Pure Life

December 2005

They have a saying in Costa Rica: “Pura Vida.” Pure Life.

This does not mean good or bad life, or holy or evil life. It does not mean religious or atheistic life. It does not judge life.

Pure Life just means: enjoy this life in all its richness. It may be hot, or rainy. Enjoy it. The wind may blow or not. It might be cold and icy, with snow-showers. Revel in the magic of life as it is created around you.

A wonderful friend living in the land of Pure Life recounts, “People said, ‘I’m looking for magic and passion in my life.’ I ask, ‘How much magic and passion can you stand?’”

The magic and passion of each moment no matter where you are. Flowers, trees, and rivers. The warm mist of breath on a cold day. Clouds that portray every hue of the rainbow as the sun sets. Birds that dart effortlessly this way and that. The miracle of life in each person and each second.

In the Gnostic gospel of Thomas, it is said his disciples asked him, "When will the Kingdom come?" Jesus said, "It will not come by waiting for it. It will not be a matter of saying 'Here it is' or 'There it it is.' Rather the Kingdom of the Father is spread out upon the earth, and men do not see it."

It is so easy to see, but apparently difficult to appreciate and understand. Such appreciation is made more difficult because our vision is clouded by human perspectives and priorities. Our jobs, traffic, homes, and the web of human interaction on this planet make it hard to see the Pure Life and the magic and passion.

It is there to see. It only takes thinking about this moment. The realization that we are all one – ‘we’ meaning everything there is – makes it all come clear. From the subatomic level to infinity, we are all one in perfection.

So, during this holiday period, let us all simply ponder “Pure Life” and the rest will take care of itself.