It has been many, many weeks since I walked in this beautiful, serene place. What a joy it was to set foot on the sand again. Step after sandy step, breath after cool breath, beside wave after gentle wave coming in and retreating again.
A favourite place to walk.
As I walked, the welcome and familiar sound of the sea was beside me. The crash of waves coming in to the beach and that gentle fizz of foam as they retreat is the soundtrack I love to listen to on these walks. No earphones for me! I want to hear nature's "backing track" as I walk, I want to hear and say, "Good morning!" to those I pass and to the fishing folk who try their luck off the beach.
I saw much but I didn't photograph any of it. I didn't want to stop, to break that steady, familiar rhythm that I had settled into. I watched dolphins play offshore, their silvery grey bodies sleek and shiny in the sea. A lone Brahminy Kite soared overhead, her shadow on the sand alerted me to her presence above. Lots of little shells and a few pieces of sea glass were scattered the length of one quiet bay. Playful dogs, barking their happiness and chasing one another across the beach, reminded me just what it means to be carefree and totally absorbed in where one is and what one is doing.
I sometimes bring much that feels heavy to these shores and, at those times, I leave feeling lighter and grateful for the space and time to walk here. This beautiful place offers up to me a little serenity. I thought I would share it with you.
Meg
I saw much but I didn't photograph any of it. I didn't want to stop, to break that steady, familiar rhythm that I had settled into. I watched dolphins play offshore, their silvery grey bodies sleek and shiny in the sea. A lone Brahminy Kite soared overhead, her shadow on the sand alerted me to her presence above. Lots of little shells and a few pieces of sea glass were scattered the length of one quiet bay. Playful dogs, barking their happiness and chasing one another across the beach, reminded me just what it means to be carefree and totally absorbed in where one is and what one is doing.
I sometimes bring much that feels heavy to these shores and, at those times, I leave feeling lighter and grateful for the space and time to walk here. This beautiful place offers up to me a little serenity. I thought I would share it with you.
Meg
I never walk with music either Meg. I listen to the sounds around me. You explained the feelings so well.
ReplyDeleteComing back to nature and allowing it to absorb is so important. I think we can get so busy doing this and that and only realise when nature gives us a gentle tap on the shoulder and reminds us what is important - breathe, slow down and be in the moment.
Thanks for sharing.
Kylie
I walked for a couple of hours, Kylie, but I felt like I could've walked forever! I think we all need nature's "gentle tap" from time to time when things get too hectic or troubled or we feel "out of balance" inside. Meg:)
DeleteWhenever you walk on a beach you always feel like you are on holidays....it's been a while for me.
ReplyDeleteI hope you'll make your way back to a beach soon, Kathy. I suffer withdrawals if I'm away too long! Meg:)
DeleteWhat a lovely peaceful spot to walk. Walking at the beach is something I love to do, there is something very soul soothing about it.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is soul soothing, Jan. I just love being outside with the sand under my feet and the waves rolling in. Meg:)
DeleteI wish we lived closer to the beach, but it's my all time favourite place to holiday. There is something about its rhythmic nature and the sheer scale of it that always seem to make any worries I have feel insignificant.
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Holidays at the beach are wonderful, Emma. I grew up far from the beach so spending a holiday by the ocean was very special indeed. Meg:)
DeleteIt's been a while since I walked along a beach but I can relate to how it makes you feel :).
ReplyDeleteI love that feeling of being surrounded by nature, of feeling quite tired from walking long distances there but feeling healthy, strong, happy and peaceful at the same time. I hope you'll find yourself on a beach again soon too. Meg:)
DeleteA lovely peaceful spot Meg. I love the quiet beaches we have in our region too. I find myself chuckling sometimes at the sight of the crowded tourist beaches further down south. Going to one of those beaches would be just like taking the urban jungle with you.
ReplyDeleteCrowded beaches are not for me either, Sherri. I love walking these beaches because there are usually so few people, just nature and me sometimes. Meg:)
DeleteEveryone has a special place I think, where the worries seem to unwind, from our consciousness. I felt I was at the beach with you, as you described the sights and sounds. Which is kinda cool. As I get the serenity of the beach, without the sand getting into everything. ;)
ReplyDeleteOh, I am regularly shaking the sand out of everything, Chris. I seem to bring half the beach home with me at times. Meg;)
DeleteOh, it looks gorgeous, Meg! You write so beautifully. Wonderful post. I don't wear headphones, either.
ReplyDeleteIt is really beautiful and such a quiet place to walk. Sometimes, once I get past a certain point, I'll be the only one there. I love that I can be immersed in nature here through the smell of the sea air, the feel of the sand, the beauty of nature's sea colours and also the sounds of this place. This is my mindfulness and it works for me. Meg:)
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