

• Focus on whole foods whilst limiting processed foods.

• If you eat meat, limit it to a few times a week and choose lean sources.

2. Move Naturally:

• Incorporate physical activity into daily life: Walk, bike, garden, or take the stairs.

• Find enjoyable activities such as dancing, swimming, or hiking.

• Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

3. Cultivate Strong Social Connections:

• Prioritise relationships by spending quality time with loved ones, friends, and community members.

• Join social groups such as a women’s circle, volunteer at an organisation, attend community events.

4. Find Purpose and Meaning:

• Identify your passions: What activities bring you joy and fulfilment? Find a way to do them

• Volunteer your time: Giving back to your community can make a positive impact.

• Practice mindfulness and gratitude, appreciating the present moment and the blessings in your life.

5. Down-shift Regularly:

• Prioritise relaxation and stress management through mindfulness meditation, breathing exercises, or yoga.

• Unplug from technology: Take regular breaks from screens and spend time in nature or with others who are supportive.

• Ensure adequate sleep.

6. Create a Supportive Environment:

• Create a calm and inviting home environment that promotes relaxation e.g. declutter what you no longer need

• Grow your own food: If possible, start a small garden, grow herbs indoors or compost your food.

• Connect with nature by spending time outdoors in green spaces and taking care of the earth

By incorporating these principles into your daily life, you can create a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life, even if you don't live in a traditional Blue Zone. Remember that consistency is key, so start with small changes and gradually build upon them.

N0 New Year Resolutions - Yes to a word!

As 2024 closed I felt inspired to celebrate my growth whilst also acknowledging the (new and repeating) challenges in life. I felt no pressure to set new years resolutions however a word came to me that I have implemented in my daily living. My word is shine. It refers to shining a light on not only my gifts, but also my shadows.

Over the past year, I felt there were times when my ‘light’ was dimmed. By this I mean I wasn’t fully stepping into my power, my soul felt repressed and I was yearning to share more of me, authentically. However, I felt afraid to be seen and heard thus limited myself.

We all have a shadow self, made up of the parts of ourselves we deem unacceptable. Bringing light to these contrasting areas can feel challenging, but I know I need to bring my gifts and passions into the spotlight. So yes to more singing, more circles, sound journeys, retreats and play.

As for bringing light to my shadows - well here they are… I often feel insecure, I compare myself to others leading to feelings of comparison, anxiety and a lack of self-worth. Part of my journey is about lovingly acknowledging these feelings: ‘Hi fears, I see you, I hear you, I got you. Let’s work through this.”

To support me in this process of shining, I’ve been doing supported inner child work, booked sessions for a new hobby - (hello ariel silks), journalling, meditating, spending time in nature, play, movement and resting.

If you were to bring forth a word to live by, for the next week, month, or year, what would it be? You can let me know here.

Despite all this wintering, I still don’t know the direction of my life and it feels as if not very much is happening. But what is happening is nourishment.

I love the analogy of the seed, deep in the dark, fertile void of the earth, receiving all the nutrients so that when the time is right it will begin to grow up towards the light for all to see its wonderful bloom. So I will continue to wait, in unknowingness, making my soil as fertile as possible. I trust that as the seed bursts its shell at exactly the right time, I will too. That as the shoots rise towards the light at the perfect moment, I too will rise. And as the plant blooms in divine timing, so too will I.

Regardless of your location and the season, I invite you to embrace a lifestyle that enhances your overall wellbeing. Remember, significant change doesn't always require drastic measures. Even small steps can make a profound difference. Whether you choose to spend more time in nature each day, live by a guiding word, spend two minutes journaling, or engage in physical activity, these simple practices can contribute significantly to your health, vitality, and peace of mind. I hope whatever action you take will help you shine too.

“Keep Shining. The world needs your light.”