Mexico Art Retreat - Day 1

First Timer Jitters & Sunrise Magic!

It is early morning in Puerto Escondido. 5:45 AM. 

I am wide awake thinking of the day  ahead. 

I feel excited and uneasy at the same time. I have never been to an art retreat before, to any retreat. 

Today we have our first art workshop. I am clueless about the workshop will be like. I hope it is going to be good but what if I fail? What if everybody else is better than me, faster than me, more creative than me? Does it matter?

I have some art supplies with me, my favorite brushes, pastels and metal ink pens. I know we have more art supplies ready to use. 

My mind is rushing back and forth, spinning and twirling. 

I need to get out of bed. I want to get a feel of the early morning while everyone else is still asleep. 

I crawl out of bed quietly not to wake up my friend Sujata. We share our bungalow. Most of our retreat participants have shared accommodations.  Sujata and I just met the day before and instantly connected. But that is another story. 

I crawl out of bed and walk into our open space bathroom. It is huge and one side is half open to the outside world. There is no wall and no window. It feels unusual but also awesome. I feel the morning breeze and hear the birds. I feel the palm trees moving as the morning wind brushes against my skin. I stop for a second and listen. Our house gecko greets me with a tap tap sound as I reach for my water bottle to brush my teeth. He lives somewhere in our straw roof and every now and then makes these distinct sounds to acknowledge that he is home but I am yet to meet him. 

I brush my teeth and sneak out of our bungalow. 

It is very quiet. I walk a few steps towards the club house. The path is brightly lit and the club house is completely empty. I hear the sound of crushing waves. But the crickets are louder. They are completely oblivious to the power of the ocean and blissfully chirp away as I walk by. I marvel the decorations as I make my way to our basket with yoga mats. The decorations are bright and beautiful. I see familiar Mexican patterns in the wall art, vases and many pottery pieces tastefully placed around the club house. This excites me as I love bright colors and intricate patterns. 

I get my yoga mat and unroll it close to the swimming pool. I am now with my back to the open space of the club house leaving the lights and decorations behind me. The only things I see now is the dark sky, the half moon and the stars. It is warm, very warm. I am completely at ease in my lulu shorts and t-shirt. It is a perfect morning and I am ready for my yoga session. 

The waves are loud, they are powerful and create this perfect rhythm for what I am about to do. 

I inhale the sweet fresh air, listen to the sounds of the waves and close my eyes. It will be a great. I know it! Let the day begin. Namaste.