Dancing at the Edge
When the tide is out and the myriad of sea life is exposed in the intertidal zone, it is quite remarkable to see how all this intertidal life has adapted to the variable and sometimes very harsh conditions that occur during this low tide period: from increased vulnerability to predators, to the drying, scorching heat of the sun or cold, biting wind, rain or snow. Only those species with a specific degree of tolerance, or ability to cope with the changing conditions, will be found here in the intertidal zone.
It led me to question my own adaptability, ability to cope, tolerance levels, and vulnerabilities. I could see that my past experiences paired with my current thoughts, feelings and emotions all were factors in defining my range of adaptability and tolerance, which expands and contracts like the seasons; there is an ebb and flow to it like the tide. There is a healthy aspect of this, but sometimes there is the aspect of just plain slipping into default mode. Where am I contracting unconsciously? Getting irritated by trivial inconveniences? Becoming small because I don’t feel strong, powerful or courageous enough to take on a new challenge. Where am I expanding beyond healthy boundaries? Am I unconsciously saying “yes” to everything before checking in with myself to really know if it is something I want or need to do? Where am I willing to be vulnerable and push my edge or limits for beneficial growth?
I move into this day with an awakened awareness of my range of adaptability and tolerance, seeing how I can breathe new life into it, dancing at my edges for healthy, beneficial growth and expansion. Will you join me in this curious exploration? I’d love to hear what you discover.
By the Wind
Spring is here again, bringing thousands upon thousands of jellyfish-like creatures to the west coast shoreline. Known commonly as the by-the-wind sailor (or Velella velella for the biologists), this translucent and purplish-blue animal spends most of its life afloat on the surface of the ‘high seas’ such as the Pacific Ocean. What is amazing is that instead of being completely at the mercy of the ocean currents and winds, the by-the-wind sailor actually has a sail set diagonally along its surface that essentially dictates the direction it is going and ultimately the shore it may end up on (those that wash up on the Pacific west coast shores typically have their sails directed in a northwest to southeast direction).
What ‘ocean of life’ are you traveling through right now? What ‘sail’ can you set that will take advantage of life’s winds and take you where you need to go? Is it taking a specific action? Making a long overdue connection?
Unlike the by-the-wind sailor, we have the ability, if we are willing, to reposition our ‘sail’ if the water or shore is not right for us. What adjustments can you make to your ‘sail’? Is it a thought? A belief? A pattern? A story you are telling yourself? It does not need to be big, just a one-degree shift can set you towards an entirely new destination.
Gifts from the Sea
The other day when I was at the ocean during high tide, the invisible nature of what was beneath the surface made an impression on me. Six hours later I returned when the tide had receded; there were all sorts of wonderful things to observe; beautiful stones, shells, hermit crabs, bright green sea anemones, eelgrass mixed with brilliant red algae and so much more. In another six hours, the tide would return and blanket all these gifts from the sea.
I asked myself “how often do I overlook such gifts in life?” What gifts are literally before my eyes or seemingly invisible that I am missing? What gifts are right there, waiting to provide the inspiration or support I need in that very moment?
Let’s walk through today together with awareness and appreciation of these invaluable gifts before us. I would love to hear what gifts you discovered.
Calm & Chaos
The ocean is simply magical. It also commands great respect. I have been on calm seas that have turned quickly into turbulent chaos, with waves crashing onto shore with such powerful force, and then only hours later it has returned to a gentler sea.
It is a perfect analogy for the storm of chaos that can pass through our lives, internally and externally. We can become so fixated and seized by the energy of it, believing this is the new state and something we need to escape. But what if instead we welcomed the turbulence and moved toward the eye of chaos, viewing it as necessary energy to stir things up, bring us new lessons for learning and growth, to set us on a new path, knowing it is passing through, and that the calm seas of our lives will return. As in nature, so it is with us, continuously cycling through the calm and chaos.