After researching around for a little while I found Pacific Coast Tattoo, the place seemed chill and the recommendation was strong. After talking with Paulo for a little while and expressing the essence of what I wanted, he was ready... but was I?
This piece will remind on my flesh for the rest of my life. Was this the right moment? The right place? The right artist? One of my last lesson of surrender and trust was being presented to me as I manage to let go and sit on the table.
Flow, connections with nature, never ending growth, movement, protection, wisdom, knowledge among other things were to be represented on this piece. As he started sketching and flowing with his talent, things were looking like they were taking form. This was his sketch.
With the sight of the piece in front of me, I give him the go ahead, I was already feeling it. With every needle penetrating my skin I could feel the emotions. Leaving Hawaii would not be easy. And it was not. With awareness of the journey ahead this moments signified a reminder to stay truth to the lessons learned.
Inked on my right (dominant) leg, for protection and to remind committed on my stride as I approach the new and unknown possibilities and opportunities that will come my way.
As the dark ink starts to invade my skin, a reminder to stay present to even those not so pleasant moments that might arise. To keep an open heart to those experiences which might seem painful or uncomfortable to experience. To remember that the ultimate result would be the strengthening of my body, mind and spirit. To learn to take calculate risks and stay strong to my approach.
An hour or so went by, the legs was feeling like a thousand fire ants were feasting on me, my expression was relaxed, I knew this was the moment to bring the warrior which was unleash during each and everyone of my adventures in HI. And while there was not pain that I could not handle, my intent was to remind relax and nonchalant while it lasted. I was to earn this ink and to be present to its process.
Picking here and there as the design was taking form, I was feeling satisfied, content with the expression of every pattern, with the flow of the sharp edges, with the detail of its every shade and shape.
Last shading and touch ups, the skin was burning yet I did nothing but to welcome the sensation of what was to lead my step for the rest of my life. A few last details here and there and bam! I had acquire just what I wanted, a memory, a symbol, a reminder. Yet I knew that everything that really matter was beyond anything that I could put on my body or anything that I could wear. My heart is now bigger and more open, my spine straighter and stronger. The touch of magic, the development of self and the skills gained and learned were part of me and beyond any symbols or meaningful patterns.
Im thankful to you Hawaii, for allowing me to discover what its like to explore myself, for challenging me to face my fears, for helping me develop in so many aspects of who Im and for your constant effort to remind me to stay present. To simple be.
In honor of you and your teachings and each and everyone who was part of this journey, this is my reminder to live with a heart fully open to the world.
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