And she’s off…

I will remember 2015 as a year of struggle. It held many wonderful experiences but also challenges and events that at times overwhelmed me with sorrow. Remembering all of the good things is a balm to my soul, but I am glad for my annual retreat.

My little village in Mexico offers me healing and replenishment. My arrival this year is interesting. It is a soft landing without leaving much of a ripple. And that is exactly what I need.

I’m always happy to see my local friends. Nothing has changed in that – the friendly smiles, my name called from doorways and porches up and down the street. Children running toward me, calling my name and asking when we will walk together.

And I am lying low.

Although I arrived on Dia de Reyes, I walked on through the clusters of children who were eagerly anticipating the breaking of the piñatas strung high over the street. Mirroring their joy and hugging those who approached, I kept walking. It was a conscious choice but unheard of for me!

Maybe it’s my timing, maybe it’s universal benevolence, but I haven’t seen the “regulars” who, like me, love it here and return (unlike me) for several months of the year. And I have only fleetingly greeted ex-pats who are part of the village life.

At my favorite enramada on the beach I have only greeted my longtime friends who cook and serve. In the evenings I slink into the cenadurias in the village when they are nearly empty. I have my taco, pay, and leave with smiles and compliments.

I am lying low.

Eventually, I will rise up. I will carry home a plastic table from the enramada so that more kids can do puzzles and art on my porch. My good friend who I met here in my second year will arrive. I’ll join acquaintances at a table. Others will see me on the beach and on the streets and conversations will begin.

And when I finally begin participating and writing about that involvement, you can read about my current and/or past journey by clicking here.

For now I am happy seeing only my friend, the egret. He (or a close relative) has been guarding this beach for as long as I have been coming.

I am living in the present, practicing mindfulness by picking up bits of plastic from the beach as I walk barefoot through the sand and lapping waves. I am remembering to be grateful that I can walk outside at any hour of the day or night without flinching from cold.

I am allowing this time in this place to restore my soul.

xxoo