The Divine is in the Details

There are many beautiful places, scenic vistas, and mountains, but there is only one Monteverde. I say this not only because of the rarity of the cloud forest, which makes up only 1.4% of the world’s tropical forests. Or because of the fact that Costa Rica hosts 6% of the planet’s biodiversity while only having 0.03% of the Earth’s surface.

I say this because the rarity and biodiversity of our geography are only one part of Monteverde’s appeal as a destination. To understand this place's true magic, you must also factor in the culture, the values and thoughtfulness of the community, and the goals of the Costa Rican government, because they all must work together to maintain our little piece of paradise.

But after years of living here, it’s fascinating to realize that oftentimes the beauty of Monteverde is found in quiet, thoughtful moments, in passing glances and casual interactions, in time spent just walking through the woods, looking up at each one with wonder. Because as the people of Monteverde will tell you, if you walk past every tree like it’s just another tree, you’ve already missed the beauty of the forest.

A Culture of Pura Vida

The concept of pura vida is one that permeates this culture, and for those not familiar with the concept, I will take a moment and explain.

The literal translation of this, which is pure life, only gives a hint of its true meaning. For those of us who live here, it is a lifestyle or even a motto and it embraces and encourages a way of living that is centered on health, but not perhaps in the way you would expect. In many cultures, the idea of healthy living involves strict diets and plenty of time in the gym.

In Costa Rica, the idea behind living your best life is much broader and more inclusive- and it's not just about you. This culture values community to such an extent that time spent with others is considered a necessary ingredient to happiness and well-being, as is the idea of time spent in nature, and personal time. 

A “pure life” is one which maintains a balance of activity, community, and peace in a way that supports not just your physical health, but your mental health as well. Things like maintaining a good diet only come into the equation naturally, based on the fact that most food is grown and sourced locally without preservatives or processing.

When you understand how integral the pura vida lifestyle is, you start to understand the people you meet. Their relaxed, easy-going attitudes, their warm, welcoming personalities, and their inclusive attitude toward those of us not blessed to have been born here. This culture is centered on the good of all, and ‘all’ pertains to humankind, not just Costa Ricans.

It is this belief that brings the magic because it has seeped into every single thing. It is conveyed through every interaction and every relationship. It fosters the type of interconnected existence that is exemplified in the ecosystems around us- that in which every living thing, no matter how small, has a part to play that enhances the health of the whole.

In North America, in order to succeed, businesses must compete fiercely for their portion of the pie, but using the Costa Rican model, every part of the community works symbiotically with every other part, and the town as a whole is made stronger and more vital.

It’s this vitality and positivity that shines through the smiles of the people, whether they are selling their wares from a roadside stall, or working to serve guests in one of the local hotels or restaurants. They are happy, and it shows.

Thoughtful Retail

This culture of ‘oneness’ can be seen even in the most unlikely places, and perhaps one of the unlikeliest is in the retail space. We are used to souvenir shops geared towards making as much as possible from the tourism industry, and frankly, we are used to products made using the cheapest means of manufacture in order to make those profits.

Walking into a gift shop or retail space here is a little bit different. Of course, every business needs to make money to survive, but instead of competition, you will find a focus on products made within the community, because this benefits the welfare of all. 

You will also find many products which are made by companies whose goal is to support and sustain the local ecology and biodiversity. These companies funnel a portion of their profits directly into conservation efforts that include reforestation, animal rescue, biological and climate change research, and much, much more.

In this way, the community is supporting the forests which in turn support the oxygenation of our atmosphere and reduce the effects of global climate change, another example of the community working towards the welfare of all.

Imagine what a world it could be if more tourist destinations put as much effort into the good of the planet as they did in the drive for profits!

A Tree is Not Just a Tree

Perhaps it is the natural immersion in nature that occurs in a place like this. One in which other living things are absolutely everywhere and cannot be ignored. This type of geography makes you inherently aware that you are a small part of the whole, and that the world does not center on human needs alone.

Gazing up at a gigantic tree that could be hundreds of years old, and knowing that the branches towering above you could be home to an entire ecosystem of its own, can be an awe-inspiring experience, but it can also remind us that there is more to the world around us than we can see.

In North American parks and suburbs, and even in our backyards, a tree is a source of shade, a place to hang a swing for the kids or put up a feeder for the birds. It is practical, or ornamental, it may even provide fruit, but it is generally there at our mercy. We plant it, or we cut it down based on our needs and our wants.

To see these monumental trees standing so tall and full that they block out the sun and muffle all exterior sound puts them into a totally different light. Here they are life-giving habitats, carbon-eating giants, and planet-cooling machines that cannot be easily ignored or controlled. Here, perspective changes and we see not just a tree but hectares of essential forests whose power to protect our planet is immense, and must be respected and protected.

The Subtle Details Make All the Difference

Culture. Retail shops. Trees and nature. These are not new concepts, and you can find them all around the world. But how the people of Monteverde, and of Costa Rica in general, treat each of these little corners of life (and many others) adds up to an enormous difference.

Truly, the divine is in the details. The little things that we don’t notice as we bustle from home to work, and from the gym to school and back again. The real magic is what happens when we learn to slow down. When we embrace the pura vida and become an active part of the world around us and the communities in which we live. 

It is then that we truly see the everyday miracles that make this place so very special, and enrich our lives in so many small but wonderful ways. Come and see for yourself what kind of special magic exists here, under the canopy, at the top of the world, and return home forever changed and full of hope for a better world.

And if you’d like some help getting started, you can reach out to the team at the Ocotea Boutique Hotel and Ocotea Tours and Transfers. They’ll be happy to provide you with eco-friendly accommodations and the best personal service and organize some amazing tours so you can experience the wonder of Monteverde’s Cloud Forest for yourself.

Just click this link to get started.