There is enough outrage out there to make any single one of us not want to push back the covers and face the day. The kind of stuff that if you’re even remotely porous when it comes to emotion? Can derail a good mood, faith in the goodness of people and generally make you wonder if civility is all but dead.
And the trouble is we simply don’t have the option to tune it out–or do we?
Last night I was headed to the grocery store, as I drove I looked up at the sky and it was gorgeous, in fact it was so beautiful I made a split second decision to drive to the beach rather than attend to my errand.
Once parked I made my way to the sand. I love winter, the light is gold, the air is crisp, the beach wind swept.
Above me were clouds lit up with the suns blown kisses of pink and orange. While she busied herself with the daily tucking in of the sun, nature played her lullaby; the rolling of the ocean, the call of the seagulls, the rocks tumbling with the ebb and flow of the tide…
Cast as silhouettes in the disappearing light playing in the water were birds and surfers. And I watched until the sun slipped behind the horizon.
It was when I turned to leave that I found tears spring to my eyes–there lined up as far as the eye could see–were stopped cars. People, some still nestled in the warmth of their cars, while others stood beside their vehicle, each drank in the view.
I climbed to higher ground. Words were unnecessary. Glances, smiles, nods.
Nature had brought us each to a stop, a moment to simply be still. I was reminded of the way it feels to reach out and grab a strangers hand. Only we weren’t holding hands, it just felt as if we were. The sunset had called us to congregate and there in the fading light with the Pacific Ocean as our church, I was reminded that when I stop to notice, the goodness in people is all around me.
What a wonderful moment and lesson, Elin! Photograph is beautiful, too 🙂
Thank you for the gentle and beautiful reminder that moments matter and we can choose to find the good in each. Inspired and beautifully crafted words, Elin.
Beautiful post Elin! I find that the ocean always calms me. With or without the sunset (which is the icing for my cake) and whether I can stop and get out of the car or not… It’s like a reset button. Thanks for reminding me!
Ooh I like that, a reset button…so true. Thanks Janet.
The thought of nature tucking in the sun…Like you said, everything everywhere might not be okay but right now is. Well done.
Sometimes harder to remember, yes? Thanks Sabrina, I appreciate your being here.
Such a wonderful reminder of being present. Thank you.
Walker, thank you for stopping by and I am pleased my words served you.
That’s wonderful and amazing! I love taking moments to just view the sky, sun, moon, stars, trees….
Me too… Thanks for visiting.
Elin,
Wow. How lucky are you to be so close to the beach and to be able to share that moment with all those other lucky people. I think when we are one with nature and can appreciate beauty it is like a meditation in the midst of our busy lives.
Estelle
Oh how I agree with you Estelle…nature does provide a wonderful meditation.Thank you for reading and commenting.
Lovely Elin. I was right there with you, holding your hand. Breathe.
Elin, I was there that evening as well. You are so right, the sunset was a magical moment both personally and communally. Your picture captured it all. I have been to the beach many times when everyone stops what they are doing to watch that moment when the sun bids us farewell til the next day. A respect and and a thank you moment. But the other day, when we experienced this light show, it was a spiritual moment for me. I also pulled over as I was driving down the 101 and saw so many people quietly absorbing the beauty. I said a prayer of thanks as that canvas of sky blew me away like no other. We are so lucky to be here to witness it first hand. Absolutely breathtaking! Thanks for sharing Elin.
What a wonderful description Kim, I love the way you describe your spiritual connection and yes, we are indeed lucky. Thank you for reading and commenting!
Oh my goodness! This is such a beautiful piece! The words you wove together cast such a beautiful image of the beach in my mind and the lesson in my heart.
Thank you!
Thank you so much for being here Mary, I am glad this post could bring a piece of the beach to you.