There’s a lot we can learn from the local culture. Out on the coast, we as gringos, often think of our ‘water therapy’ to take the form of the beach, the ocean, the ocean view or even the pool or hot tub.

Those are all legitimate forms of getting in touch with the liquid side of nature, connecting with that vital element that gives life.

However, our Tico friends seem to really understand another form of ‘water therapy’ that I thoroughly enjoy jumping into. The River. The river is a place where you grab a hold of something valuable, take it to the bank and reap the dividends of happier days and healthier years.

The river (rio) is a place of congregation; it’s a place of finding tranquility and refreshment; it’s a place of finding yourself by the sandy and rocky shores that represent the aqua arteries of this planet. It’s good fun.

Driving along the coastal and rural roads of this country, you will find some what hidden, but usually pretty accessible river spots that seem to appeal to the universal Sunday desire to let things roll away, cleanse yourself of anything unwanted, and reconnect with what is enjoyable and sacred and healthy.

Yesterday, I had the chance to go to the birthday party of a Costa Rican friend of ours. She celebrated her birthday, with her family, merrily down by the river — food, drink, sun, shade, dipping and hammocking, laughing and sharing, surrounded by those who she cares about.

All the usual suspects were present: the grill guy, the cooler guy, the story teller guy, the fishing guy, the guys who can’t stay out of the river and rapids, and in my case, the fortunate invitee guy. Every one of us enjoying the sounds, the birds, the cool air, and that fresh, clear mountain spring water. Que rico!

The indigenous people of this region revered the rivers and treated them with the highest regard. They were careful to respect their plentiful and powerful water, its purity and sheer force, particularly in the rainy parts of the year.

A fairly common sweat lodge ceremony was practiced whereas the participant would rotate between the womb of the sweat lodge and enter into the mercy of the three biggest forces man knows — gravity, time and water. Upon submerging into the bold river’s waters, personal impurities washed away, leaving one more wise and renewed.

Now, they are still enjoyed by the locals. Sure, the ‘ceremonies’ and ‘traditions’ have changed, but the sources are still strong, pure and present. Thankfully, the local fortunate few (thankfully, myself included) seeking ease, fluidity and river side pleasantries remain faithful.

Many of these water sources are virtually ‘undiscovered’ and abundant in the Central and Southern Coastal areas. They can be accessed off of year round roads and usually don’t require you getting stuck in mud without having friendly local get your vehicle back ‘on track.’ There are a few with nice local restaurants, cold beer and comfortable terraces.

Come down and experience your ‘water therapy;’ Costa Rica is full of great ways to this!

Disclaimer: Please avoid drinking too much beer then swimming across strong currents, eating entirely too much grilled meat and tortillas, or pitching camp too close the fluctuating shores.

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