One of my very favorite places is
beach. Sure, three S’s are an attraction: sun, sand, and seafood. But main draw is ocean. The ocean symbolizes all of life, carrying many analogies that help me stay in tune with meaning of life.Reason One: The ocean calms. It infuses with peace and tranquility of understanding and insight. Subconsciously we say, "Oh, this is what life is all about. It isn’t so mysterious after all." Someone recently said to me, "It’s natural to be at ocean." What that means to me is that ocean is one of places my soul wants me to be-- because there I can more easily see my truths about life.
Reason Two: The ocean is vast, mysterious, and multifaceted. It can be peaceful one moment and terrifying next. The ocean is deep, unexplored at its deepest reaches. Filled with an incomprehensible array of life, it is simultaneously complex and simple. Our lives are also vast, mysterious, and multifaceted--we’re peaceful one moment, terrified next. Seeing a reflection of life outside of me helps me to accept many unknowns about life.
Reason Three: The ocean reminds me that life is eternal. The ocean is relentless, ever changing yet always same. Each moment of ocean is different from moment before. Colors change with shifting light. Waves change with shifting wind. Water temperatures fluctuate, sometimes abruptly. Yet with constant change there is also a familiar continuity. This reminds me that life goes on. Though a wave may crash upon beach and appear destroyed, inherent life force of wave silently retreats to eventually form a new wave.
Reason Four: I remember that to co-exist successfully in life I must join an oncoming force at just right time. Waves can batter or propel, as can life’s new circumstances. Standing firm in face of a wave requires me to be rigid, muscles tensed, and body braced against battering onslaught. I can stand firm against each wave, but energy required eventually takes its toll. Or I can catch a wave at its peak, join with it, and ride it out. The ride can be exhilarating and joyous. Such is life. Accept and join with force of a new life circumstance--the ride can be exhilarating and joyous.
