Learning to Flow with Change — Costa Rica’s Beaches, Food, and the Art of Surrender

Change has been the rhythm of my life — from ballet studios in Russia to film sets in the U.S., to new states, new homes, and new stories. But there’s something about Costa Rica that reshaped my understanding of change completely.

When we first came here, it wasn’t to move — it was a two-week discovery trip. We came with open hearts and no agenda, just a quiet question: Does this land call us forward?

And wow… it did.

What surprised me most wasn’t the dramatic landscapes or sunsets that look painted by the divine (though there were plenty). It was how alive everything felt — the rhythm of the waves, the vibrancy of the food, the ease of the people. Nature here doesn’t resist change. It is change. Effortless. Fluid. Constantly becoming something new.

I think that’s why Costa Rica felt like a teacher. Every morning, the light shifted, the tide turned, and the air itself seemed to whisper: Stop holding on so tightly. Just flow.

In my new video, I take you with me back to that first trip — from sunrise beach walks and local farmer’s markets to surfing lessons and simple meals that tasted like home. It’s not a “travel vlog” in the typical sense; it’s more of a visual meditation on change, presence, and the beauty of letting life lead.

🎥 Watch the full video:

If you’ve ever felt both the thrill and the fear of stepping into the unknown — or if you just love tropical light, slow travel, and food that tastes like sunshine — this one’s for you.

At the end, I also share the inspiration behind my painting Ocean’s Pulse — a reminder that while everything around us moves and transforms, something within us remains steady, luminous, and free.

So go make yourself a smoothie, hit play, and let Costa Rica remind you what it means to flow with life.

Irina Patten is a visual artist and storyteller who explores creativity, inspiration, and the magic of everyday life. She shares reflections from her surroundings, her studio, and her journey, inviting others to reconnect with their own inner light and creative power. Discover more of her art and stories.