How do you feel about the ocean? When you enter it, do thoughts of the undertow so completely flood your mind that you cannot relax? Does the churned up white foam and sandy froth make your nose burn deeply, instantly touching base with the memory of a wave that ate you up? Do you ride the waves, float on top, need at least toes touching the sand below? Do you splash and giggle and feel alive? Do you sit on the shore?
Five friends and I walked in with excitement and joy, and not just a little respect for the power of the surf. The fantastically salty water instantly healed every one in her own way, sending us into sheer joy. We shared our thoughts and stories, dispensed advice, support or relayed similar experiences. In and out of the water we communed in a chorus of voices, laughter and emotion. Books waited ashore and some unplugged and dived into those cerebral adventures. Two ladies bandied about in the waves all day, becoming one with ebb and flow as their glided along the tops of ripcurls. I joined them for a few, but my immediate response to a saline nasal flush isn't laughter and enthusiasm, so this isn't my sport. I watch them with admiration.
I'm a floater. Acknowledging my fears (er, healthy respect) for the ocean and her power, I bob along the surface, gazing skyward into the vast blue expanse of nothing. My breathing calculated, slow. The underwater sounds of crashing waves filling my subsurface ears. The surface tension tickling my toes and fingers as they alternate being above and below. The waves lift my whole body like a piece of feathery seaweed. I am able to avert the greater adventure just below which ends in a sandy, disorienting spin cycle ashore. I am keenly aware that this is the most passive, submissive, vulnerable position I ever assume for relaxation. I am thrilled to succumb to something so mighty. I feel like a speck.
We all relaxed. We return to our families now, overflowing with love, gratitude and feeling refreshed.
5 comments:
where are these photos from?? which town?
Well put Steph. You sound relaxed.
I like my feet on the ground (been slammed to the ocean floor and partly dragged out in Hawaii) I tend to bob in the waves with my feet jumping and lowering.
Lisasim
I like the quietness of u7nderwater as in snorkeling, but I liked the thunderous powerful waves of Fire Island when I was twenty and more daring.......
Those are stunning images. Glad it was everything you all needed. How neat to share the experience with best pals!
Lovely,Steph. so calming to read..Do you remember Ginny Greenteeth ,Eric? I wish you would tell everyone the story about her, you put it over so well and would scare everyone I think..better not let the little ones read it if you do,huh? :o) A.Norma.x
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