(Originally written October 2019)
The rising was still; Cool, bright and promising. I put on a maxi sundress and walked barefoot through the property to make myself a cup of tea. My soles felt rooted against the smooth, dusty wood flooring. I brought the drink back to my suite and sipped it in silence. The last day of my solo getaway was here. It wasn’t too fast, or slow… it came right on time.
I had to get a second cup of tea, and as I wandered around the courtyard, the concierge asked me if I’d like to join a morning yoga class – they needed one more person to reach the minimum. I thought about it, but not for too long. I had already booked a yoga on the beach experience – and it was the only thing I planned that hadn’t been cancelled, so I took that as a good omen that I should probably attend. “No, thank you,” I told her. For literally a second, I thought about joining the hotel’s class – kind of out of a weird guilt, people-pleasing feeling, but I was the only person I was concerned about pleasing at the time; They’d figure it out.
As I went to get dressed for my session, I messaged the host just to be completely sure that the event wasn’t cancelled. She replied swiftly, “Yep! We’re still set.” I could see on AirBnb that one other person had signed up. The beach didn’t seem too far – when I looked it up on Uber, it was a 7-minute ride… which would mean at least 20 minutes to walk, probably, and I learned my lesson the day before.
I met my ride outside of the white entrance gate of my lodging and headed towards Parque del Indio. At some point during the conversation with my driver, he mentioned that he was from the Dominican Republic. “I came to Puerto Rico to make the U.S dollar,” he explained. He said that he was from Santo Domingo. “Oh, really?! I’ve stayed there a few times; what neighborhood?” “Los Frailes,” he said. “Oh, that’s wild!” I exclaimed, and continued, “Every time I went I did homestays there.” “It’s a small area.” “I know. My people probably know your people,” I chuckled.
We pulled up to the park and I got out. No one else was near the little park, and I was a little early so I wandered down the beach. It was a little before 9, but people were out and about – jogging, exercising…
I messaged the host, Angelina, that I was here and let her know what I was wearing. As I headed back to the meet-up spot, I saw a woman in a black tank – she waved at me and I waved back.
“We were supposed to have one more person but she cancelled,” I was told. Yes! Now it felt like my own private session – I was digging it!
We set up our towels on the beach and I took off my shirt. For the next hour, Angelina took me through a Vinyasa flow that was the most rejuvenating experience. It is a personal type of movement that opens up your chakras and creates an intimate connection between your body and breath. There was three-legged dog, chaturanga, pigeon pose, sun salutations, and airplane lunges.
I got lost in the sounds of the waves rolling towards the shore; in the way the sand maneuvered beneath my toes as I found balance in its aliveness. The sun shone down on me, blessing my right cheek with its warm touch. I closed my eyes as I was led through the poses. Beads of sweat trickled down my face, to my neck and chest; I didn’t disturb the droplets, as sand rested on my skin – an exfoliator if I were to brush it all away. I let the elements take over me as I relaxed into the sacredness of my body, feeling it lighten as my vibrations rose. The session ended with me in savasana, my body melding with the earth beneath me. Angelina guided me through a beautiful meditation of surrendering and acceptance.
As the session ended, it took me a second to place myself back in this reality. “Wow, that was amazing! Thank you so much!” I sat in silence for a moment, just appreciating all that was, all that had happened – finding immense gratitude for not only this wonderful yoga practice, but the entire trip. I had planned to go a few seasons before but enough outsiders cautioned me about going alone that I messed around and missed my opportunity, but that’s ok – it wasn’t the right time for me. But boy, when it was my time – when I was ready – it was surely my divine timing to have this adventure. It worked out so beautifully and effortlessly. I challenged myself in newer ways and conquered everything I set my mind to. I turned off everything and just focused on my Self – on my joy, on my peace and desires. I went at my pace and allowed things to unfold as they should. Angelina and I hugged before setting off to continue our respective days.
I took an Uber back to the Dreamcatcher, changed one last time, and went to the kitchen for breakfast. First, more tea! As I walked towards the doorway, there was a woman in front of me. I was but a couple of feet behind her but I walk kind of softly. The door to the dining space had to be closed behind you – I had a feeling the woman was lost in her thoughts, and she started to close the door right in my face. “Ma’am. Excuse me. Hey, hold the door please,” I said, but not loud enough. I was so close that my hand was on the knob before she released her own on the other side. At no point did she turn around and she was still pulling the door shut. I knocked on the glass, “Miss!” “Oh!” She exclaimed, “I’m so sorry!”
All I could do was chuckle. It was ironic to have spent so much money for an environment that was to promote wellness and awareness, and this woman appeared to be completely checked-out from this space. I made a cup of herbal tea – with lemon and honey, of course and made my way back outside.
I sat at a circular, white, wrought iron table and chair. It was peaceful to listen to the splashing of the nearby water fountain. A little bird played in the water. All of the food is locally sourced, organic and vegan, vegetarian and/or gluten-free. I couldn’t go wrong with the French toast. Covered in a variety of berries, chopped walnuts and coconut chips; a drizzle of maple syrup on top. I took my time savoring every bite, and had just enough time to relax for about half an hour before it was time to go.
My vacation “friend” I’d gone to the beach and out dancing the night before, was going to pick me up. She was staying close by and our flights were leaving around the same time, so we had planned to share an Uber to the airport.
The yoga experience was $20, breakfast about $15, and graciously, the last Uber ride was free for me. And now I will be cheesy because this experience, priceless. Back to my apartment I go…
