STORY · DE LA RAÍZRaul Tovar – Co-founder of Noche de Cuentos Project
THE STORY
During my six-month stay in Mexico, a special moment unfolded in a magical mountain village nestled in the Sierra Madre range of Oaxaca. My younger brother was visiting me, and after several eventful days traveling through Puerto Vallarta, Tepic, Guadalajara, and Oaxaca City, we were both ready for a little peace and quiet.
We bought our tickets to the village, and somewhere along the journey, I decided to listen to a podcast my brother had recommended. The woman speaking shared the story of her past relationships with remarkable vulnerability, reflecting on the lessons she had learned along the way. Her honesty struck a chord deep within me. For the remainder of the ride, I found myself emotional and lost in thought.
“Sometimes it is difficult to be vulnerable with those closest to us, but it can also be the most rewarding.”
When we arrived, we checked into our rustic rooms and set out for a hike. I brought up the podcast with my brother, and we began talking openly about the difficult breakups we had each experienced over the past year. At one point, we both found ourselves crying before spontaneously embracing in the middle of the woods. It was the longest hug I have ever shared with my brother. Sometimes, vulnerability can be difficult with the people closest to us, but it can also lead to the most meaningful moments of connection.
As evening clouds began to roll in, we made our way back into town. We settled into a cozy restaurant overlooking the Sierra Madre and ordered a large bowl of mushroom soup. To this day, it remains the most healing bowl of soup I have ever had.
STAY CONNECTED