Seaside Musings

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I marvel at all the glorious things I see at the beach each day. The sense of peace we feel around the water is what marine biologist Wallace Nichols calls our “blue mind.” We are pulled towards water for its restorative benefits.

New research suggests that there is a massive secret ocean hidden in the Earth’s mantle. This water is locked in a mineral called ringwoodite. The deep earth is believed to hold nearly the same amount of water as our surface oceans. Without water, life as we know it would not exist. If, like the Earth’s surface, the mantle is brimming with water, how did it get there? There are many brilliant mysteries to ponder.

The oceans we see cover about 70% of the Earth’s surface. They are broken into 5 large ocean basins: the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, the Southern Ocean, and the Arctic Ocean. I am grateful to live near an Atlantic Ocean beach where I can walk the wrack (the line of debris left by the tide) and simply “be” in my blue mind, wherever it may take me.

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There is something mystical about sunrises. The day breaks away from the night, and all is reborn. The sun rises, the sky turns to orange, yellow, purple, blue, and silver, and a momentary hush covers the earth.

The colors of the dawn are mesmerizing. Pink represents compassion, nurturing and love; it helps us think that everything will be okay. Pink calms and reassures our emotional energies. So let’s put some of the pink from this sunrise into our pockets today.

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“The sea is emotion incarnate. It loves, hates, and weeps. It defies all attempts to capture it with words and rejects all shackles. No matter what you say about it, there is always that which you can’t.” – Christopher Paolini, Eragon

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Do your little bit of good wherever you are, and reach for the new day.

“Greet this day the way it has greeted you; with open arms and endless possibility. ” – Steve Maraboli

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The pelican is a symbol of charity, and can be found on the altars of some churches. In the Eucharistic hymn written by St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), “Adoro the decode,” the sixth verse reads: Like what tender tales tell of the Pelican / Bathe me, Jesus Lord, in what Thy Bosom ran / Blood that but one drop of has the power to win / All the world forgiveness of its world of sin.”

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I walk at the sea at sunrise almost daily. The beach and the ocean are constantly changing; every morning is different. Tides and currents carry sand, shells, sea glass, and marine life from one place to another. Winds impact which birds are flying where. Tides and weather alter beaches every day.

Heraclitus said “Change is the only constant in life.” We all face changes every day. How do you cope with change? What strategies do you use?

Researchers say that staring at the ocean changes our brain waves’ frequency and puts us in a meditative state. The smell of the salty air and the sound of the waves deactivates our nervous system, slowing us down. We each have our own resiliency and ability to adjust to change. Spending time in nature reminds us that we must bend with the ebbs and flows of life. Being present at a sunrise is sacred; when I watch the day begin I am grateful and peaceful. We will never see the same sunrise twice, and I hope this inspires you to watch a sunrise this week. Each moment is a wonder in itself.

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“Some days… I walk

Some days… I run.

And on the odd day… I fly.

And when I have a really special day… I soar!” – Anthony Hincks

Five Quotes To Remind Us To Shine

1. “Scared is what you’re feeling. Brave is what you’re doing.” – Emma Donoghue

2. “There lies in your soul a shining light.” – Lailah Gridty Akita

3. “Your need for acceptance can make you invisible in this world. Don’t let anything stand in the way of the light that shines through this form. Risk being seen in all of your glory.” – Jim Carrey

4. “Stars shine even for those who refuse to look up.” – Matshona Dhliwayo

5. “The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” – Rumi