Tulum—a Parable

“Your work is inward, “ Amuru said.

His eyes glittering in the torturous sun.

“All of your POWER is inside!” he continued, lighting up his entire being.

I’d gone to Tulum seeking a transformative experience. A refuge to rejuvenate my spirit.

But I was met with the polar opposite—a mashup of MTV Spring Break meets Jersey Shore.

The superficial and frenetic energy as palpable as it was pervasive. There was little escape from heavy bass or the parade of “influencers” prolific in the area.

But on the fifth and final day of our stay, as my sister and I shook off the water from our last dip in the ocean, something happened.

We both waved at the man we’d seen on the beach each day during our walks.

Amuru.

Deeply tanned with a skeletal frame in perfect posture, dreads laced in a ponytail, and tattooed with what could only be described as hieroglyphics.

He was an elusive, almost mythical figure who kept to himself.

Always facing the horizon along the ocean in what appeared to be a transcendent state—I swear he could have levitated.

He waved back.

It was as if he’d been waiting all along.

And just like that, his life force rushed to meet ours.

He delineated on our auras and began reciting ancient wisdom with all the might he could muster in English (Machu Picchu, Peru was home).

Motioning with his hands first across his torso, then shoulders, and above his head, he spoke truth:

“It’s the connection to the body, the mind, and cosmos,” he seemed to say.

“When you reach outside of yourself for ANYTHING, you become a slave.”

Yes, Amuru, you’re right, I thought.

I knew.

And in those remaining minutes in Tulum, Amuru confirmed and reflected everything I came for, without knowing it.

I didn’t need to go to Tulum to seek anything.

I went Tulum to be reminded that I already had everything…

Inside of me.

Thank you, Amuru.

Thank you, Tulum.