The Bioluminescence

For the entirety of this trip, I have been experiencing jaw dropping moments, whether it be about the beautiful landscapes, the unspeakable poverty and everything in between. Tonight was no different. Since our arrival to Oaxaca, we had been planning to take a trip to a lagoon called Manial Tepec, for a boat ride to see bioluminescent plankton. All of us were anticipating a lovely evening, but none of us were sure what to exactly expect.

The adventure began as we boarded a 10 seater boat and enjoyed a ride along the shoreline, birdwatching and relishing the beautiful, marshy scenery. I was amazed to see many white, grey and multi colored egrets, which are birds common in the United States— a nice reminder of home.

Eventually, we came up on a beach and enjoyed the sand & waves as we watched the sun settle and set across the horizon. We spent time taking photos, laughing and being silly.

After the sun had set, we reboarded the boat, and set off to find the bioluminescence. I found myself unable to draw my attention away from the stars, as it seemed every moment I spent looking into their depths, more and more stars & universes were revealed. My trance was broken as the friends around me began pointing and speaking with awe. It was then that I saw how the water had changed— it was glowing.

Never before have I experienced something so mysterious and mesmerizing. The driver stopped the boat, we strapped on our life vests (safety first am I right) and as we jumped, the water lit up all around us. It appeared like someone spilled glow sticks into the lagoon, creating a soft and gentle hue.

With every movement of the water, it was as though it awakened the organisms within, beckoning them to make their presence known. Whenever I lifted my hands from the water, I could do nothing but stare in pure amazement. As the water ran down my bare skin, it was as though my hands were a mirror, reflecting the stars and the universes I was staring at earlier. There on my fingers, was my own tiny galaxy.

It was more beautiful than I could have ever imagined.

This experience and this place was nothing short of magical. As we swam in the water, the glisten of the bioluminescence was also present in the eyes and faces of my friends. We laughed, smiled and played in the enchanting water. All of our burdens, all of our worries and all of our struggles became weightless as we swam and floated in the gentle lagoon. Eventually, the time came to leave, and I know every single one of us wished our time never had to end.

Afterwards, while I reflected with friends, we discussed how stirring the experience was, as every movement and every single thing we did had an effect, turning once dark water into beautiful light.

I found myself taking this experience and expanding it further. It made me think about how in everything we do, whether it is in a secret lagoon, in our classrooms, at work, or wherever life takes us, our movements and what we do, has the ability to create beauty as well. However, so often, it is easy to get caught moving, and living in ways that are stagnant, like the untouched water. Although it is calm, it has the potential to be SO much more beautiful. Personally, I know I will be thinking about how I can use my movements more deliberately and more intentionally to bring illumination to my own life and the lives of others.

P.S.

This experience definitely ranks in the top 3 of my whole life. The amazing part is that the entire outing only cost 150 pesos each, which is about $5.50. Yet, it was one of the best things I have ever done.

It will be something I remember for the rest of my days and it will be a memory that the nine of us will always share together in our minds, and in our hearts.

Double P.S.

“When you fart, the water glows.” -Anonymous