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| "Timeless Rhythm" © 2013 ~ photograph by Carol E Fairbanks |
"The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy or too impatient. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach - waiting for a gift from the sea."
~ Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Experiencing Me at the Sea
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| "Wading in the Sea" © 2013 ~ photo by Carol E Fairbanks |
Walking on the beach soothes my soul and puts me in touch with a sense of timelessness about my essence. I keep my eyes gently focused on the never ending waves, as they do their dance back and forth with the shore. I go to the beach to be in the presence of something that I can count on.... something whose movement feels changeless. Yet the very nature of the sea, that appears changeless, is to create massive changes in its ebb and flow. At the beach, there are no expectations, no desire to control, no wishing things were different. I slip into that state of being with the rolling waves and, together with the birds, submit to its cycle of coming and going. In harmony, the birds and I move to the rhythm of the sea and feel at one with the power of it.
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| "The Power to Change" © 2013 ~ photo by Carol E Fairbanks |
The massive waves repeatedly hit the rocks, not seeing them as a hindrance to their purpose of reaching edge of the shore. The rushing blue water sprays upward as it jumps, over and around in its relentless desire to move forward. Absolutely nothing changes its focus or stops the flow of its mission to reach the sandy edge of the shore.
I watch in awe as I witness a vision of strength that seems to be directed by a power beyond my comprehension. Could it be that the same power, that directs the never ending waves of the ocean, is within me, guiding and sustaining my journey of life, even when I "crash" into rock-like obstacles?
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| "Washed Ashore" © 2013 ~ photo by Carol E Fairbanks |
And when the tumultuous "waves" of life toss an "obstacle" onto the shore that appears to block my path, can I see it as a blessing instead of a hindrance? Am I willing to stop and let go of my agenda of tasks and be quiet, as I listen to its message of wisdom?
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| ""Beach Gifts" © 2013 ~ photo by Carol E Fairbanks |
And will I only focus on the big issues that shout for my attention, or will I also notice the smaller gentle gifts that present themselves on my path, as I walk along the shore of my life? Sometimes there are wondrous learnings from small things that whisper, instead of shout. Can I be vigilant enough not to miss those smaller gifts of guidance?
Being the "Wild Woman Walker", I tend to be more active than not. Being still and quiet are not in my nature, and sitting in meditation, with an "empty mind", has always been a real challenge for me. But I still believe in the richness of that quiet sitting time can give. When I can soothe my mind, by focusing on the rhythm of my breath, I am able to experience a vast universe within me. The urgency of my "to do" list, that presses in on me, vanishes and is replaced with a peaceful knowing that all my frantic doing is unnecessary. This bird knows she is cared for. She knows she is safe in a benevolent world. I look at this bird in her resting, being posture, and I feel she knows more than I do.
In my walk on the beach, the sun sets reminding me that everything in this physical world has an beginning and an ending.....every cherished experience, every occasion we wish would last forever, and every living thing...including me. It's not a frightening thought, only a comforting reminder of the dependable cycle of life.... the spiritual law that says, "Do not fear the endings, for they are just making room for a brand new beginning."
Each night, when the sun moves below the horizon, and darkness envelops the sea and all of its activity, the world rests, preparing for a new day that is sure to come, when the sun illumines everything once again. Walking peacefully alongside the rhythm of the sea reminds me of this timeless truth and lovingly lets me know that I am part of that rhythm and that rhythm is part of me.
Note: All photos were taken on the beach at Lincoln City, OR.
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| "At Rest" © 2013 ~ photo by Carol E Fairbanks |
Being the "Wild Woman Walker", I tend to be more active than not. Being still and quiet are not in my nature, and sitting in meditation, with an "empty mind", has always been a real challenge for me. But I still believe in the richness of that quiet sitting time can give. When I can soothe my mind, by focusing on the rhythm of my breath, I am able to experience a vast universe within me. The urgency of my "to do" list, that presses in on me, vanishes and is replaced with a peaceful knowing that all my frantic doing is unnecessary. This bird knows she is cared for. She knows she is safe in a benevolent world. I look at this bird in her resting, being posture, and I feel she knows more than I do.
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| "An Ending" © 2013 ~ photo by Carol E. Fairbanks |
In my walk on the beach, the sun sets reminding me that everything in this physical world has an beginning and an ending.....every cherished experience, every occasion we wish would last forever, and every living thing...including me. It's not a frightening thought, only a comforting reminder of the dependable cycle of life.... the spiritual law that says, "Do not fear the endings, for they are just making room for a brand new beginning."
Each night, when the sun moves below the horizon, and darkness envelops the sea and all of its activity, the world rests, preparing for a new day that is sure to come, when the sun illumines everything once again. Walking peacefully alongside the rhythm of the sea reminds me of this timeless truth and lovingly lets me know that I am part of that rhythm and that rhythm is part of me.
Note: All photos were taken on the beach at Lincoln City, OR.
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