Nestled within the jungle in Mexico lies an unexpected slice of heaven. Lush green palms dance in the warm winds, pelicans glide barely above the roaring blue waves and a creative community of truly special people await in the heart of Mexico.
To be honest, traveling to Mexico initially involved a bit of concern about security. There are news stories plaguing the internet about all of the things that could possibly go wrong, the dangers of the cartels and warnings from the government to beware … all of which left me a bit wary of whether it truly was a good idea to go. Stepping onto the plane I allowed my sense of adventure to outweigh the noise and soon found myself standing on Mexican soil.
Winding through the bumpy dirt roads it was clear we were not in a overly hyped tourist area. Robert Frost’s words about the road less traveled came to mind as I watched the world pass by from my car window. We were witnessing real people live their lives … and it felt special to be allowed into their world. Turning onto a discreet side road … a beautiful eco-resort soon emerged.
We had all converged in this corner of the world for an artist’s retreat. Granted, I have just recently picked up a paintbrush and would not profess at this point to be the creator of masterpieces. And yet, having a paintbrush in my hand feels natural. Watching the paint slide across the canvas feels like allowing my artistic soul to come home … and this week in Mexico promised to be an amazing time fully enveloped in artistry.
What became so special was not only the time spent with my paintbrush and a community of other artists but … truly being present for the tapestries nature created every single day.
As the sun would creep below the horizon fantastical displays of color would explode in the sky. The silhouettes of palms danced to the melody of ocean waves, peacock howls and whispering winds.
The world seemed so alive … the colors so vibrant … and every local person seemed so genuine. Every night we were blessed to be surrounded by some of the sweetest people as we ate dinner, felt the world dance and absorbed the beauty all around us.
And then one of the most magical moments happened … a baby sea turtle release.
I have visited the sea turtle hospital many times in Florida and been present for a larger sea turtle release.
When I was asked at Musa if I wanted to release sea turtles … I thought they meant watch while they released them. It was not until I showed up that I found out I would be lifting the babies out of the crate and releasing them. Being the last person to touch the graceful little babies as they took their first steps toward freedom was so incredibly special and made me feel connected to a much larger circle of life.
Special moments continued throughout the week with a stop at Playa Viva.
We enjoyed yoga overlooking the ocean and then I found myself tucked into a booth eating breakfast with a very lovable, tired and non-bothered cat. Our group painted around the table while he stretched out next to us … it was one of those sweet moments that allowed us all to slow down in ways regular life does not always allow.
The Playa Viva resort was so creatively tucked along the coastline. With the treehouse rooms perched on stilts and the restaurant sitting right on the sandy beach … it felt very much like a safe place to land for creative souls seeking some time off grid.
This week was intended to be about taking some time away to nurture my artistic soul, learn techniques that I could bring to my painting and to spend time with other creative souls.
I ventured into Mexico to learn from an amazing artist … Alena Hennessy. I am so appreciative of the time spent in Musa at her retreat.
https://www.alenahennessy.com/
Did I spend every day with my paintbrush surrounded by artists that made me want to be better at my craft just because I was in their presence … Yes.
Was that the only thing I took away from this week? No.
I came away from this week thinking about how bright the stars were in the night sky … how powerful the water was as it clawed its way onto the sand … and how important it was to feel connected to it all.
I also came away with an appreciation for the people of Mexico. The people I met along this journey could not have been nicer, more authentic or more welcoming … and I left a little bit of my heart in the jungles, on the shore and in the areas deep in the soul of Mexico.
K Shaye Runyon 
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