What do you desire most?
Money? Happiness? A loving family?
Whatever we desire, one thing we share in common: our resources are limited. We’re strapped for cash, pressed for time, and live in a world where our fulfillment is far from a guarantee.
But what if I told you there was a resource that we could leverage to mitigate these problems?
By learning from the rhythm of life, we open up more resources that we can spend on our ultimate goals. Money will come easier, time will be more abundant, and our dreams will no longer look so unattainable.
Table of Contents
Embracing The Rhythm of Life Doesn’t Mean Slowing Down or Speeding Up
“Ffft”
“Whoosh”
“Whizz!”
The darkness was deafening and the barrage blinding. I danced in the dark, finer than Muhammad Ali himself.
That was, until I took Frazier’s left hook on the chin. Up until that point I was amused. Now I was rattled. My eyes searched for my guide. Unsuccessfully.
But he knew what had happened. I must not have been the first.
“Slowww down chele”, Michel bellowed softly, his voice encapsulating every bit of his own advice as it made its way through the cave.
“Whaat?”, I stuttered through a slightly embarrassed smile, registering that he had noticed.
“Slow down”, he repeated as though my question had been uttered out of deafness rather than incredulity.
“But they’re hitting me”, I beckoned, gesturing towards the endless sea of bats exiting the cave.
“No”, Michel countered a bit too pitifully, “los estás golpeando” -(you are hitting them).
It’s safe to say that through a tremendous act of heroism, and maybe because of Michel’s advice too, I did manage to survive.
Anyhow, I was a young man and felt truly empowered in my wisdom. Having been in Nicaragua a week now (as though that’s any degree of serious length?), I was sure that I knew the ways of Nicaragua: “Slowww down”, echoed in my ears.
Before long, I found myself on a surfboard, learning for the first time a hobby that would soon become one of my favorites. My “pop-up” (the act of standing up on the board) was perfect, at least according to Michel, yet I hadn’t caught any waves.
I tried and I tried, even gritting my teeth through a jellyfish sting. Doing my best to embody traditional surfer culture and my newfound Nicaraguan wisdom, I slowwwed down. My movements were calculated and relaxed, my mind was at peace, and still, the count was at ten and I could not get up for the life of me.
I glanced towards the seashore and saw Michel waiting patiently to tell me something.
“Speeed Up!”, he yelled.
“Okay, what the actual hell” I mumbled through the salt.
Before long I was on my feet.
Later in the week, I visited an orphanage nestled on the outskirts of Granada. The air buzzed with life as children ran to greet me, their laughter spilling into the courtyard. Almost immediately, a boy handed me a worn fútbol and motioned to the makeshift field. It wasn’t a question —it was an invitation.
The game started fast. The kids darted around me with astonishing agility, their feet weaving patterns in the dust. I joined in, matching their energy, chasing the ball with determination. For a while, I managed to hold my own, even making a pass or two that earned me approving nods.
Then, as the game wore on, their rhythm shifted. They moved faster, more unpredictably, and I found myself struggling to keep pace. A quick feint, a burst of speed, and the ball was gone —stolen right from under me by a boy half my size.
“¡Ändale, maje!” one of them called out, grinning.
I laughed, shaking my head, and let myself enjoy the game for what it was: pure, unfiltered joy.
Afterward, the pace changed again. A quieter girl approached, holding a sheet of paper and a pencil. She didn’t say much, but her intent was clear. We sat together under the shade of a mango tree, and she began to draw with slow, deliberate strokes. I followed her lead, tracing simple shapes and lines on the page. The stillness was as powerful as the game’s frenzy had been.
By the time I left, I couldn’t help but reflect on the rhythm of the day. It had demanded speed and agility on the field, then patience and presence beneath the mango tree. The bats in the cave and the waves on the surfboard had each revealed something similar: the rhythm of life isn’t a fixed tempo. It ebbs and flows, asking us to match its pace in each moment.
Walking back to my hostel, I carried the lessons with me. The bats had shown me the power of slowing down. The waves had taught me when to speed up. And the children, with their laughter and quiet focus, had reminded me that life is about listening —about finding harmony with whatever rhythm the moment presents.
In their own way, Michel and Nicaragua had been teaching me all along:
To live fully is to trust the rhythm of life, whether it asks you to sprint or sit still.
La Calma: The Rhythm of Life as a Lifestyle
In Nicaragua, the value of “la Calma” transcends mere tranquility —it embodies a deeper philosophy about the natural rhythm of life. It’s the ability to be with life as it unfolds, not forcing things but rather adjusting to their timing. “La Calma” isn’t about idleness; it’s about balance, patience, and knowing when to act. This value, rooted in the country’s rich cultural traditions, reflects an approach to life that is both thoughtful and present, guided by nature, history, and a deep sense of community.
One of the best ways I encountered “la Calma” was in the bat cave. In Nicaragua, the natural world is revered and respected, and this respect for nature often teaches the value of patience and observation. When I found myself dodging bats in the cave, I was caught up in my own panic, trying to outpace them. But as I listened to Michel’s advice to “slow down,” I realized that the rhythm of the bats wasn’t something to fight against.
The Nicaraguan connection to the land, dating back to the indigenous peoples who lived in harmony with their environment, taught me that balance and respect for nature could guide my movements. Once I adjusted, everything around me calmed. I matched the rhythm of the bats, and in doing so, I found my place within it.
This lesson was further reinforced in the ocean. Nicaragua’s Pacific coast is famous for its perfect surf breaks, where many locals and visitors experience the rhythm of the sea firsthand. In surfing, I realized that “la Calma” isn’t about slowing down at all times. Instead, it’s about understanding when to ride the wave and when to pull back.
In the late 20th century, Nicaragua’s history was marked by upheaval, particularly during the Sandinista revolution, when the country had to navigate a turbulent time of change. Amid the chaos, the Nicaraguan people had to adapt, trusting in the rhythms of political and social life.
Likewise, in surfing, I had to trust that when the wave came, I would be ready. And when I tried to force it, I missed my opportunity. Like Nicaraguans during their revolution, I had to learn how to move with the tide.
At the orphanage, I encountered yet another layer of “la Calma” —the balance between high energy and quiet reflection. Nicaragua’s history is a tapestry of contrasts: vibrant celebrations like La Purísima (a massive cultural event celebrating the Virgin Mary) are full of energy, while other traditions, like the Palo de Mayo festival, mix dance with deep cultural storytelling.
The children at the orphanage embodied this spirit perfectly. One moment, we were racing around the dusty yard in a fast-paced fútbol match; the next, we were sitting together in the shade, drawing under a mango tree. It wasn’t about forcing a singular pace. In that moment, I understood that “la Calma” also means recognizing the different tempos of life —sometimes fast, sometimes slow, and always shifting.
Nicaragua’s cultural richness also underscores this idea. From the indigenous Miskito people to the mestizo population, Nicaraguans have lived in a landscape where they’ve had to adapt to the rhythm of their environment. The country’s volcanic soil requires a relationship with the land that is patient yet attentive —waiting for the right moment to harvest and using the rhythm of the seasons to guide planting. In many ways, Nicaraguans have learned to follow this natural rhythm in all aspects of life.
As I reflected on my time in Nicaragua —through the bat cave, the surfboard, and the orphanage —I began to understand that “la Calma” isn’t about always slowing down or speeding up. Instead, it’s about finding the rhythm of life, whether in nature, human interaction, or personal growth, and trusting that timing. Whether dealing with the waves of history or the personal waves of daily life, Nicaraguans understand that the key is to adapt, move with grace, and remain attuned to the natural flow of things.
This lesson, rooted in Nicaragua’s cultural and historical wisdom, has stayed with me. Life’s rhythm isn’t just about our own pace —it’s about understanding and responding to the rhythm that surrounds us, from the land beneath our feet to the people we meet along the way.
Learning from the Rhythm of Life as a Science
“La Calma” isn’t magic, nor is it a purely Nicaraguan-specific way of life. Following the rhythm of life, from the mindset to the results, is rooted in science. The act of following and learning from the rhythm of life evokes psychological comparison to one’s Locus of Control, as well as the benefits associated with relinquishing control, and the neuroscience involved behind the correlation between rhythm and stress.
1. The Rhythm of Life and Our Locus of Control
Do you believe in fate? What about luck or [being shaped by] the environment? If so, you likely have an “External Locus of Control”. In psychology, we use this term to refer to the belief that external forces (like fate, luck, or the environment) shape our future.
If you find yourself adamantly denying that this refers to you, it would be fair to say that you have an “Internal Locus of Control” —the belief that you are responsible for everything that happens to you.
Of course, this is a spectrum and, thankfully, very few individuals have a fully external or fully internal Locus of Control. Our individual personalities, cultures, and (ironically) the environment all play a part in the formation of our loci.
To the Western eye, it may initially appear that “la Calma” advocates for us to take life slowly —but that’s not always true. I suspect that we feel this way in the west because our cultures and societies push a predominant Internal Locus of Control agenda.
Rather, following the rhythm of life teaches us to focus on our locus, whether it be internal or external. Through observation of the world’s ebbs and flows, we acknowledge when we must act and when we must lie back.
That acknowledgement is, in fact, what’s behind the success of “la Calma”. April et al. (2012) have demonstrated that a more balanced approach to our loci results in better overall mental health, resulting in less anxiety, and a higher degree of adaptability (which by the way is a key to wit and a cornerstone to wisdom).
2. The Psychology of Relinquishing Control: Trusting the Rhythm of Life
Taking a more balanced approach to our locus of control by following the rhythm of our life works so well because it permits us to relinquish control of the uncontrollables.
The law of relinquishing controls is at the very heart of the budding field of mindfulness, suggesting that a large amount of excess worry, anxiety, and stress comes from situations that we cannot even control.
Following the rhythm of life mirrors this process; we must cease the urge to manipulate the tempo of life around us (an impossible game anyhow) and, instead, partake in the flow that is naturally present.
In fact, playing by the rhythm of life is implicated in bolstering creativity and improving physical health.
3. The Neuroscience of Matching the Rhythm of Life: How Our Brains Benefit
Throughout Nicaraguan history, when “la Calma” and the adherence to the rhythm of life was just being solidified as a cultural staple, it would have been hard to imagine that, one day, empirical evidence would tout this Nicaraguan way of life as genius.
But the truth is that, in modern day, we now have access to brain-scanning technology. So far, this technology has only served to prove the Nicaraguans right: following the rhythm of life is truly a brain-hack of the highest order.
So how exactly does this work?
When we live life against the grain, we activate our sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight response), releasing the stress inducing chemical cortisol. This can be for the better (pushing through a workout or running from danger) or for the bad (unneeded anxiety and stress). Nevertheless, cortisol activation is generally detrimental towards one’s health.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, following the rhythm of life allows for the activation of our parasympathetic system, helping us relax and promote well-being (think the feeling of content after a Thanksgiving meal).
By following this natural rhythm of life, whether it be slowing down to avoid incoming kamikaze bats or to catch a wave, we reduce unnecessary stress, allowing for us to optimize our efforts to the environment around us.
Learning the rhythm of life isn’t just a cultural value —it is a tangible strategy to reduce our anxiety and stress, while bolstering our well-being and health, both mental and physical. Embracing the rhythm of life may at first feel unnatural, but learn to do it right and you’ll find that it’s the most effective way to move forward with clarity, confidence, and peace.
Finding the Rhythm in Everyday Life: How It Saves Money, Time, and Fulfillment
The rhythm of life isn’t just an abstract idea —it’s a practical tool that we can use every day. In fact, the lessons I learned in Nicaragua about moving with life’s natural flow have stuck with me, transforming how I handle money, time, and my personal goals.
1. Saving Money by Acting at the Right Time
Have you ever bought something on impulse, only to regret it later? Or maybe you’ve rushed into a decision, paying a premium for convenience? The rhythm of life can help us avoid these pitfalls. It’s about patience —knowing when to act and when to wait.
For example, slowing down teaches us to avoid rash decisions. When we pause to observe the world around us, we make smarter financial choices. It’s the difference between grabbing the first deal you see versus waiting for a better opportunity. Similarly, aligning with the rhythm of spending means understanding when an investment is worth it and when it’s better to hold off, conserving resources for what truly matters.
2. Saving Time by Moving at the Right Speed
Time is our most limited resource. Often, we lose it not because we’re too slow or too fast but because we’re out of sync with what the moment demands. That’s where the rhythm of life becomes invaluable.
Take my surfing lesson: I learned that moving too slow or too fast doesn’t work. Instead, it’s about matching the wave’s tempo. In daily life, this means prioritizing tasks and knowing when to accelerate (like meeting deadlines) or slow down (to focus deeply or recover energy). When we align with life’s rhythm, we save precious time by avoiding wasted effort and unnecessary delays.
3. Finding Fulfillment by Embracing Flow and Balance
Fulfillment often feels elusive because we chase it relentlessly, trying to force happiness or meaning into our lives. But just like the quiet girl drawing under the mango tree taught me, fulfillment comes when we stop forcing and start flowing.
When we live in harmony with life’s rhythm, we allow joy and purpose to emerge naturally. It’s in the quiet moments of reflection, the unplanned laughter, and the small victories that fulfillment finds us. This approach doesn’t mean passivity; it means engagement. By adapting to the moment’s demands, whether fast-paced or calm, we open ourselves to genuine satisfaction and resilience.
Putting It All Together: A Daily Practice
The rhythm of life isn’t something you master overnight, but it’s something you can start practicing today. Reflect on your own life: are there areas where you’re forcing outcomes or resisting change? Are you rushing when you should pause, or hesitating when it’s time to act?
Start small. Take a moment each day to observe the rhythm around you —in your work, relationships, and personal goals. Listen closely, and you’ll begin to sense when to slow down, when to speed up, and when to simply let life flow.
By learning to follow the rhythm of life, we can save money, save time, and discover that personal fulfillment isn’t out of reach. It’s waiting for us, right here, in the natural tempo of our everyday lives.
Steps to Find the Rhythm of Life in Your Everyday Life
1. Pause and Observe
Life doesn’t come with a metronome, so the first step is to tune into what’s happening around you. Whether it’s the hustle of your workplace, the stillness of an early morning, or the flow of a conversation —stop, breathe, and pay attention. The rhythm is there; you just have to notice it.
2. Adjust, Don’t Force
Think about the bat cave: you can’t rush your way out of a situation or slow it down beyond what the moment allows. Ask yourself, What does this moment need from me? Sometimes, it’s speeding up to catch a wave; other times, it’s sitting still under a mango tree. Matching the rhythm is the goal, not controlling it.
3. Release the Need for Control
Speaking of control —let it go. If you’ve ever tried to force a conversation, push a project forward before it’s ready, or rush through something meaningful, you’ve felt the rhythm of life fighting back. Trust that life has a tempo and learn to flow with it, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.
4. Identify Patterns
Rhythms are all about repetition. Look for patterns in your life —the energy of your mornings versus evenings, your bursts of creativity, or the natural flow of relationships. By spotting these cycles, you can align yourself better with what’s already working instead of swimming upstream.
5. Experiment and Adapt
Finding your rhythm is a process. It’s like trying to catch waves —some attempts will fail, and that’s okay. Experiment with different approaches to your day: when to start tasks, when to rest, and when to go all in. Don’t be afraid to adjust when the rhythm changes.
6. Embrace Both Speed and Stillness
Remember, life isn’t just about slowing down; it’s about knowing when to speed up, too. Find moments in your day where you can fully engage and go all out, and others where you can step back and recharge. Each tempo has its purpose.
7. Spend Time in Nature
Nature is a masterclass in rhythm. Waves rise and fall, trees sway with the wind, and even the buzzing of insects follows a pattern. Take a walk, sit under a tree, or simply listen to the sounds around you. Let nature remind you that life is all about ebb and flow.
8. Reflect and Learn
At the end of the day (or week), take a moment to reflect: Did I feel in sync with my life’s rhythm today? Where did I push too hard, and where did I hold back? Learning from each experience will help you fine-tune your ability to adapt.
Conclusion: The Rhythm of Life and The Rhythm of a River
As I wrap up my reflections on Nicaragua and the rhythm of life, I’m struck by how much life is like a river. It flows with its own pace—sometimes swift, sometimes serene, often unpredictable. The secret isn’t in trying to control it but in learning to move with its currents.
This isn’t just a philosophy; it’s practical wisdom. By tuning into the rhythm, we make better choices about where to focus our energy and resources. We save time by aligning our actions with the natural flow of what’s happening around us, avoiding unnecessary friction or wasted effort. We save money by not overcommitting to things that don’t serve us, learning to do more with less, and recognizing when simplicity can be the most valuable investment. And, most importantly, we unlock a sense of fulfillment—because when we’re in sync with life, even the small moments feel meaningful.
Nicaragua, with its bats, waves, and fútbol games, showed me the value of adjusting to life’s tempo. In the bat cave, I learned to work with nature rather than against it. Surfing taught me that timing is everything—catching the wave at the right moment saves energy and ensures the ride is worthwhile. And at the orphanage, the children reminded me that presence and stillness can be just as powerful as action. Each experience underscored how life rewards those who pay attention to its rhythms.
So as you move through your own days, take a moment to reflect: Where might life be nudging you to slow down, so you stop wasting energy on resistance? Where is it urging you to speed up, so you don’t miss an opportunity? Following the rhythm of life doesn’t just help you thrive—it clears the path for clarity, purpose, and connection, all while saving you from unnecessary strain.
Trust the rhythm of life, and you’ll find yourself not just surviving but thriving —moving gracefully through the ever-changing tempo of life.
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