Today was the first day of my new life. I arrived in Costa Rica yesterday afternoon, and have now settled in El Rosario at Vista del Valle Resort to learn what is involved in the creation of a grand dream. Since the owners of Vista del Valle are part of the small group of people I know who dream on a scale almost beyond what I can comprehend, it seemed like the perfect place to begin.
The first lesson I've learned is about courage. Mike and Johanna created Vista del Valle from nothing. Moved to Costa Rica from the United States, purchased the land and hired local workers to build. They began with a single building that became their home and the reception area for the hotel.....eventually expanding to include several cottages, a swimming pool and a restaraunt all overlooking a valley that takes your breath away. This grew into the thriving business it is today; run by a staff that continuously impress with their friendliness, warm welcome and impeccable service. But that has only been the beginning. They have begun work to create a medical clinic, a school and a volunteer center. Because of their passion to protect Costa Rica's natural resources they now have a network with people around the world who are involved in creating sustainable communities that replenish the environment.
The extent of their dream is remarkable and inspiring, but what I find even more remarkable is how they accomplish all this with an attitude of faith and peace. Mike and Johanna seem to approach every new situation with the belief that they can create and that it will be simple if you make it so. It may take time, but eventually it will come to pass. It is a courage that comes from a deeper belief in compassion, in beauty and the goodness of the earth and everything on it. But it also comes from opening and accepting their own power. The power of the universe acting through them.
I learned of another type of courage today from an ordinary man who grows lettuce. This was the type of courage that stems from recognizing your own personal value. Using a method that involves growing the plants in raised beds lined with plastic and filled with small pebbles of volcanic rock that he waters daily, he produces heads of lettuce that are so pristine and beautiful that I gazed at them in awe. He has filled the entire front and back lawn of his small home with these beds, and recently expanded to include cleared areas on the other side of the road. It was delightful to witness his pride in showing us what he produces, making an income far above that of his neighbors. And he does this simply because he knows he can, and because he believes enough in himself to know that he can create a good life for himself and his family.
The first lesson I've learned is about courage. Mike and Johanna created Vista del Valle from nothing. Moved to Costa Rica from the United States, purchased the land and hired local workers to build. They began with a single building that became their home and the reception area for the hotel.....eventually expanding to include several cottages, a swimming pool and a restaraunt all overlooking a valley that takes your breath away. This grew into the thriving business it is today; run by a staff that continuously impress with their friendliness, warm welcome and impeccable service. But that has only been the beginning. They have begun work to create a medical clinic, a school and a volunteer center. Because of their passion to protect Costa Rica's natural resources they now have a network with people around the world who are involved in creating sustainable communities that replenish the environment.
The extent of their dream is remarkable and inspiring, but what I find even more remarkable is how they accomplish all this with an attitude of faith and peace. Mike and Johanna seem to approach every new situation with the belief that they can create and that it will be simple if you make it so. It may take time, but eventually it will come to pass. It is a courage that comes from a deeper belief in compassion, in beauty and the goodness of the earth and everything on it. But it also comes from opening and accepting their own power. The power of the universe acting through them.
I learned of another type of courage today from an ordinary man who grows lettuce. This was the type of courage that stems from recognizing your own personal value. Using a method that involves growing the plants in raised beds lined with plastic and filled with small pebbles of volcanic rock that he waters daily, he produces heads of lettuce that are so pristine and beautiful that I gazed at them in awe. He has filled the entire front and back lawn of his small home with these beds, and recently expanded to include cleared areas on the other side of the road. It was delightful to witness his pride in showing us what he produces, making an income far above that of his neighbors. And he does this simply because he knows he can, and because he believes enough in himself to know that he can create a good life for himself and his family.
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