Study Nature, love Nature, stay close to Nature. It will never fail you.

– Frank Lloyd Wright

In this moment of chaos across the globe, it helps everybody to be able to stop and find some stillness. Those who find themselves in Costa Rica are fortunate in so many ways, and it would benefit us to be aware of what our location does for us.  The peace of staying home in Costa Rica is loaded with benefits, Namely, we have sunshine providing Vitamin D. We have clean water and air. Locally, we have access to home delivery services for groceries, including the local organic growers and producers of wonderful artisanal products so your diet or lifestyle does not have to suffer. Those who are surrounded by nature receive from it much more then they may realize.

Research in a growing scientific field called Ecotherapy has shown a strong connection between time spent in nature and reduced stress, anxiety, and depression. Studies have found that those who did a nature walk had lower activity in the prefrontal cortex, a brain region that is active during rumination, defined as repetitive thoughts that focus on negative emotions. “When people are depressed or under high levels of stress, this part of the brain malfunctions, and people experience a continuous loop of negative thoughts,” says Dr. Jason Strauss, director of geriatric psychiatry, Cambridge Health Alliance. Digging a bit deeper, it appears that interacting with natural spaces offers other therapeutic benefits. For instance, calming nature sounds and even outdoor silence can lower blood pressure and levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which calms the body’s fight-or-flight response. In the Southern Zone, silence means the absence of man made sound, yet it is not silent because the jungle always makes noise. Be it insects, birds, animals, water (streams, waves, rain), leaves in the trees. We are surrounded by Nature’s music. The visual aspects of nature can also have a soothing effect, according to Dr. Strauss. “Having something pleasant to focus on like trees and greenery helps distract your mind from negative thinking, so your thoughts become less filled with worry.”

In all, the right level of Vitamin D in the body helps us in the prevention of diseases such as osteoporosis, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. Besides, it also ensures the smooth functioning of the immune system. Don’t believe me, go for a brisk walk in the early morning sun and see how you feel after!

Sources
Scientific Reports, Health Benefits from Nature Experience Depend on a Dose, Danielle F. Shananhan, June 2016

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Refer to our past editions if you need clues. 

Download and print empty worksheet to complete: How Good IS Your Tico Talk Crossword Puzzle

*** DOWNLOAD ANSWER SHEET SOLUTIONS: ANSWER-How Good IS Your Tico Talk Crossword Puzzle Answers

ACROSS

DOWN

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See you next time! Nos vemos la próxima!

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In spite of all this, we should try to embrace the true Pura Vida spirit of it all, because just like a pancake has two sides no matter how flat you make it, every situation, no matter how unexpected and weird, has its pros and cons. So for those of us lucky enough to be ‘stranded’ in Costa Rica during this time, here’s a few good and bad aspects we can all relate to.

DISADVANTAGES OF THE QUARANTINE 

• Weekend Whimsy: Remember the days when we could drive Saturday and Sunday, no matter what number our license plate ended with? Those were wild times, right? Remember to savour the right, when restrictions end.
• Beach Bans: Yellow police tape has never been in such high demand and oh so prevalent, as well as anticlimactic as we see beach fronts taped off from North to South end. Whoever invested in that stock option, good for you! 
• Minimal Intimacy: Surely we can all agree that life isn’t nearly as fulfilling without those tropically induced moist handshakes and sweaty faux cheek’n’kiss greetings for all your friends and friends-of-friends and that one guy you don’t really know or like. Just a wave will now suffice.

ADVANTAGES OF THE QUARANTINE

• Less Traffic: Don’t you fondly remember that super dangerous ten-way intersection that involved heavily used conflicting dual turn lanes and stop signs to cross the Costanera highway that had weekly lethal accidents? No. No one misses that.
• New Hobbies: You can finally learn how to roast those potentially poisonous cashews at home, and if you’re feeling really ambitious, you can attempt to make your own chicha (fermented booze) from the remaining fruit. And while you’re flouting your green thumb, you can finally appreciate, harvest and eat that pineapple growing in your yard, which, lo and behold, don’t come from trees (who knew?!).
• Extended Visas: For those not fortunate enough to have residency, 90-day visa trips are a common occurrence. However, due to border closures the Costa Rica government has graciously extended immigrant visa requirements. While we might reminisce about the highly discounted duty free liquor, it never sucks being allowed to be ‘stuck’ in paradise.  
• Different Norms: Smelling like guaro isn’t just for benders, holidays or Tuesday anymore; that cheap alcohol aroma is the new ‘eau de corona’ disinfectant and it’s not going anywhere soon. 

So with all this in mind, let’s drink up, live it up, wash up and don’t judge that guy sleeping a little too soundly in the ditch in the middle of the day – we all social distance in our own way.

“Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive.”

– Elbert Hubbard

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Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 1½-2 cups  shredded coconut

Instructions

1. Heat water until hot, but not boiling.
2. Put shredded coconut in blender or Vitamix and add the hot water. If all the water will not fit, this can be done in batches. 
3. Blend on high for several minutes until thick and creamy.
4. First, pour through a mesh strainer to remove most of the coconut solids. Then squeeze through a towel or several thicknesses of cheesecloth to remove remaining pieces of coconut.
5. If you had to split the water into batches put all the coconut that you strained out back in the blender, add the remaining water, and repeat.
6. Drink immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days after making for best flavor and texture. Since there are no preservatives or fillers, the “cream” of the coconut milk may separate on the top if stored in the fridge. Just shake or stir before using. Best kept in a large mason jar, swing top jars, or other air-tight container.

Pro-tip! 

Use a coconut demoting tool or cut with a pairing knife small sections to get the coconut meat to separate from the shell.

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We hope you enjoy our guide!

1^st – Root Chakra: Muladhara

Mantra: I am confident. I am full of energy.

• Represents: Basic trust, safety, security, stability, foundation
• Problems: colon issues, lower back pain, varicose veins, emotional issues surrounding money and security, scattered energy, anxiety, fear
• Foods to eat: beets, parsnips, rutabaga, apples, pomegranates, protein
• Sound: LAM

2^nd – Sacral Chakra: Svadhishthana

Mantra: I constantly have new ideas to create the life I want.

• Represents: Sexuality, creative & sexual energy
• Problems: infertility, hip pain, sexual dysfunction, emotional imbalances or isolation, creative blocks
• Foods to eat: seeds, nuts, oranges, carrots, pumpkins
• Sound: VAM

3^rd – Solar Plexus Chakra: Manipura

Mantra: I am organized. I can accomplish my dreams.

• Represents: Wisdom, power, self-esteem, pleasure, will-power & personal responsibility
• Problems: gas, bloating, liver issues, stomach ulcers, eating disorders, lack of self-confidence, procrastination, control issues, manipulation
• Foods to eat: yellow peppers, yellow lentils, yellow squash, oats, spelt
• Sound: RAM

4^th – Heart Chakra: Anahata

Mantra: I am Loved. I am Loving.

• Represents: Love, healing, self-love & governs our relationships
• Problems: heart and lung problems, asthma, allergies, fear of intimacy, depression, lack of self-discipline
• Foods to eat: broccoli, kale, chard, all other leafy greens
• Sound: YAM

5^th – Throat Chakra: Vishuddha

Mantra: I express myself freely.

• Represents: Communication, the ability to speak & communicate clearly & effectively
• Problems: thyroid disease, frequent sore throat, difficulty expressing feelings, shyness, withdrawn, arrogance
• Foods to eat: blueberries, figs, kelp
• Sound: HAM

6^th – Third Eye: Ajna

Mantra: I am Calm. I can solve my problems.

• Represents: Awareness, intuition, foresight & is driven by openness & imagination
• Problems: depression, poor eyesight, hormonal imbalances, poor intuition, lack of direction or clarity
• Foods to eat: purple potatoes, blackberries, plums, purple grapes
• Sound: OM

7^th – Crown Chakra: Sahasrara

Mantra: I am at Peace.

• Represents: Spirituality, states of higher consciousness & divine connection
• Problems: issues with sleep/wake cycle, feeling disconnected from your body or others, difficulty meditating, spiritual discomfort, cynicism, closed mindedness, disregard for what is sacred
• Solutions: fresh air, sunlight, nature
• Sound: Silence

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But is it? Perhaps it’s been right in front of us all this time: in our children.

Reflect on what you learned about your children while homeschooling them: how do they cope, how do they learn? What’s THEIR dream?

Some things to consider:

• What kind of future are you preparing them for? Acknowledging its unpredictable. Have they begun to imagine their own destiny?
• What strengths, talents, skills do you hope they master? What do they themselves want to be able to do?
• Which topics do they show the most interest in? Could you spin off those into some necessary life skills?

A key part of the answer to every question herein is, as Carol Dweck elaborated, “The Growth Mindset”.

GROWTH MINDSET

Individuals who believe their talents can be developed through hard work, good strategies, and input from others have a growth mindset. They tend to achieve more than those with a more fixed mindset, whom are those who believe their talents are innate gifts.

How do your kids generally approach learning? As a beneficial but difficult necessity? Or as boring drudgery rather than our best path to better things? And how have they coped recently? By waiting until their preferred life returns? Or making the best of this challenging period? You will find kids tend to naturally adapt to their surroundings.

Imagine your kids behind in their school subjects but ahead in life because of how you spend this time. Now how are YOU feeling about this difficult period? Is the dream re-emerging?

“All our dreams can come true – if we have the courage to pursue them.”

– Walt Disney

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“Agua de sapo” (Toad Water)

• Ingredients
• 4 liters of water
• 1 “tapa de dulce” (unrefined whole cane sugar)
• 250 grams of ginger
• 1 cup “limones” (local lemons/limes) juice

Preparation:
Boil 1 liter of water with the “tapa de dulce” broken into pieces, mis in the ginger that has
been cut into pieces and mashed. Let it cook until the “tapa de dulce” is completely
dissolved. Allow moisture to cool and pass through a strainer. Add the lemon and the
rest of the water. Serve over ice.

Limonada Hierba Buena Casera (Homemade Lemonade)

• Ingredients
• 500 mL of water
• 2-3 “limones” (local lemons/limes) juice
• A few slices of grated ginger
• Natural sweetener (simple syrup, sugar or honey) to taste
• Handful of mint leaves (or local variety of mint called “hierba buena”)
• 5-6 Ice cubes

Preparation:
Squeeze juice from “limones” into the blender. Add the grated ginger, natural sweetener
and the handful of mint leaves with the water. Blend. Add a few ice cubes and blend
some more. Pour into a nice tall glass.

Another Nationwide favourite is mixing chan seeds into the juice of seasonal fruit such as
tamarind or cas. Another healthy, widely available “batido” (smoothie) would be one that is
particularly good for your eyes and includes blended carrots, ginger and orange juice. Typically, any drink mixture would be made with natural fruit and mixed with water or milk. You may also add a bit of a sweetener (sugar or honey) and even some lime for taste. Whatever the taste, go with your buds!

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Yoga is not to be practiced just as physical exercise but when practicing all components it has many positive effects on the brain and the body. Relaxing the body through the use of the breath directly affects the nervous system. The brain responds with the release of hormones and chemicals affecting our state of mind and our physical body. In the parasympathetic state (relaxed) our organs function smoothly, lowering our blood pressure and our heart rate. Equally, reducing anxiety and muscle tension, allowing for the continuous function of our digestive tract.

Then the movements/asana engage the body with the breathe, so we develop connection, awareness, concentration, to our physical being and the state it is in at that moment. With that awareness we learn that no state is permanent that all thing continually shift and change. If we can stay present to that we will lessen our anxiety from rumination and develop self-compassion and acceptance for whatever is in this moment, be it emotional or physical.

Over time the stressors become less, we gain resilience and can move deeper into a pose, as we do in life where we accept or recover from upheavals more readily. As we become more flexible in body through the continuous practice of yoga, the mind follows suit. Anyone can do yoga, no matter your flexibility, strength, size, age or ability to focus. Yoga is practiced to gain these last attributes, not because we already have them.

Yoga has been practiced for 5000 years, but only with recent scientific technology do we
understand how it works with the body to create well being.

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