How to Become One with Nature

I wonder what it's going to take for all of us to 'return to normal'. It's a long road, don't you think? At this writing, a new year is just about a month away. Let's tidy up our 'to-do' list and start planning for the future. . let's figure out what we're going to do TODAY to create 'something to look forward to'. Let's make some profound changes in our path to sanity from this moment forward. I will warn you that it takes time and effort to do so. I once read where a study on 'human nature' showed that the average person spends more time planning for a vacation or a weekend outing (attending a sports function or going camping) than they do planning for their own future. This is rather scary and it shows how time can sneak up on all of us. How many times have you heard an older person say that they just don't know where the time went. They wake up one morning and they're 80 years old and they're full of regrets. Don't let this happen to yourself and your family. .

Above is an image of a very-relaxed 'White-faced' or 'Capuchin' Monkey, laying on a branch, in a rainforest somewhere in Costa Rica. His favorite branch can be compared to our favorite sofa. His body fits perfectly into the natural form created into an ideal shape, perhaps for the sole purpose of enjoying the moment! Mother Nature has a way about her in that she makes certain that all of her creations ADAPT to their present situation. Let me explain myself. . stay with me here. .

We can learn so much about ourselves by simply walking in a jungle setting. In Costa Rica, with well over 150 national parks and protected areas, there is a huge selection of venues for us to do just that. Costa Rica has 30 national parks (this number is growing every year), 59 wildlife refuges, 35 protected zones, 16 wetland areas/mangroves, 11 forest reserves and 10 biological reserves, as well as 13 other conservation regions that protect the distinctive and diverse natural habitats found throughout the country. Well over 25% of the total land mass of this country is protected. Because of this backdrop of incredible biodiversity that we are all able to enjoy, those who take advantage of this 'playground'. . those who become 'one' with their surroundings, can definitely improve their state of mind and well being.

What can we learn from our experiences here and from our friend, the Capuchin Monkey of Costa Rica?

First, there is so much more to life than our current day-to-day routine. We all need to learn how to enjoy a total balance of 'work' and 'play'. We must realize that if we do find that perfect blend, our lives will become immediately more fulfilling. We will naturally work harder and with a more focused approach, knowing that we are going to reward ourselves with that 'time to play' in the future. We simply have 'something to look forward to'.

Second, a typical day in the life of this species of monkey consists of traveling long distances, foraging for food. They eat insects, ripe fruit, flowers, seeds, small lizards, bird eggs & nesting squirrels. They search for food from early dawn until the dark of night, traveling from the jungle floor to the high canopies above. Their action of continually searching for food allows them to spread seeds of trees and fruits for miles. This continues the cycle of growth for many of the species of trees and plants. Eating many of the insects that can completely destroy the trees also aids in our trees staying strong and healthy! These creatures work hard and they play and rest. The cycle of life. . no matter if you're a monkey or a person. . many similarities.

Another lesson to be learned. . they travel and live in groups, or 'troops'. They help one another throughout the day. There is a strong bonding that occurs when they groom each other. They're very social and they thrive on this. Most of us cherish our friends and our close family members. We couldn't live without our oh-so-important 'sphere of influence'. They can't, either!

KISS. . "keep it simple stupid". Maybe this is a lesson that we can apply to our day-to-day lives. Do we really have to lead complicated, stressful lives? Does our time here on earth need to be filled with envy, greed, jealously & negative thoughts? Should we spend our time and our efforts each and every day going after the 'prize', whatever that may be? Do we feel unsuccessful because we maybe don't have as much as one of our more 'successful' friends or associates at work? Please don't clutter your mind with such unimportant notions. Keep your goals simple and simply enjoy each and every day to its fullest.

My final observation is this. . as one spends more time, perhaps alone or with a close friend or spouse, in any setting that takes you away from all of the human-generated outside influences that surround us and bombard us with false 'wants and needs', unnecessary demands & unimportant obligations, we become more free to play. We find a different way to enjoy being 'ourselves'. Our agenda changes. Our lives improve.

Mother Nature knows what she's doing. She understands that we, as humans, are drawn to her and all she has to offer. My only hope is that perhaps this coming year, you are able to fit a visit to Costa Rica in among all the other things you have planned. I am confident that you will find that it will definitely be a step in the right direction for you and your family. And, who knows, you may be able to thank our little monkey friend above IN PERSON for planting a seed in your mind to start fresh in a brand new year! Pura Vida. .

You're invited to visit our websites at: www.costaricagoodnewsreport.com & www.costaricaimmigrationandmovingexperts.com

Also, please enjoy our over 1,700 episodes of our "Costa Rica Minute / Costa Rica Pura Vida Lifestyle Podcast Series". We are found on all major podcast venues, including iHeartRADIO, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Radio FM, Anchor & many more. Here's our link: www.anchor.fm/costa-rica-pura-vida