No matter the weather, sunny or gray, the moment I reach the point in the sand dunes where I can see the white crests of the waves, my spirits lift. I stop, arrested. The sheer beauty of the sky, strand, and ocean holds me stock-still. My mind, like a camera, drinks in the image. I want to take the ocean with me when I leave, and look on it again whenever I need to. That mental picture is my reminder of the majesty of this world and of my capacity for joy.
The ocean makes me feel small, a speck in the universe. I'm reminded not to take myself or anything else so seriously. Everything is fleeting.
The ocean makes me feel happy, incredibly happy. I can't look on it, listen to it, or fan my toes through it without smiling.
The ocean makes me feel grateful. Grateful not just for my glorious surroundings, but for so much in my life. I'm truly blessed, and all too often I have a hard time remembering that. The ocean whispers right into my heart: give thanks.
Today, do something magical for yourself. Go for a walk in nature, breathe big, and look around you. I mean really breathe and really look. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Loving the ocean, right along with you. That's been one of the things we've longed for, living here in the great, filthy city. There is beauty everywhere, though. :)
ReplyDeleteOhhh, how I miss living so close to the coast. This weekend we're going to green and lovely Perth and Dunkeld for the day and will enjoy seeing the big, slow-moving River Tay.
ReplyDeleteIn the snow, of course.
TadMack and DaviMack,
ReplyDeleteYou're right, there is beauty everywhere! Enjoy the weekend, despite the snow :-)
I've always, always wished I lived closer to the ocean for many of these same reasons. Just standing by the sea seems to put everything in better perspective.
ReplyDeleteYou've just said exactly what I always feel about the ocean—it's magic.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos—wish I had been there too!
I'm speecless Rohan, way to go!
ReplyDeleteI cannot get to the ocean today but feel I have just been there, after reading your piece. It is magical and I am thankful when I do get there. Thank you for your inspiring words.
Fiona! Thanks so much for visiting and commenting. I'm so glad the post and photos touched you. As with so much else, we really can carry the ocean around with us :-)
ReplyDeleteLet's visit the beach together soon.
Tea, as soon as you get out from under those edits, call me. We can walk the beach together. I'm glad you liked the photos, but they pale next to yours, my friend!
ReplyDelete