As I stand on water’s edge, my toes covered by the lapping waves, it brings feelings of immense relaxation. I can feel my body letting go, and take a long cleansing breath. For me the water is a healing place. A place to renew, refresh and reimagine the possibilities.
On my recent trip to the Pacific Northwest I was fortunate to find many times of reflection with my toes in the water. Enjoyed a secret little beach in Gig Harbor with a rocky shoreline and lapping waves. Driving to the beach among the canopy of evergreen trees a large bird (possibly an eagle) flew in front of me, showing me the way. Honestly, I thought I was in a Harry Potter movie it was so surreal! That made this beach even more magical to me. I wandered the shore during low tide, watched the seals swimming along with the current, and the jellyfish gliding effortlessly through the water. I took the time to find sea shells and my favorite a limpet (Opihi in Hawaiian). Not sure why I am so enamored with that shell, but it must have its beginnings as I spent time in tide pools as a child. Prying those poor limpets from their home as they used all their strength to hold on, for us only to look at their underbelly and return them to their rock home. I no longer do “that” exercise, but wait until the shell is uninhabited to collect it.
I enjoyed walks on the beach in the craggy coastline of Oregon. Taking in the sea air, watching as the marine layer engulfed the shoreline. Feeling the magic of flight as the seagulls and other marine birds soared through the misty sky. Listening to their chatter on the rock formations that lay feet away from the bluff, but were so fogged in you could not see them. Only to enjoy the chattering of the birds in their own private world, oblivious to us humans.
My time also included being in the water. First, on a rowboat around Spanaway Lake. This little adventure with my sister brought back so many childhood memories, but this time we didn’t fight over who’s turn it was to row the boat. Taking in the view of Mt. Rainier, the emerald green of the evergreen trees, enjoying the blue water, the lily pads and water lilies, and the smell of familiar water overtakes all your senses.
Then, I had numerous kayak trips in the Gig Harbor sound. Watching as the seals played hide and seek and one actually swam right up to me – I thought he was going to jump in my kayak! So, every time I went out, I looked for my friend, though he remained shy the remainder of the trips.
I also have a fascination with jellyfish. I remember as a teenager seeing the small bloom of baby jelly fish leaving the mouth of the inlet to find their way to the ocean. Not being the best sister in the world, I remember throwing the jellyfish at my sisters just to hear them scream. Hmm, it’s a wonder she didn’t toss me off the rowboat! Anyway, back to the story….since the seals weren’t so playful, I started chasing jellyfish. It was mesmerizing to watch them float along so effortlessly in the water. There were various kinds to feed my fascination. A large red Lion’s mane jellyfish (who was very shy), one that looked like soft boiled eggs, and your standard clear fellows. I later learned that jellyfish swim by contracting their bodies and then relaxing them which forces the water out and propels them through the water. These creatures are simple organisms that have been around for at least 500 million years. Maybe we should take some lessons from them – relaxing between effort.
This little truth doesn’t quite go with the jellyfish and his lack of a brain – but I feel like even by simply relying on nerve endings, the jelly lives this truth (with a little help from his ability to sting.) Equanimity: the mind’s ability to be okay with whatever is happening – good, bad or ugly. It teaches us that no matter what tumbles or floats our way, we will be okay.
You can practice equanimity by regularly pausing before you respond, observing your breath, turning into your body, and meditating. That is a practice that I am learning to embrace. Letting go of what I cannot control and being okay with whatever comes my way – good, bad or ugly. I am grateful to be surrounded by such an awe-inspiring teacher as mother nature and her creatures. As summer winds down I make sure to ground myself by being barefoot in the grass, listening for the birds and the gentle wind, looking up to the blue sky dotted with white cotton-candy clouds and making my way to the water every chance I get!
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