Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

20th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
"A Deep Secret"

The past few years were very difficult for a lot of people. It seems it created a high level of awareness and huge demand for spiritual experiences, people being a little bit more interested of taking care of themselves, physically and mentally. I frequently participate in spiritual experiences and create content for people involved in this kind of activities. It represents a great opportunity to capture emotions. The scene takes place in a small jungle hotel that offers the tranquility and peace that requires spiritual introspection. This woman was part of a small group that participate in a sacred cacao ceremony in Tulum. Before to drink the beverage, people is invited to make use of all their senses to try to reconnect with themselves. The woman first listened to the sound of the foam produced by the natural cacao drink, then the smell. She stayed smelling it for a while: the cacao, the traditional ceramic pot, the jungle all around. It really seemed that her mind was gone for a moment. The breeze passing through the mosquito net created a feeling of strong peacefulness and relaxation. Then she used the notebook next to her to write down something that came from deep inside and that she, only she, will know about. A secret from deep inside.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2022
Date Uploaded: 10.2022
Photo Location: Tulum, Mexico
Camera: Canon EOS R6
Copyright: © Thomas Peuvion