** Books mentioned have Amazon affiliate links, meaning I make a few cents if you purchase through my link. I only recommend books that I’ve read.
I’m at the sea – the Atlantic Ocean, to be exact. Water, and especially the ocean, draws me like a magnet. Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s classic book, Gift from the Sea, is my companion for this trip. I’m re-reading it for the umpteenth time and this time it’s touched me in a new, profound way. Lindbergh’s gift came from the shells on the beach and what they taught her about relationships, particularly the different stages of a marital relationship. She writes about the aging process, and how many get stuck in their 40’s and 50’s in an eternal search for lost youth. Yet, this new stage can be a time of “second flowering,” in a whole new way.
“A new stage of living when, having shed many of the physical struggles, the worldly ambitions, the material encumbrances of active life, one might be free to fulfill the neglected side of one’s self. One might be free for growth of mind, heart, and talent; free at last for spiritual growth.”
This is the stage I’ve found myself in as my kids make their way in the world and I build a life and business beyond mothering.
What is my gift from the sea?
“The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. To dig for treasures shows not only impatience and greed, but lack of faith. Patience, patience, patience, is what the sea teaches. Patience and faith. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach – waiting for a gift from the sea.” ~ Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Gift from the Sea
This quote describes the gift I’ve received on this trip very well. At the edge – where water meets land – one can observe the ebb and flow of the tide. This is where we find treasures. As I watched the waves coming in and going back out, I noticed that they do both at the same time. As water is pulled back into the sea, a new wave is coming in over top of it.
It’s a never-ending cycle – the rhythm of life.
The sea deposits treasures literally at our feet and then takes them back out again. One has to be paying close attention to see them as they come or they’ll soon be gone. We’ll have missed them.
This is what I’ve been doing over the past few years, living a contemplative life through photography. What’s made all the difference is noticing the treasures that come into my life and either appreciating them and letting them go or acting on them while they’re here. One discovery has been that the best opportunities and experiences often come to me, rather than me seeking them. For example, being asked to do a contemplative photography workshop while attending a workshop on contemplative poetry. I seized the opportunity. People I’ve met along the way have ended up being collaborators.
This isn’t a passive way of being. It’s about being actively alert and engaged, having a conversation with reality, and then following up when I notice resonance. Treasures are everywhere, just waiting to be acknowledged.
Beautiful and peaceful images of the sea. I also enjoyed reading that book by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. I feel very at home with the sea and love to walk along the beach at sunrise and sunset and love the feel of the soft, wet sand under my feet. I find the sight and sound of the sea is very meditative and recentering.
Beautifully written Kim! I agree with you that some of the best moments in life are gifts. Then come to us unbidden. It is our job to remain open to these gifts.
The rhythm of the waves….the rhythm of life…..something I’m drawn to ponder, as well. I’m like you — I’ve read Anne’s book countless times, and every time, something new jumps out at me.
Beautiful post — a truth so well articulated. That book has been a gift to me for many years and I too go back to it again and again.
The forest gives me many gifts as the sea does you. Mostly I love the silence..to walk along with an open mind and no expectations and then some special something just comes into my vision. One can definitely see the circle of life in the forest if they take the time to just BE there. Thank you for this post!
So nicely written Kim! When I was a teenager my Mom gave me the book Gift from the Sea and I have read it many times. Like you, I am drawn to the rhythm of the ocean tide. I especially enjoy the passage you quoted about not rewarding those that are too anxious…or impatient. Our family had a small vacation home in Delaware, close to the beach. As a child I loved to explore along the water edge, looking for shells and treasures. The more I wanted to find them, the less it happened. It’s true, I was only rewarded with a special gift when I wasn’t searching and least expected it!
Beautiful and inspiring. I really like the metaphor of the ebb and flow of the tide being like our lives. Enjoy your time by the sea – may it bring you many treasures.
I might almost complain that you Kim and the comments above have left me with a sense of some loss. Born and raised near the ocean in Cornwall, UK but living these past twenty plus years about as far from the sea as I could be in the middle of Illinois- I sigh! But, your images of the small wavelets ebbing and flowing bring to mind a mental image I use with eyes closed, while doing some exercises in bio-feedback which in less than ten minutes reduces my sometimes elevated blood pressure number by as much as twenty points. Since the beach where I spent my childhood consisted of course sand and tiny pebbles those wavelets produced a gentle hissing noise as they retreated and I incorporate that sound into my breathing exercise.
Thank you Kim! Now you know I am not complaining after all.
Peter, I lived in the midwest for 25 years, and know what you mean. In the last couple of years, I’ve realized how important it is for me to visit the ocean as much as I can. Two years ago, my husband and I moved back to Canada and I now live within walking distance of Lake Ontario. It’s always there when I need it.
I’m glad that meditation helps! I’m wondering what other treasures you find right where you are.
I love this post Kim. Having seen you by the ocean, it’s obvious that you are in your element! The joy shows on your face! But I also love the bigger analogy. Im so glad you found contmplation to help you appreciate the treasures of life. Its a practice -and Im behind you, but Im so glad to be a part of it. I am also so glad that you led us to Star and Block -they are experiences I will remember for life! Im so glad I didnt say no!